Office of Student Housing and Residence Life Handbook

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this handbook. It outlines your rights and responsibilities, Code of Student Conduct, Student Housing and Residence Life Policies and Procedures, as well as important phone numbers. It is each student’s responsibility to know and understand the Student Housing and Residence Life policies and procedures and the Code of Conduct. This information is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive campus for all to pursue their educational goals. 

Welcome

Welcome to Student Housing and Residence Life 2024-2025 at Cameron University! I hope that you will take the opportunity to enjoy all that living on campus has to offer. Living on campus provides an environment uniquely able to cater to your needs as a student. I look forward to seeing what you will add to our community.

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this handbook. It outlines your rights and responsibilities, Code of Student Conduct, Student Housing and Residence Life Policies and Procedures, as well as important phone numbers. It is each student’s responsibility to know and understand the Student Housing and Residence Life policies and procedures and the Code of Conduct. This information is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive campus for all to pursue their educational goals.

Student Housing and Residence Life staff members are here to assist you as you develop professionally, intellectually, personally, and socially. Your resident assistant the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life will provide programming to help meet our residents’ needs. I encourage you to participate and be active on your floor and in your buildings. During your time here at Cameron you will develop relationships that will last a lifetime. As a resident you are already a member of our Residence Hall Association (RHA), which also provides events and programs, along with giving the residents a voice to help better the on-campus experience.

It is our priority to make this year positive and rewarding for you all. The dedicated staff members of the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life are here for you.


Abandoned Property

Any personal property or belongings remaining in your unit or its common areas for more than thirty (30) days after you move out will be deemed abandoned. The University is not responsible for any loss or damage to your belongings or personal property after you move out. You may be charged for storage, removal, or destruction of abandoned property. The University reserves the right to dispose of abandoned property, including, but not limited to, keeping, selling, donating, or destroying the property.


Alcohol Beverages and Containers

Alcohol is not permitted in any facilities.

No empty alcohol containers are permitted, even for decorative purposes, and if found, such containers will be considered the same as actually possessing or consuming alcohol.


Appliances

Items with an open coil or flame are prohibited in housing (such as hot plates, and griddles). Small appliances with an automatic shut-off are allowed such as: coffeemakers (12 cups and under) and clothing irons. This list is not complete. If you have a questionable item, ask a Student Housing and Residence Life staff member. If a staff member finds a questionable item in your room upon any inspection, it may be confiscated for safety purposes. Toasters are permitted only in the Cameron Village apartments.


Assignments

Students are assigned by the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life or designee. Students are placed based on their preferences and availability of their preferences, when possible.

As practice, individual apartments in Cameron Village house residents of the same gender. While a resident’s individual apartment is separated by gender, each floor and building may be comprised of apartments housing different genders. Please contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life with questions or concerns.

Shepler Center facilities are separated by gender. Guests of the opposite gender on floors and in rooms are only permitted during specified hours.


Babysitting

Babysitting is not allowed in any of the Student Housing and Residence Life facilities. All guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian at all times while in residential facilities.


Bed Bugs & Pest Control

The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life has the right to inspect and treat infestations. You must allow access to your room/apartment at reasonable times to allow pest control professionals to inspect for and/or treat bed bugs and other pests as allowed by law. The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life may also inspect and treat adjacent/neighboring rooms/apartments to the infestation even if those rooms are not the source or cause of the known infestation. The student is responsible for and must, at the student’s expense, have personal property, clothing and possessions treated according to accepted treatment methods established by Student Housing and Residence Life Bed Bug Policy. Exterminators will provide preventative treatment in all Student Housing and Residence Life facilities on a regular basis throughout the year. Please contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life should you have any questions related to this service.


Bicycles

Residents are welcome to bring bicycles to campus for transportation and recreation. Student Housing and Residence Life does provide bike racks outside of the residential facilities for bicycles. Bicycles are allowed to be kept inside a resident’s room assignment if space allows and the bicycle does not block normal egress.

Bicycles must not be parked or stored in hallways, common areas, floor lounges, apartment living rooms or vanity areas, stairwells, or in front of entry or exit doors. Bicycles must not be parked or stored under entry breezeways in Cameron Village. The University is not liable for any damage, or theft, of bicycles parked on campus.


Open Flames

Open flames (including but not limited to candles, incense, open flames, and Scentsy) are prohibited in any Student Housing and Residence Life facility due to possible fire hazards. This rule includes decorative candles with burned or unburned wicks. Any candles or incense found in the resident’s assigned unit may be confiscated by staff. This also includes candle warmers and scent pot burners.


Card Access System

Residents are required to use their University ID card to enter Student Housing and Residence Life facilities with card access systems. Non-residents will not be given access to residential facilities and/or floors. No resident is permitted to give their University ID card to any individual for any reason.


Checking In

Check-in is supervised by Student Housing and Residence Life staff and is conducted according to a specific schedule of dates and times. When you check-in, you will be given keys after you complete the room condition, emergency contact/missing person , and meningitis vaccination forms.


Checking Out

Residents are expected to vacate their rooms by the day, time, and procedure posted. Each resident much check out with a Student Housing and Residence Life staff member. Rooms/apartments are to be clean and in the same general condition as they were at the beginning of occupancy.

Residents should contact their hall staff prior to the deadline should they need special check out arrangements.

Residents who, for whatever reason, wish to check out during the semester must contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life to process the necessary paperwork. Unless officially released from the Student Housing and Residence Life Contract, residents will be held responsible for the full amount of their room charges.

Failure to follow these steps may result in the assessment of fees for cleaning, key replacement, and improper check-out charges. Residents withdrawing from the University will be given 48 hours from withdrawing to check out of their assignment. The resident should contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life immediately after withdrawing to coordinate the check-out process.


