Priority Housing Application Period April 13th-20th!

The Crown/Merrill Guide to Room

Selection 2015-2016T

HE C

IRCLE OF HOUSIN

G

Early Group SelectionMay 18th

Cultural Center at Merrill

Online Room Selection May 19th- May 21st

Community Room SelectionMay 20th-21st

All Campus Room SelectionThursday, May 21st

Priority Housing Application Period April 13th - April 20thstudenthousing.ucsc.edu

Info Sessions Coming in Early April

DatesTo Be Announced

Early Group Application Forms DueApril 29th

Crown/Merrill Res Life Office

Room Selection TimelineApril

May

Page 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Page 3 Frequently Asked Questions

Page 4 Early Group Selection

Page 5 Community Room Selection

Page 6 Community Room Selection Cont.

Page 7 Room Selection: Step-by-Step

Page 8 Room Selection Cont.

Page 9 Room Selection Cont.

Page 10 Res Hall Options

Page 11 Apartment Options

Page 12 Apartment Options Cont.

-apartment layouts

Page 13 Waitlist Info

Page 14 Waitlist Info Cont.

Page 15 Things to Remember

Page 16 Crown/Merrill Policies

Page 17 UCSC Principles of Community

Please read all the enclosed information before asking questions. You may find your answers within these pages...

Contents

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FAQsWhat are my housing options?

Any student who wants a space in University Housing can have one. Crown

and Merrill have options in both the Residence Halls and Apartments.

Students who opt for a res hall room get to lock in the 2014-15 rate with the RateSaver

option! Simply apply during Priority Housing Application Period.

Can I apply for housing atmultiple communities?

No, you can only have one application on file, so consider your options carefully! If a space at your applied-for-community is not

available you will be placed on our Wait List and our Housing Coordinator will

work on placing you ASAP.

If I change my college affiliation for Fall 2016, can I have housing at my new

college?

Regardless of affiliation, students can apply to any housing facility they wish to live in. However, priority does go to

affiliates of that college. At this point, it is too late to change affiliation and have it take effect before the Priority Housing

Aplication Period begins.

I’d like to share a room with someone of a different gender. Is this possible?

If you are interested in gender neutral housing, there is a separate application and interview process. Please refer to

the Student Housing Services website at housing.ucsc.edu for more

information

What is Early Group Selection?

Eligible students wanting to reserve a space early and bypass online Room Selection

may choose to participate in Early Group Selection. On May 18th approved Groups will be able to select their space in person with the Housing Coordinator (or rethink their options if the desired space is unavailable). Once they have chosen their space, they will be entered

into the system and will not have to participate in Online Room Selection.

Students interested in Early Group Selection must submit a declaration form to the housing

office by April 29. Students will be notified via email by May 12th if they have been

selected to participate and will be assigned an appointment time based on the collective

points of all group members (averaged by total number of group members).

What are Neighborhood Groups?

Neighborhood groups can be either Apartment Groups or Residence Hall Groups. Apartment groups must be able to fill an entire

apartment of 4, 5 or 6 people. However, the majority of apartments available during Early Group Selection will be six person apartments

consisting of two triple rooms.

In Residence Hall Groups, students are able to select a block of residence hall rooms

with a group of friends to create your own “neighborhood.” A group must include a

minimum of 3 applicants, and may consist of students from your college and/or other

colleges.

Not everyone in the group needs to attend Early Group Selection. If someone has class the group representative will be able to assign

the entire group. Groups will be sorted by a point system that prioritizes affiliates and

upper division students.

Is it true that students who live in the Res Halls next year get to pay the 14-15 rate?

Yes! Any continuingstudent who chooses (or is assigned) a

Residence Hall space for fall will lock in the ‘14-’15 room and board rate!

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Can I pick a Res Hall room and still be on the wait list for an apartment?

Yes! After Room Selection a wait list form will be available to sign up for a room

swap over the summer. However, there are no guarantees, so we recommend being as

flexible as possible.

How do I cancel my application?

* If a wait list application is cancelled prior to a space being assigned, any

deferment of the advance housing fee will be cancelled and student will not be billed.

Students can go online to cancel their application at

studenthousing.ucsc.edu.

* If a confirmed contract/reserved housing space is cancelled prior to move-

in, you will be billed for the advanced housing fee. Additional late cancellation

fees may also apply. You can go online and cancel your application at

studenthousing.ucsc.edu.

Do I have to be on a meal plan if I get an apartment?

