New Student Housing Guide

Welcome to Residential Life at Albion College

Albion College is a four-year residential college, which means you should expect to live on campus through graduation. While at Albion you will find many learning opportunities provided through the residence halls that will enhance your more formal classroom learning. For example, sharing common living spaces with other students challenges each resident to develop communication and assertiveness skills. Students can also gain leadership and organizational skills through participation in various residence hall programming and hall government.

The Office of Residential Life is pleased to provide the following information to help you prepare for a smooth transition to your new "home away from home."

To download New Student Housing Form or to complete the form online, please go to the SOAR Online Forms page.

Room assignments for first year students will be mailed mid-July.

For your convenience, we have provided the following table of content to allow you to jump to different topics in this guide. If you wish to read the entire guide, just scroll down through the different topics.

Residential Life Staff Members

Residence hall directors (RD) are full-time professional staff members who live in an apartment in the residence halls and are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the residence hall. Such duties include supervision of the RA staff, conducting administrative judicial hearings, and providing basic counseling support for residents.

Resident assistants (RA) are student leaders who reside on the floor with the students in the residence halls. RAs are trained in community development, peer listening and helping skills, crisis management, conflict mediation, and other topics to help residents manage problems that may arise. RAs can be a great resource for campus information.

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Residency Requirement

Albion College affirms the educational benefits inherent in the residential aspect of the undergraduate experience and therefore requires all students to reside and board within the College residential system unless they reside with their parents or legal guardians within 50 miles of campus. Other residency requirement exemptions include if you are married, have legal dependents, or are 23 years old or older. The College reserves the right to require any student not meeting at least one of these four categories to live in campus housing.

Housing assignments for first-year or transfer students are based on the date the enrollment deposit is received. To request on-campus housing, a student must complete the Housing Request Form mailed to new students and found at SOAR Online Forms.

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Residence Hall and Roommate Assignments

The room assignment process begins with you. After you have been accepted by the College and have sent in your general deposit check, you will be able to register for SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration). You will also need to complete a Housing Request Form. We ask that you complete this form and return it to the Office of Residential Life by June 6, 2008. After SOAR IV, the assignment of rooms and roommates will begin.

While first-year students are housed in Wesley and Seaton Halls in double rooms, transfer students may be assigned to any of our housing options. Room assignments will be mailed in mid-July. The room assignment letter will contain your assigned building and room number and the name, home telephone number, address and Albion College e-mail address of your roommate. We encourage you to contact your roommate prior to your arrival to begin to get acquainted. You may also want to discuss those items you can share as you make plans to personalize your room. Keep in mind two of everything will not fit in the residence hall rooms.

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Wesley Hall: located on the north side of campus, Wesley Hall is the largest residence hall on campus housing 460 students. Approximately 85% of Wesley residents are first-year students. This is a traditional style residence hall with community bathrooms and floors are coed by wing. Wesley Hall contains lounges for studying and socializing, one computer lab, a lounge with a big screen television, kitchen, ping-pong table, and laundry room. Wesley Hall is a non-smoking community.

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Seaton Hall: located in the central part of campus, connected to the north side of Baldwin Hall (dining facility), Seaton houses 218 students. Approximately half of Seaton Hall's capacity houses first-year students. This is a traditional style residence hall with community bathrooms and is coed by wing. Seaton Hall contains lounges for studying and socializing, two computer labs, one lounge with a big screen television, kitchen, pool table, and laundry room. Seaton Hall is a non-smoking facility.

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Mitchell Towers: located on the east side of campus, Mitchell Towers houses 230 upper-class students. This is a suite-style residence hall with double rooms connected by a bathroom and is coed by suite. Mitchell Towers provides lounges, computer lab, kitchen facility, pool table, and laundry room. Mitchell Towers is a non-smoking facility.

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Whitehouse Hall: located in the central part of campus, connected to the south side of Baldwin Hall (dining facility), Whitehouse houses 202 upper-class students. This is a suite-style residence hall with double rooms connected by a bathroom and is coed by suite. Whitehouse Hall provides lounges, kitchen facility, computer lab, and a laundry room.

How does the room assignment process work?

Each year the Office of Residential Life has the task of assigning hundreds of new students to rooms and roommates. This task is done by hand, matching roommates one student at a time.

