Residence Life Handbook

Goals of Residence Life

In general, the policies of SOSU Department of Residence Life, has been developed in support of four overall goals:

1. To build a responsible residential community in which all members feel valued and safe.
2. Promote active citizenship and civic responsibility.
3. Enhance personal growth and development of residents and staff.
4. Support the Academic Mission of the University.

Policies and decisions will usually be connected to one or more of the above goals. It would be unrealistic to attempt to identify any question, circumstance or event that may arise in a residence hall. In general, any situation, not specifically addressed by the SOSU Housing Policy, SOSU University Policies, or local, state or federal laws can usually be resolved by how well it does or does not support the above four goals. Residents are urged to consider their actions in light of these goals.

Room Information

Choctaw & Chickasaw Halls

The majority of rooms in Choctaw & Chickasaw Hall are suite style rooms. Two students share a room, and two rooms (4 students) share a bathroom. Both bedrooms have a door that leads off of the main entry hall of the suite. Residents will be issued keys to their suite door and bedroom door, but they will not be able to access their suitemate’s room. Most residents will also be issued a separate key which grants them sole access to their closet door. There is not a front door on the bathroom, (there is a separate toilet stall and curtained off shower.) Some students may choose to bring an expandable curtain rod and curtain to create more privacy in the bathroom. All rooms in Chickasaw & Choctaw come with cable, local telephone service and internet service and have individual temperature control. Choctaw (males) and Chickasaw (females) are both single sex residence halls.

Typical* room measurements:

• Room dimensions: 10’ 6” wide X 14’ 6” long
• Windows: 44.6” wide X 60” long
• Bathroom doorway: 22.75” wide X 94” long
• Shower opening: 20” wide X 82” long (extra long)
• Mattress: 38” wide X 80” long (extra long)

View Choctaw & Chickasaw Hall Rooms!

• Outside of Choctaw
• Another View of Choctaw
• Room View
• Another Room View

North Hall

The majority of rooms in North Hall are suite style rooms. Two students share a room, and two rooms (4 students) share a bathroom. The bathroom is between the two bedrooms. Each student is issued a key to their room only. North Hall is currently undergoing major renovations, which will result in each room being newly painted, and substantial additional improvements. Among the improvements is the addition of individual heat and air control in each of the rooms. All rooms in North Hall come with local telephone service, cable service and internet service. North Hall will also have all new, completely moveable furniture. The beds are can be arranged in traditional twin style, can be bunked and can be lofted at a junior (approximately 3 feet level) and at a standard high loft level. Students can arrange the furniture in whatever manner they like. However, if a resident decides that they would like the high loft arrangement, there is an additional one time cost of $150. This set up will be completed by a professional, in order to assure safety. Students that desire the high loft set up must sign up and pay the additional fee during the first week of classes (by 8/15/03). We will notify students when the beds will be lofted.

Typical room measurements:

• Room dimensions: 12’ 3” X 12’ 5”
• Shower opening: 24’ X 73”
• Mattress: 80” (Extra Long)

Shearer Hall & Suites

Shearer Hall & Suites is our premier living facility. It offers private rooms with private bath or semi-private bathrooms in a suite with a living room and a kitchenette. Shearer Hall & Suites boasts a large community room with a full kitchen, computer labs, small student floor lounges, and laundry facilities on every floor. Like all our residence hall rooms, Shearer comes with local phone service, internet access and premium cable in each bedroom and internet and cable in the living rooms. Each suite has individual temperature control and bedrooms are equipped with ceiling fans. Rooms come with a desk and chair, dresser and a XL twin sized bed which can be arranged in a junior loft of high loft ($150/year rental fee for lofting kit). The living rooms come equipped with a couch chair, coffee table and end table. The kitchenettes come with a refrigerator and a microwave.

Typical room measurements

• Room Dimension: Approx 10’ X 11’
• Shower opening: standard bathtub/shower curtain
• Mattress: 80” (Extra Long)
• Windows: 42” wide

View Sherrer Hall & Suites Rooms!

