GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH
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GUID E TO
R ESID E NT IA L
ST U DENT LIV ING
AT S O UT H
2021-2022
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 1
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
GE NE RAL INFORMAT ION .................... . . . . . . . . . . 3
C OMMUNIT Y STANDARDS .................. . . . . . . . . . . 8
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 2
G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N Internet
The University provides student access to computer
Ca m p u s Ma i l Box resources through the email systems, University
system web servers, and departmental labs located
Residents will have a campus mail box located at
throughout campus. Students using these resources
the USA Mail Hub on the ground foor of the Student
must adhere to all policies of the University, as well
Center. Payment for this box is included in the housing
as the Alabama Research and Education network
fees. All students who live on campus are required
and state and federal laws regarding the use of
to have an active campus mail box to receive mail.
computers and computer networks. Students found in
Residents will receive a box number via the housing
violation are subject to University disciplinary action
portal along with their housing assignment. Mail is not
and/or criminal charges. University internet service
delivered to the residence hall rooms. Additionally,
privileges can be denied to anyone using University
all packages must be signed for and picked up at the
equipment or services for illegal or unethical
USA Mail Hub. USA Mail Hub window service hours
purposes. Any such behavior will be reported to
are Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, except on
appropriate University ofcials or law enforcement
holidays. The window is closed on Saturdays and
agencies. Please see the CSC Information Technology
Sundays.
Policies and Code of Student Conduct in The
Lowdown. For more information about USA Housing’s
Info r m a tio n a n d Me e t i n g s internet services and/or University recommended
routers, visit our Internet Services page. For more
Residents are responsible for any information
details about internet usage and connections, contact
covered in or announced at community, building, and
the Computer Services Center at (251) 460-6161.
foor meetings as well as all information posted in
residents’ buildings or emailed to residents. Residents
should monitor their JagMail for meeting notices, as
some informational meetings are planned in advance
and necessary to relay vital USA Housing information.
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 3
G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
Laundry Facilities
Washers and dryers are located in the Beta/Gamma
Commons, the Delta Commons, at the end of Deltas
3, 4, and 6, and on the frst foors of Stokes Hall,
Azalea Hall, Camellia Hall, and Epsilon 1-2. These
facilities are for current residents only. All Fraternity
& Sorority houses have a laundry room within the
building that should only be used by residents
assigned to that building. Be prepared to show your
student identifcation card if asked by a USA Housing
or other University ofcial. Remote monitoring of units
in each community laundry room is available through
the LaundryView app/monitoring system.
Maintenance & Facilitie s
The University has a professional staf of custodians,
mechanics, painters, plumbers, carpenters, and
electricians that work to preserve the integrity of
the residential environment. USA Housing Facilities
staf are available twenty-four (24) hours a day and
seven (7) days per week. To report routine (non-
emergency) facility / maintenance concerns, contact
the Housing Facilities Ofce at fxit@southalabama.
edu or (251) 460-7655, Monday - Friday, 8 AM – 5
PM (CST).
For After-Hours Emergencies: Contact your
Community Ofce to speak with the RA On-Duty. The
RA On-Duty will be able to access the on-call USA
Housing Facilities staf member for you. The following
are considered emergencies:
• Doors that do not lock, unlock or secure properly
• Lost key or a key stuck inside the lock
• Loss of heat, air conditioning, or water
• Flooding
• Clogged drain, sink, or toilet
• Broken window
• Equipment fre
Meal P lans
All students living in University housing are required
to purchase a meal plan. During the fall and spring
semesters, freshmen (residents with 29 credit hours
or less) may select any of the Jag Pass residential
meal plans. Sophomores (residents with credit hours
between 30-59) may select any of the Jag Pass
residential meal plans OR the ten (10) meals per week
with $500 Bonus Bucks plan. Juniors, seniors, and
graduates (residents with 60 credit hours or more)
may select from any of the residential meal plans.
Credit hours must be accepted and approved by the
Ofce of the Registrar. All summer semester residents
are required to purchase a minimum of seven (7)
meals per week.
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 4
G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
Students can change their meal plan through August do not tamper with electrical fxtures or plumbing
31, 2021, by following the steps below: fxtures. Please refer to the Services section on the
Housing website for reporting procedures.
• BEFORE MOVE IN: Change your meal plan by
returning to the ‘Meal Plan Selection’ step of your
housing contract. B eh avio r and Co nduct
• AFTER MOVE IN: Change your meal plan by Student behavior is expected to be lawful and
emailing your name, Jag Number, and requested in accordance with all University rules, policies
meal plan to housing@southalabama.edu and procedures, including those found within the
Housing Community Standards, The Lowdown,
For further information concerning meal plans, please
and the Housing Contract Terms & Conditions.
contact USA Housing at (251) 341-4663 or visit our
Housing regulations and standards are applicable
Rates page (click to expand ‘Meal Plan Rates’).
to University housing students and their guests.
Residents are responsible for and will be held
Moto r ized Ve hi c l e s , Pa rk i ng, accountable for the behavior of their guests and
and Traffi c visitors at all times. All residents are responsible for
informing USA Housing staf (i.e. Coordinator of
If you bring a motor vehicle to campus, you must Residence Education, Area Coordinator, Community
obtain a proper University parking permit during Director, or Resident Assistant) of any Community
the registration process from Parking Services. Standard violation(s) occurring in their rooms or in
You are responsible for violations involving motor their presence.
vehicles which are registered in your name and/or
that display parking permits issued to you. Trafc/ Participating in any violation of Housing and/
Parking Rules and Regulations are available when or University policy, including inciting, assisting,
you purchase your permit. or encouraging the violation of Housing and/or
University policy is prohibited. Prohibited conduct
Pe s t C o ntro l also includes failure to comply with an administrative
request or sanction and failure to evacuate a hall
Pest control services are performed upon request. when an alarm sounds. Please also refer to the Code
Residents who notice the presence of pests should of Student Conduct, ‘Prohibited Conduct,’ in The
submit a Fix-It Request through MyUSAHousing or Lowdown.
