Residence Life

Residence Life strives to incorporate Christ in everything that occurs within the Residence Life program. Staff members are committed to genuinely care for each student. Each student is viewed as an important part of the community with God-given talents and abilities to share. Staff members are here to serve the community by building relationships with students and demonstrating healthy community living.

Residence Life staff members encourage and challenge students to explore their faith in Christ, while recognizing it is a continual journey that all believers undergo. Therefore, staff members are committed to journey alongside the students in becoming more like Christ.

The Residence Life staff is in partnership with academics during the college experience. The College recognizes that whole person development is important. Therefore, Residence Life staff members encourage and support the integration of classroom learning alongside the learning experiences that happen outside the classroom.

Care of Residence Halls

While residents are encouraged to make their assigned space a comfortable and accommodating reflection of themselves, they are also responsible for the general upkeep and management of their space.

• While decorating rooms, good judgment should be practiced. Residence Life Staff reserves the right to remove any item that is deemed inappropriate or not in the College’s philosophy, mission, or values. No physical features may be added or removed from the room and/or apartment, such as screens, closet doors, paint, etc. Special care should be used while decorating. Nails and/or thumb tacks may not be used indoors at any time. Duct tape or any tape that leaves a sticky residue or removes paint may not be used on any surface (carpet, walls, furniture, etc.).
• Each room/apartment is furnished with a bed, desk, chair and dresser for each occupant assigned to the room, unless said room is a tripled room. A tripled room is where an additional bed has been added to accommodate enrollment growth. In some cases a tripled room cannot provide a desk for each student. In addition, each room is equipped with a microfridge. In Weldin and Tewinkel, couches and coffee tables are provided. An inventory of furnishings and room condition is made whenever a resident moves into and out of a residence hall. All furnishings are to remain in their designated space. Additional furniture may be used in rooms/apartments, but must be clean and in good shape. Residence Life staff reserves the right to require the removal of any furniture deemed unsafe and/or unsanitary. Residents who bring in additional furniture must properly remove it at the students final check-out for each academic year.
• Athletic activities are not permitted in residence halls except exercise DVDs. Bicycles may not be stored within the residence hall. Indoor winter bicycle storage is available by contacting a Residence Life staff member.
• Aquatic species that live under water may be kept in standard-size aquariums (not to exceed 20 gallons). Because of health, sanitation and safety, animals, including rodents, reptiles and amphibians, may not be kept in student rooms or on property owned by the College.
• TVs and DVD players are not permitted in freshman/PSEO residence rooms, except for DVD drives on computers. Because Crown College students live in a community that seeks to cultivate Christ-likeness within its members, caution should be used in the choice and use of DVDs. Only G, PG, PG-13, and movies from the Crown College library are allowed on campus at any time.
• College-approved microfridges (a combination microwave/refrigerator) are provided in each room. Apartment style halls are equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Therefore, no additional microwaves and/or refrigerators should be kept in the residence halls. In compliance with fire regulations, only small appliances with completely enclosed coils may be used in residence hall rooms (i.e. popcorn poppers, hot pots, coffee makers, etc.) Toasters may not be used in traditional residence hall rooms, but may be used in apartment style residence halls (Tewinkel, Weldin, Hardwick, Faith) Large electrical appliances may not be used or kept in residence hall rooms (i.e. toaster ovens, hot plates, air conditioners, satellite dishes, space heaters, etc.).
• The College partners with residents to help ensure the upkeep of residence halls. Each residence hall is provided with at least one vacuum. The vacuums may be accessed through a Resident Assistant. While the College maintains the general upkeep of shared areas (lobbies, laundry rooms, community restrooms, etc.), residents are asked to partner with the College by cleaning up the area when finished using it.
• Any maintenance needs, in regards to the residence hall, should be reported via a work request form found on the Crown website. The College will fix necessary repairs and/or damages. Repairs and/or damages due to negligence or abuse will be assessed according to the cost of replacement and labor and will be the responsibility of involved parties. Damage in public areas and on the floors may be charged to the students who reside on the floor or in the building where the damage occurs if the responsible parties do not come forward.

Check-In/Check-Out Procedures

Students living in a residence hall must be registered, undergraduate students of Crown College. Once room/apartment assignments are chosen, residents must get approval from Student Development to change rooms/apartments. Room changes are only permitted during the designated room change times (between semesters).

