Residence Life

CONTRACT

In order to secure a space in campus housing, students are required to submit a $150.00 room reservation and security deposit, and a signed housing contract. By signing a contract, a student agrees to comply with all policies established for living on campus by both Crichton College and the management of the residential units leased by Crichton. PLEASE READ YOUR ONTRACT CAREFULLY. Again, you will be responsible for all procedures and policies outlined in the contract and in the on-line Student Handbook.

The housing contract period includes the two full academic semesters, Fall and Spring. Since all summer sessions are optional terms for students, this period is not included in the standard contract. A separate contract for summer sessions is required to cover these additional charges. All regular residential policies remain in effect during summer sessions and over holiday periods.

If a student should choose not to live on campus after submitting a contract, the $150.00 room reservation and security deposit will be refunded provided that written notice is received by the Office of Residence Life 30 days prior to the check-in date. The contract itself is binding for the entire contract period once a student completes check-in. The refund schedule is as follows:

  • 1st Week 90% refund
  • 2nd Week 70% refund
  • 3rd Week 50% refund
  • 4th Week 25% refund
  • 5th Week+ No refund

Students who move out before the end of the semester, or withdraw from the College will receive a refund based upon the refund schedule above.    There are no refunds after the fifth week of the semester. No refund will be made for students who remain enrolled at the College but leave campus housing as a result of dismissal due to disciplinary action.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Students wishing to reside in campus housing during any long semester must remain enrolled for and attend a minimum of six hours each semester. Those residents who lived on campus during the spring semester and have registered for the upcoming fall semester may sign a summer housing contract without taking summer classes.

The housing contract is between the student who signs and the College only. No other individual may be allowed to sublease a room, or take the place of a contracted resident in his or her absence in a room. Anyone staying in campus housing that does not fit the criteria of a short-term guest is required to sign a housing contract.

Crichton College leases apartments from Georgian Woods and Madison East. Living in campus housing is both a privilege and a responsibility. Because the apartments are privately-owned complexes, the policies for students residing there include both those of the management of the complexes and of Crichton College.  While living in or visiting an apartment, Crichton students and their guests must adhere to the community policies of Georgian Woods and Madison East, as well as the college’s standards of conduct and all other residence life policies. Failure to comply with these policies will result in disciplinary action, including the loss of on-campus housing privileges and any other sanctions deemed appropriate by the college staff.
Each apartment has a living room, dining area, kitchen, and bathroom. Each unit is fully furnished; College furniture must remain in each room and may not be stored, removed or exchanged.

SERVICES

Mail
Mail is delivered to the mailboxes located in each apartment building of the complex, for which you are given a key at the time of check-in. Mail to you should be addressed to your street address, with the apartment number included.  It is an expectation that residents will arrange for forwarding of mail to a new address through the Post Office at the time of check-out.

Telephone Services
Residents of each apartment are responsible for arranging for telephone service, as well as payment of fees and monthly charges. You may contact BellSouth at 1-888-757-6500 to arrange for service. Roommates are responsible for developing a plan for payment of shared phone expenses. The college does not assume responsibility for these arrangements.

Cable
Each apartment comes pre-wired for cable TV. Should residents wish to subscribe to this service, they should call Comcast Communications at 1-800-266-2278.

Wireless
Wireless internet service is provided at no extra charge through Comcast. 
 
Shuttle
Shuttle service to and from campus is provided for students’ convenience. A shuttle schedule is published at the beginning of each semester with departure times and information. A weekly grocery run is also included. See a Residence Life staff member for details.

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT

Check-In
At the time of check-in, the resident will receive from the Residence Life staff apartment keys, mailbox keys, and an apartment inspection report. Any damages or other problems for which the student might be later charged should be described on the inventory report. The completed inspection report should be returned to the Residence Life staff the same day as check-in. Keys will not be issued until this report has been completed. Check-in materials specific to Crichton should be completed and returned to your RA before moving in.

Holiday Check-Out
During vacation periods when the college is closed, such as Thanksgiving, periods between semesters, and Spring Break, students planning to be away from campus are expected to check out with their RA, following procedures distributed prior to those times.

Final Check-Out
When a student vacates an apartment, he or she must again check out with the RA and have a final room inspection. All keys must be returned to the student’s RA in a formal checkout process. Students who fail to follow these procedures will be assessed a $150 improper check-out fee, as well as being liable for fees incurred for damages, keys, or lock changes which may be required. Residents must also leave a forwarding address with his or her RA at check-out.

CAMPUS HOUSING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Community Relations and Conduct
Courtesy and thoughtfulness will go a long way in making community living a positive experience. Make a genuine effort to cooperate with those in your living unit, and understand and appreciate each other’s differences.

