POLICY STATEMENT

All student activities conducted by student organizations either on or off campus including parades, serenades, demonstrations, rallies, funding raising events or other meetings or gatherings for any purpose must have prior approval and be scheduled according to the following procedures.

DEFINITIONS

None

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Scheduling and planning

All University activities conducted by an officially recognized student organization at Delta State University must be approved by the Vice-President for Student Affairs. Initial scheduling and planning of activities should begin early enough to have administrative approval five days prior to the event. Events should be cleared and entered on the University calendar before any arrangements are made for food, bands, meeting facilities, etc.

The University holds the officers and Faculty Advisor of organizations responsible for the planning, scheduling, and over-all conduct of the activities of their organizations. The officers and the advisors of the organizations sponsoring the activity also have the primary responsibility of seeing that these activities are in accord with University regulations.

The University Calendar is maintained in the Student Development Union Office and can be viewed on the University website. Facility reservation forms may be printed from the University website or picked up in the Student Development Union Office, Union 200. Student organization handbooks which outline policies and procedures are also available in this office or the University website.

Time and date

No on-campus student activity is to last beyond 12:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, 1:00 a.m., on Friday and Saturday. Outdoor events may have different regulations if noise factors are prevalent.

Places for Activities

University groups are encouraged to hold their activities on campus. When an on or off campus facility is used by an organization, the organization is expected to observe to the fullest extent the rules and regulations governing the establishment. The University, however, is not responsible for actions of members of organizations or their guests at functions held off campus.

Organizations may use facilities such as buildings, grounds, etc., subject to the regulations of the University. Requests for facilities not regularly designed for student activities must be made through the Student Development Union Office.

Conduct

University regulations governing students and visitors will be maintained at all approved social affairs.

Enforcement

The responsibility for the interpretation and enforcement of University regulations rests with the appropriate DSU person in charge of the event. Organization members assume full responsibility for their conduct and that of their guest.

Regulations Governing Assemblies

Any student parade, serenade, demonstration, rally, and/or other meeting or gathering for any purpose conducted on the campus at Delta State University must be scheduled with the President or his designated agent at least forty-eight hours in advance of the event. Names of the responsible leaders of the group must be submitted to the institution at the time of scheduling. The terms and conditions, including all audiovisual aids used to promote such assemblies and demonstrations, are determined by the institution. The use of any statements, signs, and/or pictures that are normally considered in poor taste are not permitted. Organizations which meet at regular times and places may, at the beginning of each semester, schedule such meetings with the designated official. Students assembling for meetings not authorized in accordance with these regulations are subject to disciplinary action which may result in dismissal from Delta State University. A student present at such unauthorized meetings is considered to be a participant.

Fund Raising Guidelines and Approval

1. Any organization planning to conduct or participate in any fund-raising project must complete and file a Fund Raising Approval Sheet three days prior to beginning date of the project with the Student Development Union Office. This includes student organizations sponsored projects or participation in off-campus charitable projects. All projects must be approved before participation can take place.

2. Student organizations may provide services or sell products to collect funds. Fund raising projects and procedures in violation of the Delta State University Vending Policy will not be allowed. Copies of the Vending Policy may be obtained in the Office of Student Development. Organizations are encouraged to consult said policy before undertaking any fund-raising project. 

3. Student organizations are encouraged to place limitations on solicitations to residence and business houses. Student organizations are asked to advertise adequately and appropriately the approved fund-raising project.

4. Any student organization failing to comply with the stated guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action by the Student Organization Committee, the Coordinator of Student Development, or other appropriated administrators.

Examples of Permissible Fund-Raising Activities

·        Sales – candy, greeting cards, publications, etc. (credit card sales are not allowed).

·        Sale of service – car wash, sign painting, etc.

·        Performance – talent shows, etc.

·        Donations for charity – money, food, clothing.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• Vending Policy
• Handbook for Student Organizations

POLICY STATEMENT

The DSU Student Handbook is the official publication which establishes the expectations and standards for the DSU student in order to enhance the student’s pursuit of a higher education in an environment conducive to accomplishment. Students are expected to become familiar with and abide by the standards presented in the Student Handbook.

DEFINITIONS

None

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

None

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• DSU Handbook – online, hardcopies available in Student Affairs Office and Housing and Resident Life

POLICY STATEMENT

Delta State University supports and encourages two official student publications: (1) The Delta Statement, the campus newspaper; and (2) The Broom, the student yearbook. Oversight for these publications is the responsibility of The Student Publications Committee.