• Great Room General
• Great Room Kitchen
• Great Room Sitting Area
• Suite Bathroom
• Suite Kitchen
• Suite Living Room
• Outside Sherrer Hall & Suites
• Outside Sherrer Hall & Suites – Another View

Residence Life Staff

Resident Assistants, or RAs

Resident Assistants, or RAs, are our front line staff. RA’s are usually upper class students that have demonstrated skills in a variety of critical areas. They have received extensive training in areas including crisis response, mediation, communication, policy enforcement, community building, and resource referral. RA’s are the first staff member that a resident student should speak to if they are experiencing any difficulties in their residence hall living situation.

Desk Clerks

Desk Clerks are student staff members that work in our front offices. They have received training in Residence Life procedures and policies, campus resources, and a variety of other areas.

Residence Hall Directors

Residence Hall Directors are professional level staff members. Most Hall Directors have received, or are currently pursuing, a master’s degree. They live in the residence hall and supervise the residence hall staff in their assigned buildings. Residence Hall Directors have received extensive training in a variety of areas. They are the primary professional staff member responsible for all programming, room assignments, room and community damage billing, student conduct, and general management of the residence hall. Because of the varied hours required in this position, Residence Hall Directors maintain a flexible work schedule. Residence Hall Directors have designated office hours posted at their offices. They also assist in the central office. There is a Residence Hall Director on call 24 hours/day X 365 days/year. The Residence Hall Director Duty schedule is posted in each hall, at the Residence Life Office and at the Campus Safety & Security Office.

Reporting Room Concerns

Problems in your room

Maintenance

If you have any maintenance problems in your room (such as leaks, lights not working, heat or AC unit not working, etc), please report the problem to Residence Life staff (RA, Desk Clerk or Hall Director) or call X3016 to report the problem. Remember to give you name, hall, room and telephone number, as well as a detailed description when reporting the problem. Students are not authorized to undertake repairs or renovations on their own. Student may be held responsible for any damage which occurs due to failure to report a problem or attempting to correct the problem without authorization.

Telephone

If you are experiencing problems with your telephone service, please report the problem to the telecommunications office at X2102. Remember to give you name, hall, room and telephone number, as well as a detailed description when reporting the problem.

Internet

If you are experiencing problems with your telephone service, please report the problem to the computer help desk at X2404. Remember to give you name, hall, room and telephone number, as well as a detailed description when reporting the problem.

Cable

If you are experiencing problems with your cable service, please report the problem to the Auxiliary Business Office at X2850. Remember to give you name, hall, room and telephone number, as well as a detailed description when reporting the problem.

Policies (A to Z)

Not all items are covered by these policies. Floors/houses are encouraged to establish their own policies by secret vote after thorough discussion. Those policies enacted by the floor/house are to be established by an extensive majority and posted prominently. The Director of Residence Life reserves final approval authority of all policies.

It’s Your Responsibility to Know

One of the main reasons this document is published is to make sure that all residents are aware of the many services offered. You are also responsible, however, for being aware of the policies and procedures within the Department of Residence Life. The regulations listed here are not all inclusive. Please also see the Residence Life Contract, Terms and Conditions, and the Code of Student Conduct (on-line), as well as any other distributed Residence Life notices for additional information.

Air Vent & Air Conditioner Blockage

The air vents or air conditioners located in rooms require and/or provide air circulation. Blockage of these vents or air conditioner/heat pump units will result in disrupting the airflow may damage the unit. Repair costs may result should you block your air vent. Student who block vents or air conditioner units will be subject to disciplinary sanctions, including fines.

Alcohol

The consumption or possession of all alcoholic beverages on campus, in university housing, or at any on-campus event sponsored by or for a student organization or other university sponsored activity for students, is forbidden. Each University is authorized to develop and implement a policy regulating consumption of alcohol at officially sponsored events.

Students are expected to comply with laws of the state of Oklahoma and the policies of the University regarding the use or possession of alcoholic beverages and other drugs.

Audio Recording and Videotaping

Audio-recording and/or videotaping are not permitted in the hallways, room doorways, lounges, lobbies, etc. of any residence hall without the consent of all parties who are being recorded and/or videotaped, or written authorization from the Director of Residence Life or Vice President for Student Services. The exception is the official security cameras installed in residence halls for security purposes. Infraction of this policy will result in disciplinary action to the party/parties doing the audio recording and/or videotaping.