In the apartment complexes, residents must handle communications and conduct with the apartment management, maintenance personnel, contractors and vendors, other residents, and their guests in a lawful, courteous, and reasonable manner.
Any abusive behavior, intimidation, or aggression directed at any individual on the property, including management or other residents, will be grounds for termination of the housing contract and further disciplinary action by the college.

Damages
Residents are responsible for the condition of their apartments. When damages occur to the apartment or its furnishings, the residents of the apartment will be charged.  Any damages which occur as a result of abuse, carelessness, negligence, or horseplay will be the responsibility of those involved. If the responsible party in a living unit cannot be determined, all residents will share in the cost of damages.
Residents are responsible for their guests, and therefore will incur the charge for any damage in their apartment caused by a guest. The room reservation and security deposit will be refunded only after the student has officially checked out and the room and furnishings determined to be undamaged. If a resident incurring damages plans to live in the dorm the following year, the deposit must be updated to the original amount of $150.00 following the payment of damages.

Visitation
Guests of the opposite sex are permitted in a student’s living unit within certain guidelines. Visitors of the opposite sex are restricted to the living room, dining room, and kitchen areas in each apartment. Additionally, any guests, whether or not of the opposite sex, must observe the visitation hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends. Rare exceptions to this rule include family members at times of check-in and check-out, maintenance personnel performing their duties, and staff members in an emergency.
It is expected that conduct with members of the opposite sex, notably in the apartments and grounds as well as off campus, be above reproach, and reflect an awareness of personal responsibility and Christian integrity.

Noise
Residents are asked to refrain from making noise which is disturbing to others. The loud playing of stereos, television, or musical instruments is not permitted, and any noise or boisterous conduct which disturbs the peace and quiet of roommates or neighboring apartments is absolutely prohibited. This includes the running of appliances after 10:00 p.m.  Within an individual living unit, Quiet Hours are in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends. During quiet hours, noise inside the apartment should be limited to a level which does not disturb attempts to study or sleep.

Horseplay and general boisterous activity are not permitted in the apartments or surrounding grounds. Likewise, “pranks” which at first seem harmless to those involved can often escalate and get out of hand, compromising safety and often resulting in damage to property. For this reason, tampering with others’ cars and other forms of “dorm pranks” are not allowed.

Guests
Since campus housing serves as the home away from home of its residents, issues relating to privacy must be encouraged and respected. Consequently, the college’s visitation hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday apply to all guests, whether or not of the opposite sex.

Guests are responsible at all times for observing the community policies of Georgian Woods and Madison East, as well as the college’s standards of conduct, and all other residence life policies. RESIDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE AND LIABLE FOR THE CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR OF THEIR GUESTS, AND ANY DAMAGES WHICH MAY OCCUR. Residents must accompany guests when using the facilities.  Overnight guests are permitted provided that residents secure the permission of their roommates and the Office of Residence Life. Guest stays of more than four nights in one semester are subject to additional approval by the Student Development Office, and the College staff reserves the right to ask any guest to leave campus housing at any time.

Overnight Absences from Campus
Students who wish to leave campus housing overnight for one or both nights of a weekend must let their RA know the details of the trip.  R.A.’s should be made aware of who you will be staying with, phone number where you can be reached, and anticipated return time.  Students with 60 or more credit hours, or over the age of 25 are exempt from this policy.  Requests for permission to be out overnight on week nights are not normally granted. Requests for week nights will only be considered in rare cases where unusual circumstances exist.  Arrival past 2:00 a.m. is considered an overnight absence, and requires filling out a request in advance. Students may not request permission for others.

Keys and Locks
In the event a resident becomes locked out, apartment management will admit residents with approval of the Office of Student Development at Crichton College and with proof of identification during regular office hours. No after hours lockout service is provided. Residents who become locked out after 5:30 p.m. should contact their R.A.  Excessive requests for after hours lockouts will result in disciplinary action.  Lost keys should be reported to the Leasing Offices.  There will be a charge to the student’s account if it becomes necessary to change the lock.  Replacement of locks or installation of dead bolts, doorbells, screen doors, or other attachments on the interior or exterior of any door must be installed by apartment maintenance staff and have the management’s written approval.

Maintenance
All requests for service should be made to the apartment management in the Leasing Office. Any plumbing leak of a serious nature, frozen water lines, electrical failure, or lack of heat or air conditioning should be considered as emergencies, in which case the management should be notified immediately.   Georgian Woods number is 452-7052, and Madison East is 550-8933.  Each complex’s 24-hour service line will receive calls after hours and notify maintenance.