DEFINITIONS

None

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

The Student Publications Committee is composed of 18 voting members (nine of whom are full-time members of the University Faculty/Staff and nine of whom are full-time students representing a cross-section of the student body) and four advisory (non-voting) members (the two advisors and the student editor) of The Delta Statement and the student editor of The Broom.

The duties of The Student Publications Committee include the following:

1. Establish qualifications of candidates for the offices of Editor of the official student newspaper, The Delta Statement, and the student yearbook, The Broom, and in cases where more than one qualified candidate seeks a position, select by majority vote, the candidate(s) most qualified;

2. Meet with the Editors, Advisors, and principle staff members of the two publications on an appropriate basis to provide input and feedback from the campus as a whole;

3. Encourage and foster increased involvement in the editorial aspects of the newspaper and yearbook by students enrolled in journalism, writing, and photography classes;

4. Encourage and foster increased involvement in advertising and business management aspects of the newspaper and yearbook by students enrolled in marketing, accounting, and other business programs;

5. Encourage participation on the staffs of the newspaper and yearbook by a broader cross-section of the student population;

6. Encourage qualified students to seek offices and positions of responsibility on the newspaper and yearbook staffs;

7. Provide guidance, assistance, and direction to the advisors and staffs of the publications;

8. Establish such practices, regulations, qualifications, policies, and guidelines as necessary to carry out duties and responsibilities of the Committee and to contribute to the production of quality student publications;

9. Ensure that the student newspaper serves as a free forum for student expression without threat of censorship, or requirement of prior review of articles, or any other inhibiting actions or practices that have been ruled unconstitutional by federal courts.

10. Ensure that student journalists perform with intelligence, objectivity, accuracy, and fairness as set forth in the Code of Ethics adopted by the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi;

11. Establish guidelines for the removal of Editors and Advisors who fail to meet the duties and responsibilities of their offices.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• None

• None

POLICY STATEMENT

Delta State University provides opportunities to students for financial assistance through federal grant, loans, and work programs in accordance with the procedures outlined by the grantee and as contained in this policy. Financial aid is granted to students on the basis of need and is available without regard to race, sex, color, creed, or national origin.

DEFINITIONS

Full Time Student: Undergraduate students taking 12 or more hours and graduate students with 9 or more hours.

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1^st of each year. This will determine your eligibility for grants, loans, or federal work-study.

You can apply on the web at:

www.fafsa.ed.gov

List Delta State as one of your school choices.

School Code: 002403

Submit additional documents as requested.

A separate institutional financial aid application is required in order to receive financial aid for summer school. This application is available in March and must be received in the Financial Aid office by April 15^th each year.

Federal Assistance Programs Title IV

Title IV of the Education Amendment of 1966 as amended created or authorized the continuance of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal Work Study programs. All students may apply for these programs, and if it is determined that they are eligible and that funds are available, they will received funds according to their demonstrated need. Students will be eligible to continue in these programs if they:

1.      reapply each year by the March 1^st priority deadline,

2.      enroll in at least six hours,

3.      demonstrate financial need which warrants continuance in the program,

4.      meet requirements of each program they wish to continue,

5.      are “in good standing and maintaining satisfactory progress” in their academic work,

6.      are not in default on either a Federal Perkins or a Federal Stafford/PLUS/SLS loan and,

7.      do not owe a refund on a federal grant.

Important Information Concerning Financial Aid

Students awarded a Federal Stafford loan or a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford loan should be aware of the following information:

• Students who have previously received a federal Stafford loan at Delta State University do not need to complete a new loan application for the coming year. Files from previous year can be electronically submitted to your lender and funds will be disbursed when the new term begins
• Students who have previously received a federal Stafford loan should notify the financial aid office if they do not wish to receive student loan funds in the new term.
•  Students who have not received a Stafford loan at Delta State University will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and mail or deliver the MPN to the lender of their choice to insure delivery of funds to the University by the time the term begins. Forms are mailed with the award letter.
• New borrowers of a Stafford loan at Delta State are required to have student loan counseling before their check is released.  Instructions are found at www.mapping-your-future.org/entrancecounseling/.