Bicycles

Bicycles should be registered with the SOSU Department of Public Safety. The service is free and beneficial for your own protection in case of theft. Chaining your bicycle to trees, stairways, and signposts may result in tickets and/or confiscation by SOSU Police. Your bicycle may be kept in your room if you and your roommate agree. For safety reasons bicycles may not be kept in the hallways, lounges, or other common areas in the hall. Bicycles and like items (roller blades/skateboards) may not be ridden in the halls due to safety and property concerns. Violation may result in disciplinary action. At no time are motorcycles, mopeds, or other vehicles permitted in the residence halls.

Borrowing Furniture

For inventory and maintenance reasons, all furniture in common areas should remain where it is found. If common area furniture is found in a resident’s room, disciplinary action may be taken. If the furniture is damaged, you will be required to pay for repair costs.

Candles

Candles and incense as well as kerosene lamps and other flammable liquid fueled devices, are prohibited in the residence halls.

Community Areas

Community areas are maintained for the enjoyment and use of all residents. Therefore, residents may not leave any personal items outside or their assigned room, suite or apartment, unless you have received written approval from the Director of Residence Life. This includes placing floor mats or shoes outside of a residence hall room, placing toys, grills, chairs, etc outside of an apartment. Please consult with the Hall Director if you have any questions.

Controlled Substances

The use, possession, or distribution of narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances or controlled substances except as expressly, permitted by law, and the inappropriate use of abuse of prescriptions or over-the-counter medications if forbidden.

Courtesy Hours

Residents are expected at all times to be courtesy of other students living in their residential community, and to comply with the requests of community members to reduce noise levels.

Electrical Appliances

All electrical extension cords are prohibited in the residence halls. Additional prohibited items include (but not limited to): open coil cooking appliances, portable heaters, sunlamps, halogen lamps, broadcasting equipment (short-wave citizen band, etc.), ceiling fans, and other such items. This is for the safety and general comfort of the community. Periodically inspect all cords and appliances for cracks or other defects. Please be aware that over loading an electric circuit with too many appliances can cause problems. Electrical appliances used in your room can affect computer equipment. The use of surge protectors or power strips is strongly encouraged.

Eligibility for Housing

To be eligible for residence, an individual must be enrolled a student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and attending classes in at least 9 undergraduate or 6 graduate hours. (Summer semester; 6 undergraduate or 3 graduate hours.)

Fire Arms, Fireworks and Explosives

The possession or firing of firearms, fireworks, explosives or weapons, or imitations of weapons, including but not limited to bows, knives, or guns, by students is prohibited on campus, in any student residence, sorority, fraternity, approved private housing or university operated facility, except as they are used in officially approved university programs.

Flammable Materials

Please see the candle policy on page 27. All residence halls are maintained as smoke free environments. Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance to the residence halls.

Guests

Any individual that is not contracted to live in the residence hall (excluding SOSU employees executing official duties in the residence hall) are considered guests. All guests must be escorted by the resident that they are visiting at all times. Unescorted guests will be considered trespassers. All guests must comply with all residence hall and university policies. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests at all times. Guests are not permitted in the building during breaks or interim sessions.

Visitation hours are from 10 a.m. until 12 midnight on Sunday – Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Guests under 18 years of age MUST always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. (Siblings over 16 years of age may visit a resident with prior WRITTEN approval of the hall director.)

Residents are permitted to have overnight guests with prior written approval of the Hall Director. In order to receive approval, residents must complete an overnight guest registration form (which requires the written consent of all roommates and suitemates, as well as the resident assistant.) The form must be complete and submitted to the director at least one business day prior.

Overnight guests must remain in the company of the resident at all times and may not enter community areas (including lobbies, hallways, etc…) outside of designated visitation hours. Overnight visitations may not exceed three consecutive nights or seven total nights per semester.

Due to safety concerns, each resident is expected to sign his or her guests in and out in the guest sign in log located in the main entry of all halls. Visitor registration is maintained on an honor basis. Failure to register your guests may result in disciplinary sanctions.

