Residence Life

housing@lec.edu

Lake Erie College is committed to maintaining an on campus living environment that is conducive to learning and promotes the idea of individual and group well-being and enrichment. The College supports the idea of encouraging students to assume personal responsibility for actions, yet also realizes its obligation to provide guidelines to protect the rights of other members of the community. This is particularly critical where living space is shared with others, whether a roommate or other building residents. Therefore, the Lake Erie College residence hall policies have been designed to protect the health and welfare of the majority of students residing in campus housing.

The residence halls are designed to foster a “Community of Respect” where students are challenged to be responsible citizens of the community through their actions and behaviors. By residing in a community of respect, residents agree to the following:

1. Respect the environment in which they live.
2. Emphasize personal development by encouraging the discussion of differing opinions and respecting one another’s ideas
3. Support the worth and dignity of each person.
4. Promote justice and compassion on our campus and in our world
5. Enjoy Lake Erie College’s rich cultural, ethnic and racial diversity.
6. Celebrate the heritage of the institution, affirming both tradition and innovative change.
7. Teach the spirit of excellence and integrity through scholarship and service.

In a community of scholars there is no place for inconsiderate and hateful behavior. Students are held responsible for their behavior

Currently, the residential area of Lake Erie’s campus consists of four traditional residence halls and College leased apartments that house over 450 students. The College encourages students to obtain personal property insurance and will not be held liable for loss or damage to personal property of the student while residing in campus operated facilities. Professional staff members, known as residence directors, oversee student leaders who are known as resident assistants. These individuals are responsible for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe community for our students. They lend a helping hand, a listening ear, a shoulder for support, and an open door for student concerns. Staff members are trained to handle roommate conflicts, crisis management, referrals, and a wide variety of areas where students may need help. There is a “Resident Assistant (RA) on Call” each night (8:00pm to 8:00am) and can be reached through the numbers posted within the residence halls and apartments. RA’s conduct community safety rounds each night to assist with maintenance reports and student concerns. There is also a Residence Director (RD) on Call nightly to support the RA and serve as a resource for higher level concerns that may arise. Student questions can be reported to the Office of Residence Life at any time.

On Campus Living

Each residence hall, apartment building may further restrict the following regulations through Community Living Agreements that are created at the beginning of each semester. Community living demands that each resident assume certain group and individual responsibilities. Each resident student is expected to:

• attend and participate in hall meetings;
• support hall activities and programs;
• care for his/her own room and personal property as well as for the property of the College and others;
• Adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.

Apartment Living

Students residing in the College leased apartments (Founders Court) are subject to a unique living environment designed to prepare them for their “life after college” while providing them the safety and security of campus resources. There are more responsibilities with apartment living such as taking out personal garbage, cleaning individual apartments, and buying personal toilet paper and cleaning supplies. There are also advantages to apartment living, including but not limited to, greater independence, low student-to-bathroom ratio, full kitchens, and air-conditioning.

Students residing in these areas are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and all residential policies as outlined within the Student Handbook and/or on the back of the Housing Contract. Apartment are maintained by the property owners; however, maintenance requests and concerns should be brought to the attention of the Residence Life staff within the building and/or the Director of Student Life / or designee. Maintenance requests should be submitted: housingmaintenance@lec.edu or after hours and emergencies reported to the Student Life On Call or LEC Security.

Abandoned Items

Residents are responsible for their own personal property at all times. When residents have not vacated assigned space as scheduled (room changes as well as the end of an academic period) and have not removed personal property, residence life staff will make a reasonable attempt to contact the residents. Forty-eight (48) hours after this attempt to contact, the personal property will be removed at the resident’s expense. Residents will be billed a minimum labor charge of $50 plus $20/hour per employee involved in the removal and/or storage of abandoned personal property. Personal property removed by residence life staff/maintenance personnel will be disposed of. Lake Erie College is not liable for damage to or loss of property that might occur during the course of removal or disposal. Residents will be billed for all costs incurred in removing personal property and restoration of the room to a useable space.

Absence from Campus Living

A student who will be absent from his/her room for an extended period of time should notify their residence director and/or resident assistant of their pending absence and leave a telephone number where they can be reached in the event of an emergency. Staff members will assist in notifying instructors of extended absences.