Instructions for Student Loan Counseling on the Internet 

Students awarded Work Study - Pending be aware of the following information:

• Students should understand that work study award amounts must be earned and will not be applied toward fees at registration.
• Students should contact the departments in which they would be interested in working for to determine if an opening exists. When a student is hired by a department, additional paperwork will be completed by the student and the department.
• Students should be prepared to show their original social security card and a picture ID (such as driver’s license) and complete all payroll documents before beginning work in any department. 
• Students should understand that Work Study-Pending does not mean that a Federal Work Study has been awarded. This award means that a student may qualify for Federal Work Study if a department that has a position available can be found. Most Federal Work Study employees work an average of 10 hours per week at minimum wage.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• www.deltastate.edu/admissions
• www.deltastate.edu/admin/stu_affairs/finaid,
• www.finaid.org
• 1-800-Go-to-DSU, Extension 3 or 1-662-846-4020

• Death of an immediate family member. Immediate family members include mother, father, spouse, sibling, dependent child, or legal guardian.
• The extended illness of the student. Extended illness is defined as a documented chronic or recurring medical or emotional illness that causes the student to be unable to successfully complete the enrollment period. (Students who have experienced a long term illness but are now able to successfully complete their course of study are usually eligible for appeal with proper documentation. The student should submit documentation that clearly indicates that he or she was unable to satisfactorily complete the course work and that he or she is now able to continue. Pregnancy is not considered an illness unless the student has encountered unusual difficulties. Students who register at six/seven months pregnant obviously know that they cannot complete the term without delivery.)  The appeal should include statements from physicians, counselors, or health care workers.
• The extended illness of an immediate family member that places a hardship on the student.  Students whose immediately family members have suffered some unusual medical or other emergency that will no longer limit his/her ability to successfully complete course work may be eligible for appeal.
• Natural or catastrophic disaster that has caused a hardship on a student or his/her immediate family. Students who have experienced unusual or mitigating circumstances that were beyond their control and that will no longer limit their ability to successfully complete course work may be eligible to appeal.

• to complete all application forms accurately and truthfully and submit them on time to the proper location
• to re-apply each year that you want financial assistance
• to return all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by the Office of Student Financial Assistance
• to read and understand all forms that you are asked to sign
• to inform the Office of Student Financial Assistance of any outside resources
• to notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance of any change in your financial resources
• to accept the responsibility for all agreements that you sign
• to perform the work that is agreed upon in accepting a work study award
• to inform the Office of Student Financial Assistance if you withdraw from Delta State, drop any courses, or change your name or address
• if you have a loan, to inform the Office of Student Financial Assistance of any name or address change and to answer any inquiry from them concerning your loan, now and after you leave school
• if you have a Federal Perkins loan, to go to the Perkins loan officer during your last semester of attendance at Delta State and arrange an exit interview concerning the terms of your repayment
• if you have a Federal Stafford loan to take part in the required entrance and exit interviews offered by Delta State.  

• “Request for Reinstatement of Financial Aid” form. 
• Scholarship information can be obtained by accessing DSU website at www.deltastate.edu/admissions, or by calling 1-800-Go-to-DSU, Extension 3 or 1-662-846-4020. 
• Loan, Grants and Financial Aid information can be obtained by accessing DSU website at www.deltastate.edu/admin/stu_affairs/finaid, or Financial Aid Homepage at www.finaid.org or by calling 1-662-846-4670.

• Delta State University Scholarship Policy: Institutional, foundation, state, and federally funded scholarships and grants are all subject to a maximum yearly amount not to exceed the cost of tuition, average room and board, and a $600 per year book allowance.
• A portion of student tuition and fee charges is used for scholarships, tuition waivers, and other operating costs.

Full-time Student: Undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more hours and graduate students enrolled in 9 or more hours.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid 

 
Scholarships

Delta State University provides opportunities to students for financial assistance through institutional, foundation, state, and federal monies in accordance with the procedures outlined by the grantee and as contained in this policy.

• This policy is effective fall 2012 and is applicable to all students receiving institutional, foundation, state, or federal grants and scholarships.
• Scholarships are awarded based on: cumulative grade point average, ACT/SAT score, estimated family contribution (EFC), and residency.
• Scholarship applicants are strongly encouraged t complete the FAFSA. Applicants not completing the FAFSA will not be considered for those scholarships that are awarded based on financial need.
• Scholarship guarantees may be paid with institutional or foundation monies, if funds are available.
• Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time.
• Intuitional and Foundation scholarships are not available for summer sessions.
• Dismissal from the University will result in the forfeiture of scholarships and grants.
• For institutional or foundation scholarships which require an ACT or SAT composite score, national tests prior to enrollment are acceptable; super-scoring is not acceptable.
• Scholarships and other aid may have varying enrollment and academic requirements; recipients should always refer to their award letter.