Cleaning

Residents are expected to keep their assigned room reasonably neat and clean at all times. The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to ask residents to clean their room for safety, health, or roommate concerns. Custodial services are not provided after a resident has moved into their housing assignment. Cameron Village residents are responsible for maintaining a reasonably neat and clean bathroom, kitchen, and living room area. Residents may be required to clean their bathroom, kitchen, and/or living room area for safety, health, or roommate concerns.


Cohabitation

Cohabitation is defined as a person using a residence hall room/apartment as if that person were living in the room/apartment but not actually being assigned as a resident of that room/apartment. Cohabitation is not permitted in any Student Housing and Residence Life facility. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, keeping clothing and other personal belongings in the room/apartment and sleeping overnight in the room/apartment on a regular basis and using the bathroom and shower facilities as if they lived in that room/apartment. Violating a roommate’s right of entry into their room/apartment or hindering a roommate’s ability to study and/or sleep within their room/apartment, because of a guest’s continual presence, is considered a violation of this rule.


Community Billing

Financial charges related to the cleaning of, damage to or theft of University property are billed to the specific individual(s) responsible whenever such individuals can be identified. However, when damage or theft cannot be assigned to a specific individual(s), the charges may be divided equally among the residents of a living area.

Residents will be given every opportunity to identify individual(s) responsible for the damage before a group billing is finalized. Damage charges will be issued in an official university communication method along with those individuals that are charged through the group billing process. After notification, Student Housing and Residence Life will have the damage charges placed on each individuals account.

Your active involvement in reducing damages within your community is encouraged. You can assist by following these guidelines:

     1. Report any damages to your RA immediately.
     2. Treat University property with as much respect as you would your personal property.
     3. Discourage others from behaving irresponsibly.


Complicity

“Complicity” means allowing a violation to occur, whether by enabling the violation or failing to report it. Residents, and their guests, may be held responsible for complicity for being present during a violation of one or more policies. Students may also be held responsible for any violation that is occurring. It is the responsibility of each student to make a prudent choice when they becomes aware of a violation. Those choices include: 1) leaving the situation immediately; 2) advising those in violation of a policy to cease behavior and then leaving the situation immediately thereafter; 3) reporting the policy violation to Student Housing and Residence Life staff or the Office of Public Safety and leaving the situation immediately; or 4) staying and possibly being charged with a violation.


Contact Information

Address:
McMahon Center, Office 111
502 SW University Dr.
Lawton, OK 73505

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Office Phone Number:
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(580) 581-2392

Staff Phone Numbers:
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 a.m.
(after hours & weekends)

Location:
Cameron Village RA on duty
(580) 483-3577

North Shepler RA on duty
(580) 483-8326

South Shepler RA on duty
(580) 483-8829

Email:
housing@cameron.edu


Damages and Losses

Residents are responsible for keeping the premises (room/hall/building/apartment) and its contents in good working order and free from damage both by themselves and their guests. Residents will be held accountable for any damages they cause in common areas and in assigned spaces. In situations where no individuals can be held accountable for damages, the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to “group bill” all residents that may have been associated with damages. Each resident is responsible for the replacement cost for any damages that may occur to the room and/or its contents. Residents are encouraged to seek property insurance for loss or theft of personal items.


Darts/Dartboards

Because of the potential danger to both persons and property, darts and dartboards are prohibited in all Student Housing and Residence Life facilities.


Decorations

Pictures, poster, and other items used to decorate a student’s room are encouraged as long as they do not create a health or fire hazard or damage the room.


Discipline Process

Residents and their guests are required to abide by the rules, policies, and procedures in the Student Housing and Residence Life Handbook, the Code of Student Conduct, and any additional supplemental policy documents. When residents or guests violate a rule, or procedure, or policy, a staff member will report the event on a departmental incident report. This incident report will be submitted to the appropriate University official and may lead to a conduct meeting with the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life or designee which could result in a disciplinary sanction. Please refer to the Code of Student Conduct for a list of possible sanctions including but not limited to reassignment to another housing unit, probation from housing, or termination of a student’s housing contract. In addition, please refer to the guest policy, of the Student Housing and Residence Life Handbook, for information about guest misconduct.


Drones

The use of any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone is prohibited on the Cameron University campus without FAA authorization. Cameron University puts a high value on the privacy and security of the campus community. Any request to operate a drone on campus without FAA authorization should be submitted in writing at least two weeks in advance to the Office of Public Safety.


Drugs and Paraphernalia

Illegal drugs or substances, as defined by local, state, and federal laws and regulations, are not allowed in any residential facility. No drug paraphernalia is allowed in any residential facility, and if found, will be considered the same as actually possessing or consuming illegal substances.


Elevators

In order to keep elevators in all residential facilities in safe working condition, the following actions are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:

     1. Intentional damage and/or vandalism to the elevators, such as, but not limited to, prying elevator doors open, jumping, etc.
     2. Overloading the elevator
     3. Use of emergency alarms and emergency stops in non-emergency situations
     4. Evacuating people from the elevator without trained personnel

If you are trapped in an elevator, use the emergency phone provided to call for help. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive before attempting to evacuate.