Appliances

Electrical appliances are permitted only in the kitchen area of the residence halls. Residence directors will be responsible for supervising the proper use of electrical equipment during the year. Limited cooking may be done in the kitchen area. When the student is finished, it is expected that the kitchen will be left clean and in order. Abuse of kitchen property may result in the kitchen being closed or the forfeiture of cooking privileges by the student(s) responsible.

Electrical appliances are provided in the College leased apartments. Students are expected to use these items appropriately, abiding by all rules and regulations. Flammable material should be kept in clear distance from the stove (and other similar appliances) to reduce risk of fire. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallway and regularly inspected. Students are encouraged to purchase an appropriate residential fire extinguisher and keep it in an appropriate place in the event of a fire. It is the responsibility of the student(s) to report any concerns, suspected problems with appliances (housingmaintenance@lec.edu) as soon as possible.

Arrival, Departure and Scheduled Break

Residence Halls will be open for Lake Erie College student residency during regular fall and spring academic sessions in accordance with the official academic calendar. The Student Life Office establishes the official move-in date for each semester. All students must comply with the published date.

At the conclusion of the semester, students are required to leave within 24 hours of their last final exam. Those students who have an exam on Thursday will be required to leave by 9:00 a.m. on Friday. Final exam schedules will be verified. Seniors and those students who have official roles in Commencement are required to notify the Director of Student Life/ or designee if they need to stay on campus through Commencement.

All students must arrange transportation to comply with this policy. Each student is required to vacate the residence hall between fall and spring semester and spring break. A charge of $25 per evening is assessed for any student who must arrive early or depart late. The charge is automatically added to the student’s account. Students are required to surrender their keys prior to leaving for break; students will be charged for not doing so.

Contract

Each student residing on campus and/or campus leased apartment facilities is required to sign and submit a formal contract which can be obtained through the Student Life Office. Students also receive the contract when they sign-up for housing during the Room Selection/Lottery process held in April. The Residence Hall Contract is for one academic year, Fall and Spring. Cancellation dates follow the College refund policy schedule as posted on-line and can be cancelled if a student informs the Student Life Office within the timeframe as outlined in the refund schedule. Students are expected to uphold the contract as written. Copies of the contract are available in the Student Life Office.

Courtesy Hours

Courtesy hours will be in effect 24 hours per day/seven days per week. A request by another student to reduce the noise level at any time will be given immediate and willing compliance.

Corridors

In compliance with fire safety standards, all corridors must be kept clear and free of obstruction at all times. No shoes, boots, rugs, furniture, clothes, etc. may be kept in residence hall hallways at any time. Bicycles are allowed to be kept in the buildings in the following areas only: On Campus-in the lobby of the respective hall, Apartments-lower level hallway of each building, underneath the stairs.

Damage and Repair Fees

College maintenance personnel inspect all damage that occurs to or within a residence hall. Maintenance personnel will inspect all damage that occurs to or within College operated apartment facilities. The Director of Student Life/ or designee is provided information about the total cost of replacing or repairing damage. This cost of replacement or repair is assessed to students as follows:

• Damages to an individual residence hall room will be assessed to the student to whom it has been assigned; roommates will split costs as appropriate.
• Damages to the common areas on residence hall floors are assessed to all of the students residing on that floor if the responsible individual(s) cannot be identified
• Damages to main floor lounges, kitchens, rest rooms, and/or computer rooms will be assessed to all members of the residence hall if the responsible individual(s) cannot be identified

Residents that have a maintenance issue are responsible for appropriately reporting the problem to housingmaintenance@lec.edu. Residents can also fill out the form located on the website: https://www.lec.edu/housingmaintenance

The request will be filtered to the appropriate maintenance personnel for their area (on-campus or apartments). Residents should not contact the Lake Erie College Physical Plant directly.

Fire Evacuations

When a fire alarm sounds, students must proceed quietly to their assigned area. The Painesville Fire Department has stipulated that rooms should be left in the following order:

• Windows closed
• Wall or ceiling light on
• Door unlocked but closed

If students are going to their assigned area from a location other than their room, they should NOT return to their room. Students must go directly to their assigned area via the nearest exit. Staff members will direct students to holding areas. (Andrews/Fowler toward Fowler Parking Lot; Dickinson/Ritter toward Holden Center; Apartment Residents - Please review the information located on the back of your individual apartment entry door)

Failure to evacuate any building during a fire drill “may result in a fine of not less than $10.00 and not more than $300.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.” (Fire Prevention Code, City of Painesville.) The College, in cooperation with the Painesville Fire Department, reserves the right to enter any College room for the purpose of ascertaining evacuation. At no time will any student interfere with the duties of fire department employees.