How to Apply

Scholarship applications can be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions or online at www.deltastate.edu. First-time students are required to complete a scholarship application and submit all supporting documentation by March 1 for freshman and April 1 for transfer students. Supporting documentation includes: essays, resume, test scores, and transcripts from any institution attended.

Graduate Assistantships

Assistantships are awarded to students enrolled full-time in graduate degree programs. Allocation for assistantships is designated for each college/school/unit by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.

Each college/school/unit recommends to the Dean of Graduate Studies full-time graduate students for Graduate Assistantships. In exchange for compensation, graduate assistants provide part-time service as a portion of their training.

• Cabinet Approval: 03/18/2013 

Active

Policy Effective Date: 03/18/2013

• Faculty Staff Handbook
• Student Handbook

• American With Disabilities Act

• IHL Policy

• Uniform Controlled Substance Law of the State of Mississippi and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

POLICY STATEMENT

The right to each student to resolve grievances with the University is affirmed and specific appeal procedures are herewith established to assure timely and appropriate consideration of each grievance. Student grievances generally originate at the department level and the resolution of the grievance is sought at the department level.

DEFINITIONS

None

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

NON-ACADEMIC ISSUES ONLY

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• Student Affairs, April 2010

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of Delta State University that all employees, students, customers, contractors, and visitors to our campus enjoy a positive, respectful and productive work environment free from behavior, actions or language constituting workplace harassment.

DEFINITIONS

Harassment: Unlawful harassment of an individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, or disability that is prohibited under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and/or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Sexual harassment is a form of harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome or unsolicited speech or conduct based upon sex that creates a hostile environment or circumstances involving quid pro quo.

Hostile Environment: A hostile environment is one that a reasonable person would objectively find hostile or abusive or one that the particular person who is the object of the harassment perceives to be hostile or abusive. A hostile environment is determined by looking at all of the circumstances including:

• the nature of the alleged hostility
• the frequency of the allegedly harassing conduct,
• its severity,
• whether it is physically threatening or humiliating, and
• whether it unreasonably interferes with an employee’s work or student’s academic performance

Quid Pro Quo: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature by one in a position of power or influence constitutes “quid pro quo sexual harassment” when:

• submission by an individual is made either an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or of academic standing, or
• submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that employee or student

As defined, “quid pro quo” normally arises in the context of an authority relationship. This relationship may be direct as in the case of a supervisor and subordinate or teacher and student or it may be indirect when the harasser has the power to influence others who have authority over the victim. Same sex sexual harassment is included in the definition of this policy and the offender and victim can be either male or female.

Student: Any individual enrolled either full-time or part-time in Delta State University on or off-campus courses.

Employee: This generally includes faculty and staff employees on University paid appointments. It generally excludes students or temporary employees. For specific information on who is considered an employee, contact the Human Resources Department.

Supervisor: An employee designated by management who exercises major supervisory functions over another employee or employees. These functions include hiring, evaluating, assigning work, and disciplining employees.

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Delta State University is committed to providing and promoting an atmosphere in which faculty and staff can realize their maximum potential in the workplace and students can engage fully in the learning process. Toward this end, all members of the university community (including faculty, staff and students) must understand that harassment will not be tolerated, and that they are required to abide by university policy. Harassment violates federal civil rights laws and the university’s nondiscrimination policy. 

The purpose of this policy includes:

1. to serve as notice of the types of behavior which are unacceptable and will not be tolerated by DSU and
2. to advise those who feel they have been the object of harassment of the recourses available to them. 

It is incumbent upon anyone who feels he or she has been harassed to avail themselves of this policy and procedure. 

Engaging in harassment is unacceptable conduct which will not be tolerated. Any student found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to discipinary action up to an including suspension. Any employee found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Managers and supervisors who know or should have known of harassment and fail to report such behavior, or fail to take immediate, appropriate action, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

In determining whether alleged harassing conduct warrants corrective action, all relevant circumstances, including the context in which the conduct occurred, will be considered. Facts will be judged on the basis of what is reasonable to persons of ordinary sensitivity and not on the particular sensitivity or reaction of an individual.