Emergency Procedures

Emergencies should be reported to the Office of Public Safety at 581-2911 and to a Student Housing and Residence Life staff member.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, CONTACT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

     1. Public Safety (580-581-2911)
     2. Student Housing and Residence Life 8am-5pm (580-581-2392)
     3. North Shepler 5pm-8am and weekends (580-483-8326)
     4. South Shepler 5pm-8am and weekends (580-483-8829)
     5. Cameron Village 5pm-8am and weekends (580-483-3577)


Extension Cords and Surge Protectors

Extension cords may be used on a limited basis in Student Housing facilities. Regular household extension cords are not to be used. Only cords with an AWG (American Wire Gauge) rating of 14 or lower, which are 25’ or less in length, may be used. Extension cords may be plugged into circuit breaker protected power strips but power strips should not be plugged into extension cords. Extension cords and power strips should never be placed above ceiling tiles, underneath carpet or through doors or stabled or pinched in anyway. Only power strips and multi-plugs with built in circuit breakers (surge protectors) may be used.


Exterior Door Locking

The exterior doors in Cameron Village with card access are locked at all times. Residents are expected to carry their University ID card to gain access to their building.

The main exterior doors of the Shepler Center will be on a timed locks which will close at night and on holidays. Residents are expected to carry their University ID card to gain access to their building. Fire exit doors are locked at all times.

Both propping of any exterior doors and/or tampering with locks are considered serious security violations. Residents are expected to aid in maintaining security of the Student Housing and Residence Life facilities. University ID cards are never to be given to another person to gain entry into a building or apartment.


Fire Drills, Alarms, and Equipment

Student Housing and Residence Life may hold fire drills to acquaint the residents with fire evacuation procedures. All residents and guests should follow directions during the drills. Failure to evacuate the building may result in disciplinary action.

Because it is imperative that fire and safety equipment functions properly when it is needed, the following acts are prohibited:

     1. Tampering or playing with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, exit lights, or emergency lights
     2. Tampering with or pulling a fire alarm under false pretense
     3. Removing smoke detectors or otherwise rendering a smoke detector inoperable
     4. Obstructing halls and stairwells with furniture, debris, and other materials
     5. Hanging objects from smoke detectors or from sprinklers

Residents who jeopardize the security or safety of any resident will be subject to severe disciplinary action.


Fighting, Threatening, or Act of Violence

The use or threat of force, violence or terrorist activities against individuals or property is prohibited, and will be subject to disciplinary action. All individuals involved in any fight, threat of violence, and/or act of violence will be subjected to review for disciplinary action. As included in the Guests section, resident hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guest at all times.


Fire Procedures

In the event of an actual fire or a drill, all residents are required to immediately evacuate the building. Follow the instructions of Public Safety Officers, fire-fighting personnel, Office of Public Safety staff, and/or Student Housing and Residence Life staff. Keep the following items in mind in the event of a fire:

     1. Exit the building. Walk, do not run. Be particularly careful in staircases. Do not use elevators.
     2. Proceed directly to a place of safety outside the building. Do not attempt to salvage personal belongings.
     3. Close doors when you leave.
     4. Before opening a closed door, check it to see if it is hot. When it is hot, attempt to find another exit route.
     5. At all times, follow the instructions of personnel authorized to take charge at the scene of the emergency.
     6. Do not re-enter the building until given the all clear by fire-righting personnel, Office of Public Safety staff, or Student Housing and Residence Life staff.

At the beginning of each semester, Student Housing and Residence Life staff will hold mandatory meetings to review detailed fire safety procedures specific to the resident’s living area. Attendance at these meetings is required of all residents.


Firearms, Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives. Fireworks, and Projectiles

Possession or use of firearms, ammunition, or any type of weapon, as well as fireworks or similar items is prohibited on campus. This includes, but is not limited to; pistols, paint guns, water balloon launchers, rifles, knives over three inches, stun guns, sling shots, pellet guns, blow guns, air-powered guns (airsoft), projectiles, etc. Weapons found by staff may be confiscated and/ or turned over to Public Safety. For reasons of health and safety, propelling devices such as rockets, paint guns, water balloons/launchers, catapults, slingshots, or any homemade device for the purpose of launching an object are prohibited.


Floor/Building Meetings

Each semester during the first week of class, mandatory meetings are held in common spaces of each residential facility. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory because information concerning safety and security, as well as other important information, is distributed. Additional mandatory meetings may be held through the academic year as needed. Residents are responsible for all of the information distributed at these meetings.


Furniture

Furniture must remain in its designated space. Lobby or lounge furniture that is removed by a student for their private use will be considered stolen property and disciplinary action may be taken. Room and apartment furnishings are to remain in the room/apartment at all times. Students may not leave any type of furnishings or property outside of their room/apartment or in the hallway.

In Cameron Village all bedroom furniture must remain in the bedroom. Bedroom furniture may not be kept in the vanity area, living room or kitchen.


Guests

Guests are defined as a person who is not assigned to the building they are visiting. This includes other students/residents, friends, parents, siblings, or other relatives of the residents of that room. Residents are allowed to hosts guests in their rooms according to the rules outlined below. However, violating a roommate’s right of entry into the room or apartment, or hindering a roommate’s ability to study and/or sleep within their room or apartment is considered a violation of guest privileges. Roommates have the right to deny overnight guests. Guests under 18 years of age are not allowed in residential facilities as overnight guests.

Host responsibilities – Hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guest at all times and are obligated to inform the guest of all University and Student Housing and Residence Life policies and regulations. Any violations by a guest may result in disciplinary action being taken against both the host and guest.
Escorting guests – Guests must be escorted at all times. Guests left unattended or found to be unescorted may be asked to leave the building. Residents should never agree to escort a person they do not know. Guests may not be left in a room or apartment without the host being present – i.e. when the host leaves the room/apartment or building, the guest must also leave.
Overnight guests
Shepler Center – Overnight guests of the same gender are allowed to stay overnight on any day during the week, but only with the permission of the roommate. Guests of the opposite gender may stay overnight on nights allowed by the visitation hours. Overnight guests may not stay in a room for more than two (2) consecutive nights and no more than six (6) total nights in one semester. A maximum of one (1) guest is allowed to stay overnight at one time. Residents may be billed for their guests if they exceed the nightly limit.
Cameron Village – Overnight guests of any gender are allowed to stay overnight on any day during the week, but only with the permission of all roommates in the apartment. Overnight guests may not stay in an apartment for more than two (2) consecutive nights and no more than six (6) total nights in one semester. A maximum of one (1) guest is allowed to stay overnight at one time. Residents may be billed for their guests if they exceed the nightly limit.

