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STUDENT HOUSING PROGRAM

2013-2014

HoursMonday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Phone (310) 846-2648

Fax(310)665-6964

Emailstudenthousing@otis.edu

Housing Office

Welcome to The Housing Program at Playa del Oro Apartments

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The Residence Life staff at Otis College of Art and Design creates an enriching community for free thinking artists, while instilling values of self-motivation, respect and responsibility.

Going away to college allows academic, personal and social growth. Otis is a place of self-discovery where students belong to a community that supports diversity, individuality, and artistic creativity. Where students live is critical to the quality of their college experience. In our Housing Program, you will grow and develop in a diverse community of artists, realize your full potential, and make friends that will last a lifetime. Students will participate in programs, workshops, and other planned events that help foster a sense of community amongst OSHP residents, all while receiving guidance and support from on-site Residence Life Staff.

LocationIn one of Southern California’s most desirable communities and only two blocks from Otis, Playa del Oro* offers educational, cultural, social, and recreational opportunities, including convenient access to freeways, dining, beaches, shopping, and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Owned and operated by Decron Properties, Playa del Oro’s contemporary design creates a light and airy feel. Nestled in a dynamic canopy of lush flowers, trees and tropical plants are spas, a sparkling pool with barbeques, a fitness center, and a resident lounge.

Getting Started

Otis’ Office of Residence Life and Housing is committed to the personal and academic success of resident students and residence life staff.

Therefore, we:

Help to provide well-maintained, healthy and secure conditions for living and studying;

Understand residents and provide them with opportunities to understand each other;

Treat residents and staff with dignity and respect for individual differences;

Teach residents about individual responsibility, community membership and accountability to both self and others;

Create groups that support living cooperatively, interacting civilly, and learning actively, both inside and outside the classroom;

and

Provide helpful and timely assistance while teaching self-responsibility.

Welcome!

You have secured a space within the program for the 2013 – 2014 academic year.

When can I move in?The move-in date for the Otis Student Housing Program for the Fall semester will be August 18th, 2013. For students who join the Program during the Spring semester, the move-in date will be January 6, 2014.

Once all of your housing documents are returned, the Housing Office will contact you with your scheduled move-in time. Due to the nature of the Program, early move-ins cannot be accommodated.

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The Apartments

Apartment ConfigurationThe apartment units within the Otis Student Housing Program have two pos-sible configurations. See below.Requests for a particular apartment unit layout cannot be accommodated.

The ApartmentsYour unit is fully furnished with a living room sofa, chair, table, lamp, TV stand, din-ing table with chairs, and, in each bedroom a chest, two night stands, and two twin beds.

Each unit accommodates four residents with 2 bedrooms (two people per bedroom) 2 baths

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Amenities include: • Paid utilities (electric, gas, water, trash, basic cable, and broadband internet)• Resident-controlled entry and access• Spacious closets• Balcony or Patio• Access to pool and Jacuzzi • Personal washer and dryer• Access to the fitness center• Shared double parking space• Part Time Courtesy Patrol • Onsite Maintenance • Guest Parking • Gated Access • Elevator • Covered Parking• Modern kitchens with built-in appliances.

Fun & Fitness • Billiards • Clubhouse-Coffee Lounge • Dry Sauna • Picnic Area with Barbecue • Public Parks Nearby • Shimmering Swimming Pool • Soothing Spa • State-Of-The-Art Fitness Center Steam Room

Community Advantages• Access to Public Transportation • Assigned Parking • Beautiful Landscaping • Business Center • Copy & Fax Services

Now that you have secured a space in the Program, there are a few additional items needed to complete your housing file.