Assurance / Protection Against Retaliation

This policy seeks to encourage students, faculty, and other employees to express freely, responsibly, and in an orderly way opinions and feelings about any problem or complaint of harassment. Retaliation against persons who report or provide information about harassment or behavior that might constitute harassment is also strictly prohibited. Any act of reprisal, including internal interference, coercion, and restraint, by a University employee or by one acting on behalf of the University, violates this policy and will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

DSU also recognizes that false accusations of harassment can have serious effects on innocent persons. If the investigation results in finding that the complainant has acted maliciously or has recklessly made false accusations, the accuser will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and should be reported immediately. 

Confidentiality

Delta State University will do everything consistent with enforcement of this policy and with the law to protect the privacy of the individuals involved and to ensure that the complainant and the accused are treated fairly. Information about individual complaints and their disposition is considered confidential and will be shared only on a “need to know” basis. All reasonable steps will be taken to assure that the complainant and the alleged offender are protected by the highest degree of confidentiality possible. Both parties are advised, however, that once an inquiry or an investigation has begun, anonymity may be impossible. 

Prompt Reporting of Allegations

Persons who believe they have been victims of harassment should report the incident(s) immediately to appropriate administrative personnel as set forth below. Delay in reporting makes it more difficult to establish the facts of a case and may contribute to the repetition of offensive behavior.

If a complainant is able and feels safe, he or she should clearly explain to the respondent that the behavior is objectionable and request that it cease. The complainant should do so as soon as possible after the incident occurs. Communication with the respondent may be in person, on the telephone, or in writing. If the behavior does not stop, or if the complainant believes some adverse employment or educational consequences may result from the discussion, he or she may utilize a documented grievance process. There are two modes for resolving complaints, the informal grievance report and the formal grievance procedure.

Informal Report

Informal means are encouraged as the beginning point, but the choice of where to begin normally rests with the complainant. The informal complaint seeks resolution through discussion and mediation facilitated by the mediator, either the Vice President for Student Services or the Director of Human Resources.

Students:

The informal complaint seeks resolution through discussion and mediation facilitated by the Vice President of Student Services. Students who believe for any reason that they cannot effectively submit their informal complaint to the Vice President of Student Affairs should direct their complaint to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Faculty and Staff:
The informal complaint seeks resolution through discussion and mediation facilitated by the Director of Human Resources. Faculty and staff who believe for any reason that they cannot effectively submit their informal complaint to the Director of Human Resources should direct their complaint to either the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Finance & Administration.

The informal complaint does not involve, at any stage, a "finding" of guilt, nor does it mandate disciplinary action. The focus of the investigation in the informal report is to stop inappropriate behavior, investigate, and facilitate resolutions, if possible.

If a grievance is pursued through this informal complaint procedure, the complainant must initiate the request. The complaint should be brought as soon as possible after the most recent incident.

The role of the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Director of Human Resources will be to investigate the complaint, act as a neutral third party (mediator) and facilitate resolution. If the informal report procedure does not resolve the complaint, the complainant may initiate a formal grievance procedure. However, if the mediator(s) believe that the matter is sufficiently grave because it seems to be part of a persistent pattern, because of the nature of the alleged offense, or because the complainant seeks to have a sanction imposed, then the mediator(s) can initiate either a formal procedure or take other appropriate action. 
 

• US Department of Education

• None

7. The responsibility to refrain from disruption in the form of coercion or violence. 
8. The responsibility to refrain from noise, disruption, and/or abusive behavior in the University community.

1. The right to privacy of personal information. Public information released to anyone upon request includes student’s name, address, telephone listing, academic major, dates of attendance, awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of athletic team members.

a.       To a student who is financially dependent upon parents as defined by the IRS code, the burden of identifying such dependency rests with the student or the parent. Students, who are no longer financially dependent upon the parent as defined by the IRS code, should inform the Office of Student Financial Assistance; otherwise, the student’s parents will receive public information as described above. Additionally, parents of enrolled students can be notified of disciplinary action taken against the student.

b.      Information concerning application for or receipt of financial aid may be released to official agencies involved in aid allocation.

c.       Information may also be released to University officials with legitimate educational interests, to federal or state agencies as provided by law, and in compliance with lawful subpoenas. In cases of emergencies, information may be released as authorized by the Department of Education and regulations to protect the health and safety of the student or other persons.