Inclement Weather

In the event of severe weather that may impact on class or other scheduled events, the following number can be called. This number will have a recording with any significant and relevant information for classes and other events. (580) 745 – 7272

Keys

Keys are issued for the use of the resident for their room/apartment/suite only. It is not appropriate to lend your keys to anyone. The keys are the property of the University and are not to be duplicated. If you lose your keys, see your Residence Hall Director. Lost keys will result in a financial assessment.

Mail

Mail delivery services are available through the Auxiliary Business Services post office, which is located in Hallie McKinney Hall. This is the only means of mail delivery in the residence halls.

Microwaves

Up to 2 large appliances (regular microwaves not exceeding 700 watts, refrigerators not exceeding 2.2 cubic feet or microfridge unit) per room are permitted. (see refrigerator info.)

Paint and Pellet Guns

See Weapons

Parking

Motor vehicles are to be parked in designated parking spaces. Failure to abide by parking regulations may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed away at your expense. For residents of Choctaw and Chickasaw Towers, parking is provided in the North parking lot (between the BCM and the baseball field) and along Dunlap St; for residents of North Hall, the East parking lot; and for residents of Shearer Hall, the parking lot between the halls, and the South lot and along University Blvd. Any person who operates a vehicle on campus must obtain and display a parking permit on his/her vehicle. Permits are available at the Department of Public Safety. Motorcycles are subject to the same registration requirements and parking regulations as other motor vehicles.

Pets

Pets are not permitted in the SOSU residence halls due to concerns for health, safety, sanitation, noise, and humane treatment. The only exceptions include legal fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Fish or other crustaceans that are dangerous or harmful to humans and are prohibited by state or federal laws are not allowed. Dogs, cats, reptiles, etc. are prohibited. Approved pets must be retained in aquariums filled with water that may not exceed 10 gallons in size. No more than one fish tank is permitted in each room. Anytime that you are leaving campus for any length of time, please take into consideration the care of your fish. They should be properly cared for at all times. Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary sanctions, assessment for damages, cleanup, etc. Trained service animals are permitted.

Posting Fliers

Residence Life staff maintain bulletin boards within the residence halls. All fliers must be pre-approved by the Residence Hall Director prior to posting. Any material that has to be generated by the Office of Residence Life of Residence life staff must also comply with University posting policies. Individuals or organizations that wish to post fliers in the residence halls are encouraged to leave an appropriate number of fliers at the Residence Life Office. Residence Life staff are authorized to remove any posted fliers that have not been approved by the Residence Hall Director.

Practical Jokes

Practical jokes and pranks may damage property or injure other students. Practical jokes and pranks can also increase the noise level and disturb non-involved residents. Students who engage in practical jokes and pranks will be held responsible for damages and disciplinary action may be taken.

Property

Precautions are taken to maintain adequate security. The University does not carry personal property insurance. The student and his/her parent or legal guardian are strongly encouraged to carry appropriate insurance to cover such losses. Residents are responsible for any damages that occur in their assigned room or hall. This includes any common area damages. When identified, the person(s) responsible for the damages in the room(s) or public areas will be billed for the cost of repair/replacement.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours for all halls, except designated Intensive Study Halls, will initially be designated as 10 p.m. – 10 a.m. every night. Intensive study floors/wings will start each semester with 24 hour quiet hours. Quiet hours may be adjusted by a 2/3 vote of the community and approval of the Hall Director. All halls will have 24 hour courtesy hour.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are permitted (limit of 2.2 cubic feet). Your Resident Assistant will need to check your room for compliance. A total of two large appliances are permitted. (see microwave info.) You are allowed to leave your refrigerator plugged in and running during breaks. It is your responsibility to remove any perishable food from the refrigerator prior to break periods. Spoiled food clean up and disposal will be your responsibility. The University is not responsible for loss of items due to power outages. Students are responsible for any damages caused by leaks from defrosting refrigerators.

Restitution

Students may be asked to make restitution for their damaging actions if deemed necessary by hall staff and administration. Examples of destructive behavior that may result in a student making restitution include damages to property, stolen items, disruption in services, etc. in his/her room and damages incurred in community areas including floor lobby, main lobby, elevators, porches, and bathrooms. All residents share responsibility for common areas.