1. 2013 – 2014 Housing Agreement

2. Fall/Spring Semester Housing Payment in the amount of $4,288.00

3. Roommate Questionnaire

4. Emergency Contact Form

5. OSHP Release of Information (optional)

Roommate assignmentsThe Housing Office attempts to match roommates based on several levels of compat-ibility. In an effort to match roommates and suitemates, we use the Roommate Ques-tionnaire enclosed in this booklet. Please provide all information requested. It is also important that you be as honest as possible so that the Housing Office is best able to appropriately match you. If there is additional information that you would like to add, you can include that information on the back of the form or on a separate sheet of paper and submit it with your Roommate Questionnaire. Roommate assignments will be made in advance, and you will be notified no later than the second week in August of your assign-ment. The Housing Office will make every attempt to honor your requests; however, we are unable to guarantee requests.

Room changesWhile we do our best in matching interests and lifestyles, we also realize that not ev-ery living arrangement will be successful. Often times, students may resolve conflicts themselves through open and honest discussion. If an issue arises, we encourage you to seek guidance from the Resident Assistant (RA) staff. Housing Office personnel are avail-able for additional assistance with any and all roommate issues and disputes. If an issue arises, you are strongly encouraged to make every effort to resolve the conflict before a move is considered. To initiate a room change, you must speak with a Resident Assistant (RA) staff member. Room changes without consultation and written consent from the Housing Office are in violation of the Housing Agreement. No room changes will be con-sidered until September 2, 2013.

Communal LivingWithin the Otis Student Housing Program, you will be assigned to a unit based on simi-larities on the Roommate Questionnaire. You and your roommates coordinate clean-ing, grocery buying/sharing, decorating, carpooling, and the frequency of guests. Your experience strengthens life skills such as adaptation, transition, and compromise. You are expected to maintain the highest level of conduct. Failure to comply with all Otis College and Playa del Oro regulations will result in removal from the housing program, without compensation or refund.

Next Steps

Forms can be found at the end of the booklet.

Due Dates

For Fall: July 24th, 2013

For Spring: December 15, 2013

To secure your space in the housing program, all items must be submitted to the Housing Office:

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Billing

The Otis Student Housing Program is billed on a per semester basis for each student par-ticipant. The semester payment is to be paid, in full, prior to the start of each semester.

The Housing Agreement is for the entire academic year. All students are obligated to the Program for the full academic year and will be financially responsible for the entire term. The only exception given will be students who join the Program during the Spring semester. Housing for students who join the Spring semester will only be provided for the Spring term and students will only be financially responsible for such. Once you have secured a space in the Otis Student Housing Program should you decide that you no longer wish to participate, for any reason, you must:

* submit written correspondence to studenthousing@otis.edu indicating your request to withdraw from the Program and the reasoning.

Once your written release request is received, you will receive a confirmation from the office acknowledging receipt and notifying you if we are able to fill your space with an incoming student and subsequently release you from the Program.

COSTThe 2013-2014 housing fee will be $4,288 (USD) per semester for double occupancy. Payment deadline for Fall 2013 term: July 24, 2013for Spring 2014 term: December 15, 2013

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Otis Student Housing Program?The Otis Student Housing Program is an off-campus housing arrangement for Otis students in a residential community that provides student programming (i.e. seminars, workshops, events) and guidance from the Residence Life Staff.

What is the priority for the Otis Student Housing Program?The Otis Student Housing Program offers housing based on proximity. Priority for housing will be given to students currently residing in countries other than the U.S., out-of-state students, and those living in Northern California.

Where is Otis Student Housing located?Student housing is located at Playa del Oro Apartments, approximately two blocks from campus and within walking distance to beaches, shopping, and entertainment. Since Playa del Oro is an apartment complex, students must maintain the highest level of conduct. Failure to comply with all Otis and apartment complex regulations will result in removal from the housing program.

Can students live in the Otis Student Housing Program after their first year?Our program is set up for foundation level and transfer students. Our hope is that those new to the area utilize us and make friends, get to know the area, and then are able to move on for their subsequent years at Otis. The Office of Student Affairs does offer a variety of resources such as Rental Websites, Apartment Listings, Apartment Agencies, and a Roommate Listing where students can write their own roommate ad.