2.      The right to be secure from unreasonable or unauthorized search and seizure.

a.       The University reserves the right to inspect the living quarters of any student residing in University property at any time that its administrative officials or their agents shall deem such inspection to be in the best interest of the University. Except for cases involving use of legal search warrants and for situations relating to fire hazards, mechanical malfunctions, energy consumption, general maintenance of physical facilities, property control, and personal safety of the residents, no person’s room will be entered when there are no occupants present. Courtesies will be observed in any case, with proper respect for the privacy of each resident. With these guidelines in mind, periodic inspections may be made that will be concerned with fire and safety, general cleanliness, property accountability, disorderly conduct, and excessive noise.

3.      The right to conduct social affairs.

a.       Student social affairs operate under policies established by the University Student Organizations Committee and the Vice President for Student Affairs. Responsibility for the conduct of social affairs rests with the sponsoring organization. All organizations, social or otherwise, are required to adhere to regulations or standards of conduct prescribed by the University Administration. A Handbook for Student Organizations is available in the Office of Student Development.

4.      The right to dissent. In other words, to carry on individual or organized activity which expresses grievances held against, or changes desired. This activity is carried on within the limits of the democratic process of freedom of speech, assembly, and petition.

a.       Any student parade, serenade, demonstration, rally, and/or other meeting or gathering for any purpose conducted on the campus of Delta State University must be scheduled with the Vice President for Student Affairs at least two days in advance of the event. Names of the responsible leaders of the group must be submitted to the University at the time of scheduling. Organizations which meet at regular times and places may, at the beginning of each semester, schedule such meetings with the Vice President for Student Affairs.

5.      The right to an environment that is free of harassment or any other unreasonable interference with the student’s performance.

a.       Delta State University provides a mechanism to redress grievances that may arise over sexual harassment or alleged discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, veteran’s status, age, national origin, or handicap as prohibited by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This procedure is also designed to present grievances concerning students’ rights of privacy and access to their educational records as articulated in the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as the Buckley Amendment.

b.      The Student Grievance procedure is included in later in this policy.

6.      The right to a smoke free environment. It is the policy of Delta State University to respect the rights of both the non-smoker and the smoker in buildings and facilities. When these rights conflict, students and employees should endeavor to find a reasonable accommodation. When such an accommodation is not possible, the rights of the non-smoker shall prevail.

• Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act: http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps-01-04-05.html

• Policy approved by University Cabinet and effective on September 7, 2010.
• Work Performance and Code of Conduct policy, Tobacco Free Environment, Faculty Handbook

• Section 97-37-17-2 of the Mississippi Code
• IHL Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

Delta State University Housing Office provides limited family housing for students who are enrolled as full time students and meet the criteria outlined in this policy.   Living in the Family Housing is a privilege, not a right. Those living in the Family Housing must adhere to the regulations outlined within this policy.

DEFINITIONS

None

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Family Housing

For family housing, 76 apartment units are available. The Canal Street/Hill apartments are all two bedroom, two-story apartments with central heat and air, TV cable, and stove furnished. The Humphreys Street/Cafeteria apartments have both one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. These have central heat and air, TV cable, local telephone service, utilities included, apartment stove and full frost-free refrigerator furnished. Rental rates are available at the Housing Office, Bailey 108. Information about campus telephones is available from the Telecommunications office.

To be eligible for occupancy in Family Housing, the Lessee must be married or a single parent with a minor child in residence and enrolled as a full-time student at Delta State University. The Lessee must maintain the full-time student status throughout the year except during the summer. The Lessee must be enrolled in at least three academic hours during either session of summer school to remain in the complex during the summer months. Audited hours are not considered for full-time status.

Procedures

1. A deposit of $100.00 paid to the Housing Office is required to place a student’s name on the waiting list. This deposit is refundable at any time should the student wish to take his/her name off the list or at the time he/she vacates the apartment with proper notification and without damages and the student account is paid in full. Assignments are made in order of receipt of application and after admission to the University.

2. A lease serves as the apartment housing contract and may be amended as needed with notification to residents. The term of this lease shall be effective beginning the date the contract is signed.

3. The rent payable by the Lessee shall be due on or before the first day of each month. Rent is subject to change. Non-payment of rent when due or breach of any of the terms and conditions of this lease by Lessee shall give the University the right to terminate this lease.

4. The Lessee is responsible for any damages to the apartment. Charges will be determined by the Housing Office.

5. Proper check-in and check-out procedures must be followed or the apartment deposit will be forfeited. To have the deposit refunded, the Lessee must give 30 days notice, clean the apartment to the University’s satisfaction, check-out in person with the housing staff, be exempt from charges, and have a paid in full account with the University. Charges in excess of the deposit will be billed to the student lessee.