Roofs

Due to potential structural damage and safety concerns, residents are not allowed on any roofs. Violations may result in disciplinary charges.

Screens

Except in an emergency, screens are not to be removed from the windows for any reason.

Smoking

All residence halls are smoke free. Smoking is not permitted in the residence halls or within 25 feet of any entrance or venting/AC units.

Sublet

Your assigned living space cannot be sublet under any circumstances and residents must obtain written authorization from the Hall Director before they can transfer to another room. Transfers from one residential room/apartment to another will incur a $25.00 room change fee payable at the time of the move.

University ID

Your ID is an important identification tool and must be presented to University and/or Residential Life staff upon request. Staff may retain your ID if the situation warrants. Your ID is also your meal card. All residents are expected to carry their student ID’s with them at all times.

Use of Grounds and Facilities

The lawns and recreation areas around the buildings are part of the community living environment. You are expected to care for them just as you would your floor/house or room. Residents often gather formally and informally in these areas for picnics, sports, or other social events. If damage to the grounds or facilities occurs, such as broken windows, you will be held responsible for repairing the damage.

Visitors

See Guests

Weapons

The possession of firing of firearms, fireworks, dangerous chemicals, explosives or weapons or imitations of weapons including but not limited to bows, knives, or guns by students is prohibited on campus, in any student residence, sorority , fraternity, approved private housing or university operated facility, except as they are used in officially approved university programs.

Penalties and Sanctions

Students who reside within the residence hall system are under a contractual obligation to abide by the rules and regulations of Residence Life, as well as being bound by the Code of Conduct and all other University rules and regulations governing the conduct of students. Rule or regulation violations may be considered by the Director for Residence Life, who may implement penalties such as cancellation of contract, removal from the residence hall community, relocation to another room or hall, imposing of behavioral contract, community service, research and reporting, compulsory attendance at events, programming, restitution or special fees. Acceptance of the Director for Residence Life’s recommended penalties by the student shall make the penalties final and constitute a waiver by the student of further administrative procedures. If the student does not accept the decision of the Director for Residence Life, the matter is referred to the Dean of Students. In addition, Housing may refer all or part of the student’s case directly to the Dean of Students at any time. The decision of the Dean of Students is final.

Safety and Security Issues

Accidents/Illness

The SOSU Student Health Center, located in the basement of Hallie McKinney Hall, Room 101. It is open at designated times for general use. If an injury or illness is not too serious, go to the SOSU Student Health Center to have it checked. This may prevent aggravation, infection, or other complications. Each student pays semester fees that allow for free exams by Health Center physicians. For more serious, urgent and/or emergency injuries or illness, please contact the Department of Safety & Security at X2727.

Building Security

All residents may enter and leave their buildings at any time. For security purposes, exterior doors are locked at all times. Residents are expected to carry their hall/room keys at all times. Students propping open locked doors are endangering fellow residents and will be dealt with appropriately. If you find unlocked doors please notify the residence life staff immediately. Please remember that each resident shares in the responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure living environment. (Guests must arrange for the resident to meet them at the front door and escort them through the building. Some residence halls have courtesy phones to facilitate this contact.) Any unsafe situations that you cannot correct, such as lights out in a stairwell, tripping hazards, etc., should be reported to a residence life staff member as soon as possible.

Emergencies

In the event of danger to life and/or property, room entry may be made by any authorized staff member or appropriate emergency personnel (i.e. fire safety, maintenance, residence hall staff).

Fire Drills

For your protection and safety, announced and unannounced fire drills will be held two times per academic year. In order for you to become familiar with evacuation routes your cooperation is expected. Anytime the alarm sounds you must leave the building. Residence hall and Safety staff are authorized to enter student rooms in the event of fire alarms and drills.Failure to leave may result in disciplinary action.

