Resident Handbook - University of Southern Indiana

Owning an animal is a luxury. Animal ownership requires a considerable time commitment and financial responsibility. Residents should carefully consider if the campus environment will provide a positive experience for their individual animal. Students unsure they are ready to take on the care and expense of an animal along with academic responsibilities are encouraged to volunteer for a local animal rescue to gain experience in the care of animals.

Only students approved for Animal Friendly Housing, emotional support animal or service animal may have an animal live with them on campus. (Small fish are allowed in both the residence halls and apartments without approval. Aquariums must be 20 gallons or less.)

Housing and Residence Life is piloting an Animal Friendly Policy for the 2023-2024 academic year. This new policy is separate from the Emotional Support Animal/Service Animal process and guidelines.

Service animals and emotional support animals are permitted in campus housing. Students seeking either a service animal or emotional support animal to live in their assigned campus housing space must begin the process with Disability Resources. Students cannot bring an animal to their living space until they have been approved by Disability Resources, met with Housing and signed the Service and Emotional Support Animal Guidelines and Agreement. Residents will have 24 hours to remove any unapproved animal.

For additional information, please email Living.

Pet Sitting/Visiting
Animals (including approved ESAs) are not allowed to visit campus apartments or residence hall suites.

Residents are not allowed to pet sit in their apartment or residence hall suite.

The University of Southern Indiana reserves the right to enter apartments or residence hall rooms for inspection, cleaning or maintenance purposes at reasonable times.

Administrative Searches
Upon approval by the director of Housing and Residence Life and/or the director of Public Safety, or their designee, a room can be entered without notice when there is reasonable suspicion to believe a violation of University policy has occurred or is taking place, or to determine compliance with federal, state or local laws. The director of Housing and Residence Life, director of Public Safety or their designees, shall determine the existence of “reasonable suspicion” prior to the room entry.

Searches may be conducted in the absence of residents.
During a search, the University may obtain evidence when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a violation has occurred or is taking place.
Housing and Residence Life staff will ask any residents present to sign a Consent to Search form. Failure or refusal to sign the form will not prevent University personnel from conducting a search.
On occasions when outside agencies (police, FBI, etc.) may need to search an apartment or room, University staff are expected to cooperate

Maintenance
USI maintenance staff will enter apartments and residence hall rooms in the absence of residents in order to carry out any essential repairs, routine maintenance and respond to any emergencies.

Access to Apartments/Residence Hall Rooms
Access to apartments and residence hall rooms are granted only to the assigned residents of that location or to University staff. Access will not be granted to resident’s friends, relatives or other students by staff.

Vacancy Inspections
Housing and Residence Life may move or reassign students as needed. When there is a vacancy in an apartment or residence hall, students must keep the vacant space clean in order for another student to move in. Housing and Residence Life staff will inspect vacancies to ensure the space is ready and make every attempt to give residents 24 hours notice before a roommate or suitemate moves in.

Bicycles
Bicycles must be stored in designated bicycle racks within University housing. Residents may not lock bicycles on the balcony or posts attached to the building, nor may they bring them into the apartments or suites or hallways of the residence halls. Bicycles may not be stored in laundry rooms. The University is not responsible for stolen or damaged bicycles.

Computer Labs
There are computer labs across campus and in the housing areas that are open during select hours of the week. Students can use these labs to do homework, research, and check email. Most library services can be accessed from any computer lab. For more information about labs and hours, please visit Information Technology.

There are pay printers for residents to use located in each of the residence halls, Residence Life Community Center and the lobby of the Housing and Residence Life office. Residents need their Eagle Access Card to use these printers.

Copier
There are pay copy machines located around campus for student use. Residents can use their Eagle Access Cards to pay for copies. There is a student copier located in the Residence Life Community Center. Problems with a copy machine should be directed to the Copy Center at 812-464-1889.

Eagle Access Card
Budgeting your on-campus spending can be a problem. Having money available for books, supplies, printing, food, special event tickets, etc., often requires credit cards, checkbooks, or visits to the automatic bank teller.

Having the Eagle Access Card virtually eliminates the need to carry cash. Your Eagle Access Card serves as a means of access to different stored value accounts. For more information about Eagle Access Cards, please visit their website or contact the Eagle Access Office at 812-465-1124.

Events and Programming
Housing and Residence Life offers a wide variety of programming to residents. To learn more about what is happening in Housing, see the events calendar or the Housing portal on Eagle Sync.

Living@USI Newsletter
In order to keep residents informed about events, programs, policies, and situations that may impact the housing community, residents receive a weekly email newsletter. Housing and Residence Life utilizes the online services of Constant Contact to send the email. In addition, this is also how residents are updated on services available when inclement weather or other circumstances may alter regular business operations

Mail and Package Delivery Services
Mail service is provided to residents. Please visit Mail and Packages to learn more.