When moving into a residence hall, each student is responsible to fill out a Room Condition Report (RCR) with a Residence Life staff member. Room Condition Reports (RCRs) are used to assess the current condition of the room/apartment. Upon leaving the room, the resident is responsible to follow check-out procedures. The main components of the check-out procedures are an assessment of the current conditions of the room/apartment in comparison to the RCR at check-in, and the returning of room keys. More specific details regarding check-in and check-out procedures are communicated for each residence hall at mandatory all-hall meetings

Students who arrive on campus for check-in at unapproved times will be fined $100.00. Students who do not check-out at assigned times will be fined $100.00.

Fire Safety

Fire safety equipment such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and smoke detectors are located in all residence halls on campus for student safety and should be used only in emergency situations. Tampering with fire equipment, disconnecting smoke alarms, resetting an alarm and/or ringing a false alarm constitutes a violation of local and state laws. The College will take disciplinary action, and each student in the room or apartment may be subject to fines and/or community service. Malfunctioning fire safety equipment should immediately be reported to a Residence Life staff member or to facilities.

In the event of a fire alarm, students who do not cooperate in evacuating a building when the alarm is sounding will be subject to disciplinary action. A Residence Life staff member or the fire department will notify students when re-entry is permissible.

In an attempt to prevent fires from occurring within the residence halls, the College, in concurrence with local and state laws, has established certain precautionary guidelines:

• Due to insurance regulations and fire prevention safety, open flames are not allowed in residence halls. Therefore, no  candles, potpourri, incense, etc., that requires a flame may be used or kept in a residence hall room
• Halogen lamps, space heaters, and live trees pose significant fire hazards and, therefore, may not be used or kept in residence halls
• Hanging of items from, touching, and/or tampering of any kind with the fire sprinkler systems is not permitted
• Combustible materials, including flammable liquids, may not be kept in a residence hall room
• All personal items must be kept in the resident’s room/apartment. No personal items may be kept in the hallways, utility areas and/or common areas
• Disconnecting automatic door closures is a violation of fire code. Tampering with door closures will result in a fine.
• Utility areas (near furnaces, storage rooms, etc.) are not to be utilized as additional living space.

Halls

Main Hall is the primary first-year student residence for men, housing approximately 80 students. Main offers traditional style rooms with two or three occupants, as well as suites which house four students who share a living area. Each floor has a community bathroom, shower room, and laundry services. A lobby is located on the second level. Two female halls with 90 beds each are Strohm Hall, which is used mainly for first-year residents, and Richardson Hall. Both halls offer four person rooms with attached bathroom and built-in furniture. Laundry facilities and kitchens are located on the first floor.

Hardwick consists of apartment style housing. The apartments have two upstairs bedrooms, one basement bedroom, living room area, kitchen, bathroom and balcony. Laundry facilities are located in the basement.

Upper Miller offers bedroom suites of two bedrooms, a shared bath, and a common living area. Lower Miller consists of bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Laundry facilities are located in the lower level.

Weldin and Tewinkel Halls offer apartment style residences with three bedrooms, a living area, bathroom and shower. Apartments have individual heating and air conditioning control as well as modular furniture. Laundry facilities are located on every floor, and kitchens are located on the first floor. Weldin and Tewinkel each accommodate 50 students.

Faith Village consists of one and two-bedroom apartments. Apartments have individual heating and air conditioning control. Desks, dressers and beds are provided. Amenities include laundry facilities and parking.

Housing Requirements

Residence Halls offer a unique opportunity to experience life together on campus for those students between the ages of 17 and 26. In community, students are challenged to integrate classroom learning with their life experiences. Offering such a potential for whole person development, Crown College places a high value on the residential experience; therefore, all single students are required to live in College housing unless prior permission is given. Any off-campus housing contract or lease agreement does not exempt an individual from the on-campus housing requirement. At the discretion of Student Development, it may be possible for a single student to live off-campus should he/she meet one of the following criteria:

1. The student’s 22nd birthday falls before the first class day of the semester for which the student is applying to be off campus
2. Health needs demand special facilities that the College cannot supply
3. The student is living with one or both parents
4. The student is carrying 6 (six) or less credits
5. A special work situation exists which requires the student to live where he/she works (i.e., live-in rehabilitation, disabled/special-care facilities, or service-oriented ministries).