We prioritize the information you provide on the Housing Information Form as follows: If you request a specific roommate and that person requests you, the request will be honored. We assume that the two of you have discussed general lifestyle issues as well as study and social habits.

1. If you have not requested a specific roommate, the first factors we consider are general lifestyle issues (smoking, room cleanliness, and bedtime). Your honesty in responding to these questions is very important. On the issue of smoking: if you indicate that you are not a smoker and object to a roommate who smokes, we will not place you with a smoker. For the issues of room cleanliness and bedtime, a range is considered. When possible, exact matches will be made. Regarding the remaining information, we attempt to make as many matches as possible.
    

2. Be certain to record medical conditions and/or disabilities and to obtain Albion College Student Health Services or Disability Services verification for special residence hall accommodations, if applicable.
    

3. Room assignments will be based upon individual preferences and deposit date to the Admissions Office. If demand for a housing option exceeds the space available, then priority in room assignments will be determined by the date of the Admission deposit. Room assignments are contingent upon available space.

If your Housing Request Form is received after the June 6 due date, we will attempt to meet as many of your preferences as possible. You will receive notification of your room and roommate assignment during the middle of July.

It is not possible to meet every request of every student. A crucial part of living in a residence hall and getting along with your new classmates is how much of an effort you make to get to know your roommate and to adjust to each other's habits and lifestyles. Doing this will help you make the most of your residential experience at Albion College. Once you are assigned to a room, we do not make reassignments until the third week of the semester. Should you find that things are not working out, we ask that you wait this time period before requesting a room change. We have found that many issues between roommates can be resolved given some time and a conversation with each other or with assistance from a resident assistant.

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What if I find someone during SOAR to be my roommate?

We encourage students to begin meeting new friends during SOAR. If you meet someone during SOAR that you would like to have as your roommate, you will have the opportunity to inform the Residential Life Staff of your request before departing at the conclusion of your SOAR. In order for the Office of Residential Life to honor your request, the other person must also request you as his or her roommate.

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Room Changes

Each student is encouraged not to make judgments about whether or not he/she will get along with his/her roommate until after the roommate pair has spent some time together. Roommates do not have to be best friends. Many roommate pairs do very well living in the same room with one another while maintaining best friend relationships with other people on campus. If roommates are experiencing problems, residents should contact their RA or RD as soon as possible for assistance in resolving their problem. If the roommate conflict cannot be resolved after participating in a roommate mediation process facilitated by a member of the residence hall staff, the RD may approve a room change. No room changes will be allowed during the first two weeks of classes each semester..

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What about the Residential Community?

Albion College residence halls provide much more than a place for you to sleep and study. We employ a student staff of Resident Assistants (RAs) and professional staff of Residence Hall Directors (RDs) who are trained and committed to assisting you with questions and concerns throughout your college years.

The RAs and RDs work to meet students' needs. RAs develop various programs and activities to assist you in getting to know your neighbors, learning about life management, and exploring the resources on campus. Our staff looks forward to offering you unique opportunities to participate.

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What about Special Interest Floors?

Albion College offers two special-interest floors within its residential settings. These floors focus on creating an environment conducive to the special interests of students wanting a substance free or quiet environment. If there is enough interest from incoming First Year students for either one of these floors, then the Office of Residential Life will try to accommodate as many students as possible.

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Property Insurance

Albion College does not insure personal effects of students. Therefore it is recommended that students insure their belongings either through the parents' homeowner policy or a separate policy. Albion College does not assume responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to students' personal property. It is recommended that students label all personal items and record serial numbers.

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Room Personalization

Students may choose to personalize their living space to make it more comfortable and appealing. In order to keep repair costs to a minimum and maintain a safe living environment, the following guidelines for room personalization have been developed:

• Students are encouraged to personalize their rooms with photos, posters, etc. Items should be hung only with non-foam adhesives that will not damage the walls (removable poster tape, white Plasti-Tak, Fun-Tak, Scotch Wallsaver, masking tape, blue painter's tape). Only spring-tension rods may be used to hang curtains.

• No painting of student rooms. The use of wallpaper and contact paper is prohibited in all residential areas.

• Double-sided foam tape, "hold it," and similar adhesive products should not be used on walls, ceilings, doors, or woodwork.