call the Housing Facilities Ofce at (251) 460-7655
to request service. Where feasible, service will be
rendered by the end of the following business day. Entry by University Staff
Students must allow facilities and service personnel USA Housing reserves the right to enter a resident’s
to enter their room for treatment purposes unless room with or without the resident’s consent and/
prior medical exceptions have been requested and or presence in order to provide services, to make
approved. necessary repairs, inspect rooms for health and safety
purposes, inspect for damages, and if necessary,
Ut il ities to check for compliance with University rules,
regulations, and policies. University staf will conduct
All utilities in the residence halls are maintained by any necessary room entries with as little disturbance
University personnel. Keep in mind that, like in a as possible.
home, there may be an occasional interruption in
electrical power, air conditioning, heat, hot water,
internet and/or cable TV due to mechanical failure, No ise
necessary repairs, and/or forces of nature. Facilities All persons who are present in University housing
crews will work as quickly as possible to restore should conduct themselves in such a manner as to
utilities. Should an interruption take place in your allow others the quiet enjoyment of the residence
room or apartment, please notify your Community halls. Standard Daily Quiet Hours: Students are
Desk/Ofce or RA immediately. In order to keep expected to uphold and support daily Quiet Hours
utilities working at an optimum level, please do between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM (7 days
the following: keep all heating and cooling vents a week). During this period, students and visitors
uncovered; in rooms with individual heating and are expected to keep noise levels at a minimum and
cooling units, do not block the vent (above, front, and respect the rights of others.
below) with bedding, furniture or other items; do not
tamper with the cable television jacks or wiring; and
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 5
G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
Los s O f/Da ma g e To vacate their rooms without checking out properly
may have their belongings discarded from the
Pe r s o nal Prop e rt y room and be subject to additional charges (see VI.1.
Door opening/closing mechanisms and locks are not Abandonment and IV.6. Check Out Procedures).
to be tampered with in any way. Residents should
report any problems or concerns to their Community Unfo reseen Ch ange of
Desk/Ofce. The University is not responsible for
personal property damage or loss. Residents are Circum stances/E xem ptio n s
encouraged to check their family’s renter’s insurance USA Housing staf members are available to help
policy or purchase renter’s insurance individually. students with any problems or difculties they
Please also refer to the Code of Student Conduct, may have during their stay in University housing.
‘Prohibited Conduct,’ in The Lowdown. Occasionally, serious unforeseen events or problems
can afect a student’s ability to live on campus.
Pr io r it y Ro o m S e l e c t i on fo r Documentation of an unforeseen event that has
changed your circumstances signifcantly enough to
Up co m ing Ye a r prevent you from residing on campus should be taken
USA Housing encourages all current residents to to the Central Housing Ofce (Delta Commons Room
participate in the Priority Room Selection process 100) to discuss your situation and options. Students
as published on the Assignment page for Current are encouraged to refrain from entering into other
Residents. This process afords current residents the living arrangements/agreements until informed of a
opportunity to reserve a space in University housing decision on the housing contract cancellation request.
for the upcoming academic year prior to new / Moving out or signing another housing agreement
incoming student assignments being made. USA will not release a resident from his/her contractual
Housing will communicate details about Priority Room obligation to the University.
Selection via JagMail and will update information on
the USA Housing website accordingly.
Fal l C l o s in g
The residence halls close for fall semester Saturday,
December 10, 2021, at 12:00 PM (noon)
and remain closed until they re-open for Spring
2022 semester on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 9:00
AM. Current residents enrolled for Spring 2022
classes may register for Winter Break Housing.
Winter Break Housing requests must be submitted
by Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Please log on to your
MyUSAHousing portal to learn more or register for
Winter Break Housing. Residents will be notifed of fall
closing deadlines via JagMail prior to the end of fall
semester (also available on the Academic Calendar).
Spr ing Cl o s i n g
The residence halls close for spring semester
beginning Friday, May 6, 2022, at 12:00 PM (noon)
and remain closed until they re-open for eligible
students who are enrolled for the May 2022 semester
on Monday, May 9, 2022. ALL residents who are not
approved for Late Stay or Break Housing should
check out of their spring housing assignments within
the twelve (12) hours following their last exam.
Residents will be notifed of spring closing deadlines
via JagMail prior to the end of spring semester (also
available on the Academic Calendar). Students who
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 6
Mis s ing St u d e n t Pol i cy
If a member of the University community has reason
to believe that a student is missing, he or she should
immediately call the University Police Department at
(251) [12] 460-6312. The University Police Department
will initiate an investigation, collect all pertinent
information regarding the missing person, and
maintain all necessary data for the University. If
the student reported missing is also an on-campus
resident in USA Housing or the Central House on
Stadium (previously The Grove), personnel from those
areas may assist by:
• Conducting a health and safety check of the
student’s room/apartment.
• Attempting to contact the student via cell phone,
email, or other means available.
• Seeking out and identifying other person(s)
who may be familiar with the missing student’s
whereabouts.
In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity
Act of 2008 for “on-campus residential students’’
(including the Grove), the University has implemented
the following “Missing Student” notifcation policies
and procedures:
The University requests that students who reside
in on-campus housing identify, confdentially, an
individual they desire to be contacted if said student
is determined to be missing. This confdential
contact information is kept separate from any other
emergency contact information and is accessible only
by authorized campus ofcials and law enforcement
during a missing person’s investigation. You can
register your contact information by going online to
your student account on the PAWS system at: http://
www.southalabama.edu/paws/
After investigating a missing person’s report, should
the University Police Department determine that
a resident student appears to be missing, within
24 hours of that determination, USAPD will notify
the student’s designated “missing student” contact
and the Mobile Police Department of the ongoing
investigation. If the missing student is under the age
of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, USAPD
will also notify the student’s parent or legal guardian
immediately after determining that the student has
been missing for 24 hours. If circumstances dictate,
USAPD may also enter a Missing Person’s report into
NCIC.