Meal Plans
Residents in the apartments are not required to have a meal plan.

Students assigned to the residence halls must choose either Red, White, or Blue Eagle meal plan. Meal plan rates and descriptions can be found at usi.sodexomyway.com.

Parking
All parking and traffic regulations apply in Housing and Residence Life areas. All residents of Housing and Residence Life are required to register their vehicle and obtain and display a parking permit decal denoting their area of residence. During fall and spring semesters, housing residents may not park in campus lots between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday-Friday, on days when classes are in session.

Visit the Parking website to register your vehicle, learn parking policies, find where you can park and more. Contact Parking by phone at 812-465-1091 with any questions or for additional information about parking services at USI.

Note: For fall 2022, housing residents will be allowed to park in lots A, B, C, D, E and F on class days.

Rave Alert
Log into myUSI and click the Rave Alert icon on the dashboard to begin. USI Rave Alert gives critical and timely warnings – via email, text message, and voice message – about emergencies, severe weather, and other incidents impacting the University community. You can add additional emails, mobile numbers and landline numbers.

Recycling
Housing and Residence Life offers recycling services on campus. Newman and Governors Halls, O’Bannon and Ruston Halls, McDonald East, McDonald West, O’Daniel North, and O’Daniel South each have a clearly marked recycle center. Recycling centers are co-located with the dumpsters throughout the apartment areas. In the residence halls recycling centers are located separately. Recycle containers are available by submitting a work order through Fix My Home.

What can you recycle?
USI uses single-stream recycling which means you do not have to separate items. Recycle items can be mixed together. Accepted recyclables are office paper, newspaper, mixed paper, books, magazines, junk mail, phone books, corrugated cardboard (flattened out), non-contaminated cardboard, aluminum/tin/steel cans (rinse out), and plastic (PETE 1, HDPE 2, V 3, LDPE 4, PP 5, OTHER 7).

Items not accepted that should be put in the dumpster: food waste, soiled paper, pizza boxes, wax paper, milk/ice cream/juice cartons, incandescent light bulbs, styrofoam, foam egg cartons, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic bags, film, and glass jars/bottles/dishes.

Shuttle Bus
For the convenience of our students, USI and METS (Metropolitan Evansville Transit System) provide bus transportation on campus and to the Eagle Plaza and Schnuck's Transfer Terminal for USI students. There is no charge for students providing a valid University ID (Eagle Access Card). For specific stop locations and a map of the shuttle bus route, please visit their website at www.usi.edu/public-safety/bus-schedules.

Real-time tracking of the buses serving the USI campus is available courtesy of DoubleMap at usi.doublemap.com.

University Health Center
The University Health Center is a full-service clinic offering medical services and health-related information to students, faculty, and staff. It is located in the lower level of the Health Professions Center. The healthcare providers at the University Health Center are employed by Deaconess Clinic, and work in harmony with the University to meet the health needs of the students. If you have questions or comments, feel free to call the Health Center at 812-465-1250.

Vending
In the residence halls, vending machines are located on the first floor of the buildings. In the on-campus apartment areas, vending machines are located in the O’Daniel South laundry facility.

If you have a problem with a vending machine, contact Procurement Services at 812-464-1848. Make sure you have the machine number and location on hand when you call.

Check Out

Students must check out of University housing by no later than 6 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, for the fall and no later than 6 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, for the spring. Residents are expected to move out of housing within 24 hours after their last final examination. If a resident has a final at 12 p.m. or later on December 15, 2023 or May 3, 2024, they should submit an online request to stay late and may check out by noon the next day. If students are living in housing in the fall and are returning for spring, they do not need to move their belongings; they leave and may return on or after January 5, 2024.

Check Out Extensions
Check out extensions will be considered for any student who provides a compelling reason for a late check out. Requests must be made using the online form on the Housing Portal.

Check Out Procedures
The following procedures must be followed to avoid the $200 improper check out charge:

Remove all your belongings (including trash) at the end of the fall semester if you ARE NOT returning in the spring. If you are returning, you need only remove trash and perishable food items.
Sweep, mop and vacuum all floors.
Dust all counters and drawers.
Clean and sanitize the kitchen, refrigerator, and stove.
Clean bathroom, tub, toilet, sink, and mirrors.
Fall - Check out by returning your key to the HRL office. Spring - Check out with your RA. If you cannot find your RA, return your key to the Housing and Residence Life office.

Improper Check Out
Failure to properly check out will result in an improper check out charge of $200. This charge is in addition to any damage charges, losses, cleaning charges or room/board assessment. Failure to return your key will result in an improper check out charge, as well as a $60 lock change fee.

Abandoned Property
All personal property must be removed from University housing at the time of check out or contract termination. Personal property that remains after an official check out deadline is considered abandoned and will be removed and disposed of by the University. Students will be charged for the disposal of abandoned property.