6. All family housing residents must abide by all DSU policies and procedures as stated in this policy and procedures manual, other university publications, and notices posted by university officials. Failure to comply may result in eviction.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• None

1. No room reservation is made until a student’s application for admission to the University is received and approved by the Director of Admissions. Applications accompanied by the $50.00 deposit should be made at least three weeks before the semester begins. If an applicant finds it necessary to cancel a room reservation the $50.00 deposit is refunded only if the cancellation reaches the Housing Office before August 1st for the Fall Semester, December 1st for the Spring Semester, May 15th for Summer Term I, and June 15th for Summer Term II.

2. A $50.00 room deposit must be on account for each resident of the residence hall. If at any time a forfeiture of or charge against the deposit occurs, the student must immediately repay the deposit in order to retain his/her room or reservation for future housing. Room deposits will not be refunded the first two (2) weeks of any session.

3. Housing does not guarantee private rooms upon request. All students requesting housing must be assigned and the initial room change process completed before private rooms are offered. A private room contract will be issued to all residents living alone on the first Friday of each term, regardless of the circumstances that caused the single occupancy. The contract offers two options: (1) Pay an additional fee to guarantee the private room for the semester only, (2) Reassignment to a new room with a roommate or have a roommate move into your room. Upon receiving the contract, the resident must respond immediately either by accepting the private room charge or coming immediately to the Housing Office for assistance in reassignment with a roommate. Failure to follow this process will result in an automatic charge for the private room.

4. Students are responsible for damaging or mutilating property or equipment in any building whether accidental or intentional, and will be assessed for those damages. The assigned occupants of a residence hall room are financially responsible for all property that is a part of that room. Residents must be checked in and checked out by a member of the Housing staff and are held accountable for any damage that occurs while living there. Students must sign the check-in sheet upon moving into the room and must also sign the check-out sheet when moving out of the room - the signature verifies acceptance of the documented condition of the room property. Residents must make an appointment for check-out with the RA or Hall Director at least 24 hours in advance. Students are also responsible for any mutilation or defacement of lobby areas and furnishings. Room deposits will not be refunded or will be forfeited if the proper check-in or check-out procedure is not followed. Turning in the room key does not constitute the proper check-out procedure. Student housing charges are based on the dates provided on the check-in / check-out sheet. Dates are based upon occupancy. Officially checking in and/or leaving personal belongings in a room without officially checking-out constitutes occupancy.

5. To transfer from one residence hall to another or from one room to another in the same hall the student must have a transfer sheet from the Housing Office prior to the transfer. Transferring will be allowed only at the beginning of each semester unless special permission is granted by the Housing Office. Failure to follow the proper transfer procedure will result in loss of room deposit.

6. Students must remove all personal belongings from the residence hall rooms upon check-out. Housing is not responsible for theft, damage, security of, or storage of personal belongings. This is part of the proper check-out procedure.

7. Residents are encouraged to see the Hall Director before leaving for a holiday in order to document the departure and return times.

8. Between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. residents of all residence halls must use only combination doors to enter or exit the residence halls. Other doors may be used only in case of emergency. Doors may not be propped open except during busy check-in and check-out days. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

9. Pets and other animals are not permitted in residence halls.

10. Residents are to turn off lights, appliances, and televisions, when leaving their rooms for any length of time. However, hall and lobby lights are left on at night for safety reasons. Anything requiring electricity must be disconnected during holiday periods.

11. All trash or waste should be deposited daily in appropriate trash containers in designated areas of each residence hall.

12. Students are not to engage in conversation in or out of windows or make unnecessary noise in the residence hall.

13. All thefts, damage to property, etc. should be reported immediately to the resident assistant, Residence Hall Director and DSU Police Department. The University is not liable for loss of or damage to any or all student property.

14. There is no key deposit. There will be $15.00 charge for each damaged key replacement. Students should not have DSU keys duplicated. There will be a $25.00 charge for a lost key and the lock will be replaced and new keys cut for the room.

15. Students found guilty of tampering with residence hall fire detection systems will be suspended from the residence hall.

16. Students are not allowed on the roof of any residence hall.

17. Bicycles are not permitted in the residence hall. Bicycle racks are provided outside.

18. Candles and incense are not to be burned anywhere in the residence halls.

19. Babysitting is not allowed in the residence halls.

20. Regular fire, safety, and room checks will be made in every residence hall to determine if all safety regulations and expected standards of cleanliness are being observed. Repeated violations of this code will result in disciplinary action.