Fire Safety Regulations

• Fire escapes and Emergency doors are to be used only in the case of an actual fire or drill
• Flammable fluids may not be kept in the residence hall except for rubbing alcohol (less than one quart)
• The use of cooking appliances: hot plates/pots, toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills, coffee pots are prohibited in student rooms; these appliances may be used in building kitchen areas only/apartment kitchen areas only. All appliances should be kept unplugged while not in use.
• Extension cords and multiple outlet adapters are prohibited in all residence halls. Heavy duty, continuous action and grounded extension cords may be used and must be approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
• No objects of any kind should be hung from light fixtures
• Netting, sheets, flags and other flammable materials should not be draped from the ceiling
• The burning of candles, incense or the use of an open flame is prohibited
• Removing, dismantling or covering smoke detectors is prohibited. Replacement batteries for battery operated alarms (College leased apartments) are available in the Student Life Office
• Do not tamper with fire prevention equipment. Do not place or hang items within 24 inches of sprinkler systems.
• Corridors and exit-ways must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times. Shoes, boots, boxes, rugs, furniture, bikes or other items may NOT be left in hallways.

Students who violate fire regulations may be subject to fines and/or disciplinary action, and/or legal action as deemed necessary by the Painesville Fire Department. In the event of an actual fire, the Painesville Fire Department must be notified by telephone at 911, as well as by automatic alarm. Security should also be notified at 440/375.7575. Annual fire safety reports are on file with the Director of Security.

To ensure the safety and security of all residents, hall, apartment inspections will be conducted at least once per semester.

Holiday Decorations

All decorative materials inside the residence halls and apartment areas must be fireproof. Only artificial or fire resistant trees should be used. No more than one-tenth of any door area may be covered with combustible materials. Holiday lights and other electrical wiring should not be placed on metal surfaces. No lights or other decorations may be hung from the ceiling. Lights may not be nailed or stapled to surfaces.

Keys

It is essential for the personal safety and the safekeeping of both College and personal property that each student assumes full responsibility for the correct use and possession of his/her keys. Students are encouraged to keep their room doors locked at all times. Lobby doors must remain closed and locked at all times; propping doors is prohibited.

Keys are issued by the Director of Student Life/or designee to the resident to the specific location. Failure to return keys, lost or theft of any key results in a fine of $150.00 per key to the student issued the key(s). Lost or theft of any key MUST be reported to the residence director within 24-hours. Failure to do so may result in additional fines and disciplinary action. Spare room keys are available in the Student Life Office. Students may sign out a spare key for 48 hours.

Keys are to be used only by the individuals to whom they are issued and are not to be duplicated. Violations will result in disciplinary action.

Mail

When first enrolled, residential students will be assigned a mail box by the College mailroom. Combination to access the mailbox will be given at the time of move-in. The mailbox will remain the same from year to year providing the student remains in campus housing. All residential student mail is accepted in the mailroom, located on the bottom floor of College Hall, and sorted by the mailroom staff. Smaller items will be placed in student mailbox; packages will be held in the mailroom and the student will be emailed as a notification for pick up. Students are required to sign out the package in the mailroom.

Mail to residential students should be addressed as follows:

Name of Student
Box #
391 West Washington Street
Painesville, OH 44077

This includes all students residing in Lydia Sessions Hall and Founders Court.

Overnight Guests

• Overnight guests are permitted on Friday and Saturday nights only if they have been registered in the Student Life Office in addition to completion of an Overnight Guest form with their roommate (s) signature.
• Overnight guests must register with the Director of Student Life by 12 p.m. on Friday of the intended visit.
• Overnight guests not registered properly will be asked to leave immediately.
• The vehicle of any overnight guest must be registered with Security immediately upon arrival. The application for the guest registration tag is obtained from the director of community living.
• Students and guests must use appropriately designated rest rooms
• Overnight guests must abide by all rules and regulations of LEC. The host student is responsible for all policy violations of his or her guest (s) and will be subject to appropriate sanctions.