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 7We want all residential students to have an enjoyable Housing staf. Bikes that are subject to immediate
yet safe experience in the residence halls. The removal may be held up to ten (10) days. A bicycle
Community Standards below are designed to help may only be stored in a resident’s room if it does not
students get the most out of living on campus while block the exits and it is acceptable to the resident’s
providing a set of guiding principles and policies that roommate(s). Bicycles remaining on the bike racks
every on-campus student should live by. Students more than ten (10) days after the end of spring
are encouraged to meet their Community Director semester may be considered abandoned and are
or Area Coordinator within the frst week of moving subject to removal and disposal, unless registered
into the residence halls. We also encourage students to a summer resident. If a student believes their bike
meet their Resident Assistant (“RA”). RAs have been has been removed by University ofcials, they should
selected and hired as a peer leader to support contact (251) 460-7655 immediately.
students. Students should plan to meet their RA on
their very frst day. If you have any questions please Bicycles, skate boards, rollerblades, and similiar
feel free to email us at housing@southalabama.edu. wheeled devices are not permitted to be ridden
Go Jags! inside the residence halls.
I I . E M AI L
C O M M U N I T Y S TA N DA R D S
All admitted students receive an ofcial University
email address – JagMail – which is the ofcial
I. Univer s i t y a n d Hou s i n g communication plan and the primary channel for
Sta nda rd s receiving ofcial University and Housing information
by students. Students are responsible for activating
I I . BICYCLES A ND OTHER NON- and routinely monitoring their JagMail accounts. The
MOTO RIZ ED V EHI C LES University and the Department of Housing will use
JagMail to send ofcial communication to students,
All bicycles must be registered with the USA Police such as assignment details, important dates and
Department, (251) 460-6312. Bicycle registration may reminders, and information regarding a room
be completed online without charge by clicking here. (i.e., facilities), as well as all urgent notices. For more
Students will be contacted once the permit is ready information about their University email account,
for pick-up. All bikes should be locked to a bike rack please contact the Computer Services Center
outside. All bicycles that are not properly registered by phone at (251) 460-6161 or email helpdesk@
with USAPD and/or bicycles that are locked to southalabama.edu.
anything other than the provided bike racks are
subject to immediate removal and disposal by USA
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 8C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
I I I. GARBAGE V I . R E FR I G E R ATO R S /M I C R OWAV ES
Residents are expected to dispose of all garbage Students are responsible for cleaning their room/
and trash (including vehicle trash) in the dumpsters apartment, refrigerator/freezer and microwave (if
located in the parking lots or in other appropriate applicable). Please do not use a sharp object when
receptacles. Residents found responsible for cleaning or defrosting appliances. Students will be
disposing of garbage in inappropriate locations fnancially responsible for the replacement costs
may be assessed a fee to remove the garbage. The of damaged or missing refrigerators/freezers and
student may be charged $50.00 for a frst ofense microwaves.
and $100.00 for each ofense thereafter. Please
be advised that Housing staf does not dispose of V I I . S EC U R I T Y
students’ personal trash.
Tampering with or modifying any equipment used for
security purposes (i.e. security cameras, doors, card
I V. LAUN DRY
access hardware) is strictly prohibited. USA Housing
Any student who misuses, damages, or vandalizes staf members are responsible for monitoring security
any laundry facility will be subject to the Housing and assisting students in the event of an emergency.
Student Conduct Process, and sanctions may Please note that students are expected to keep their
include restitution, fnes, or work required sanctions. doors and windows locked at all times. If you see
Additionally, use or access (or granting access) to the anyone tampering with security equipment, please
laundry facilities by individuals who are not assigned contact the RA, Community Desk/Ofce, or USAPD
to University housing during the time of use may immediately. Any University resident who violates
result in restitution, removal from the community, this policy will be subject to the Housing Student
and/or criminal charges. Students are encouraged Conduct Process. Sanctions may include cost to repair
to use the LaundryView app/ monitoring system. damages, fnes, and in extreme cases, removal from
Remember, USA Housing is not response for lost, the residential communities.
stolen or damaged laundry items. Any laundry items
left unattended overnight may be relocated to a lost V I I I . U T I L I T I ES
and found bin in the laundry room. Items from this bin
Furthermore, individuals and/or organizations are
will be removed once a week by USA Housing staf
prohibited from using exterior utility connections for
members and discarded. Please also refer to our
personal and/or organizational service use (i.e. car
Laundry Services page for more information.
washes, etc.) at all University housing facilities.
V. M OTO RIZ ED V EHI C LES, PA RKI NG,
I X . C OV I D -19 T EST I NG
AN D T RAF F IC
If a residential student tests positive for COVID-19,
No parking/driving is allowed on the grounds/grass the student will have their information shared with
around the residence hall buildings. Parking is only appropriate Student Health/and or USA Health staf
allowed in the parking lots. Please do not pull up on as needed for contract tracing and will be expected
the grass to unload or load items. Individuals parking to participate in any surveillance or contact tracing
on the grounds or sidewalks in the residence hall processes designed to decrease the risk of infection
areas are subject to being towed and/or parking in the University. Please refer to the COVID-19/Public
fnes. Additionally, driving/parking on the grass in the Health Crisis addendum for more information.
residential areas may damage your vehicle or the
University sprinkler system. You are responsible for
costs of repair of any damage to University property
caused by you or your vehicle. Excessive noise, loud
music, loitering, or cruising through parking lots
is prohibited. No parking is allowed on any red or
yellow painted curbs or pavement. Students must
comply with all campus trafc regulations. Visitors
must obtain a visitors parking permit from Parking
Services. Motorcycles and other gasoline powered
vehicles are not allowed within ten (10) yards of the
buildings. Motorcycles must be parked in the paved
parking lots adjacent to the buildings. Motorcycles
may not be parked in walkways, chase ways or
stairways; violators will be ticketed.