Residents are responsible for the removal of trash in and around their apartment or suite. Leaving trash outside apartments or in hallways is prohibited. Charges will be assessed to student accounts for improper trash disposal.

Stay Late Fall/Spring Semesters
Residents who need to stay beyond the last day of the semester may complete an online request to stay late. Please remember that this is only a request and is subject to approval by Housing and Residence Life staff.

See University Breaks for more information about staying late at the end of the fall semester.

See 2023-2024 Contract Terms and Conditions for full description of the housing contract.

Residents are allowed to hang pictures and posters in their apartments and residence hall suites. Housing and Residence Life strongly encourages residents to use Command Strips or small picture nails only. Large nails, staples, screws, wall anchors, poster putty, or tape on walls or doors inside or outside are prohibited. TV wall mounts are not allowed. Residents may be subject to damage charges regardless of what is used to hang items and/or if they attempt to repair the damage.

Exterior Decorations
Exterior alterations or decorations are only permitted in University housing with the following stipulations:

Window decorations may not include profanity, illicit illegal actions, contain threatening language, prevent the opening or closing of a window, or be flammable.
Sidewalk chalk, spirit foam, shoe polish, paints or other methods used for writing on the exterior of the buildings are prohibited.
Large potted plants or trees are not permitted in front of apartments or residence hall suites. These obstacles inhibit quick access for police, fire and medical emergency personnel.
Clothing, bathmats, rugs, towels or other items may not be hung over balconies, as this creates a “line of sight” problem for Public Safety officers and other University personnel.
Apartment or suite numbers may not be blocked or covered by wreaths, door coverings, lights or any other decorative element.
Peepholes may not be covered.
Fire protections and/or emergency equipment may not be covered or altered by exterior decorations.
Lawn furniture is not to be left unattended in front of apartments or in hallways or stairwells.
When not in use, all lawn furniture must be taken inside the apartment or suite.
University furniture is not to be taken outside of the apartment or residence hall suite under any circumstances. If University furniture is found outside of the apartment or suite, you may be charged a fine and/or to replace the item(s).
Gas and/or charcoal grills are not permitted in University housing apartments or residence hall suites.
Holiday or decorative lights may be used, with the following stipulations:
- Lights may not be strung under windows or doors.
- Only exterior outlets may be used for outside lights.
- Lights must be UL approved for outside usage, and the label denoting such use must remain on the light strand.
- Lights may not be strung across areas where people walk (sidewalks, balconies, stairwells, etc).

If the guidelines for exterior decorations are not followed, residents will be asked by staff to remove the decorations and may face disciplinary action.

Interior Decorations
Interior decorations are allowed in University housing units with the following stipulations:

Window decorations may not include profanity, illicit illegal actions, contain threatening language, prevent the opening or closing of a window, or be flammable.
Interior decorations may not block air vents.
Interior decorations may not cover fire protection or other emergency equipment.
Decorations may not cover peepholes.
Placement of live Christmas trees and/or other live greenery (excluding potted houseplants) in any part of housing is prohibited. Artificial trees are permitted inside an apartment or residence hall suite.
Canned spray snow is not permitted on windows in housing.
Window coverings must be the provided mini-blinds.
Cloth curtains, solar film or white poster board may be placed on the windows for additional light control. No cardboard, aluminum foil, cellophane or other type of window covering is permitted on windows.
Large nails, staples, screws, wall anchors, poster putty or tape on walls or doors inside or outside the apartment are prohibited.
Lofts and risers are prohibited in the apartments and residence halls.
Removing mounted fixtures from walls or ceiling is prohibited.
Private door locks (or adding additional locks) on any exterior or interior doors are prohibited.
Any renovations or changes to the apartment are prohibited.
Darts and dartboards are prohibited.
Residents may not paint or wallpaper walls or ceilings in the apartments or residence hall suites.
Bricks or landscape stones are prohibited in the residence halls.

If these guidelines for interior decorations are not followed, residents will be asked by staff to remove the decorations and may face disciplinary action.

Housing and Residence Life is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of its residents. Visit Emergency Procedures for more information.

For more detailed emergency information, please visit the University's Emergency Information website.

Emergency Protection Equipment
Tampering with emergency protection equipment, including but not limited to University fire protection equipment, evacuation route postings, emergency signs, exit lights, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and alarm systems, is prohibited. Violations to this code will most likely result in a disciplinary fine.

Fire Evacuation
When a fire alarm sounds, or when instructed to evacuate by staff, all residents are expected to leave the building immediately. Failure to comply with the fire evacuation may result in a disciplinary fine. If a student has an ESA in their room or lives in Animal Friendly housing, they should evacuate with their ESA or pet.