Yes, all Crown/Merrill residents must be on a meal plan. Many apartment residents

opt for the 55-meal plan.

What is All Campus Room Selection?

All Campus Room Selection is an online selection showing the available remaining spaces across campus after Community

Room Selection. This process is only available to students who were invited but did not select a space during the community-specific room selection

process.

Can I live with a friend froma different college?

Yes! Priority, however, goes to affiliates of that college. Room Selection is

prioritized based on affiliation and class

level. Continuing students from any UCSC College are eligible to live at The Village

and University Town Center. If you and a friend from another college would like to live

together, consider applying to one of these housing communities.

What are my chances of getting anapartment?

Good! We have 14 apartment buildings between Crown and Merrill. The most

common layout is the six person apartment consisting of two triple rooms.

How are time slots decided for Online Room Selection?

The Priority Point system is used to assist Crown/Merrill in determining what priority students will have in room selection. Priority points are assigned based on a student’s year of entry (not credits) and affilation with their applied for college. This will create the most equitable way to acknowledge affiliates and

the upper-division status of students.

Year of Entry Priority Points

2011 & 2012 32013 22014 1

College Affiliation Priority Points

Affiliate 3Non-affiliate 0

Guarantee Status

Guarantee 3Non-Guarantee 0

FAQs Cont.

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Eligible students wanting to reserve a space early and bypass the Online Room Selection process may choose to participate in one of the following Early Group Selection options at the

community to which they applied.

The deadline to submit an Early Group Selection Application is April 29th. The application is available on the Crown and Merrill websites, or for pickup at the Housing Office. The form will be posted on the Crown and Merrill College websites. If approved, students will be notified their

appointment time by May 14th.

Apartment Groups• Some apartments are set aside exclusively for full apartment households. Apartment groups

must be able to fill an entire apartment, and may consist of students from your college and/or other colleges. Both Crown and Merrill affilations will have the same number of points. Priority will be given based on the collective points of all household members (averaged by total number of group members).

Residence Hall Groups• Select a block of residence hall rooms with a group of friends to create your own “neighbor-

hood”. Your group must include a minimum of three applicants, and may consist of students from your college and/or other colleges.

• Groups that do not select a space during Early Group Selection will be able to participate in Community Room Selection (May 19th-20th) to find a room, and can also participte in All Campus Room Selection (May 21st), in which all remaining open spaces across all communities will be avaiable to any students who have not yet secured a space.

Early Group Selection Tips• Make sure all group members apply during the Priority Housing Application Period.• Make sure all group members apply for the same college (ex. Crown or Merrill).• Make sure all group members are eligible to live on campus next year.• If you are an all sophomore group remember that we have mostly 6 person apartments

(Small Triple/Small Triple). Your chances of getting an apartment as a full group is better if you apply for a 6 person apartment.

• Talk about who is living with whom, or paying for what type of room, before Early Group Selection.

Early Group SelectionMay 18th

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Room Selection Invitation EmailCheck your UCSC email address! By Thursday, May 15th, students who are eligible to participate in online room selection have received an email containing an access code and appointment time to log in.

Note: Students who select a space during Early Group Selection do not participate in the Online Group Selection Process

Logging InIf you have been assigned an appointment for the online room selection process, we recommend logging in at your scheduled time. You may log in anytime after your appointment, but other students at your community will also be logging into the system during the room selection period to select their housing space, limiting the available options.

If you need help, come to the Res Ed Office during normal business hours (M-F, 9am-7pm), and someone will be available to assist you. A computer will be available for student use.

Selecting a Space• You can select a space as an individual or with a group of friends who are eligible to

participate in online room selection at your community.• If you are part of a group, you may determine who has the earliest appointment time

and allow that person to login to select housing for the group.• Once you’ve identified your group leader, you may share your access code with her/

him. By doing so, you authorize your friend to select your housing and agree to accept that person’s decision.

• Partial groups are allowed, so you can select an apartment/room even if your group won’t completely fill the space. Just remember, if there are unassigned spaces in your apartment/room, they will be filled by other students during room selection or by the housing staff at your community.

If you do not participate in Early Group Selection, you will be able to select a space during the online process.

Community Room SelectionMay 19-20th

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• Make a plan! Once you confirm your selection, you cannot go back and make

changes. Talk to your group ahead of time about what types of rooms each person is willing to accept and who will share a room with whom, especially if there are members of your group who will not be present at the time of selection. Having a plan – and possibly a back-up plan – will make the selection process easier for your group.