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 9C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
II. Res p ect fo r Pe rs on s A resident is permitted to have a guest of the
same gender stay overnight in his or her room
Co m m u nit y Sta n d a rd s for a maximum of forty-eight (48) hours if that
guest is registered with and approved by the
I . BEHAVIO R A ND C OND UC T Community Director or Area Coordinator in
Residential students are expected to uphold all advance. Only one overnight guest is permitted
University and Housing policies. Additionally, students per resident per night, and excessive numbers of
are required to escort their guests at all times while requests by the same resident may be denied.
in the residential communities. Students who fail to A resident must have written consent from his or
uphold the University and Housing standards may her roommate prior to permitting an overnight
be subject to the Housing Student Conduct Process guest and prior to use of the roommate’s bed for
and any other sanctions deemed appropriate by the a guest. Click here to download the Overnight
hearing ofcer. Residents will be responsible for their Guest Request Form. Children under the age
guests’ actions and may be subject to the Housing of seventeen (17) are not allowed to remain
Student Conduct Process and any appropriate in University housing overnight except under
sanctions as a result of their guests’ actions. Guest special circumstances and with the approval
privileges can be suspended at any time. of the respective Coordinator of Residence
Education or Area Coordinator. Students with
I I . CO M M UN I C ATI ON unregistered guests may be subject to the
Housing Student Conduct Process and assessed
In an efort to provide our students a safe, secure and a per-night charge for the guest. All guests/
comfortable environment to achieve success, USA visitors are required to have ofcial photo
Housing encourages all residents to maintain a sense identifcation (i.e., driver’s licenses, state ID,
of respect and civility toward each other and the staf University ID) with them at all times and present
in all forms of communication. Students are expected it to USA Housing staf or other University
to maintain respect and civility toward all members ofcials upon request. While in University
of the residential community. Students who fail to housing, guests must comply with all University
uphold this standard of respect for others may be and Housing policies and community standards,
subject to the Housing Student Conduct Process. as well as all applicable federal and state laws.
Residents are responsible for the conduct of their
I I I. VIS ITO RS & GUESTS guests and may be subject to fnancial and other
While in USA Housing, all visitors must be escorted sanctions through the Housing Student Conduct
at all times by the resident they are visiting. The Process and/or University judiciary system,
escorting resident must reside in the building being as well as the legal system, if the community
visited. Residents and guests must be able to provide standard for guests is violated. Guests may
ofcial photo identifcation if asked by a Housing or not be left unattended in a room without prior
other University ofcial. written permission from the Coordinator of
Residence Education or Area Coordinator.
A guest is defned as any person who is not assigned Guests who violate visitation hours or other
to your room. Residents are expected to talk with applicable policies may be subject to trespass
their roommate(s) in advance and agree on guests, warrants or other action taken by the USA Police
overnight stays, and other visitation issues (see our Department. Guests may also lose the privilege
Roommates page). USA Housing staf is available of visiting University housing. USA Housing
to assist residents with these conversations and to reserves the right to limit or revoke visitation
support residents in maintaining their safety and within each residential community.
comfort. Guests, including residents from other
University residence halls or communities, are I V. G U EST PAR K I NG
permitted during the approved University visitation
hours (see below). A maximum of three (3) guests All University residential parking lots are closed
are allowed per resident per visit at any time during to non-resident vehicles when visiting hours have
visitation hours. ended: Sunday-Thursday, 12:00 AM (midnight), and
Friday-Saturday 2:00 AM. Non-resident vehicles
• Sunday - Thursday, 10:00 AM-12:00 AM found in the University residential parking lots after
(midnight) hours, including Gamma and Fraternity/Sorority lots,
• Friday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM are subject to towing unless the guest is registered
and approved by the Community Director or Area
Coordinator. Visitors (i.e., individuals not afliated
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 10C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
with the University) must obtain an ofcial visitor and ensure a pleasant living environment
parking pass from Parking Services. The pass must for all residents, free from unnecessary
be displayed from the rear-view mirror with the front distractions or disturbance. For this
of the pass facing outward. The pass number must purpose, 24-hour Courtesy Hours will
be clearly visible (contact Parking Services for further be enforced daily throughout the entire
detail). academic term. Please note that you may
be asked to use a headset or to remove
V. HARAS S MENT stereos, TVs or musical instruments from
the room if the use of such equipment is
Actions of harassment, as defned by the Code
causing a disturbance to other members
of Student Conduct, ‘Prohibited Conduct,’ in The
of the community. Students who fail to
Lowdown are strictly prohibited in University housing
uphold quiet hours or support courtesy
and throughout the University. Behavior that attempts
hours may be subject to the Housing
to force a roommate to select a diferent room, move
Student Conduct Process and sanctions
out of a current room, and/or behavior toward a
may include educational sanctions, fnes,
current roommate / newly assigned occupant which
and in extreme cases, relocation.
violates the University’s discrimination/harassment
policy is strictly prohibited and will be sufcient
V I I . S O L I C I TAT I O N
grounds for reassigning the existing occupants.
The ofending resident will be required to move Solicitation is prohibited in the residential areas. This
upon request or to pay additional charges for an includes, but is not limited to, door-to-door marketing
unoccupied space. Failure to accept a roommate, or recruiting for business purposes, organizations,
create a positive roommate relationship, or meet or events. In addition, vendors/ students are not
any of the above criteria may subject the resident to allowed to go to students’ doors to ofer their product
disciplinary action. Those who violate the community or service. Campus-wide student elections are the
standard for harassment in the residential community only exception and require written permission from
may be immediately administratively relocated or the Vice President of Student Afairs. Call your RA or
removed from the residential community pending your Community Desk/Ofce immediately to report
a Housing Conduct Conference or referral to the solicitors. Anyone who is found soliciting on campus
Ofce of Student Conduct. Sanctions for violating may be reported to USA Police as well as the General
this standard include, but are not limited to, fnancial Counsel’s Ofce.
restitution, relocation, and removal from the
University residential communities.