Living on campus is a great experience, and USI offers quality facilities to our resident students. However, from time to time things in your apartment or suite may not work properly, and you may need some assistance. Facilities Operations and Planning manages maintenance concerns for residents. The following information is meant to help you figure out the best way to fix your home in the event that something breaks.

Damages
It is the resident’s responsibility to report any damage to their apartment or suite on the room inspection form. Failure to do so may result in the assessment of damage charges.

Community Damages
Damages that are unable to be attributed to an individual may be prorated among the residents of the building or floor where the damage occurred. These charges will be assessed to student accounts. Students are encouraged to report acts of vandalism to Housing and Residence Life so that the responsible person(s) will be charged.

Facility Damages
Residents are liable for all damages to their apartment or residence hall suite incurred by the resident or their guests. During check-out, Housing and Residence Life will assess damage charges to individual accounts throughout the academic year for any damaged or vandalized property. Final charges will be determined by a walk through by Housing and Residence Life staff. Upon request, Housing and Residence Life staff can do a preliminary check with you on the day you check out. During the year, when a resident checks out, Housing and Residence Life staff will check the apartment or suite.

Healthy Living Tips
Follow these tips to ensure a healthy living environment.

Pest Control
Pest control is considered primarily the responsibility of the resident. There are some basic things you can do on your own to decrease the likelihood of contracting a pest problem.

The easiest way to prevent a pest problem in your apartment or residence hall suite is to keep your living area clean and uncluttered.

Keep all food in sealed containers; open food is an invitation for uninvited pests.

Vacuum and sweep floors regularly—this will help tremendously.

Pest control services are on campus every week on Wednesday to address requests. Therefore, all pest control requests need to be in by Tuesday at 2 p.m. If you need pest control, follow the procedures under Submit a Work Order. If it is an emergency, call Fix My Home at 812-468-2176.

Self Help Maintenance
Our Self-Help Maintenance Guide covers those minor maintenance items that you can do for yourself or enlist the aid of your RA to help you get it fixed. If you have a maintenance emergency, contact 812-468-2176 immediately. A maintenance emergency is any condition that can or has the potential to do harm to a person or to property. If you call 812-468-2176 and it is not an emergency, personnel will direct you to follow the procedures in the Self-Help Maintenance Guide.

Staff Entering Your Apartment or Suite
USI maintenance staff will enter apartments and residence hall rooms in the absence of residents in order to conduct routine maintenance, repairs, and respond to emergencies.

USI staff may enter an apartment or suite to perform a check out inspection or to take readings on the health of your room.

Staff will attempt to contact residents and will knock on doors prior to entering. All staff will have proper identification.

Submit a Work Order
If you need any work done that you cannot do yourself, submit a Fix My Home work order. Click on Fix My Home on the main housing web page. Maintenance, custodial, or pest control problems that are from resident neglect of their apartment or suite may be charged to the resident(s).

Please note the Fix My Home work order is only for maintenance issues. If you need assistance with internet, please contact the IT Help Desk at 812-465-1080.

Children and Babysitting
Children under the age of 16 may not be left unattended in housing facilities, and babysitting is strictly prohibited in campus housing. Residents will be held responsible for policy violations of any child visiting their apartment or residence hall suite.

Consolidation
At the beginning of each semester, Housing and Residence Life initiates a process called consolidation. During this time, students living in University housing units that are not fully occupied are moved to new locations to maintain full occupancy in as many facilities as possible.

There are many reasons for this process. First, it allows HRL to begin refurbishing units that are emptied prior to the summer, thereby allowing for a smoother transition from spring to summer housing. Second, it allows the discontinued use of appliances and electricity in these units, thereby saving valuable resources for students. Third, it keeps the living arrangements for all housing residents equitable.

The general process is as follows:

Notification and explanation of process sent to students
Request for room changes accepted
Consolidation assignments made by Housing and Residence Life
Notification of new assignments sent to students
Moves begin
Requests for single room (if space is available) are accepted by published deadline

Students paying for a four-person/two-bedroom, two-person/two-bedroom, two-person/one-bedroom or one-person/one-bedroom when vacancies occur agree to accept re-assignment to a new apartment or residence hall suite to achieve full occupancy. If you wish to retain lower occupancy of an apartment or suite, you must make your request in writing and pay all additional fees. Students who refuse to consolidate will be charged the single bedroom fee. Consolidation will begin after the 12th class day of each semester.

Curfew
There is no curfew for residents living in housing.

Door Propping
Students found propping open exterior doors in any housing facility may face contract termination as this is a security risk for the community. This includes exterior doors in McDonald East apartment area, the sealed glass sliding doors in McDonald East, residence hall entry doors, residence hall wing doors, or any unattended residence hall suite door or apartment entry door.

Any door found propped could result in a disciplinary fine. Propped doors that are not attributed to an individual may be prorated among all residents of that building or wing.