COST

What is the cost for Otis Student Housing?The cost per semester is $4,288.00 (2013-2014 academic year) plus a $550.00 Security/Damage Deposit (based on double occupancy). The cost includes a fully furnished apartment, room, utilities, basic cable, parking (two spaces per apartment unit), and Internet access. Housing is only available for the academic year (fall and spring).

Are there any additional costs directly associated with the Program?Students are required to obtain mandatory renter’s insurance to protect their belongings, as well as the apartment complex. Students must obtain a renters insurance policy, independently of the College and will be required to provide proof prior to moving in.

Will I get my $550.00 Security/Damage Deposit back?Otis will hold the Security/Damage Deposit until May when students vacate the apartments and Playa del Oro assesses damages. Based on the damage billing, students are charged by apartment. Each apartment will automatically be charged a carpet cleaning fee as well as a painting fee, which is collected evenly amongst the student residents. Any additional fees will be deducted from the deposits made.

MOVING IN/OUT

When is the Move-In date for Housing?The Move-In date for the Fall is August 18, 2013. The move-in date for the Spring is January 6, 2014. Each residential apartment will be given a move-in time to assist with crowd control. Due to the nature of the Program, early move-ins can NOT be accommodated.

When is the Move-Out date for Housing?The Move-Out date is May 7 , 2014 no later than 5:00 pm

ROOMATES

How are roommates matched?Roommates are paired by similarities on the Roommate Questionnaire. If roommate conflicts arise, there is staff on site to provide mediation. After mediation if differences cannot be accepted and/or countered, the staff is trained to provide a room switch, depending on space availability.

Can I request my own roommate?Yes, as long as they are also full time Foundation students or new student transfers. If you would like to request a roommate, write their name on the bottom of the Roommate Questionnaire.

THE APARTMENTS

Can I request a private/single room?Yes, a request for a private/single room can be made; however, the amount of the deposit doubles, as well as each semester payment. Individuals who elect to request and who are successful in obtaining a private/single room, must commit to the space for the entire academic year. Requests will be accepted on a space availability basis.

What are the amenities?Each unit has two bedrooms and two baths. Amenities include: paid utilities, spacious closets, internet access, basic cable, access to the complex pool, Jacuzzi, entertainment room, and recreational center. Each is furnished with a stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, and dishwasher. Each unit is also fully furnished. For security, the building and garage have a state-of-the-art card key entry system.

Do student residents have access to laundry facilities?YES, There is a washing machine and a dryer in each apartment unit.

What do the rooms look like?All units are two bedroom two bathroom units and have four residents (two per room). Interior ~ 983 square feet Deck ~ 66 square feet Total ~ 1049 (approximate)

WHAT TO BRING

What furniture should I bring with me?Each apartment unit is fully furnished. Furniture includes a regular twin size bed for each resident, dresser and night stands, living room furniture with a flat screen television, and a dining set. Before making additional furniture purchases individuals are advised to speak with their roommate and apartment-suite mates. Students should also wait to purchase any large items until their arrival in the unit. Pots, pans, dishes, and utensils are not included. Students should plan to bring these items with them or purchase them upon your arrival.

What additional items should I bring with me?Since each apartment is fully furnished, that limits the furniture-type items that you will need to bring. In order to get situated in the housing program, you will simply need to bring your personal belongings, which includes clothes and toiletries, as well as linens for a regular twin sized bed. The office also recommends that you bring items which will help make your new apartment your home away from home.