Kitchens

Tewinkel, Weldin, Strohm and Richardson Halls are equipped with a community kitchen for resident use. Kitchens are equipped with a refrigerator and conventional oven. Any food items or dishes not properly stored are subject to disposal. Residents are responsible for the upkeep of kitchens. Kitchens should be cleaned immediately after use. Misuse and/or abuse of kitchens may result in privileges being revoked and/or kitchens being closed.

Laundry Facilities

Washing machines and dryers are located in each residence hall for the convenience of residents. A vending card may be purchased from the vending machine located in the Athletic Center Hallway. Additional monetary sums may be added to an individual’s card at the vending machine as well.

Privacy

The College will provide advance notice before staff or employees enter a private area. College employees or staff may enter a residence room/apartment and storage area without advance notice to inspect premises for maintenance, to investigate health or safety concerns, suspicion of College policy violation and/or illegal activity, to maintain order, and for any other reason the College deems legitimate. Any items discovered by College employees or staff in violation of College policies or local, state, or federal laws may be confiscated and used in the discipline process.

1. Students must keep their rooms locked at all times and should not enter each other’s rooms without permission.
2. Keys and security ID cards will be distributed to each resident. Students are responsible for charges to re-key, or to replace a lost key or security ID card.
3. Residents must carry their room keys and security ID cards at all times. If a resident is inadvertently locked out of their room/apartment, a Residence Life staff member is able to assist them in unlocking their door. Each resident will be able to utilize this service free of charge for the first two weeks of each semester. Repeated use of this service will result in a fine.

Visitation Hours

Each residence hall has set visiting hours. Adhering to the stated visiting hours, allows students private study times in their residences. Any infringement of the stated visiting hours will result in a fine. If a student repeatedly breaks visiting hours, additional disciplinary action may result. Visitation hours are as follows:

Overnight guests of students are allowed but must be checked in with the Resident Assistant and provide their own bedding. No more than 5 overnight visits per guest are allowed per semester.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours within the residence halls are from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise posted. The noise level of all activity and conversation should be kept low during this time in all residence lounges, hallways and rooms, and directly outside residences. Reasonable quietness, however, is to be maintained at all times in the residences as a matter of courtesy. Therefore, noise levels from rooms (including talking, music, etc.) should not be able to be clearly heard in lounges, the next room, or outside of the residence hall. Music practice rooms are available for students taking instrumental or vocal lessons through the Music Office. Preference is given to music majors.

Residence Hall Meetings

Mandatory residence hall meetings are held at the beginning and end of each semester. The meetings are used to communicate information about the residence halls and policies, and to introduce staff members and changes. All residents are responsible for all information presented at mandatory residence hall meetings. Fines will be administered for unapproved absences.

Safety and Security

In an effort to ensure the safety and security of all residents, personal property, and College facilities, precautionary measures are taken by the College. Faculty, staff, students, and guests are asked to partner with the College to help maintain a safe and secure environment.

1. Campus Security staff conduct rounds of the entire campus regularly during the overnight hours
2. Outside doors to all buildings, and residence halls in Main, are locked and can only be opened with security ID cards which are issued to all faculty, staff and students
3. Residents are asked to promote campus security through keeping vehicle/room/apartment doors locked, reporting suspicious matters and maintenance needs to the Residence Life staff and/or Campus Security staff, and by not loaning residence room keys to others
4. All public areas of the Main Building (except the Storm Café seating area) are closed from 1:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m.
5. Non-residents and unregistered guests are to leave campus by 1:00 a.m.
6. Campus Security staff are available for safe escort assistance from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Please call #952-412-3658
7. See the Crown College website for fine amounts.

Staff

The Vice President of Student Development is responsible for the coordination and development of the total campus residential program, which includes the Residence Life program and oversight of the disciplinary process.

Student Development is responsible for housing (including off-campus housing requests), student activities (i.e., Student Activities Board and Student Senate), and transitions (i.e. FX, Welcome Weekend). Meal Plan exemptions are handled through the Operations Division.

Resident Directors (RDs) are student development professionals who live in the residence halls and provide services for leadership training, counseling, administration, and participation in the personal development of students.