• The use of darts, nails, screws, etc., is prohibited.

• Attachment of TV, CB, and FM antennas or satellite dishes to the exterior of student living units is prohibited

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Computer Networking

In order to connect to ResNet, the Albion College Ethernet computer network, you must have a PC or Mac that meets the minimum requirements. Click here for more info on connecting to the campus network.

To connect to the network you will need an installed Ethernet card with an RJ45 connector, a 25' long twisted-pair Ethernet cable, and your IBM or Mac system disks. Refer to the "Connection Guide" for step-by-step installation instructions.

Having your computer hooked-up to ResNet will allow for unlimited internet usage, GroupWise access, networking printing access, use of networked software, and space on the H: Drive (files on this drive are regularly backed-up).

Information Technology staff will be available in Kresge Commons (Wesley Hall) and in the front lobby of Seaton Hall during Move-In to assist in software installation that will allow for connection to ResNet.

For more information about ResNet or other computer related questions, please visit the Albion College ResNet web site.

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Residence Hall Furnishings

Each room at Albion College is a double room that includes a bed, desk, desk chair, dresser space, closet/wardrobe space, and computer jack for each resident of the room. Each room has a TV cable outlet, telephone (with individual voicemail), and window treatments. All mattresses are 80" long and 36" wide (many retail stores consider these to be "extra long twin" sheets). Lofts are prohibited in Seaton and Wesley Halls because the furniture in Seaton is loftable and in Wesley bunkable or stackable. For room layout and sizes visit: http://www.albion.edu/reslife/roominfo.asp.

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Items you may want for your residence hall room.

The Basics:

• Backpack
• Desk Supplies (calculator, scissors, tape, ruler, paper clips, stapler)
• Calendar
• Drawer organizer
• Bulletin board
• Dry erase board for room door (but do not use foam tape to attach to door or wall)
• Posters
• Dictionary and thesaurus
• Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, laundry basket, hangers
• Iron and ironing board
• Quarters for laundry machines ($1.00/wash and $1.00/dry)
• Over-the-counter medications
• Copies of prescriptions (medicine and glasses)
• Umbrella and raincoat
• Stamps and stationary
• Cleaning supplies
• Extra glasses and contacts
• Small sewing kit and tool kit
• Sports gear
• Throw rug or carpet
• Insurance card, Social Security card, Driver's license
• Copy of birth certificate
• Medical information

Bed & Bath Items

• Sheets and pillow case (extra long sheets - 80")
• Blanket, pillow, comforter, and bedspread
• Towels, washcloths, shower shoes, bathrobe
• Shower tote, soap, soap container, shaving cream, razors
• Hair dryer, curling iron, hair care products
• Wastebasket
• Deodorant, facial tissues, vaporizer, toothbrush, first aid kit

Electronics & Housewares

• Reliable alarm clock
• Lamp (NO HALOGEN LAMPS including desk or floor sizes)
• Fan
• Surge protector (UL-approved outlet strip with circuit breaker)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Stereo, radio, CD player
• TV, VCR, DVD player, coaxial cable, video games
• Computer, printer, extra printer ink, internet cable
• Refrigerator (3.5 cubic feet or less)
• Microwave (600 watts or less)
• Coffee maker, toaster, hot pot
• Paper plates
• Plastic cups and flatware
• Storage containers

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Items to Leave at Home

To reduce unnecessary health and safety risks, the following items are prohibited in residence hall rooms:

• Animals or pets (Note: Fish are the only animals allowed in student rooms. Fish must be removed from the residence halls during College Breaks: Thanksgiving, December break, and spring break.)
• Sunlamps and Halogen Lamps
• Cooking equipment with an exposed heating coil or which does not automatically shut off (toaster ovens, hot plates, woks, steam cookers, deep fryers, electric skillets, gas, charcoal or George Foreman type grills, etc.)
• Extension cords or multi-plug extenders/outlets
• Space heater or electric heater
• Air conditioner
• Candles and incense
• Water bed
• Nails, screws, and paint intended for your room walls or doors
• Weapons (including paintball or Air-Soft guns)
• Fireworks
• Ceiling fans
• Alcohol beverages, illegal substances, or paraphernalia
• Chef, butcher, and carving knives

Leave at home irreplaceable personal items or items of great value.