For additional information, refer to the “Visitation” section.


Health and Safety Checks

The University recognizes a resident’s desire for privacy, particularly in the context of their group living situation, and will do what it can to protect and guarantee their privacy. However, the University, through Student Housing and Residence Life staff, reserves the right to enter a resident’s room and/or apartment to determine compliance with health and safety regulations. Health and safety checks will take place a minimum of two times per semester and residents will receive posted notification of the check at least 48 hours in advance of the check, except in the case of emergencies and extenuating circumstances.


Heaters

For safety reasons, no portable heating units, of any type, may be used in Student Housing and Residence Life facilities.


Housing Deposit

A one-time room deposit of $200 must accompany the Student Housing and Residence Life Application. This deposit may be refundable if the student fulfills the contract and properly checks out of their assignment. Upon cancellation in writing, deposits will be refunded, provided the student has paid all bills, officially checked out of their assignment, has no further indebtedness to the University and has cancelled prior to:

     a. For new housing applicants the first date of occupancy, for the given semester.

     b. For returning residents, the first date of occupancy for the fall semester.


Housing Over Breaks

Shepler Center is only open during the fall and spring semesters. Fall semester and spring semester housing charges do not cover the cost for these break periods. Housing may not be provided during each of the break periods. Residents will be required to make payment for break housing and may have to relocate to a temporary room during the break. Cameron Village residents are permitted to stay during break periods that fall within their contracted room assignment without additional charges.


Identification

For the safety and welfare of all students and to protect University property, members of the staff may request proof of identity of any person in Student Housing and Residence Life facilities. Failure to identify yourself to a University official upon request may result in disciplinary action. Your cooperation is appreciated should the occasion arise. Individuals that are unable to provide identification may be asked to leave and the Office of Public Safety may be contacted to assist with the situation.


Incident Reports

Incidents requiring the attention or intervention of staff members are regularly reported to the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life. Violations of rules, medical and emergency situations, and instances of vandalism or damage are documented in Incident Reports and forwarded to the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life for informational purposes or disciplinary action. To submit or request to view an incident report please contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life.


Internet Connections

Each apartment/room is equipped with access to the internet, but residents must provide their own internet-ready devices. Students must follow the Computer Use Policy and Residential Network Policy and cannot download copyrighted materials or disciplinary action will be taken. If students have an internet connection problem, they should contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life who will direct the information to the proper campus officials.

The University provides wireless access to computing and information resources to residents. Accidental or intentional disruption of a wireless network will deprive others of access to important University resources. Persons using wireless devices to connect to the University network must comply with the Cameron University Computer Use Policy.

Information Technology Services will approach the shared use of the wireless radio frequency in the same way that it manages the shared use of the wired network. Users will not provide network services that will interfere with the University network. ITS reserves the right to restrict the use of wireless devices on campus. Cameron University reserves the rights to limit, restrict, or extend access to the wireless airspace on campus.

Any person operating a wireless device that interferes with existing central network services or overloads the network, including but not limited to; personal wireless routers and personal distribution switches, will be notified and steps will be taken to protect the overall University network. This may include disconnecting the offending computer device from the network until the problem is resolved. If the condition is an imminent hazard to the Cameron University network or disrupts the activities of others, then the offending computer may be disconnected without prior notice. The wireless network may have to be disconnected without prior notice to block offenders or to determine cause of a problem.

Any person attaching a wireless device to the Cameron University network is responsible for the security of the computer device and for any intentional or unintentional activities from or to the network pathway that the device is using. Users and system administrators must all guard against abuses that disrupt or threaten the viability of all systems. Access to information resources without proper authorization from the data owner, unauthorized use of Cameron University computing facilities, and intentional corruption or misuse of information resources are violations of the Computer Use Policy.


Items in Hallways

All personal items must be stored in the resident’s assigned unit. Personal items are not permitted in any hallways or common areas. Personal items left in hallways are considered a fire hazard and may be confiscated by staff.


Keys

Room keys will be issued to each resident at check-in. Report lost or broken keys to a Office of Student Housing and Residence Life staff member as soon as possible. Residents will be charged $70 for a lost room key and $30 for a lost Mail key. The room and mail key charge will cover the cost of keys and the replacement cost for the lock core. Residents failing to return their keys at the time of check out or during vacation periods will be charged the replacement fee.

Any assigned keys should be kept in the resident’s possession at all times; do not lend keys to anyone. Giving your key to others may result in disciplinary action.

Residents are encouraged to lock their doors at all times and carry their room keys. Residents who are locked out of their room/apartment should go to the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life. When the office is closed (5pm-8am), residents should call the Resident Assistant on duty. A $10 lockout fee will be charged to the student’s account. Students are reminded that responding to a lockout call is not an emergency and the staff will respond as soon as possible.

Excessive lockouts may result in further disciplinary action or fines. Duplicating university keys is prohibited. Possession of university keys other than those assigned is not permitted.


Laundry Facilities and Machines

There are laundry facilities located in each building. For washer and dryer equipment concerns and malfunctions, please go online www.cameron.edu/housing and submit a work order. Abuse of laundry machines only aggravates whatever problem the machine may have and is prohibited behavior. Only residents are permitted to use the laundry machines and facilities provided by Student Housing and Residence Life. Any clothing left unattended for 48 hours will be considered abandoned. Any abandoned clothing will follow the Abandoned Property policy.


