Check-In: 8/21/14 ~ 8/24/14 Times: 8am – 8pm only

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY | U.M.E.S.

OFF-CAMPUS

HOUSING

OFFICE

ARDEN’S RUN & TALONS

SQUARE NORTH

IMPORTANT SEMESTER INFO

Office of Residence Life

Greetings and Salutations Hawks!

Welcome to your new home away from home! I am Mr. Rhett R. Burden, your Area Director/Counselor for the Off -Campus Housing Communities, Arden’s Run and Talons Square North.

My staff and I are truly excited that you have decided to reside with us in either Arden’s Run or Talons Square North. I welcome you as a new comer or back to the community in which we all take great pride. Residing with us will without a doubt enhance your college experience.

You will make life‐long friends, enjoy opportunities to learn outside of the classroom and gain the life skills needed to eventually live on your own. You are part of the largest housing communities at UMES!

With 400 plus, students living within the two (2) communities, this spring will

definitely be an exciting time for you. Our beautiful communities includes: a picnic area, a volleyball court, grills and

a car wash. Each apartment includes amenities such as washers and dryer, dish washer, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, single furnished bedrooms, cable and high speed internet.

To enhance your experience, we have five (5) Student Directors who conduct social/educational programs, room and suite inspection and area security. They also are trained specialist in minor dispute resolution.

Our housing office, which is located in Talons Square North, is open daily to

assist with any problems or concerns you may have.

Our Residence Life staff looks forward to assisting you with all aspects of transition to campus life! We can be reached by phone at 410-621-0497 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) or you may reach me anytime by email at rrburden@umes.edu . Once again, I am excited about the coming academic year and hope you share my enthusiasm!

Rhett R. Burden

Area Director/Counselor Office of Residence Life

Office Campus Housing- Arden’s Run/Talons Square North

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING GENERAL INFORMATION

Important Numbers:

Office of Residence Life: 410-651-6144

Off Campus Office Number: 410-621-0498

Area Director Office Number: 410-621-0497

Campus Police: 410-651-6590 or 410-651-3300

Maintenance Concerns:

Please be sure to contact your Student Director

directly or Call the Off-Campus Office for ALL

MAINTENACE CONCERNS.

*Please keep in mind that all issues will be

addressed as soon as staffing, supplies &

equipment becomes available*

Student Director Information:

Arden’s Run Staff

Sierra Ragsdale-Miller: D-Building, Room-204 E

Jered Brown: E-Building, Room- 104 E

Naomi Glenn: H-Building, Room-204 E

Talons Square North

Mengie Muluh: Building 30511, Room-4302

Juan Harrison: Building 30519, Room-1204

Office of Residence Life

Arden’s Run and Talons North: Standard of Living Document

The following policies and procedures are designed to protect the right to privacy, to promote

an atmosphere conducive to living and learning, to protect personal property and to respect the

needs of each individual.

Should a resident or his/her guest choose not to comply with these regulations; monetary fines,

relocation and/or judicial action may follow.

All policies and procedures outlined herein apply to residents living in any facility under the

management of the Office of Residence Life.

A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Students living or visiting any off-campus facility are expected to abide by the rules, regulation,

and standards of the campus.

Residents must also comply with the terms and conditions of occupancy as stated in the

housing agreement.

Any behaviors deemed as disruptive to sleeping or studying are prohibited.

B. PERSONAL PROPERTY

The Office of Residence Life assumes no liability for the loss or damage, from any cause, to

students’ personal property. It is suggested that students contact an insurance agent regarding

insuring personal property.

C. COOPERATION

Students must follow oral or written instructions regarding University regulations as given by

authorized representatives of the University including all members of the off-campus housing

staff.

Failure to cooperate with staff members acting in accordance with their duties is prohibited.

D. ENTRY INTO STUDENT ROOMS BY HOUSING OFFICIALS

Residential Services reserves the right to grant staff members or authorized agent’s permission

to enter student rooms for the purpose of assessing and repairing the physical facilities and to

ensure the maintenance of appropriate health and safety standards, which may include policy

violations.

E. SOLICITATION/SQUATTING

Solicitation in the buildings or on the grounds is prohibited.

Students/student organizations may not use the rooms or permit rooms to be used, for any

commercial or non-university purposes whatsoever.

Any person found soliciting/squatting in the off-campus facilities is subject to arrest and judicial

sanctions.

F. PETS

Absolutely no pets are allowed in any residential community. Residents found maintaining pets

are subject to a $500 fine and possible eviction. Pets will be removed by the University, or its

representative and not returned to the owner until a parent or Humane Society Officer removes

the pet from the premises. If no cooperation can be obtained from either, a suitable home for the

animal will be located off campus or the pet will be released in the wild. Cages will not be

returned.