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Will I need to have a car?Having a car makes transportation easier; however, you can get by without a car. Both Otis and the Otis Student Housing Program are accessible via the Santa Monica (Big Blue Bus) #3 bus line. You can log on to their website at the following url: http://www.bigbluebus.com/home/index.asp If I do bring a car, is parking guaranteed?Each apartment unit will be issued a tandem parking space (two car spaces). When the office is matching roommates, we do our best not to place more than two people in a unit who will be bringing a car with them; however, in the event that there are more than two people in the unit with a car, the residents will be required to alternate who parks in the garage and who parks on the street.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Does Otis offer a meal plan?Unfortunately we do not have a meal plan organized through the College. However, the café does have a debit system, which can be set up through them with a credit card. Each apartment unit also has a full kitchen where students are able to make meals for themselves.

Is the area safe?Westchester is a fairly safe area in Los Angeles. The Playa del Oro apartment complex is a gated community with a state of the art key entry system. In addition, there are courtesy officers who make rounds of the community.

Where can I buy groceries?The local stores are:Ralphs: 1/2 block away www.ralphs.comBristol Farms 1/2 block away www.bristolfarms.com Farmer’s Market each Wedneday morning, across the street from campus.Albertsons www.albertsons.comTrader Joes www.traderjoes.comVons www.vons.comGelsons www.gelsons.com Q. What are the local Pharmacies?The local drug stores are:CVS www.cvs.comWalgreens www.walgreens.com

Q. Is there a hospital nearby?

Yes. The two closest Hospitals are: Playa Vista Medical Center (Urgent Care Center)6020 Sea Bluff DrivePlaya Vista, CA 90094Phone: 310-862-0400

Marina del Rey Medical Center4650 Lincoln Blvd Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Phone: 310-823-8911

Is there anything to do around the Otis Student Housing Program?The apartments offer an opportunity for students to live in one of Southern California’s most desirable communities. There are many educational, cultural, social, and recreational opportunities, including convenient access to major freeways, beaches, hiking and biking, shopping, and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

RAs

How do you become a Resident Assistant?There is an application process to become part of the Residence Life Team. The application and interview process takes place beginning the month of January. Most RA’s participate first as Resident Assistants in the Summer of Art program to gain residential and supervisory experience. Each year at least four RA’s are hired for the academic year. Move in for RA’s is typically three weeks prior to resident move in so that they can participate in Resident Assistant Training.

Can a Foundation level student become an RA?The Resident Assistant is a highly sought after position. The position is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and Graduate Students who are carrying a full load of classes.

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING

We encouraged you to speak with your roommates prior to purchasing any items to ensure balance within the apartment unit.

Kitchen utensilsPots and pansSmall appliances (coffee pot, toaster, alarm clock)Laundry detergentCleaning suppliesTrash canVacuumBedding and linens (for a standard twin sized bed)Towels and toiletriesIron and ironing boardSurge protectorWireless internet routerClothes hangersEmergency & first aid kitSmall safe for valuables

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ResidentAssistants

Each resident will have access to our talented staff of live-in Resident Assistants (RA’s) who are responsible for not only maintaining a safe and healthy living environment within the halls but also for building community amongst residents.

Resident Assistants are undergraduate students who have been trained to work with students in the Otis Student Housing Program. A Resident Assistant (RA) is a trained peer leader who supervises those living within the residential community.

An RA has many roles and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, acting as a para-counselor for students, being a familiar first resource for students with academic or insti-tutional questions, and enforcing residence policies. In addition to the aforementioned, RAs provide students living in the Program with monthly events and activities.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Past activities and events have included (but are not limited to):

Pool Parties/BarbequesTee Shirt Design CompetitionsTrips to area theme parks (i.e. Disneyland, Six Flags, and Universal Studios)Trips to MuseumsCooking ContestsGame NightsHealthy Living & Fitness ProgramsAlcohol & Drug Education ProgramsTrips to the TheatreRoom Decoration Competitions

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The Otis Student Housing Program is open throughout the fall and spring semester with the exception of winter break. For the winter break all students are required to vacate the property. Students are permitted to leave their belongings in the unit as long as they are scheduled to return for the spring semester.