III. A lco h o lic B everages
VI. N O IS E and Co ntro lled/Pro h ibited
All persons who are present in University housing Su bstances
should conduct themselves in such a manner as to
allow others the quiet enjoyment of the residence I . ALC O HO L I C B E V E R AG ES
halls. Alcoholic beverages and controlled/prohibited
• Standard Daily Quiet Hours: Students substances (other than prescription medications
are expected to uphold and support for which a student has a valid prescription) are
daily Quiet Hours between the hours of strictly prohibited in University housing. For more
8:00 PM and 8:00 AM (7 days a week). information, please refer to ‘III.2. Drug Use’ below and
During this period, students and visitors the Code of Student Conduct, ‘Prohibited Conduct,’
are expected to keep noise levels at a in The Lowdown (also see the following standard
minimum and respect the rights of others. concerning additional alcohol related issues: II.1.
‘Behavior and Conduct’). Alcohol containers or
• Final Exam Quiet Hours: Each residential paraphernalia may not be used as decorative items.
community endorses and afrms 24-hour Residents are responsible for policy violations which
Quiet Hours beginning on the last day of take place in their room and/or apartment, including
classes through the last day of fnals. those of their guest(s). Any University housing student
• Courtesy Hours: Courtesy Hours require found responsible for violating the University policies
that all sound be kept to a reasonable for alcohol or controlled/prohibited substances
level in an efort to avoid disturbance of will be subject to disciplinary action and may be
other residential community members removed from University housing for the frst ofense,
whether violations occur in Housing or elsewhere.
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 11C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
Note: Students removed from University housing Any further violations of the Community
due to disciplinary infractions are not entitled to a Standards or The Lowdown that occur during
credit, refund of fees and/ or charges already paid or the probationary period may result in immediate
payable; no cancellation fee will be charged. removal from the residence halls.
• Second Ofense:
I I . DRUG U S E
1. Relocation: Upon being documented
The possession and use of illicit drugs on the campus
for the violation, the student may, at
of the University of South Alabama, including The
the discretion of the Vice President for
Grove, is illegal under both state and federal law. Any
Student Afairs & Dean of Students or
student who violates the University illegal substance
his or her designee, be immediately
and drug policy is subject to the following procedures:
relocated to a diferent residence hall
• First Ofense: pending a student conduct hearing,
depending upon the surrounding
1. Relocation: If a student is suspected
circumstances. In most cases the
of violation of the drug policy in the
student may not remain in the same
residence halls, the student, at the
residence hall pending a hearing
discretion of the Vice President of
when accused of a second violation.
Student Afairs or his designee, may
be immediately moved to another 2. Student Conduct Hearing: A student
residence hall pending a student conduct hearing will be held with the
conduct hearing, depending upon appropriate ofcial. If the student
the surrounding circumstances. If the is found responsible for the second
student is relocated, he or she will ofense violation, he or she will be
be required to maintain that interim removed from the residence halls
housing assignment at least until within forty-eight (48) hours for a
the student conduct case is closed. minimum of one (1) calendar year
See “Housing Relocation” below for from the date of the student conduct
further details. hearing; the terms of the Housing
Contract will apply.
2. Student Conduct Hearing: A student
conduct hearing will be held with
the appropriate ofcial. Any student
• Defnitions:
found responsible of a frst ofense 1. Housing Relocation: In the event
under this policy will be required to student behavior warrants, a student
attend a minimum of two (2) sessions suspected of a violation of this
with the University of South Alabama policy may be required to relocate
Substance Abuse Program (USASA) rooms pending the outcome of the
and complete a minimum of ten (10) student conduct hearing. The student
hours of community service within conduct ofcer may also sanction the
University Housing. Additionally, the student to Housing Relocation upon
student will be placed on Housing fnding the student “responsible” for
probation for a minimum of one (1) a violation of this policy. The student
calendar year. Additional sanctions may be charged a more or less
may be imposed as appropriate expensive Housing rate based on the
based upon the type and quantity availability of Housing inventory at
of illegal substances found at the the time the violation and/or student
time of the incident, the surrounding conduct hearing occurs. The student
circumstances of the incident, and the will be required to surrender his or
student’s previous student conduct her room key and may be required
record. Such sanctions may include, to move all items from the old
but are not limited to, removal from Housing assignment to the temporary
University Housing, relocation to a assignment. If there is no Housing
new on-campus Housing assignment, availability at the time of the violation
or placement in a Deferred Housing and/or student conduct hearing,
Removal status (see additional the student may be removed from
information below). the residence halls; the terms of the
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 12C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
Housing Contract will apply. The goal result in immediate removal from the
of Housing Relocation is to allow the residence halls, pending a student
student an opportunity to remain in conduct hearing, the student may be
a residential community, if possible, subject to a criminal trespass from
while continuously engaging in the University Housing.
activities of the campus community
3. Housing Removal: If a student is
that may allow the student to
sanctioned to Housing Removal, he
learn from the previous mistakes.
or she will be required to check out
If alternative housing is available,
and move all of his or her belongings
the student will be relocated to a
out of the room within 48 hours of
diferent residential community from
the fndings of the student conduct
that which he or she is currently
hearing being rendered (e.g., date
assigned at the time of the violation.
of the fndings letter). If the student is
University Housing ofers seven
sanctioned to Housing Removal, he
residential communities: Delta, Beta/
or she will not be allowed to return to
Gamma, Epsilon, Stokes Hall, Azalea
the residence halls, for any reason, for
Hall, Camellia Hall and Fraternity
a minimum of one (1) calendar year
& Sorority Housing. As an example,
from the date the student vacates the
if a student is relocated from Beta/
residence hall.