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Residence Hall Move-In Day and Check-In Procedures

On new student move-in day (Friday, August 22, 2008 from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM), you should report directly to your assigned residence hall to check-in. Residents will be issued a room key and a room condition report. By completing the room condition report a student accepts responsibility for room furnishings and room condition. Residence hall staff will be available to answer any questions and assist you with check-in. If you arrive prior to August 22 (athletic team, band member, etc), you will receive separate instructions from your coach or the person or department coordinating your early arrival regarding where and when you should report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring all of my belongings at once?
The Residential Life staff encourages you to contact your roommate and discuss who will bring the items you and your roommate desire in the room so you do not bring duplicates. Making contact with your roommate before arriving on campus can make for a smooth transition to college life.

Do the residence halls remain open during breaks and holidays?
Student residences are closed during the following break periods: Thanksgiving break, semester break, and spring break. Students must vacate their room by the closing hours posted. During the semester break (December), students must leave their room on the day of their last examination. Students are not permitted to return to campus prior to the posted opening time. If students are unable to depart by the stipulated closing time, students must vacate their residence hall room and wait for a ride at the Kellogg Center or Campus Safety Office. Parents and students should make travel arrangements well in advance so that students may leave the halls by the required time for each break period. At the end of the spring semester, all students are expected to check out of their room within 24 hours after their last final examination or by 9:00 P.M. on the Wednesday prior to Commencement, whichever is sooner.

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Residence Hall Services

Cable Television
All residence hall rooms are equipped with a hookup for cable television service. Cable television is active when the rooms are occupied. Residence hall rooms have access to 35 channels such as ESPN, CNN, Discovery Channel, MTV, USA, major networks, and WLBN campus radio. You will need to provide your own coaxial cable cord for access to the Albion College cable system.

Telephone Service
The College telephone system enables students to make long distance telephone calls from their rooms. Using a Personal Identification Number (PIN), calls can be made from any College telephone and will be billed individually to the student. PINs will be in your Kellogg Center box upon your arrival to campus. Students use the same PIN as long as they attend Albion. For more information about the long distance service, please visit the Accounting Website  Each student telephone line is assigned two voice mailboxes with confidential passwords.

Students are responsible for the use and condition of the College provided telephone equipment in their room. Relocation of a permanently mounted telephone instrument is not allowed. Extension phones, wireless phone, or telephone answering machines may be used if your room is provided with a College installed modular phone jack.

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Kitchen Facilities

Community kitchenettes are provided in all of the residence halls. Basic kitchenware is provided in the kitchenettes through the residence hall director.

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Laundry Facilities

Coin-operated washers and dryers are available in each residence hall. The fee is $1.00 per wash cycle and $1.00 per dry cycle.

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Important Dates to Remember for 2008-2009

• August 22 - Residence halls open for all first-year and new transfer students at 8:00 A.M.; first contract meal is lunch.
• August 25 - Final enrollment. First day of classes.
• September 1 - Labor Day. No classes.
• October 13-14 - Fall break. Residence halls are open, no classes.
• November 26 - Residence halls closed for Thanksgiving break at 10:00 A.M.
• November 30 - Residence halls open at noon; first contract meal is dinner.
• December 12 - Semester break. Residence halls close at 7:00 P.M.; last contract meal is dinner.
• January 18 - Residence halls open at noon for all students.
• January 19 - First contract meal is dinner.
• January 20 - Final enrollment. First day of classes.
• March 6 - Spring Break. Residence halls close at 7:00 P.M.; last contract meal is dinner.
• March 15 - Residence halls open at 10:00 A.M.; first contract meal is dinner.
• April 10 - Good Friday. Classes end at noon.
• May 6 - Residence halls close for all underclass students at 9:00 P.M.; last contract meal for underclass students is dinner.
• May 9 - Commencement. Residence halls close to all students at 6:00 P.M.
• May 16 - Residence halls open for summer residents at noon.

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For More Information

If you have further questions concerning student housing please contact us!

Office of Residential Life
124 William C. Ferguson Student Services Bldg.
Albion College
Albion, Michigan 49224
(517) 629-0224 (voice)
(517) 629-0197 (fax)
E-Mail: reslife@albion.edu