Assistants to the Resident Directors (ARDs) are student workers who serve as a resource to the RAs and provide assistance and support to the RDs. ARDs are hired on the basis of their previous RA experience, emotional and spiritual maturity, leadership skills, and the desire to serve the students on campus.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are students that serve as a resource for students. RAs are chosen based on their desire to serve others and God, as well as their abilities and leadership skills. RAs are trained to assist in establishing community, resolving conflicts, and fostering spiritual growth among their peers.

Storage

Storage areas are located on campus for use by students currently attending Crown College. Due to limited space, the College has established the following storage regulations:

1. Summer storage is available for residents who live 500 or more miles from the College.
2. All items must be boxed and labeled before being placed in the storage area. Storage labels are available from Student Development. Each student is allowed to store eight (8) boxes.
3. All storage items must be removed from campus when leaving the College (graduation, withdrawal, etc.).
4. Items left in storage without current labels will be disposed of at the end of each semester. Current labels must be affixed each year.
5. Crown College assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for loss, missing, or damage to students’ personal belongings, whether by act of God, accident, negligence, or intentional act.

Telephones

Due to the overwhelming number of students using personal cell phones on campus, we will no longer be providing phone lines to each bed/dorm room. Students may make local and emergency calls from the courtesy phones located in each dorm, however a calling card must be used to place long distance calls. Apartments in Faith Village, Miller and Hardwick will keep their existing lines as they do not have common areas in close proximity.

If 911 is dialed by accident, please remain on the line and let them know the call was by mistake and not an emergency. Failure to do so will result in emergency services responding to the dorm the call was placed from, and a fine issued to the college.

Misuse of the phone service (prank calls, harassing calls, etc…) is a serious matter and will result in disciplinary action.

Please report phone repair needs to the Information Technology department, ext. 4357 or helpdesk@crown.edu.

Student Computers and Campus Internet

All residences are equipped with wired and wireless connections to the campus network, except for Faith Village apartments which are only covered by the campus wireless network. Student computers and handheld devices must have a Network Interface Card (NIC) or wireless card installed in their system in order to connect to the College network. Please contact IT for specific details.

All computers on the network must be named according to the Crown College Computer Use Agreement. Instructions on how to do this are available on the IT website at my.crown.edu/itwiki.

Crown College uses content filtering software to block inappropriate sites based on the College Computer Use Agreement and the Crown College Community Covenant. This software filters by category instead of keywords to allow access to research resources while blocking inappropriate web content. Additionally, this software allows the observation of internet traffic and monitoring of sites visited on a per-user basis. In the event a student is suspected to be accessing or attempting access to inappropriate content he/she will be contacted by student development and may incur disciplinary action.

Vacation and Breaks

Residence Halls open at the beginning of each academic year. Residence Halls are closed for Christmas Break, Spring Break and after finals in the spring semester. Dates that Residence Halls open and close are printed in the College Catalog. During summer recess and breaks, the policies of the Student Handbook are in effect.

Visitors and Overnight Guests

Since residents are part of a larger community, there are limitations concerning overnight guests and visitors. Therefore, in consideration of the larger community, the following overnight guest and visitor policies have been established:

• No overnight guests of the opposite gender are permitted within the residence halls
• Siblings under the age of ten (10) may not stay overnight in the Residence Halls
• Parents of students and of prospective students are not permitted to stay overnight in the Residence Halls
• All overnight guests must register with the RA on their floor. Registration is necessary to monitor number of stays as well as for use in emergency situations.
• All overnight guests must obtain a visitor parking pass which may be obtained at the Reception Desk
• Overnight guests are limited to five (5) nights each semester
• All overnight guests and visitors are expected to abide by the policies of the College. Students are responsible for notifying their overnight guests and visitors of College policies, as well as being responsible for the conduct of their guests and any damage fees incurred during their stay.
• Each residence hall has regularly scheduled visitation hours for members of the opposite gender. Visitation hours are listed above.
• When entertaining a guest of the opposite gender, the following policies must be followed:
  • Room/apartment doors in Weldin, Tewinkel, Main, Strohm, Richardson and lower Miller should remain completely open
  • Room lights are to remain on
  • In apartment style residences (Faith Village, Upper Miller, Tewinkel, and Weldin) visitors of the opposite gender may not enter bedrooms.