• In order for another member of your group to select a space for you, you will need to share your access code with her/him. Please use caution when sharing your access code. By doing so, you are authorizing another person to select your housing and agreeing to accept that person’s decision as final.

Individual SelectionIf you prefer, you can select a space as an individual. Just remember, if there are unassigned spaces in your apartment/room they may be filled by students during room selection or by housing staff.

Complete Your SelectionOnce you choose an apartment/room, you will assign yourself (and any group members) to the available spaces. In addition to your room assignment(s), you (and each group member) will be assigned the meal plan preference specified in your housing application(s).

Online Room Selection ends at 11:59 PM on May 21st, 2015If you have not completed your selection by 11:59 PM on May 21st, you can still

apply, but will not be able to choose your own space. The Housing Coordinator

will place you as space becomes available.

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Room Selection: Step by Step

STEP ONE: Apply! Priority Housing Application Period is April 13th-20th. Log onto

studenthousing.ucsc.edu and fill out a 2015-2016 application.

STEP TWO:Fill out a Neighborhood Group Declaration Form if you wish to participate in Early Group Selection. Deadline is April 29th! Find the forms online on the Crown and Merrill websites, or in the Res Ed Office. Those selected to participate in Early Group Selection will be notified by email.

STEP THREE:Early Group Selection! On May 18th, Neighborhood groups will be invited to select their space in the apartments and res halls. Each group will be designated an arrival time based on their cumulative points. The Housing Coordinator will be able to assign groups to the space of their choosing, given availability of that space.

Groups that are not able to select a space during Early Group Selection will be able to participate in Online Room Selection on May 19th-20th.

STEP FOUR:Online Room Selection! For students who did not participate in (or did not find a space during) Early Group Selection.A. Log inMake sure you have the following information before logging in:• Your room selection access code (sent to you in an email)• The access codes of your group members, if you would like to select as a

groupIf you received an email but have forgotten your access code or appointment time, you may click on the link on the log in box that says “Forgotten your access code?” to have your log in information resent to your UCSC email address.

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B. Select Group Members• You will have the option of selecting a space as an individual or part of a

group. • If you wish to select a residence with other students, you must enter

their access codes and click on the “Add to Group” button. Each group member’s name will appear in the box as you add them.

• To remove someone from your group, click the “Remove from Group” button next to their name.

C. Group/Individual Confirmation• To indicate that you would like to select as an individual, check the

box at the bottom of the page stating “I plan to select a residence as an individual” and click “Continue” to go to building selection. To go back and select group members, click “Modify Group.”

• If you are proceeding as a group, clicking “Continue” affirms that each group member has authorized you to select housing on their behalf. Adding someone without their permission will result in disciplinary action, including the cancellation of your university housing space and the loss of your housing eligibility.

D. Building Selection• Only buildings with spaces that will accommodate your group size,

gender(s), and eligibility level(s) will be shown.• You can click on a building name to see all floors available in that building.• Please keep in mind that if any group member has restricted room

selection eligibility (e.g. eligible for residence hall selection only) your group options will be limited as a result.

E. Floor Selection• Click on a Floor to see the available spaces. Any themes or housing options

associated with one or more rooms on the floor will be indicated.

F. Apartment/Room Selection• You will be allowed to select an available space listed on the page. • The selected space will be held for 45 minutes. During this time, you must

assign yourself and any group members and confirm your selection. If your time expires, this space will become available for others to select.

• You will be able to see what rooms/apartments are either empty, partially filled or held by others

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• Priority applicants who do not select a space at their applied-for-community during Community room Selection can select from any remaining spaces at other communities during All Campus Room Selection on Thursday, May 21st.

• Once the online room selection process ends, beginning Friday, May 22nd and continuing throughout the summer, the Housing Coordinator for each community will assign any students who have not yet placed themselves to rooms or apartments as spaces become available

G. Room Assignment

At this point, you must assign yourself (and any group members) to a space and confirm your selection before your time has expired, or this space will become available for others to select. If other students have been assigned to the apartment or room you are looking at, their names will also be displayed, along with their answers to the questions from the Housing Application.

H. Assignment Confirmation

You will be able to review your room assignment(s). To complete your assignment(s), click the “Confirm Selection” button. If you wish to make changes to your selection, click the “Previous Step” button.

YOU CANNOT MAKE ANY CHANGES ONCE YOU CONFIRM YOUR SELECTION.