Early Arrivals
Students who need to move in early (fall or spring) must complete the online request form. Please remember that this is merely a request and subject to approval by Housing and Residence Life staff.

Housing Renewal
For current USI residents, housing renewal takes place in March. Residents who contract prior to renewal can select their space for the next academic year. An email with an appointment day and time for renewal will be sent to residents’ USI email accounts.

Residents who do not go through March renewal and have a signed contract can select space in June. An email with an appointment day and time for room selection will be sent to residents’ USI email accounts.

Housing Shortages
In the event of a housing shortage, Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to place students in reserved single rooms. Housing and Residence Life further reserves the right to allot temporary assignments and place three students in a bedroom providing bed and storage space for each resident. As housing becomes available, the last resident assigned must move to regular accommodations.

Immunizations
USI requires that students submit documentation regarding specific immunizations prior to checking into housing. Failure to submit immunization records may result in contract termination with full contract cancellation penalties. For more information about USI’s immunization policy, see the University Health Center website.

Lock Outs
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they carry their apartment/room key/card with them. If a resident is locked out of their apartment or residence hall suite, the student should call the HRL front desk (812-468-2000) during business hours and complete the online Lock-Out form on the Housing Portal. A staff member will let the resident back into their room.

If the lock out occurs after business hours, the resident should contact Public Safety (812-464-1845) to gain entrance back into the room. Students still need to complete the online Lock-Out form.

There is no charge for the first lock out of each semester for each student. The second and subsequent lock out of the semester will result in an administrative fee being placed on the student’s USI account.

Lost Key
If a resident loses an apartment key or residence hall key card, they should submit the Lost Key form on the Housing Portal. HRL will issue a new key card for residence hall students. In the case of apartments, it may be necessary to recore the door lock.

Replacement key cards and keys are subject to a $60 fee that will be added to the student’s USI account.

Online Forms
Housing and Residence Life offers a variety of services online via forms found on the Housing Portal.

Quiet and/or Courtesy Hours
Violation of quiet and/or courtesy hours is considered disorderly conduct. Courtesy hours are always in effect. Community residents and/or Housing and Residence Life staff reserve the right to ask people to observe courtesy hours at all times. Quiet hours are:

Sunday–Thursday, 10 p.m.–8 a.m.
Friday–Saturday, Midnight–8 a.m.

Student equipment (stereos, televisions, musical instruments, alarms, etc.) that continues to be a noise problem will be confiscated by staff. Items will be stored for 10 working days. Unclaimed items will be disposed of by Housing and Residence Life.

Renter’s Insurance
The University of Southern Indiana strongly advises that personal renter’s insurance be purchased by students living in housing. USI shall not be directly or indirectly liable for loss or theft of personal property, or for damage or destruction of such property by fire, water, or other causes. Check your family’s homeowner’s insurance policy; college students living on campus may be covered.

Study Hours
The 24-hour study hours start at midnight on Saturday before final exams begin and end at 6 p.m. on Friday of final exams week. This period is to provide an atmosphere conducive to study for final exams.

Residents should be respectful of others' right to study and sleep. Even if your finals are over doesn’t mean your neighbor isn’t still studying.

University Health Center Enrollment
All students living in USI housing are required to subscribe to the University health care program. These fees will be added to your University account. Contact the University Health Center at 812-465-1250 with any questions.

Vacancy Inspections
Housing and Residence Life may move or reassign students as needed. When there is a vacancy in an apartment or residence hall, students must keep the vacant space clean in order for another student to move in. Any vacancy not kept clean will be cleaned by custodial staff and a cleaning fee may be added to residents' accounts. Housing and Residence Life staff will inspect vacancies on a monthly basis to ensure the space is ready and make every attempt to give residents 24 hours’ notice before a roommate or suitemate moves in.

Guest Policy
Guests in University housing is a privilege and must be respected in order to maintain an environment conducive to student learning, growth and safety. Housing and Residence Life may revoke guest privileges if necessary to ensure the safety and privacy of the community. Permission must be given by the roommate and suitemates for a guest (housing resident or non-resident) to be present in an apartment or residence hall suite.

Guests

Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests. Residents will be charged for any and all violations caused by their guests.
Guests are prohibited from staying in the apartments or residence halls without the resident. These individuals will be asked to leave by Public Safety officers or Housing and Residence Life staff if found unescorted or unaccompanied in or around University housing property. Residents who leave guests unattended will be held responsible.
Number of Guests - The maximum capacity of any two-bedroom apartment or residence hall suite is eight (8) persons, including both residents and guests. A one-bedroom apartment or residence hall suite has a maximum capacity of four (4) persons, including both residents and guests.