International StudentsInternational students are permitted to submit a written request to remain in housing for the winter break; however, requests my be approved or denied. International students needing accommodations over the winter break must submit the written request no later than November 30th. The Otis Student Housing Program will be closed from December 15th (5:00pm) through January 6th.

For your safety, all apartment unit doors should be locked, even when you are in the apartment. When you leave your apartment, you must close and secure windows and patio doors, as well. Residents are required to carry their apartment and community keys at all times.

Locked out? If you are locked out of your apartment during business hours you may borrow a set of keys from the Housing Office. At night, on weekends and holidays, contact the Resident Assistant staff. The staff will do their best to accommodate you.

Key & Equipment Replacement If you lose a key, you should notify the Housing Office and your RA immediately. You will be billed for the replacement of any lost key or equipment.

The safety of all students, especially residential students is of paramount concern for the College community. General safety tips include, but are not limited to: Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid walking and text messaging, being too in-volved with phone conversations, etc.

Walk/Travel in pairs or in a group. There is safety in numbers.

If you notice suspicious behavior, please call 911.

If you feel that suspicious behavior is occurring or you have observed something out of the ordinary, but don’t feel that it warrants a call to 911, please call Playa del Oro security at (310) 926.8636 and your Resident Assistant.

When driving, make sure that you always lock your car doors.

If you will be away from your apartment for an extended period of time, let your room-mates know that you’ll be gone and when you plan to return.

Always lock your apartment door when you leave, even if you are not planning to be gone long.

Do not open or hold controlled access doors or gates, on the Playa del Oro property, for any person(s). If a resident is expecting a guest, allow them to be the one to let the per-son onto the property.

Winter Break

Keys/Locks

Safety

Closure Dates5:00 pm Dec 15, 2013 - Jan 6, 2014The Otis Student Housing Program is Closed over Winter Break.

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Liability

FacilityMaintenance

Student Conduct

All residents of the Otis Student Housing Program are required to obtain renter’s insur-ance coverage. Renter’s insurance covers property loss and liability in the event that you accidentally cause major damage within the Otis Student Housing Program at Playa del Oro Apartments. You can choose your amount of coverage for your personal property; however, you must obtain a minimum of $50,000 in liability coverage.

You are able to obtain renter’s insurance coverage from any insurance company that you would like.

The Housing Office also recommends that prior to obtaining a separate renter’s insurance policy that you have your parent/guardian check with their homeowner or renter’s insurance policy to inquire if you are already covered while away at school in the residential community.

All students, whether covered through a parent/guardian policy or through a separate policy, must submit a copy of the declarations page of the policy (this is the page that list the address of the property and the coverage amounts) to the Housing Office prior to move-in. Students will not be permitted to move-in without first providing proof of insur-ance coverage.

Otis College and Playa del Oro assume no responsibility and provide no financial protec-tion or insurance for any student loss. The College and Property will also not assume responsibility for any claims for damages sustained by the resident or to others. The College and Property is not responsible for possessions belonging to residents or their guests, which may be lost, stolen, or damaged in any way, whenever this may occur on the premises.

NF Playa del Oro is the owner/ operator of Playa del Oro Apartments in Los Angeles and retains all responsibility for management of the property. All requests for service or main-tenance must be directed to Playa del Oro management through the on-site staff.

Due to the nature of the Otis Student Housing Program, students are required to uphold the highest level of conduct throughout the duration of the Program. Students who are found in violation of any College, Housing Program, or Playa del Oro policies and/or house rules will be sanctioned accordingly.

RENTER’S INSURANCECompanies that students have found success with in past years are:

AAA (310)776-4294 www.aaa.com

State Farm (310)641-8990 www.statefarm.com

Assurant (877)388-8743 www.propertyins.com

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Main Address 9045 Lincoln Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90045(310) 665-6800

Office of Student Affairs(310) 665.6960student@otis.edu

Housing Office (310) 846-2648 studenthousing@otis.edu