Gamma, he or she would be
ineligible to reside in that community 4. Arrest: If arrested, the student may
and would be reassigned to one of not return to the residence halls until
the other six residential communities after the case has been adjudicated
based on the student’s status and by the Dean of Students Ofce.
classifcation and housing availability.
The hearing ofcer will determine the
best community to help the student
IV. Resp ect fo r Health , Safe t y,
reconnect to the University to have and Welfare
a more positive experience. If a
student is relocated, he or she may I . C L E ANL I NES S
be charged a more expensive rate Each student is responsible for the cleanliness of his/
for the new assignment based on the her own room or apartment. Rooms must be left
room rates for the new housing per reasonably clean upon check-out; failure to do so
the Housing Contract; the student will will result in assessment of a cleaning fee (see IV.5.
be required to relocate within twelve ‘Health & Safety Inspections’ for more details).
(12) hours of the sanction.
2. Deferred Housing Removal: This I I . C O NFI S C AT I O N O F P R O P E RT Y
sanction may be temporarily allowed If USA Housing staf or other University ofcials view
if a Housing Removal sanction is an item in a resident’s room that violates USA Housing
imposed at a time when removal community standards or other University policies or
from Housing would impose an applicable laws, an incident report will be submitted
extreme hardship or would interfere to authorities. Depending on the nature of the
with a critical academic time, such violation, the item may be confscated, the student
as during midterms or fnal exams. may be obligated to remove the item immediately,
Under this sanction, the student is the student may be subject to the Housing Student
removed from University Housing, Conduct Process and/or the student may be referred
but the removal date is deferred until to the Dean of Students Ofce or other appropriate
a date determined by the hearing authorities. These items include, but are not limited to,
ofcer. Following Deferred Housing alcohol and/or empty alcoholic beverage containers;
Removal, the student may not return unauthorized pets; candles; unauthorized appliances;
to University Housing for a minimum weapons, toy weapons, or replicas of weapons;
of one (1) full semester from the date and/or illegal substances or paraphernalia. Any
the student vacates the residence unauthorized pets may be turned over to the local
halls. If a student on Deferred humane society or animal control. Weapons or illegal
Housing Removal status commits substances or paraphernalia will be turned over to
further violations of any kind that may USAPD.
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 13C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
I I I. F IRE AN D SA FETY EQ UI PMENT I V. H OV E R B OAR D S /S C O OT E R S
The misuse or vandalism of any fre safety equipment Hoverboards/scooters and other similar devices are
or devices is a violation of state and local law. Use of not allowed in USA owned or leased housing facilities.
fre alarms and/or fre extinguishers at unauthorized Charging of hoverboards and similar devices and
times is prohibited. In addition, smoke detectors storage of scooters within any University facility is also
are located in every room for student protection. prohibited.
Occasionally, the smoke detectors are activated
by interior or exterior room conditions. Although V. H E ALT H & S AFE T Y I NS PEC T I O N S
the alarms are sometimes an inconvenience, the
USA Housing staf will conduct Health & Safety
value of the system to human life is immeasurable.
Inspections approximately three (3) times a semester
Do not attempt to tamper, disconnect, or vandalize
to ensure that minimum health, safety, and facilities
the smoke detectors or sprinklers; students found
standards are being maintained. If standards are not
responsible for such tampering will be subject to
met, the student is required to address the concern(s)
the Housing Student Conduct Process. Please report
and complete corrective action within twenty-four
any problems or concerns regarding fre safety
(24) hours of notifcation of the violation or the
equipment to the Community Desk/Ofce as needed.
student may be required to meet with a USA Housing
The cost of damages and repairs due to misuse and/
staf member. A follow-up inspection will take place
or vandalism of fre safety equipment (i.e., smoke
to ensure the issue has been resolved. If the issue(s)
detectors, fre extinguishers, etc.) will be charged to
still exists, the student will be subject to the Housing
the responsible student. Also, the cost of damages
Student Conduct Process. Reasonable standards of
and repairs due to careless acts and/or community
cleanliness are encouraged while inspecting each of
standard violations will be charged to the responsible
the categories below; however, USA Housing staf
student. Please also refer to the Code of Student
is primarily focusing attention on facilities, health,
Conduct, ‘Prohibited Conduct,’ in The Lowdown.
or safety related concerns (i.e., light bulbs that need
replacing, etc.). While searching for community
In the event of a fre alarm or drill, all persons in
standard violations is NOT the goal of an inspection,
the building must evacuate immediately to the
violations will be addressed as they are found. Areas
designated location. Failure to comply with Housing
of inspection will include, but not be limited to, the
or University ofcials will result in disciplinary action.
following:
Space heaters, halogen lamps, extension cords,
and live-cut trees are not permitted in students’ • Exterior Area / Doors
rooms, suites, apartments or common area spaces. • Floors
Laptop/Notebook computers should not be left • Windows / Blinds
unattended when charging the batteries; unplug • Air Conditioner / Heater
when charging is complete. Candles, candle/wax/oil • Bathroom Sink / Counter
warmers, incense, charcoal, or any other fammable • Kitchen Sink / Counter
materials are also not permitted in University • Toilet / Tub
housing. Unlit candles used as room decorations are • Walls/Ceilings
not permitted and must be removed immediately. • Closet
Burning substances, in any form, create both a fre • Smoke Detector
and health hazard for you and the other residents. • Fire Extinguisher/Sprinkler Heads
All students must adhere to the state fre code as • Lights
well as all Housing and University fre policies. It is • Dehumidifer
vital to keep doors, windows, walkways, and chase • Overall Condition
ways clear of items that may block an escape
route in an emergency; failure to do so may result V I . PE T S
in disciplinary action. No material may be placed
The only pets permitted in University housing are
directly on windows or between the window and the
harmless varieties of fsh, other than as indicated
blinds/curtains. Example: aluminum foil, newspaper,
herein. No other pets are allowed on either a
or signs. Decorative lights may not be visible from
permanent or visitation basis (i.e., no cats, dogs,
outside the residence halls unless they are part of an
hamsters, lizards, etc.). If a pet is found in University
ofcial University display or approved by the Director
housing, it must be removed immediately; otherwise,
of Housing.
it may be removed by the local animal control
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 14C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
authorities at the expense of the student. Students I X . WE APO NS
who need the assistance of service or emotional
All weapons are prohibited in University housing
support animals must register with Student Disability
buildings and parking lots and on University property.