Liability

The University assumes no liability for loss, injury, or damage to personal property incidental to the occupancy or use of the residence halls, and each resident accepts full responsibility for the safety and security of their own personal property.The resident agrees to hold the University harmless and indemnify it from any and all liability resulting from the use of Student Housing and Residence Life facilities by the student.


Mail

Cameron Village residents will be assigned a mailbox in the McMahon Center of Cameron Village. Shepler Center residents will be assigned a mailbox in Shepler Center. Each resident’s address will be as follows:

Student’s Name
502 SW University Drive
Lawton, OK 73505


Maintenance and Repair Request

It is the responsibility of the resident to report any maintenance requests and other room concerns in a timely manner. Residents can submit requests online through the Student Housing and Residence Life web page (work order form) or by visiting the Office Student Housing and Residence Life. For emergency repairs, contact an Office Student Housing and Residence Life staff member immediately. It is important to report maintenance concerns early and with as much detail as possible.

Residents who discover insect problems must report them to Student Housing and Residence Life immediately so their rooms may be treated.

Maintenance personnel work between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and may not always be able to arrive at hours most convenient to residents.


Meal Plan Requirement

All residents are required to purchase a meal plan. Meal plan options are designed to fit students’ needs and living facility. Current meal plan options can be reviewed at www.cameron.edu/housing. Meal plans provide access to the Shepler cafeteria and the McMahon Centennial Complex food court. The Shepler cafeteria serves a total of 18 meals per week – breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday in addition to brunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. Residents are notified via e-mail to any changes to meal plan offerings. The McMahon Centennial Complex is a retail food court with a variety of dining options. Unused cafeteria meals each week do not roll forward. Each Shepler cafeteria week starts each Saturday. Meal plans can only be changed during the first two weeks of each semester by visiting the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life. Flex cash can be used at the Shepler cafeteria and the McMahon Centennial Complex food court and is tax-free. All unused flex cash during a fall semester will roll over to the spring semester on the 10th day of class as long as the student has an active meal plan for the spring semester at that date. Should a student not have a meal plan for the spring semester, any unused flex cash from the fall semester will be forfeited. Any unused flex cash at the end of the spring semester will be forfeited. Flex cash does not roll or carry forward to a new academic year. Should a student move off campus during the last two weeks of the fall term or spring term the meal plan charge will not be pro-rated. The Shepler cafeteria and the McMahon Centennial Complex food court are closed during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Intersession and Spring Break. Meal plans are not offered outside of the fall and spring terms.

Residents access meals in the Shepler cafeteria by swiping their CU ID at the cafeteria entrance. The cafeteria operates on an “all you care to eat” basis. Food cannot be removed from the cafeteria, with the exception of an ice cream cone. However, the Cafeteria does provide some "to-go" meal options for students who may have class or work conflicts. Food Services may limit what options are available for "to-go" meals from the Shepler cafeteria and may deny a student the option of a "to-go" meal if a student abuses the privilege. Sick trays are also available for students with a meal plan. If you are feeling under the weather and would like to order a sick tray, please call x2388 and please ask for the supervisor on duty. Please send your CU ID with a friend or Student Housing and Residence Life staff to pick up your sick tray meal. If you have specific food restrictions/allergies please let Food Services staff know.

Please check out https://www.cameron.edu/housing for more details on meal plan options.


Microwaves and Refrigerators

SHEPLER CENTER

Shepler Center residents may have a maximum of one microwave and one refrigerator per room. A combination refrigerator/freezer/microwave appliance will be counted as one microwave and one refrigerator. In addition, the following conditions apply to microwaves and refrigerators in the residence halls:

1. Microwaves must be U.L. approved and may not exceed a stated FCC rating of 700 watts (FCC rating placard must be intact).
2. Refrigerators must be U.L. approved and the total size of the refrigerator and freezer combined may not exceed 4.3 cubic feet.
3. Refrigerators must be kept clean for sanitation reasons.
4. Refrigerators must be cleaned, defrosted, and unplugged between semesters.
5. Refrigerators must be removed from the room prior to check-out.
6. Microwaves and refrigerators must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

CAMERON VILLAGE

Because a full size refrigerator and microwave are provided in each apartment, personal refrigerators and microwaves are not permitted in apartments or bedrooms.


Missing Resident

Residential students will be given the opportunity during move-ins to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the college no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

Regardless of whether a student names a contact person, the university will notify local law enforcement regarding the missing student, unless local law enforcement was the entity that determined the student is missing.

In the event a Resident Student who is under 18 or not emancipated is determined to be missing pursuant to the procedures set forth below, the college is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

The report of a missing Resident Student is initiated when Student Housing and Residence Life is notified of or become aware of a missing Resident Student. When the CU Student Housing and Residence Life staff receives information that a Resident Student is reported missing, the Student Housing and Residence Life staff will conduct a preliminary investigation regarding any report of a missing Resident Student.

A Student Housing and Residence Life Staff member will attempt to contact the subject Resident Student via his/her telephone, email, or social networking site.

If the missing Resident Student cannot be reached, two staff members will visit the residence of Resident Student in question to verify his/her whereabouts and/or wellness. If the student is located, the Student Housing and Residence Life staff may deliver a message to the student requesting that he/she contact a parent, family member, or friend who is searching for him/her.

If the missing Resident Student is not at the residence, but it is occupied, the Student Housing and Residence Life staff will attempt to gain information on the student's whereabouts and/or wellness from questioning the occupants of the residence, other members of housing community, or other friends. The Student Housing and Residence Life staff will also attempt to acquire additional contact information and use it to initiate contact.