Overnight Guests

Overnight guests can stay up to two consecutive nights (no more than once per month).
No more than two guests per resident are allowed to stay overnight in a room and total number of occupants in a room cannot exceed the capacity listed in Number of Guests above.
Permission must be given by roommate and suitemates prior to any guest staying overnight.
Any guest staying overnight in University housing must be registered with Housing and Residence Life. Housing residents also must be registered as guests if staying overnight in another on-campus apartment or residence hall suite. The guest registration form is on the Housing Portal. Unregistered guests will be asked to leave University housing. Guests must be at least 16 years of age.
Overnight guests must register their vehicle with Parking, display a temporary parking permit and park only in designated non-resident visitor parking.

Cohabitation
Living or staying for any pattern of time in an apartment or suite without an official current USI housing contract for that particular space will be considered cohabitation. Cohabitation is defined as a person (housing resident or non-resident) staying in an apartment or suite for more than two (2) consecutive nights, or other patterned behavior that is intended to allow an individual to stay beyond guest hours. Non-registered guests can be considered as an instance of cohabitation. The resident who allows cohabitation to occur can be held accountable. Students found responsible for a violation of the cohabitation policy may be charged a conduct fine of $50, charged for use of the facility or charged for each night the non-contracted person spent in residence.

Up to three (3) times per semester, Housing and Residence Life staff will enter the apartments and residence halls to check safety equipment (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, etc.). Staff also will check to ensure that all appliances are working correctly. Housing and Residence Life will provide students with at least 24 hours notice prior to these inspections. Housing and Residence Life staff will do the following:

Inspect the apartment or suite.
Give the residents a set period of time, not to exceed 48 hours, to clean the apartment or suite.
Re-inspect the apartment or suite.
File a report with Housing and Residence Life.
Failure to maintain a clean environment may result in disciplinary action.

Laundry Facilities
Laundry facilities in O'Daniel South, residence halls and the Community Center use coins or the Eagle Access Card. The laundry rooms in McDonald East are coin operated only. Currently, the cost to wash is $1.50 per load and to dry $1.25.

Residents should not leave laundry unattended. Housing and Residence Life will not be responsible for lost or stolen laundry items.

Residence Halls
Laundry rooms are located on the second floor of each residence hall.

O’Daniel South
A laundry room is located directly in the Residence Life Resource Center behind the Office of Religious Life.

O’Daniel North and McDonald West
A laundry room is located in the Residence Life Community Center.

McDonald East
A washer and a dryer are located in the stairwell of each building. Residents who wish to use these laundry facilities will have to use quarters to pay for their laundry.

What do I do if I experience a problem with a washer or a dryer?
The laundry facilities are managed through an outside vendor called CSC ServiceWorks. If you experience an issue with a washer or dryer, you must report it to them. If CSC does not know about the issue, it cannot be fixed. USI maintenance does not handle laundry repairs. Please follow the process below to report laundry issues.

Submit a service request through the CSC website or the CSCPay app. You will need to download the CSCPay app from the App Store or Google Play.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 812-468-2000.

Laundry Refunds

USING EAGLE ACCESS CARD
Please go to the HRL office or call 812-468-2000 or email Living. You will need to provide the following information:

Name
Student ID
Location of Loss
Date of Loss
Amount of Loss

USING COINS

To request a refund of coins, you will need to download the CSC Pay app from the App Store or Google Play.

Bed Linens/Mattress
Residents must provide their own bed linens. Twin size beds are provided in four-person/two-bedroom apartments and residence hall suites. Each bed comes with a standard twin size mattress. Full size beds are provided in single bedrooms in apartments. Residents may not bring their own mattresses.

There are a limited number of extra-long mattresses for those taller than 6’3”. For 2024-25, all requests for an extra-long mattress must be emailed to Living no later than July 1, 2024.

Cleaning
Residents must provide their own cleaning supplies and are responsible for cleaning their own space as well as common areas in suites and apartments. If a resident’s room is not clean before check out at the end of the academic year, they could be charged for excessive cleaning.

Cooking in Residence Halls
Cooking in rooms with an open flame or exposed element is prohibited. Electrical appliances such as electric skillets, woks, electric grills, George Foreman grills, hot pots, coffee makers without automatic shutoff feature or other appliances that can be used to prepare raw foods are prohibited (with the exception of microwave ovens). Students will be asked to remove the appliance. If a student fails to remove the item, the University will remove the appliance and store for ten (10) working days. A storage fee will be added to the student’s account. If, after ten (10) days, the item has not been retrieved by the student, the item will be discarded.

Decorations
Residents are allowed to hang pictures and posters in their apartments and residence hall suites. Housing and Residence Life strongly encourages residents to use Command Strips or small picture nails only. Large nails, staples, screws, wall anchors, poster putty, or tape on walls or doors inside or outside are prohibited. TV wall mounts are not allowed. Residents may be subject to damage charges regardless of what is used to hang items and/or if they attempt to repair the damage.

Excessive Noise
Unwanted noise is a common concern for those living in shared residential environments such as apartment buildings or residence halls.