Fire Alarm Instructions

1. Wear a coat and shoes and carry a towel.
2. Close windows and leave lights on in room. Take room key.
3. Leave door closed and walk - DO NOT RUN - to exit. If smoke is encountered, STAY LOW for air.
4. DO NOT USE AN ELEVATOR.
5. If you need physical assistance in order to evacuate:
   • a. Call the Front Desk, SOSU Police at 745-2727, or 2911 and inform them of your needs and location.
   • b. Place cloth articles under the door if smoke is either seen or smelled.
   • c. Hang a towel out of the window, indicating to a person below that a person is in that room.
   • d. Await assistance in the room.

Severe Weather

In the event of severe weather you should stay tuned to a local radio station or any TV station for the latest report on conditions. Please follow these instructions:

1. Signals (Sounded on large sirens located near the Safety Building, on campus) TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.
2. When the siren indicates you are to take cover, a storm shelter is located on campus in the basement of Morrison Hall. If you cannot make it to Morrison, take shelter on the lowest level of the building at the most interior location of the building.
3. If you need assistance, please contact the SOSU Police at 745-2727.
4. When assembled in a shelter area, sit on the floor with your back to the wall or in a central portion of the room. Stay away from windows and doors. If a storm strikes, you should duck your head between your knees and cover the back of your head with your hands for protection.
5. AT NO TIME will smoking be permitted in shelter areas. Weather sirens are tested on the first Monday of every month, weather permitting.

Holiday Decorations

Because of the extreme fire danger present with decorations during the holiday season, please note the following rules for everyone’s safety: no live trees or live cut greenery are permitted in individual rooms, floor/hall lounges, or corridors; noncombustible materials and UL approved electrical wiring are permitted in the rooms. Decorations may be left in rooms or common areas unless the area will be vacated for an extended period of time.

Loss or Damage to Personal Property

Residents are urged to keep their rooms locked whenever they leave and while they are sleeping. The University cannot be responsible for any damage or loss of personal property due to fire, facility failure, severe weather, theft.

Room Entry

It is sometimes necessary for a Residence Life staff, or other SOSU employees performing an official function, to enter a student’s room. (Under no circumstances shall a resident enter another room without proper authorization) Staff is required to show ID if requested. Generally, this may occur under one of the following circumstances:

1. General welfare, health, and safety of the resident.
2. Routine or requested maintenance work.
3. To correct any situation intruding on the comfort of residents in the surrounding area.
4. If there is reason to believe a housing or university policy is being violated.
5. Before university vacations/breaks and at the end of each semester, staff may conduct a general room inspection for safety and health reasons.

If a staff member enters a student’s room under any of the above circumstances, the staff member is expected to leave a room entry notice, advising the student of the entry, reason, date, and names of the staff member(s) that entered. Additional information may also be provided. The exception to this procedure will be those occasions when a large number of rooms will be entered for a pre-advertised (posted in hall 24 hours in advance) purpose. It is the policy of SOSU Department of Residence Life that routine maintenance or inspection will take place during the hours between 9a.m. and 9p.m. only.

Sprinkler System Abuse

Sprinkler systems have been installed. To make the sprinkler system as effective as possible:

1. Sprinklers must never be painted;
2. Nothing may be hung from the sprinkler piping or sprinkler heads;
3. Sprinkler heads may never be obstructed or altered;
4. Nothing may be stored within 18 inches from the sprinkler head;
5. Frisbees, footballs, baseballs, etc., are not to be thrown in rooms, hallways, or other public areas. If you discover any damage to the sprinkler system, please report it immediately to the desk.

Any malicious setting off of a sprinkler head or other tampering with the fire sprinkler system will result in stringent disciplinary actions by the University plus assessment of damage costs to parties responsible. Tampering with fire alarms or equipment can result in removal from the residence hall.

Solicitation Policy

Solicitation is initiating contact with students without their permission to discuss, sell, or distribute goods or services. No room to room solicitation is permitted in the residence hall. Any lobby solicitation (including flyers) must be approved by the Residence Hall Director.

Tampering with Fire Protection Devices

A false fire alarm can endanger the safety and lives of fellow residents. Anyone found guilty of initiating a false alarm may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined, and/or may face additional university sanctions. Smoke alarms are in your room for safety. Tampering with alarms in any way, including removing the battery or disabling the detector, will result in a disciplinary action and/or restitution. Tampering with a fire extinguisher will result in disciplinary action and restitution for the cost of refilling it. Tampering with any fire safety equipment is considered a grave violation of SOSU Residence Life Policies and may result in significant disciplinary sanctions or termination of contract.