21. All residence halls are smoke-free. For smokers - appropriate receptacles are provided outside in designated areas.

22. Sales and solicitors are prohibited in residence halls. Students are advised to report unauthorized salesmen to the Housing Office. All signs of advertisement must be approved by the director of housing and distributed by the housing office.

23. Students may have an overnight guest of their own sex in their residence hall rooms only after registration with the director of that residence hall. However, the Housing Office discourages overnight guest during week nights - Sunday through Thursday. Guest will be subject to the same code of conduct expected of the student host or hostess and must be registered with the residence hall director. No guest under 12 years old is permitted. No guest is allowed during holiday or interim periods. Students will be charged if the guests are not properly registered at the rate of $10.00 per night. All of this includes students from one residence hall visiting in another residence hall.

24. Members of the opposite sex will be allowed to visit in the rooms only during Open Visitation. Visitors may visit in the Residence Hall lobby from 12:00 noon to 1 a.m. unless otherwise posted. From 5:00 p.m. - 1 a.m. a desk assistant must be on duty for lobby visitation.

25. Members of the opposite sex are allowed to visit in the rooms during Open House. Open House is a time when the residence hall is open to all guests without requiring the check-in procedure (such as Homecoming) but still under the supervision of the Residence Hall Staff. An Open House must be approved by the Housing Office.

26. Halogen lights are not allowed

27. Cooking appliances are limited to microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. These must be closely supervised by the user. After one violation, all privileges will be revoked

28. Residents of the Delta State residence halls are allowed to personalize their rooms using the following guidelines and with the approval of the Director of Housing and Residence Life. Housing reserves the right to restrict a resident’s use of this policy in certain areas or buildings when necessary.

29. Students will not be permitted to remove any furniture from their rooms or move furniture from one room to another. Lobby and study room furnishings (including cushions) are not to be moved into a student’s room.

1. Room visitation is allowed only when the Residence Hall Director, Assistant Hall Director or a Resident Assistant is on duty in the residence hall and a desk assistant is available for checking the guests in and out.
2. All visitors will be required to sign in at the lobby desk indicating the room number and person they are visiting. First and last name of the host and visitor is required.
3. Checking-in and checking-out of any guest is the responsibility of the residence hall occupant acting as “host”.
4. The host or hostess must meet the visitor at the sign-in point to escort him/her to the room and from the room back to the lobby at the end of visitation. Both the host and the visitor should leave a picture I.D. at the desk. Delta State students are required to leave their student I.D. cards.
5. All residence hall guests must be escorted to and from host’s or hostess’ room by the host or hostess, and can visit only in the room of that host or hostess unless permission to visit elsewhere is granted by the Residence Hall Director or the Resident Assistant.
6. The host is responsible for the conduct of the visitor while the visitor is in the residence hall. The guest may be required to leave if violating visitation policies or disturbing other residents.
7. No resident is allowed more than one guest without the prior permission of the Residence Hall Director or Resident Assistant.
8. No student is allowed to have visitors in a residence hall other than the one to which he/she has been assigned, without the prior permission of the Residence Hall Director or Resident Assistant in charge of the hall being visited.
9. Residence Hall Directors, Assistant Hall Directors, Resident Assistants, or any person representing the Housing/Student Affairs Office may check rooms where guests are signed in.
10. Unless excluded for disciplinary reasons, students attending Delta State or any other college or university, persons 18 years or older, or any individual of the immediate family 12 years of age or older are permitted to visit the residence halls during approved hours. Each host is responsible for his or her guest’s age if conflict should arise. Exception to this rule may be approved beforehand by the Residence Hall Director, Assistant Hall Directors, Resident Assistant in charge, the Director, Associate Director, or Coordinator of Housing and Residence Life. Participation in visitation by other than Delta State students will be monitored closely.
11. Guests are not to be left alone in residence hall rooms.
12. Residents having guests must consider the rights of their roommates. A roommate should not be asked to vacate the room for another’s guest.
13. Dress for all residents and guests must be in good taste at all times.
14. Designated study rooms may be used during visitation for studying only.

1. Lobby visitation will have these time limitations:

2. Exterior residence hall doors will be locked at 5:00 p.m., with the exception of the main entrance door leading to the lobby. All guests must enter and exit through this door regardless of the time of the visit.

3. Guests must be accompanied by their host or hostess while visiting in the lobby.

4. Dress for all residents and guests must be in good taste at all times.

• None