Pets

Pets of any kind are not permitted in campus buildings except for registered service and emotional support animals. This includes College leased apartment communities. A residential student may keep a fish aquarium (maximum size: 20 gallons), provided it is properly maintained; any other type of pet is not allowed. Predator fish are not permitted. Residence life staff has the authority to inspect students’ rooms without notice to verify unauthorized pets. If a pet (other than fish) is found in a student’s room, the student will be subject to the following disciplinary action:

1st violation: $40.00 fine and notification of 24-hour pet removal.
2nd violation: $80.00 fine and immediate removal of pet by College staff to an appropriate animal care facility.
3rd violation: $160.00 fine, immediate removal of pet and disciplinary probation or suspension.

All fines will be billed directly to the student’s account. Fines will also be imposed if proper procedures for cleaning fish tanks are not followed. Students who do not adhere to the pet policy are also liable for room damages and excessive cleaning charges where applicable, including but not limited to, apartment carpet replacement.

All service and emotional support animals must be approved by the Director of Student Life/ or designee.

Painting

Painting of ANY area in the residence hall or apartment building, including an individual room, is prohibited. Students who do not comply with this policy will be fined for damages.

Public/Community Living Areas

Public/community living areas are defined as any space that is not a specified room assigned to a specific student(s). Each student is expected to observe the rights of others when using these areas and to maintain appropriate housekeeping habits in all common areas. All materials posted on room doors and in view of other people are not permitted to be offensive in nature.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours in all residence halls, apartment buildings are from 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. An atmosphere conducive to study will be provided to any and all students on class nights. Quiet hours will be from 1 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Room Condition Reports/Damage Assessments

Prior to students moving in, the residence director or resident assistant will conduct a visual inspection of the room, making note of all damages and discrepancies that exist in the room. Upon moving out or changing rooms, the residence director or resident assistant will accompany the student in a visual inspection of the room. The student will be held financially responsible for any further damages or discrepancies noted during this inspection. Fines for damages, as determined by the College, will be assessed to the student’s account.

Room Inspection

The College reserves the right to conduct room inspections whenever deemed necessary by the administration for preservation of the health and safety of persons and property. Except in emergencies and in the case of service, Health and Safety Inspections will be conducted monthly.

In a case of perceived health, safety, or theft problems in the residence hall or College leased apartments,, the College reserves the right to conduct unannounced room inspections. These inspections will be conducted by Residence Directors and/or the Director of Student Life/ or designee.

Room Lock-Outs

Those students who are locked out of their room must seek the assistance of their resident assistants or residence directors. Doors will be unlocked only for the assigned occupants of rooms, as soon as a staff person is available. Students who abuse the unlocking privilege by requesting that their doors be unlocked more than three times per semester may be fined $10.00 per subsequent unlocking request. Anytime Security is called to unlock a student room on campus or in a campus leased apartment, a $10.00 may be assessed to the student’s account.

Room Repairs

Residents that have a maintenance issue are responsible for appropriately reporting the problem to housingmaintenance@lec.edu. Residents can also fill out the form online: https://www.lec.edu/housingmaintenance

The request will be filtered to the appropriate maintenance personnel for their area (on-campus or apartments). Residents should not contact the Lake Erie College Physical Plant directly.

Room Selection

The Director of Residence Life & Housing/ or designee will assign housing to all new residential students. Room assignments for returning students are determined by a lottery system. Only currently enrolled students who are eligible to return will be allowed to participate in the room selection process at which time they may indicate a particular room selection. This selection or process does not guarantee the desired room or location; the College reserves the right to make changes as needed without consent of the student (s). In the event that a roommate vacates for any reason, the College reserves the right to prorate billing for a single.

Any student who requests a single room for medical reasons must submit a written request from his/her doctor prior to room selection each year. Medical singles are subject to approval by the director of residence life (or designee). Medical singles may be approved for one year at a time and will be billed according to the procedures outlined for a single room. There is limited availability of single rooms. The Director of Residence Life & Housing/ or designee will make all room assignments and changes, and reserves the right to make changes in room and hall assignments without prior notice to the student (s).

Based on availability, an appointed resident assistant may receive a single room as remuneration for the period of time that he/she holds this position. Room location assignments for the resident assistants are made at the discretion of the Director of Residence Life & Housing/ or designee.