Residents have the right to move around their space freely and enjoy living on campus. It is important to understand a certain amount of noise is a part of normal daily activities. These noise levels include walking, talking, opening up doors, watching TV, cooking, etc. However, stomping, jumping, slamming cabinets or doors, watching TV or listening to music loudly for extended periods, shouting, fighting, late night parties, etc., are examples of excessive noise.

Residents should be mindful of potential sources of their own noise and how it may affect neighbors. In addition, before making a noise complaint, residents should consider is the disturbance a part of everyday living or excessive. If noise is excessive, residents are encouraged to reach out to their neighbors in a respectful manner or contact their RA.

All residents should observe quiet hours established by HRL.

Sunday–Thursday, 10 p.m.–8 a.m.
Friday–Saturday, Midnight–8 a.m.

Furniture
All Housing and Residence Life facilities are fully furnished. Due to limited space in housing, furniture may not be removed from student apartments or residence hall suites. Students may not bring their own furniture including beds, mattresses, couches, etc.

Grills
The use of personal grills in University housing is prohibited. Public grills are provided throughout housing for student use. Use the grills in accordance with the following guidelines:

Clean grills thoroughly before and after use. You may use aluminum foil on the grills, but foil must be removed after you are finished and discarded properly.
Only match-ready charcoal (no lighter fluid) may be used with the grills and stored in apartments or suites.
Used coals must be placed in the coal disposal bucket located next to every grill.
Trash must be removed from the grill area and disposed of properly.
Paper trash must be thrown away in garbage cans and not the coal disposal bucket.

Humidifiers
Humidifiers must be carefully placed within the housing units. Residents who place units in close proximity to smoke detectors could cause false fire alarms.

Internet
All Housing and Residence Life facilities are equipped for Internet access—both high speed and wireless. In order to assist you with connecting to the USI Internet service, USI Information Technology technicians will be on hand during the first week after move-in at various locations within housing. Contact the Information Technology Help Desk at 812-465-1080 for specific times and locations. Residents must provide Ethernet cord.

Students are welcome to use their preferred streaming services and devices to watch favorite shows, movies, etc.

Light Bulbs
If you need a florescent light bulb replaced, submit a work order through Fix My Home. Residents are responsible for purchasing and replacing all other light bulbs. Housing and Residence Life recommends LED bulbs only. Residents may not replace LED bulbs with any other kind of bulb.

Halogen light bulbs are prohibited.

Local Phone and Long Distance Service
Each room has a telephone jack that is designed for a specific phone type. Residents may not plug in their own phones. Residents who want a landline phone may contact Information Technology (812-465-1080) to request a phone. The phone and local service will be provided at no charge. Long distance service is available by paying additional fees.

Shower Hooks/Towel Bar
Shower hooks are provided. Students will need to bring their own shower liner and curtain. There is a towel rack in each apartment bathroom. Not all residence hall bathrooms have a towel rack.

Tobacco-Free Policy
The USI campus is tobacco-free. Smoking or the use of tobacco or tobacco products, including the use of E-cigarettes or any other device that use a heating element to vaporize a liquid solution that includes nicotine and/or flavored vapor designed to mimic traditional cigarettes or cigars, is prohibited inside all student housing facilities. This includes residence halls, apartments, common areas, building entries and student rooms. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas in student housing. Individuals are responsible for proper disposal of cigarette butts. Cleaning charges may be assessed if cigarette butts are not properly disposed.

Trash
Residents are responsible for the removal of trash and garbage in and around their apartment or suite. All trash must be disposed of in provided dumpsters within University housing. Leaving trash outside apartments or in lobby or laundry rooms is prohibited. Trash that is not attributed to an individual may result in charges being prorated among the residents of the building or floor where the trash was found. Charges will be assessed to student accounts. If a Housing and Residence Life staff member requests that trash be removed, due to health and safety concerns, the student(s) will have 24 hours to comply with the request. Failure to remove trash in a timely fashion may result in a disciplinary fine.

Utilities
All costs for utilities (electric, Internet - high speed/wireless, water, local phone, trash/recycling) are included in student housing rates. The University pays these utilities as a convenience for the student. Residents who abuse this convenience by running the air conditioning unit with doors and windows open, leaving water running, not reporting water leaks, etc., may be charged the extra costs associated with this abuse or neglect. Residents can also face fines/disciplinary action for this behavior.

Window Coverings
Blinds are provided for windows in residence hall suites and apartments. Blinds may not be removed. Curtains are allowed if hung using tension rods. In the apartments there must be a one-foot clearance of the air conditioning unit so it can function properly. Window dimensions can vary slightly from building to building so it is recommended you wait until after you move in to measure for curtains.