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For those who are without a space after Community Room Selection:

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have completed the room selection process. Your housing contract is confirmed and your space in university housing is reserved for the entire

2015-2016 academic year. You and any group members will be sent a confirmation email at your

UCSC email address confirming your assignment(s).

Res Hall OptionsAt Crown/Merrill

Take advantage of theRate Savers Option!

Continuing Students who file during the Priority Housing Application Period and opt

to stay in the residence halls will pay the 2014-2015 rate!

Crown and Merrill both have continuing students buildings

that offer single, double, and triple room options.

Crown’s, Gauss building, and Merrill’s, C and D dorms can

offer the convenience of a residence hall environment

for continuing only students.With more experienced staff members and continuing students only, it’s a perfect option for students who want to stay in the Residential Halls.

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Apartment Options

Most apartments house six students in two rooms. A small number of singles and doubles are available for seniors or transfer students.

The kitchen contains a gas stove and oven, full size refrigerator, pantry, double stainless steel sink, and numerous cabinets for storage. The living area is complete with oak tables and furniture, built in bookshelves, a large sliding glass door, and a deck. The dining area has a large oak table, chairs, and a large closet for storage. The bathroom has a private shower area with a ventilation window, a private toilet area with a window, and two sinks with mirrors and medicine cabinets.

All of the apartment living and dining areas face south for maximum sun exposure and all bedrooms have windows on the east, west, or south side for sun at some time during the day. Third floor apartments have vaulted ceilings in the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Living Room floor lamps chairs couchend tables coffee table cable portcarpetdeck

CLoset

cleaning supplies vacuum cleaner

curtains

KitChen stovesink overhead lightsrefrigeratortable6 chairspantryrecycling bins

What eveRy apaRtment inCudes

BedRoom (foR eaCh Resident): beddeskbookshelfchairoverhead lightcarpet3 drawer dresser and closet space ethernet connection waste basket

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The guiding philosophy of our Crown/Merrill apartments is one of

cooperative living with each roommate’s participation playing a key role. You

are required to participate in the care of your surroundings and maintain a quiet residential environment in accordance

with courtesy/quiet hour policies. Quarterly cleaning/safety inspections are conducted of apartment common areas, and a fire inspection is conducted during

the Winter Break.

Note: Even though you may have your group picked out, you should fill out the housing application and questionnaire as thoroughly as possible. You never know what the future holds, and your roommate may decide mid-year to transfer to another college or to go abroad on EAP. Giving complete info will help housing staff match roommates more accurately.

Room Options:Apartments come in a variety of configurations to accommodate groups of 4, 5, or 6 people! Bedroom types include singles, doubles and triples. The most common configuration is the sextet.

Although the Crown/Merrill apartments are divided between the two colleges, Crown students can live with their Merrill friends.

C/M Apt Room Types

Quartet: 4 Single Bedrooms

Quintet: 1 Double & 1 Triple

Sextet: 1 Triple & 1 Triple

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IF YOU DID NOT SELECT A SPACE AND ARE ON THE WAIT LIST...

Wait List Info

Students who do not have a space after Community Room Selection (May 19th-20th) are strongly encouraged to participate in All Campus Room Selection (May 21st). During All Campus Room Selecton, all remaining open spaces across all campus communities will be made available through the online selection process.

In the event that you are still on the waiting list as of May 22nd, here’s a peek at what the summer assignment process looks like:

Housing will be offered to the first person on the wait list who “fits” the space available (for example, a student who indicated they are willing to take a substance-free floor).

Please note that since you have filed an application, the campus can place you without notice into one of your ranked choices. If you wish to cancel after being placed, you will need to do so in writing prior to moving in. You will be billed for a prorated reservation fee, which was deferred when you applied for the housing during the Housing Application Filing Period. Read the UCSC Terms and Conditions for more information.

Also, be sure we have your updated contact information for the summer on the student portal. And check your UCSC email frequently!

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Please note that based on the UCSC Terms and Conditions, we can move you, if necessary, for us to accommodate our incoming

class. We will do our best to notify you of any changes and options should that occur.

1) If you currently have a room and wish to swap within Crown or Merrill fill out and submit the electronic form on the Crown/Merrill website starting May 27th. Note that being on this list does not mean you are guaranteed a reassignment.

2) In the summer as spaces become available, check your UCSC email for offers from the Crown or Merrill Housing Office.

3) If you receive an offer, you have 3 business days to decide what you wish to do. Please be aware that if you choose to cancel your housing over the summer months, you will be charged a portion of the deferred reservation fee. The amount is determined by when your written cancellation notice is received.