If there is no response when the Student Housing and Residence Life staff members knock on the door of the residence or there are occupants who do not know the missing Resident Student whereabouts, the Student Housing and Residence Life staff will enter the residence and individual room assigned to the reported missing Resident Student, by key if necessary, to perform a health and safety inspection.

At any step in the process, the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life will immediately report any suspicious findings to Office of Public Safety and the Dean of Students.

If all of these steps do not provide Student Housing and Residence Life staff with an opportunity to speak with the missing on-campus student or to learn his/her whereabouts, CU Office of Public Safety will be contacted to investigate further.

If the missing Resident Student is determined to be under the age of eighteen, contact will be made with the student's parents within 24 hours. If the missing Resident Student is determined to be over the age of eighteen, contact will be made with the student's designated emergency contact within 24 hours.

If these steps provide the Student Housing and Residence Life staff with an opportunity to speak with the missing Resident Student, verification of the student's state of health and intention of returning to campus is made. If needed, a referral will be made to the Student Wellness Center. The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life shall contact CU Office of Public Safety and the Dean of Students to document that a missing student investigation was begun and apprise them of the student's state of health and well-being.

Click here for the Missing Resident Student Policy


Motorcycles

Motorcycles parked on campus require a parking permit and should be parked in accordance with the parking regulations provided by the Office of Public Safety.

Motorcycles may not be parked or driven in buildings, courtyard areas, sidewalks, or breezeway.


Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the oral and/or written directions of University officials acting in performance of their duties is prohibited. These officials include faculty members, administrators, staff members, and Public Safety Officers.


Non-Emergencies

For issues that are not emergencies (lock-outs, general questions, etc.), Student Housing and Residence Life staff are available 24 hours a day to assist. Please refer to the following contact numbers.

During normal business hours, you may contact:

Office of Student Housing and Residence Life: 580-581-2392

The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life is located in the McMahon Center and is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After business hours and during, weekends and holidays, contact:

North Shepler: (After Hours 5pm-8am and weekends) 580-483-8326

South Shepler: (After Hours 5pm-8am and weekends) 580-483-8829

Cameron Village: (After Hours 5pm-8am and weekends) 580-483-3577

Student Housing and Residence Life staff are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Student Housing and Residence Life staff are on call nights, weekends, and holidays to provide assistance to residents when the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life is closed.


Occupancy

Students may occupy their rooms according to the schedule published within the Student Housing and Residence Life Contract. No resident will be allowed to occupy their assignment in advance of the official opening of buildings or between semesters/sessions unless arrangements are made with the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life ahead of time. There may be a charge for such accommodations, when they are available.


Offensive Odors

An offensive odor is any odor or aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent and interferes with others’ use and enjoyment of their rooms or common spaces. Any odor can become offensive when it is too strong. Some examples: perfume, air freshening spray, and large amounts of dirty laundry and personal hygiene. Student Housing and Residence Life staff will address offensive odors when complaints are received. Residents identified as being responsible for the offensive odor will be asked to eliminate the cause of the odor. Failure to eliminate offensive odors may result in additional sanctions.


Painting of Rooms

Residents are not permitted to paint any space within residential facilities. Residents may be assessed a fine for painting any portion of their room and/or charged the cost of repainting. Residents may submit a work order for painting inside their assigned unit.


Parking

All residents are required to have a parking permit. All students are provided a parking pass for one vehicle through One Stop. Residents must park in the gated lot east of Cameron Village, the South Shepler Parking Lot or the West Shepler Parking Lot.


Personal Property and Responsibility for Loss/Theft

Students are welcome to bring personal items from home to their rooms. Upholstered furniture, however, is prohibited unless it is new. New items need to be approved by the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life and verified with packaging or receipts. Any belongings that are not University furnished or that you bring from home are considered your personal property. Personal property left in any common area, such as community bathrooms, hallways, laundry facilities or floor lobbies may be discarded by Student Housing and Residence Life staff.

Please note that Cameron University neither insures nor is responsible for loss, theft or damage to the personal property belonging to students, faculty or staff. This includes damage caused by facility malfunctions such as a water leak.

Students are strongly encouraged to purchase renters insurance or check with your family’s home owner’s policy regarding coverage off premises.


Pets

For reasons of health and safety, sanitation, noise, and humane treatment, no pets are permitted in any Student Housing facility. The only exception is legal fish. Fish that are dangerous or harmful to humans or are prohibited by state or federal laws are prohibited.

Fish tanks can be no larger than 10 gallons. When cleaning fish tanks, it is imperative that the tank rocks are not put in drains or toilets.

Animals other than fish found in Student Housing and Residence Life facilities must be removed immediately or may be removed by Student Housing and Residence Life staff or other University officials if the resident is not immediately available. The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life is not responsible for what happens to any pet when it is removed or while living is Student Housing and Residence Life facilities. “Just visiting” is not permitted – pets are NOT allowed in Student Housing and Residence Life facilities at any time.

Residents found with pets will face disciplinary action, with additional billing as needed to restore the room/apartment to an assignable state (as determined by the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life), which may include but is not limited to, carpet and/or furniture cleaning or replacement, and repainting. All current occupants of a room/apartment found with a pet, or related pet paraphernalia (food and water dishes, toys, litter box, kennels, etc.) will be held responsible.

Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals are not considered pets under this policy. Residents who need an animal in Student Housing or Residence Life Facilities based on a disability should contact the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life.