Services prior to the animal arriving on campus.
This includes, but is not limited to, bullets, ball bearing
Students with service animals or assistance
bullets, bullet balls, pellets, frearms, guns, knives (see
(emotional support) animals will be required to follow
below IV.10. “Knives”), paintball guns, air guns, stun
the University’s Service and Assistance Animal Policy.
guns, Tasers, hunting bows, archery bows, swords,
Students will be held responsible for any damage
martial arts weapons, and replicas of such weapons,
caused by such animals.
including toy and water guns. Fireworks and
pyrotechnic devices and materials are also prohibited
VII. POT EN T IA L THREAT TO SELF OR
on University property. Students who violate this
OT HERS
community standard may be subject to the Housing
Establishing a safe campus environment is Student Conduct Process. In the event that a student
paramount for USA Housing; therefore, if an violates this community standard, USAPD will
individual engages in threatening behavior, the be contacted and may confscate the ofending
University reserves the right to remove that individual item. The student may also be removed from the
from Housing on a temporary or permanent basis community and/or subject to criminal charges. Please
as deemed necessary and to take other actions as also refer to the Code of Student Conduct, ‘Prohibited
USA Housing or University ofcials deem appropriate Conduct,’ in The Lowdown.
for the safety of the resident and the residential
community. X . K NI V ES
Kitchen knives are allowed in University housing
VIII. S M O KING/TOB AC C O USE
rooms with kitchens only. Non-kitchen knives with a
The use of all forms of tobacco products and length of more than three (3) inches are prohibited.
nicotine products and smoking on all property No decorative knives are allowed in the residential
owned (e.g., structures, land and vehicles) and/or community. Also, note the following prohibited items:
in the possession of (e.g., leased and/or rented by) any blade that does not fold, automatic folding
the University of South Alabama is prohibited. Note: knives, box cutters, throwing stars, and butterfy
Personally owned vehicles are excluded. This policy is knives.
applicable for all students, faculty, staf, temporary/
contract employees, contractors, patients and visitors. X I . WI ND OWS /R AI L I NG S /B ALC O N I ES /
Tobacco products include any products containing R O O FS /HAL LWAYS /D O O RWAYS
tobacco leaf, including, but not limited to, cigarettes,
cigars, pipe tobacco, snuf, chewing tobacco, dipping All residents are encouraged to keep their windows
tobacco, etc. Nicotine products include any products closed and locked. Residents of the Beta/Gamma
containing nicotine for human consumption used Community are required to keep their windows
in any type of electronic smoking device, including, closed at all times due to central heating and cooling;
but not limited to, e-cigarettes and vaping. Also if one window is open, the internal thermostat will
prohibited are hookah products used to produce misread the temperature and ofset the temperature
smoke and/or vapor from the burning of tobacco, of the entire building. Sitting, standing on, climbing,
shisha and other plant matter. or hanging from a window, ledge, railing, or roof is
prohibited. Clothes, bikes, or personal items should
Smoking includes inhaling, exhaling, burning, or not be hung from balconies, railings, roofs, and/or
carrying any lighted or heated tobacco, marijuana windows. Furniture is not permitted on balconies,
or other plant product, whether natural or synthetic, stairways, or second foor walkways. Throwing,
intended for inhalation. Cessation products dropping, or pouring of anything from windows,
specifcally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug balconies, ledges, and/or railings is prohibited.
Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco Students are responsible for damages and/or
dependence are excluded. Students who violate this cleaning charges that result from such actions.
community standard may be subject to the Housing Students who consistently fail to adhere to this policy
Student Conduct Process. More information about the may be subject to educational sanctions, fnes or
policy and cessation programs can be found at this repair cost as per the Housing Student Conduct
website: southalabama.edu/tobaccofree. Process.
For interior-style residence halls, foormats are not
permitted in the hallway/doorway. Exterior door
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 15C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
decorations must be approved by USA Housing staf. V I. Resp ect fo r USA Ho u sing
Unauthorized decorations may be removed by USA
Housing staf. A resident may place a message board I . AB AND O NM E NT
on the exterior of their room door as long as the
message board does not cause damage to the door. Personal belongings which are left behind when a
Posted materials, displays, or advertisements that are student vacates his/her University housing assignment
in confict with University guide-lines are prohibited. are considered abandoned property and may be
Inappropriate displays or materials will be subject to removed from University housing rooms/areas and
removed immediately. discarded if arrangements are not made to pick them
up within twenty-four (24) hours after the student
vacates the USA Housing assignment.
V. Co o king
I I . AD M I NI ST R AT I V E R E M OVAL
I . RO O MS WI TH KI TC HEN/KI TC HENE T T E
A resident may be administratively removed for
Students assigned to a room type without a kitchen reasons including, but not limited to, non-payment,
may use the following appliances so long as the non-enrollment, inappropriate behavior, violating
appliance has an automatic shut-of feature: the University Substance Abuse Policy, or behavior
microwaves, pop-up toasters, rice steamers, crock- that threatens the health or welfare of members of
pots, electric kettles (without an open element) and the University community. The student has forty-eight
cofee pots. This includes rooms in the following (48) hours from ofcial notifcation of Administrative
residence halls: Removal via the student’s JagMail to complete the
• Azalea Hall check-out procedure and vacate the building. If a
• Camellia Hall student fails to properly check out and vacate the
• Epsilon 1-2 building within that time, the locks of the student’s
• Deltas 3-5 room will be changed at the student’s expense. The
• Stokes Hall student’s belongings in the room will be considered
• Gammas 0-4 abandoned and will be removed and discarded
unless arrangements are made to pick them up
Students assigned to a room type that does within ten (10) business days of the lock change. The
include a kitchen will have “conventional student may be charged associated fees, which may
cooking” privileges (including toaster ovens, include, but are not limited to, a cancellation fee,
electric fryers, electric grills, and all other improper check-out fee, lock-change fee, cleaning
appliances allowed for non-kitchen room types). fee, and storage fee. Please Note: Failure to respond
Do not leave items unattended on the stove or in to ofcial notices by e-mail or informal notifcations
the oven at any time. This includes rooms in the by phone calls, etc., will not alleviate the student’s
following residence halls: responsibility for compliance. Also, Administrative
• Beta 1-5 Removal from USA Housing due to non-payment
• Gamma 5-9 does not release the student from the obligation to
• Delta 6 pay fees and/or charges already assessed.