Residence Life Services

Cable TV

SOSU provides basic television cable for the residence facilities free of charge. There is only one cable hookup in each room. Cable is provided to Choctaw Tower, Chickasaw Tower, North Hall, and Shearer Hall.

Computers

There are computer labs available in the residence halls for use by the residents of that hall. Rules for use are posted in each lab. Students may also bring their own computers. Internet access is available in Choctaw, Chickasaw and North Hall. University policy regarding computer and internet usage can be found on the SOSU website.

Laundry Rooms

A laundry mat is centrally located on campus adjacent to the Campus Police Office. It has coin-operated washers and dryers. Also available are a soap dispenser machine and $5/$1 bill-changing machine. Ironing boards are available in some halls, but you may wish to bring your own. You will need to provide your own iron.

Room Repairs

Please contact the Residence Life Maintenance staff at x3016 in order to report any maintenance concerns. Please leave a detailed message including your name, phone number, hall and room number, and a description of the problem.

Storage

There are no storage closets or rooms in the residence halls.

Wellness Programming

The Wellness Wheel is the model some floor and house leaders use to plan programs for residents. The Wheel has nine sections designed to aid residents of in balancing their lives. Wellness is not jogging and eating carrot sticks. The Wellness Wheel is a framework which can be used to organize, understand, and balance human growth and development. Within the Wheel, individuals learn to appreciate themselves as they are today, and begin to build the experiences and traits that will lead them to the persons they choose to become. Residence Life believes the Wellness Wheel is the best program for developing the “mind, body and soul.”

Cultural

Cultural Wellness involves recognition, acceptance and appreciation of racial, ethnic, cultural, and lifestyle differences. Development in this dimension includes seeking opportunities to understand and appreciate the differences and similarities between people. This is accomplished through observation and interaction with others different from oneself, as well as experiencing awareness through the arts.

Sexual

Sexual Wellness involves recognition, acceptance, and satisfaction with one’s sexual identity. It focuses on making informed choices and taking responsibility for one’s actions. A healthy person is not exploitative of others and is tolerant of alternative orientations.

Physical

Physical Wellness involves maintaining the body at an optimum level of functioning. The physically well person exercises regularly, follows a healthy eating plan, utilizes health care resources, and practices appropriate self care. A basic aspect of this dimension is avoiding the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and substance abuse. Physical Wellness includes maintaining a high level of physical energy.

Emotional

Emotional Wellness emphasizes the awareness and acceptance of personal feelings. It involves learning to express them appropriately while being sensitive and responsive to the emotions of others. Important components are having the skills to deal effectively with stress, create psychological energy, and be emotionally self sufficient when necessary. Emotional Wellness includes the capacity to put the past in perspective and plan for the future, while still living in the present.

Political

Political Awareness involves increasing one’s knowledge of events around the world, nation, and community. It includes an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

Social

Social Wellness involves balancing the needs of self with the needs of others. Development in this dimension includes respecting the rights of others and contributing to the common welfare of the community. Socially healthy people experience the benefits of being alone, being with others, and being in a crowd. They also strive for harmony in relationships but recognize that disagreements are inevitable and need not destroy friendships.

Life Planning

Life Planning begins with making an appropriate choice of academic major and career options based on personal strengths and values. It also includes using leisure time to participate in student activities and selecting academic electives which will add richness to the life experience. A person who is healthy in this dimension recognizes the benefits of study, work, and play, and balances them effectively.

Spiritual

Spiritual Wellness involves a search for meaning in life. This journey includes struggling with the issues of origin and destiny, learning to make moral decisions, and formulating a basic philosophy of life. One of the results is learning how to experience joy and peace in daily activities. Spirituality does not only pertain to a church or religious denomination, but also what makes up an individual's inner core. Development in this dimension also involves an increasing consistency between values and behaviors.

Intellectual

Intellectual Wellness contains the elements of curiosity and creativity. It involves thinking logically, distinguishing facts from opinions, making appropriate decisions without complete information, and recognizing that answers often generate more questions.