IF YOU’VE SELECTED A ROOM AND WISH TO MOVE...

Wait List Info

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Room switches will be frozen in late September 2015. Once the academic year begins, the wait list to change rooms will no longer

be used and any room switch requests will need to be first discussed with your RA and CRE.

Remember...** The UCSC Housing contract is for the 2015-2016 academic year unless you are leaving UCSC during the year.

** Contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for housing accommodations for next year at drc.ucsc.edu as soon as possible.

** It is important to fill out the housing questionnaire thoroughly and honestly. Your roommate(s) may change throughout the year, and you may receive a new roommate at any time.

** All residents in both the residence halls and apartments are required to be on a meal plan.

** Parking for the apartments has an application process.Visit ucsc.edu/taps for more info.

** If there are no apartments or res hall spaces available at Crown or Merrill , you are strongly encouraged to participate in All Campus Room Selection on May 21st. You may be able to find a space at another college or housing facility. You can also remain on the wait list as there is usually a lot of movement over the summer months. Another option may be the Village or University Town Center.

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GUESTS* The Terms and Conditions states that a student may have a guest stay in his or her room/apartment for a maximum of 3 consecutive nights or 15 total nights per academic year. Please clear all guests with your roommate(s)/housemates and let your RA know that you are going to be having visitors. Any student providing housing for guests in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Residents will be held responsible for their guest’s actions. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS* Musical instruments are allowed in the residential facilities, but their use must conform to established courtesy/quiet hour policies.* The playing of amplified instruments is not permitted in the residential facilities. For more information on scheduling practice space for bands, please contact the Special Projects Coordinator. * A music practice room is available to a limited number of students. If you are interested in a key for the practice room, please contact the Residential Education Office.

ROOM SWITCHING Switching residential rooms is not an automatic occurrence. If you are having problems, roommate mediation with your RA is always the first option presented to roommates/housemates. If you are interested in switching rooms, please speak to your RA first. You may be referred to your Coordinator for Residential Education. Your CRE will work with your RA and the Housing Coordinator to facilitate a change.

ANIMAL/PETS No pets (except fish in an aquarium 10 gallons or smaller) are allowed in the College residential community.

CANCELLATION OF HOUSINGThe housing contract is binding for the entire academic year. Request for termination (cancellation) of the contract can only be granted for the following conditions: if the student graduates; if the student withdraws; if the student is registered in a field study program outside of Santa Cruz County; if the student marries; or if the student receives special College permission. Please see the UCSC Terms and Conditions contract booklet for detailed information on cancellation filing periods. Failure to file during the Cancellation Period will result in a fee.

FURNITUREFurniture may not be removed from any residence room/apartment or common area, nor may it be placed outside on balconies or patios. Students found in possession of furniture other than what was assigned to their room/apt, may be charged for disposal. Residents found with dismantled furniture without College permission will be charged for all costs related to making the furniture safe (up to and including replacement costs). Beds in the residence halls at Crown or Merrill can be adjusted and still remain safe. Please contact a Residential or Maintenance Staff member if you are interested in adjusting your bed.

Here are some highlighted campus and college policies...

College Policies

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The University of California, Santa Cruz, is committed to promoting and protecting an environment that values and supports every person in an atmosphere of civility, honesty, cooperation, professionalism, and fairness.UCSC expects that every campus member will practice these Principles of Community. We strive to be:

Diverse:••Weembracediversityinallitsforms;andwestriveforaninclusive community that fosters an open, enlightened, and pro-ductive environment.

Open:••Webelievefreeexchangeof ideasrequiresmutualrespectandconsideration for our differences.

Purposeful:••Weareaparticipatorycommunityunitedbysharedcommitments to service society, preservation and advancement of knowledge, and innovative teaching and learning.

Caring:••Wepromotemutualrespect,trust,andsupporttofosterbondsthatstrengthen the community.

Just:••Wearecommittedtodueprocess;respectforindividualdignity;andequitable access to resources, recognition, and rewards.

Disciplined:••Weseektoadvancecommongoalsthroughreasonableandrealistic practices, procedures, and expectations.

Celebrative:••Wecelebratetheheritage,achievements,anddiversityof thecommunity and the uniqueness and contributions of our members.

We accept the responsibility to pursue these principles in an atmosphere of personal and intellectual freedom, security, respect, civility, and mutual support.

UCSC Principles of Community

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