Requests for room changes or roommate are made to the Director of Residence Life & Housing/or designee and may not occur until after the 2nd week of classes each term. Room change requests will be granted if space allows and will require a processing fee of $35.

Room Search

The College reserves the right to enter and search a student’s room when reasonable suspicion is present that a violation of regulations is being committed. All residence directors are automatically granted permission to search a room. Other staff members, who observe behavior or activity that violates College regulations connected to a specific residence hall room, must obtain a permit to search from the director of community living. The request for the permit to search must specify the reason for the search, items sought during the search, the room(s) to be searched, the name(s) of the student(s) occupying the room(s) and the signature of the officer of the College authorizing the search. A copy of the permit to search must be given to the student(s) whose room is being searched with the student being present, if possible. Two staff members will conduct the search. Staff members in active pursuit of a violation of College regulations may enter and search the premises to follow up on the alleged offense without a permit to search.

Safety and Security

Security of the Lake Erie College campus and all who live and work here is the responsibility of every member of the College community. A conscious effort must be made by each student, faculty and staff member to ensure the safety and well-being of persons and property. Anyone observing a suspicious person or act should report the situation immediately to Security at 440.375.7575; or the Painesville Police Department at 911 for emergencies or an administrator, staff or faculty member. Security maintains a lost and found department, as well as providing an escort service to all members of the College community traveling between buildings or to the parking lots after sunset. Escort service is obtained by calling Security at 440.375.7575.

Smoking

In accordance with Chapter 3794 of the revised code regarding Ohio’s smoking regulations and In keeping with Lake Erie College’s intent to provide a safe and healthful work environment, smoking in the work place is prohibited in College-owned buildings, building entrances, and College-owned vehicles and will be permitted only in specific, designated outside locations. A limited number of “Designated Smoking Areas” have been strategically located on campus and are located in the following general areas:

• Bench area Garfield Center and Ritchie Gym
• Gravel area with benches between Mathews House and Garfield Center
• Paved area with benches behind Garfield Center
• College Hall - Picnic Table Areas
• Morley Hall - Behind Morley by telephone pole near upper Holden parking lot
• Austin Science - Bench area under trees
• Path to College Hall - Bench area between Holden Center and College Hall
• Lincoln Library - Bench area
• Residence Halls - Jay Dodd Pavilion and Rock area centrally located between Residence Halls
• Service Department - Parking lot
• Equestrian Center - Parking lot
• Equestrian Center - Between Reinburger Barn and the Learning Center
• Equestrian Center - South side of the Learning Center

To remain compliant with State and Federal legislation and/or at the discretion of Lake Erie College, the above mentioned areas are subject to change. Revised “Designated Smoking Areas’ will be announced accordingly.

Standard Regulations

• Sports may not be played inside the residence halls. These activities include, but are not limited to, basketball, roller-blading, Frisbee, running, softball, wrestling, etc.
• Musical instruments are not to be played in the residence halls.
• Airsoft guns are not permitted inside of student rooms, apartments or College owned or leased buildings.
• Hoverboards are not to be used in residential buildings
• Unauthorized use of drones is not permitted on College property, due to Federal Aviation Association (FAA) guidelines and in an effort to reduce risks to safety, security and privacy.
• Speakers, bass, or musical amplifiers are not permitted for use in residential spaces (individual rooms or apartments or common spaces).

Telephones

Due to students having their personal cell phones, phone lines are not provided in individual residence hall rooms. There is one phone line in each entrance of Andrews, Dickinson, Ritter and Fowler Hall that can be used to dial on campus calls. Founders Court residents can have a landline installed in their apartment at the expense of the resident, not at the College’s expense.

Television

Each residence hall lounge area is equipped with a television with cable service for the intended use of the residents of that building. Basic cable is not provided per room/apartment.

Visitors

• Visitors are permitted in student rooms from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights with the permission of the roommate. No more than six people may be in a room at one time.
• A visitor is defined as any individual who does not contract to live in campus housing at Lake Erie College.
• Students will be held responsible for informing the visitor(s) of College regulations and will be held accountable for the actions of their visitors.
• Visitors must be properly escorted at all times and may not remain alone in the host student’s room. Keys to student rooms will not be issued to guests.
• Overnight guests cannot stay more than three consecutive nights in a student room. Exceptions can be made if roommates are agreeable