• Fraternity & Sorority chapter houses in the
kitchen facilities only I I I . AS S I G NM E NT S
Residents with non-permitted appliances may All University housing residents are required to review
be subject to the Housing Student Conduct their ‘Housing Contract Terms & Conditions’ carefully.
Process. The resident will be instructed to Under these terms and conditions, the University will
remove the item(s) immediately. Gas grills consider the information and preferences selected by
are prohibited, as is the use or possession of the student when assigning living accommodations,
lighter fuid. Grills may not be stored in the but there is no guarantee of a specifc assignment.
rooms, chase ways, stairways, walkways, or any The University will not alter or cancel the resident’s
other interior space within University housing. assignment except where deemed necessary by the
Outdoor grills are available in many residential University for reasons including, but not limited to,
communities. disciplinary action, catastrophe, closing of facilities,
consolidation of vacancies, unavailability of space, or
unresolved incompatibility of roommates. In addition
to the University’s rights set forth elsewhere in this
document or in other University policies, the University
reserves the right to administratively move residents
2021-2022 GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT LIVING AT SOUTH 16C O M M U N I T Y S TA N D A R D S
for the purpose of room, apartment, building, or area Refer to the Moving Out page for proper move-out
consolidations. instructions and more information. A $75.00 lock
change charge may be assessed if the room key is
*Room preference and/or ability to self-select a not returned at check-out. Failure to follow the check-
room is based on date of contract completion and out procedures may result in a $75.00 assessment fee
space availability. The contract must be complete for improper check-out. Moreover, the resident may
in order to receive/self-select a room assignment. be assessed fees for room damages. Students should
Students who reside in University housing in the fall speak with a Community Director or Area Coordinator
semester are automatically assigned to the same if they have questions about check out.
room for the spring semester. Students’ personal
belongings can remain in the room during the winter V I I . C O NS O L I DAT I O N
break. Students may request a room change online
Housing may choose to consolidate rooms to full
during the designated reassignment period(s). Room
capacity when vacancies occur and may move
changes are not guaranteed and will be made
residents to another University housing room when
according to space availability and in the order that
such consolidations become necessary. Under limited
such requests are submitted. The request must be
conditions and with written approval from the Central
submitted by the student online in MyUSAHousing
Housing Ofce, residents who have not contracted
during the published period(s). Please also refer
for a private room, that do not have a roommate,
to our First-Time Freshmen, Current Residents, or
and have been selected to consolidate may have the
Upperclassmen/Transfer/Graduate students pages
opportunity to request a roommate or room change,
for more assignment information.
if the same room type is available. All room changes
must be approved by the Central Housing Ofce. All
I V. BU S IN ES S SERV I C ES
consolidations must be completed within forty-eight
Residents are prohibited from starting, managing, (48) hours after notifcation of the consolidation; if
or operating any kind of business enterprise inside, not, the resident may be administratively relocated
around, or near USA Housing facilities which involves or automatically charged and held fnancially
the coming and going of customers, clients or any responsible to pay the private room rate.
other persons into and out of USA Housing facilities.
This includes, but is not limited to babysitting, hair- V I I I . DAM AG ES /R O O M I NS P EC T I O N S
styling, and tattooing services.
At the time of check-in, students should complete a
Room Inspection for their assigned space to indicate
V. CAN CELLATI ONS & WI THD RAWAL
the current condition of their rooms. The Room
Any current resident who wishes to cancel his/her Inspection should be completed by each student
housing contract or who is considering withdrawing online in MyUSAHousing within twenty-four (24)
from classes should complete the process online in hours of check-in / accepting the room key. If not,
MyUSAHousing (see Cancellations & Withdrawals students will be held responsible for the condition
page for step-by-step instructions and more info) of the room at check-out. When residents check-
and immediately meet with his or her respective out or vacate, charges will be applied for damages
Community Director to discuss the USA Housing or losses which were not noted on the incoming
cancellation request (see Community Desk/Ofce). Room Inspection. Repairs needed during occupancy
For any questions regarding cancellations or should be submitted through a Fix-It Request online
withdrawals, please email housing@southalabama. in MyUSAHousing. During a student’s check-out
edu. Students must check out of their room and room inspection, the RA will use previous Room
return their keys no more than forty-eight (48) hours Inspection(s) to assess the condition of the room
after withdrawing from the University or canceling or apartment (see VI.6. ‘Check-Out Procedures’). If
their housing. Students will be charged for housing unclaimed damages occur within common areas
regardless of withdrawal or approved cancellation (i.e., hallways, lobby areas, etc.) all students who are
date until the room key is returned and the student found to have caused the damage or witnessed the
checks out ofcially. causation of the damage and failed to report it may
be subject to disciplinary action and held fnancially
VI. CHECK-OUT PROC ED URES responsible for the repairs.
At check-out, residents must schedule an
I X . FU R NI T U R E
appointment with their RA a minimum of twenty-four
(24) hours prior to conducting a check-out inspection, All residents are responsible for the loss of or damage
unless they are completing an ‘Express Check-Out.’ to furniture and other equipment that is assigned
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