Prohibited Items in Apartments and Residence Halls

Alcohol/Alcohol Containers
Bidets
Candles/Incense
Dartboards/Paintball Guns
Drugs/Drug Paraphernalia
Electric/Charcoal/Gas Grills
Electric Blankets without Automatic Shut Off
Halogen Lamps
Lofts/Bed Risers
Pets (unless approved for ESA, Service Animal or Animal Friendly Housing) Only small fish allowed in aquariums 20 gallons or less (no approval needed).
Space Heaters
TV Wall Mounts
Vape Devices/Other Electronic Smoking Devices
Weapons/Ammunition
Wireless Printers/Routers
Window Air Conditioning Units

Prohibited Items in Residence Halls

Appliances with Open-Coil or Open-Flame
Air Fryers/Panini Press/Press Grills
Coffee Makers without Automatic Shut Off
Crockpots/Rice Cookers
Electric Grills/Skillets/Woks
Toasters/Toaster Ovens

Living with Roommates
Students come from varying backgrounds and our expectation is that residents will be open to learning to live with someone who is different from themselves. One of the first tasks residents will do after moving in is sitting down together and completing the roommate agreement. This is when they can be honest and share their expectations for cleaning, guests, communication and more. Residents are encouraged to be respectful and friendly with their roommates, but they don’t necessarily have to become best friends. We hope that in room situations where two or three residents already know each other that they would choose to be open and welcoming to the others that are random roommates. If after moving in, residents have concerns with a roommate, then they should seek out their RA as a resource to help work through the issue.

Roommate Bill of Rights
This declaration outlines basic rights and responsibilities that will help healthy roommate relationships develop.

All Roommates Have the Right

To privacy
To respect
To open communication
To mutually clean living quarters
To personal safety and security of possessions
To comfortable sleep and study conditions
To be asked before their possessions are used
To stay true to their own values
To agree to disagree
To ask Housing and Residence Life staff for assistance when needed
To be treated civilly
To comfortable living space
To get their messages in a timely manner
To a room free of policy violations

All Roommates Have the Responsibility

To respect one another’s privacy
To respect themselves and others
To communicate openly with their roommate and discuss potential conflicts before they get out of hand
To keep their living space neat and clean
To lock doors and maintain personal/possession safety
To maintain a comfortable environment for sleep and study purposes
To treat one another’s possessions with care and to ask before borrowing personal items
To respect differences
To compromise
To enlist the help of Housing and Residence Life staff when a difficult roommate issue arises
To be kind and civil with no intent to harm
To check with one another before having overnight guests
To pass on messages to their roommate in a timely manner
To abide by all housing rules and regulations

Roommate Agreement/Room Change Process
The goal of the roommate agreement/room change process is to promote proactive communication between the residents. All residents are required to complete a roommate agreement in conjunction with their roommates and RA by the end of the second week of the fall semester.

Resident assistants are a valuable resource when dealing with roommate issues. All RAs are trained and equipped with the skills necessary to help you achieve harmony in your room. However, there are times when a room change may be the best solution. If you have talked with your roommate and consulted your RA and still experience issues, then your area coordinator may consider moving you to a new room/apartment. If it is evident that you have done all you can to resolve your issues, then a room change may be granted based on the availability of spaces. For more information about the process, contact your resident assistant, area coordinator, or the Housing and Residence Life office.

To learn more about student conduct, what to expect and the Indiana Lifeline Law, please visit Student Conduct.

Student Employment
Housing and Residence Life has several job positions for currently enrolled students. HRL advertises for positions on this website and social media. To learn about HRL student positions, visit Student Employment.

Student Leadership
Housing and Residence Life has numerous leadership opportunities for students in the residence halls and apartments. To learn more, visit Student Leadership Opportunities.

Summer Housing
University housing is available during the summer terms.

Fall Break
Housing is open and residents do not have to leave during fall break.

Thanksgiving Break
Residents do not have to leave during Thanksgiving break.

Winter Break
University housing is closed to residents from 6 p.m. on December 13, 2024, through January 1, 2025. Mail service is held from December 21, 2024, through January 1, 2025. Residents may return to housing on or after January 10, 2025.

Students wishing to stay during the winter break period must sign up online by December 6, 2024, and provide a compelling reason for needing to remain in housing during the break period. Approvals have included requests such as involvement in University-sponsored events and international residency.

Students who are discovered living on campus without authorization may face disciplinary action along with an additional $300 fine.

Residents with permanent addresses in Vanderburgh (IN), Warrick (IN), Henderson (KY), White (IL), Gallatin (IL), Posey (IN), or Gibson (IN) counties are not eligible to stay for the winter break period.

Spring Break
Housing is open and residents do not have to leave during spring break.

Can I leave my belongings during breaks?
Leaving belongings in your room is allowed for all breaks except summer break. However, it is recommended that residents not leave valuables in their apartments or residence halls during winter break since the campus is closed and there is limited staff.