G. OFFENSIVE AND OBNOXIOUS ODORS

Residents are to control the environment and use of substances in their room so those odors,

which are offensive to others, do not emanate from that room. Such substances may include

incense, heavy perfumes, deodorant room scents or other substances that create odors that may

be difficult to confine to one particular room.

H. LOUD MUSIC AND NOISE

Courtesy hours are in effect at all times and are defined as times during which students are to

consider the impact of their music, noise, etc. on other members of the community. Students are

expected to act in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with individual and/or group

rights.

Sound equipment, including radios, stereos, amplifiers, etc. must be operated with

consideration of others.

I. ACTS OF INTOLERANCE, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT

Acts of intolerance, physical violence and/or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

Disciplinary action will result from any such incident.

J. GUEST POLICY

It is important to note that a suite is a private space that should be shared equally by all

roommates.

As a responsible roommate, it is not appropriate to engage in any activity that would deny your

roommate access to the room, or make them feel uncomfortable while in the room. When one

roommate has a friend or friends visiting, it should always be with the consent of the other

roommate(s). Students may have overnight guests in their rooms with all roommates’

permission.

In addition, no student is permitted to have an overnight guest.

It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the host to explain all University policies and to

be held accountable for the actions of his/her guest.

If you leave your room or guest unattended, you can also be held responsible for the guest’s

activities.

K. ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

The Office of Residence Life prohibits the unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illicit

drugs and alcohol on its property and/or as part of its activities.

All resident students are expected to abide by these laws with regard to the possession, use or

sale of alcohol and other drugs.

It is a criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail and $2000 fine, for any person to

furnish any alcoholic beverage to a person less than 21 years.

More specifically, the policies are as follows:

1. Students under the age of 21 cannot possess, consume, transport, be served alcohol, or be in

the presence of alcohol. (Including empty bottles or cans, even as a decoration).

2. It is a violation to possess or consume alcohol in the common areas of the facility.

3. Students may not provide alcohol to minors.

4. Alcohol (or empty alcohol bottles/cans) should not be displayed in windows.

5. Students may not possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs or possess drug-related

paraphernalia.

L. FIRE SAFETY POLICIES

Fire Alarms: All students are required to follow fire evacuation procedures. Failure to evacuate

during a fire alarm is a violation of Maryland state law and UMES policy and will result in

disciplinary action. Residential Services/Physical Plant Services conducts fire drills twice a year.

Student cooperation and support is essential during all fire drills.

Fire-Fighting Equipment: Any tampering with the fire alarms or fire-fighting equipment is

prohibited. This includes alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, heat and smoke detectors and

sprinkler systems. All safety and fire equipment in the room/apartment (smoke and heat detectors,

sprinklers and water pipes) must be kept clear of obstruction.

General Fire Safety: Due to the threat of safety causes by falling ashes, the use of incense is

prohibited in the facilities. Candles (whether lit or unlit), scented lamps and open flame devices

of any kind, except for cigarette lighters and matches, are prohibited anywhere in student

rooms and the facilities.

M. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE OFF-CAMPUS FACILITIES

Firearms (including antique guns), explosives and other weapons, ammunition, fireworks,

starting pistols, incendiary or toxic chemicals, paintball equipment, air rifles, bb pellets, dart

guns, torches, stun guns, swords, knives, or any other type of weapon or projectile-firing

device.

N. UNAUTHORIZED VIDEO/CABLE/COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

Use of any unauthorized use of video equipment, or computers may result in disciplinary

action against a student. Any impermissibly electronics which infringes upon another person’s

right to privacy may also result in disciplinary action and/or the required removal of the video.

O. DAMAGE DEPOSIT AND KEYS/LOCKOUTS

Damage to the student rooms and furnishings beyond normal wear is the financial

responsibility of the assigned occupants of the room. The damage will be assessed and charged,

to the student account.

Student Room Keys

1. Room keys should not be loaned to others at any time.

2. Lost keys must be reported immediately to the Off-Campus Housing Office for safety

reasons.

3. In the event a student loses a room key, a lock change is required and will be processed

through the Off-Campus Housing Office.

Charges

Room Key- $100.00

Door Key- $100.00

Key Card- $25.00

The University Lock-out Policy

During University business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm), students will come to the

Office of Off-Campus Housing to be let in. After University business hours, students will need

to contact the student director on-call and after midnight call Campus Police (ext. 6590/3300) in

order to be let in to their rooms.