Photographing or Recording

Photographing, videotaping, filming, digitally recording, or by any other means, viewing with or without a device, another person without that person’s consent in any location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, or in a manner that violates a reasonable expectation of privacy is prohibited. This includes all student apartments, rooms, restrooms, hallways, lounges, lobbies, and all other Student Housing and Residence Life space. This section does not apply to lawful security surveillance filming, or recording that is authorized by law enforcement or authorized University officials.


Policy Changes

Any residential student can propose a change to this handbook. In order to make changes or additions to the Student Housing and Residence Life Handbook, a proposal must be submitted to the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life in written form, including all of the following:

Clearly stated change request and detailed explanation why the change should occur
Several options listed for the proposed change

The proposal will be considered based on any or all of the following: survey results, need, cost, national trends, or research on the area of change. The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life needs to approve all changes. In addition any changes may require approval from the Dean of Students, a Vice President, the President, or possibly the Board of Regents.


Quiet and Courtesy Hours

Quiet hours are maintained to help provide an atmosphere that is conducive to good scholarship and to promote an environment where individuals can learn from the experience of group living. The enforcement of quiet hours is the responsibility of each resident, with the assistance of the staff as needed.

Quiet hours in all facilities are from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week.

Courtesy hours are in effect throughout all facilities 24 hours a day. Therefore, noise (stereo, radio, TV, musical instruments, voices) must be maintained at levels that will not interfere with the study or sleep of other residents. If you encounter noise, first request that the offender adjust the volume. If they persist, contact your RA or other Student Housing and Residence Life staff.

To help promote an intense study period, there will be 24-hour quiet hours in effect during final exams in all Student Housing and Residence Life facilities.


Reassignment and Consolidation

The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to assign a second resident to a double room in which only one resident is living. The right is also reserved to assign or reassign space in any way that will best utilize the facilities available. For this purpose, or for other reasonable cause, the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life may change room assignments or require a resident to move to a different accommodation.


Required Credit Hours

Fall and Spring: To be eligible to live on campus a student must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) undergraduate and/or three (3) graduate hours. Residents who drop below the required number of hours may be required to move out of campus housing. Exceptions to the minimum hour regulation may be approved through the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life for extenuating circumstances.

Summer: To be eligible to live on campus a student must be enrolled in a minimum of three (3) undergraduate or graduate hours. Residents who drop below the required number of hours may be required to move off campus. Exceptions to the minimum hour regulation may be approved through the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life for extenuating circumstances.

For the Student Code of Conduct please refer to the Student Code of Conduct at

https://www.cameron.edu/current-students/student-services/handbook/code-of-student-conduct

Every effort has been made to provide students with complete and accurate information. The university reserves the right to modify, amend or revoke any rules, regulations, financial schedules and to change programs and requirements.


Restrooms

In the Shepler Center, residents are provided community restroom facilities, custodial staff clean these facilities on a regular basis. It is expected that all residents will also respect the community bathroom facility as it is shared with other members of their living community. Residents should not leave personal belongings in the restroom facilities or dispose of room trash in restrooms facilities. Items left in the restroom facilities will be considered abandoned property and may be disposed of.

Guest restrooms are available on the first floor and second floor of the Shepler Center Mezzanine for guests of the opposite gender of the hosting resident.


Rooftops

Residents and guests are not allowed on the roof of any Student Housing and Residence Life facility for safety reasons.


Room Changes

Room changes are not permitted during the first two weeks of each semester. Prior to seeking a room change every student should meet with their Resident Assistant (RA) or Coordinator who may be able to provide assistance with a difficult room/apartment mate experience. Students who meet with their RA may be referred to their Coordinator for further assistance. The Coordinator will decide of a room change is necessary. If a room change is recommended by the Coordinator, students will be given a room change request form. The Coordinator will assign them a new room and will be given 48 hours to switch rooms. Non-approved room changes or unofficial room changes may result in disciplinary action. The University reserves the right to reassign a student due to but not limited to the health and safety of the campus community.


Room Entry

The University recognizes residents’ desire for privacy, particularly in the context of their group living situation, and will do what it can to protect and guarantee their privacy. However, the University, through a Student Housing and Residence Life staff member or university official, reserves the right to enter a resident’s room at any time for the following purposes:

1. To determine compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations. Health and Safety checks will occur throughout each semester, and prior notification will be posted.
2. To provide maintenance and/or cleaning
3. To conduct an inventory of University property
4. To silence unattended loud alarms and music
5. If there is an indication of imminent danger to life, health, and/or property
6. Reasonable belief that a violation of rules or regulations is or has occurred
7. To search for missing property or person
8. To ensure that proper break period closing procedures have been followed

A room search by a designated Student Housing and Residence Life staff member or other University official is possible but rare. For such a search to take place, the conditions for room entry must exist. Permission for a room search is determined at the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life level and above. Items that violate university or Student Housing and Residence Life regulations will be confiscated.


Room Use

Students are not permitted to sublet, assign their room/apartment, or to use their room/ apartment for commercial purposes. Residents are not permitted to remove any Student Housing and Residence Life equipment or furnishings from their room/apartment.


Running and Roughhousing

Residents should refrain from running, rollerblading, skateboarding, skating, roughhousing, scuffling, the use of water guns, throwing, bouncing, or kicking of objects inside Student Housing and Residence Life facilities.


Safety

Your safety is one of our top priorities. Safety within all Student Housing and Residence Life facilities begins with each resident. The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life encourages you to keep your personal spaces locked and secured at all times. Report suspicious behavior to a staff member and/or the Office of Public Safety immediately. Never prop open outside doors or the stairwell doors. Any resident that does prop doors open places others within the facility at risk and will be subject to disciplinary action. Do not share your keys and your CUID with others. Monitor your guests and ensure that all policies listed in this handbook are followed.


Smoke Detectors

All resident rooms/apartments are equipped with smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are checked prior to each semester and regularly throughout the year. Residents that become aware of a problem with a smoke detector should report it to Student Housing and Residence Life immediately. Disciplinary action will result if a student removes, tampers with or otherwise renders a detector inoperative.


Solicitation

Solicitation of commercial products or services within the Student Housing and Residence Life facilities is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, solicitation/sales within common areas, and entry areas (inside and outside) of Student Housing and Residence Life facilities. Students and campus organizations desiring special consideration should contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life. If sales personnel approach you, do not allow them to enter your room/apartment and inform Public Safety or Student Housing and Residence Life staff immediately. Residents may not act as agents for business firms which would include solicitations, or the receiving of business offers or goods in the units. Residents may not use University phone numbers or resources for conducting business. Housing units or common areas may not be used for business purposes of any nature.


Sprinkler System

Student Housing and Residence Life facilities are equipped with a sprinkler system for fire safety purposes. Remember:

     1. Do not hang items from sprinkler heads, covers, or piping
     2. Sprinkler heads may never be obstructed or altered
     3. Nothing may be stored within 18 inches of the sprinkler head
     4. Any item that hits the sprinkler head may cause it to activate

The sprinkler system is activated by contact or heat, not smoke. The University is not responsible for any damage caused by the sprinkler system. Residents that cause the system to activate will be held accountable for any damages caused to their personal property, other residents’ property, and to University property. Residents tampering with the system will face severe disciplinary action.


Storage

Storage is not available within Student Housing and Residence Life facilities. All room furniture provided by Student Housing and Residence Life must remain in the room/apartment. No space is available within Student Housing and Residence Life facilities for residents to store belongings over breaks or while they are not enrolled.


Telephone Service

Rooms/Apartments are not equipped with a telephone connection.


Thefts and Assaults

Thefts and assaults should be reported immediately to the Office of Public Safety (581-2911), as well as to Student Housing and Residence Life staff. As a precaution, residents should keep their doors locked at all times. The University is not responsible for items lost to theft or vandalism, and students are encouraged to carry personal property insurance.


Tobacco and Vaping

All Student Housing and Residence Life facilities are tobacco and vapor free. The use of vapor and tobacco inside any Student Housing and Residence Life facility will result in disciplinary action.

Cameron’s Tobacco-Free Campus Policy bans the use, sale or distribution of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and dab or wax pens on campus.


Tornado Procedures

If severe weather is predicted for campus, University officials will be monitoring the weather and updates. When a tornado or other severe weather is reported, residents must follow the procedures of each building and move in an orderly manner to the designated location within the building for shelter. If a tornado warning is declared, immediately move to the designated area of safety. If there is no time, get under your desk and place your mattress over your desk. Always protect your head and neck. Keep away from windows. Keep the following items in mind in the event of a tornado:

     1. Close the room’s door.
     2. Proceed to a designated area in the building.
     3. Take a blanket or pillow.

At the beginning of each semester, Student Housing and Residence Life staff will hold mandatory meetings to review the severe weather procedures specific to the resident’s living area. Attendance at these meetings is required of all residents.


Tunnels and Crawl Spaces

Students and guests are not allowed in tunnel or crawl space areas and should never attempt to access these areas.


Trash

For Cameron Village residents, dumpsters are located in the parking lot on the east side of Cameron Village. Apartment trash should be disposed of in these dumpsters. For Shepler Halls the trash dumpster is located behind the cafeteria/kitchen. Trash should not be left in breezeways, hallways, restrooms or other common areas.


Unit Capacity

Single room maximum capacity is three (3) individuals. Double occupancy rooms can have a maximum capacity of five (5) individuals. Two bedroom apartments can have a maximum capacity of eight (8) individuals. Four bedroom apartments can have a maximum of twelve (12) individuals.


Use of University Property

Items belonging to the University (couches, lounge furniture, tables, etc.) are not allowed in resident rooms. University property, other than furnishings assigned to the resident’s room, will be removed, and residents may be referred for disciplinary action. No University property may be moved or taken from the building.


Vandalism

Residents who remove, destroy, or deface any property or area related to the University or Student Housing and Residence Life (including vandalism of the elevators, ceilings, and grounds surrounding the buildings) are subject to disciplinary action and will be required to pay for any damages.


Visitation

SHEPLER CENTER

Residents are allowed to have same gender guests in their room and on the resident floors 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Any same gender guest in the building after 2am each night will be considered an overnight guest.
Residents are allowed to have opposite gender guests in their room and on the resident floors during the following times
Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
24 hours from Friday starting at 10 a.m. until Monday at 2 a.m.
Visitation hours may be adjusted during opening and closing each year to accommodate for family members that may be assisting a resident.
Break and Intersession visitation hours may be adjusted and modified from the above normal visitation hours.
For additional information please refer to the “Guests” and “Capacity” sections of the handbook.

CAMERON VILLAGE

Residents are allowed to have any gender guests in their room and apartment 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Any guest in an apartment after 2 a.m. each night will be considered an overnight guest.
For additional information please refer to the “Guests” section of the handbook.
Modifications may be made to the visitation policies listed above in order to maintain the health and safety of all residents. All residents are responsible to review all policy updates.


Waterbeds

Waterbeds are not permitted in any Student Housing and Residence Life facility due to safety and maintenance concerns.


Windows and Window Screens

Windows are not to be used as a room entrance or exit, unless residents do so for emergency reasons. Window screens should not be removed. Residents will be charged a minimum of $40 for any removed screen, any damage to the screen will be added to this. Throwing, hanging, or spitting objects from windows is prohibited. Excessive window coverings are not allowed (includes paper or foil).