P. OCCUPANCY POLICIES

Room Changes: The proper paperwork must be obtained from the Office of Residence Life and

completed before making a room change. If approval for a room change is granted, the student

must complete the proper check-out and check-in procedure with the Student Director.

Students who move without going through the above procedures will be subject to disciplinary

action.

Summer/Winter Sessions: All facilities will be closed during the academic recesses.

Q. CARE AND USE OF FACILITIES

The University requires proper care and use of residential facilities at all times. Registered

occupants of each room are responsible for keeping their room and its contents in good order

and free from damage by themselves and others.

The following are policies related to use of residential facilities;

Furnishings: provided in the public areas of the facilities are for the use of all students and may

not be “relocated” for use in student rooms.

Smoking: Occupants or visitors may not smoke in the residence halls including private rooms,

corridors, stairwells, laundries, offices, student centers, lobbies, kitchens, lounges and other

space available for common use.

Items on wall: No Student can hang ANY ITEM on the wall of any sort with any material.

Paint: Students are not permitted to paint their rooms.

Screens and windows: must remain in place at all times. Students are prohibited from throwing

or hanging any items out of their windows.

Bicycles: may not be stored in a resident’s room, common areas or stairwells because they

represent a hazard that may obstruct a fire exit.

Personal Beds: are not allowed without authorization from the Office of Residence Life.

Students will be charged $400.00 bed replacement if they remove bed.

Storage of personal belongings: in common areas is not permitted at any time

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POLICIES AND

PROCEDURES EXPLAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT

AND THE OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE

HANDBOOK, WHETHER YOU READ IT OR NO

Talons Square North Residents

SUITE/ROOM INSPECTION EXPECTATIONS

KITCHEN

Floor must be swept and mopped

Refrigerator needs to be wiped clean inside & outside

Stove must be cleaned and wiped off

Counter top and sinks are wiped

Cabinets are wiped down

Free of personal items (this area is not your storage area)

No dirty dishes

Trash must be emptied

LAUNDRY ROOM

Machines must be cleaned inside and out

Floor swept/mopped

Free of personal items (this area is not your storage area)

HALLWAY STAIRS

Hallway must be vacuumed or swept

BATHROOM Mirrors must be cleaned

Sink must be cleaned

Showers must be cleaned

Toilet inside must be ring free

Toilet seat must be cleaned under seat and on top

Floor must be clean

Trash must be emptied

BEDROOMS Floor has to be vacuumed

Desk must be wiped off

Dresser must be clean

Bed must be left in a presentable manner

Trash must be emptied

OFF-CAMPUS BILLING STATMENT

Students can be billed for more than one incident equaling in a bill per occurrence. Example-

You can be billed for your room and any area that is your responsibility

If BEFORE the inspection, you cleaned your designated area, BUT during inspection it is found

to be in violation of the policy, YOU WILL STILL BE BILLED!

Residents have 24 hours from time of inspection to contest.

Arden’s Run Residents SUITE/ROOM INSPECTION EXPECTATIONS

KITCHEN: Floor must be clean (swept, swiffered, mopped)

Refrigerator (wiped clean inside & outside)

Stove must be cleaned and wiped off

Counter top and sinks are wiped down

No dirty dishes

Trash must be emptied

LANDING (outside of your front door):

Must be clean and free of trash

LAUNDRY ROOM Machines must be cleaned inside and out

Floor swept/mopped

No items hanging from ANY UNIT

Free of your personal items that are not laundry related

Trash must be emptied

BATHROOM Mirrors must be cleaned

Sink must be cleaned

Showers must be cleaned

Toilet inside must be ring free

Toilet seat must be cleaned under seat and on top

Under toilet must be cleaned free of dust

Floor must be swept and mopped

Trash must be emptied

BEDROOMS Floor has to be vacuumed

Desk must be wiped off

Dresser should be clutter free

Bed should be in a presentable order

Trash must be emptied

OFF-CAMPUS BILLING STATMENT

Students can be billed for more than one incident equaling in a bill per occurrence. Example-

You can be billed for your room and any area that is your responsibility

If BEFORE the inspection, you cleaned your designated area, BUT during inspection it is found

to be in violation of the policy, YOU WILL STILL BE BILLED!

Residents have 24 hours from time of inspection to contest

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE

FOR THE POLICIES AND

PROCEDURES

EXPLAINED IN THIS

DOCUMENT AND THE

OFFICE OF RESIDENCE

LIFE HANDBOOK,

WHETHER YOU READ IT

OR NOT

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR CONCERNS

Mr. Rhett Burden

Area Director/Counselor

Arden’s Run and Talons Square North

Main Office: 410-621-0498

AD Office: 410-621-0497