Trash Removal
Trash must be delivered in closed bags to the collection areas and placed in the dumpsters. Trash may not be stored outside doors to any apartments prior to trash pickup. Other large items such as furniture must be disposed of by the resident off property.

Parking and Towing
Vehicles improperly parked will be towed at the owner’s expense. Call the Leasing Office to report a parking violation such as obstructing a fire lane, entrance, or aisle in a parking area.

Community Meetings
Regular community meetings of men and women living on campus are held to pass along important information, bring up mutual concerns, and get to know other residents at a more personal level. Community meetings are scheduled so that the majority of residents are able to attend. RESIDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL INFORMATION PRESENTED AT COMMUNITY MEETINGS, AND SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND.

Spiritual Life Expectations
As a college reflecting a commitment to Christ and helping students develop a deeper relationship with Him, each living unit is encouraged to draw together for the strengthening of the spiritual lives of its members. Residents are encouraged to join with fellow students for worship, Bible study, and prayer, including residential devotional opportunities, and to be active in the work and fellowship of a local church. Each student is also encouraged to maintain a personal prayer and devotional life.

Exterior Alterations
In order to maintain an attractive community and not disturb the architectural designs that have been created, no alterations to the exterior of the buildings may be made. Outside antennas and dishes may not be installed. All draperies must show white to the outside. Items may not be stored in the windows and signs may not be posted in windows or on doors.

Interior Alterations and Decorating
Painting and wallpapering the apartments is not permitted. Hanging shelves, decorative mirrors, or light fixtures may only be done with the written consent of apartment management. The apartment must be restored to its original condition at the time of the responsible resident’s check-out. Failure to do so will result in an improper check-out fee and damages assessed. Alcoholic beverage containers, posters, clothing, and other items promoting and advertising alcoholic beverages may not be displayed in campus apartments, or elsewhere on campus.

Solicitors
So that residents may enjoy privacy in their apartments, please report solicitors to the office number 24 hours a day. Anyone with permission to solicit will have a letter from the management. Please obtain permission before posting any flyers.

Furniture
College-owned furniture may not be moved in or out of rooms or apartments. This includes exchanging furniture with another unit, or moving it into storage, including the apartment’s outside storage area, in order to bring in personal furniture or to make space.  Do not change the settings on your bed. They are designed specifically for the purpose of efficient campus living. Changes made to Crichton furniture will result in a fine being assessed.

Any damages to college-owned furnishings will be charged to the responsible party, or to the residents of a unit if a responsible party cannot be determined.

ROOMS

Room Assignments
Room assignments to apartments are made by the Office of Student Development, where an effort is made to assign roommates together of similar interests or age. Roommate requests are honored whenever possible, provided they are mutual. Housing deposit dates are used in instances where decisions must be made concerning priority for room assignments and preferences.

Room Changes
No room changes will be made until after 14 days from the college’s check-in date. All requests for room changes must go through the Office of Residence Life. NO ROOM CHANGES WILL BE MADE WITHOUT THIS ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL. RA’s do not have the authority to approve room changes for residents.
Roommates assigned by the Office of Student Development have a contractual right to a space, and in the majority of cases, to the room to which they have both been assigned. However, administration reserves the right to ask a resident to change rooms or apartments should certain situations warrant it. 

If two residents not residing in the same room wish to become roommates, the following procedures apply:

1. If an empty room exists, the residents wishing to become roommates may each request a room change into the vacant room. Should more than two residents request the empty room, priority will be based upon the housing deposit dates of those individuals.
2. If one of the two residents who wish to be roommates has an empty space in the room, the other resident may apply to move into it.
3. One resident may ask a current roommate if he or she is agreeable to move into another space, but may not insist upon it. Anyone found pressuring a roommate for the purpose of arranging a desired room change will be subject to disciplinary action.

Single Rooms
In periods where apartment occupancy is not full, some residents may temporarily enjoy the benefit of a single room. Residents who do not have a roommate must understand that students apply for housing throughout the year, and that they may be required to accommodate a roommate at any time with a 24-hour notice. The majority of new student placements occur during the first weeks of class and between semesters. Residents with a vacant space in his or her room prior to a semester or summer break must appropriately clean and arrange the room before leaving in the anticipation of a new roommate. The administration reserves the right to assign two residents to a room while leaving others unoccupied for administrative reasons.

Room Care
It is expected that daily trash removal and regular cleaning be common practice. Residents failing to cooperate with maintaining a reasonably clean environment will be subject to disciplinary action. To avoid being assessed damages later, please keep all bleach, detergents, and other laundry products in the kitchen area.
No hair cutting, coloring, or perming is allowed anywhere but in the bathrooms. Be careful with nail polish remover. Please do not iron on the carpet.

Maintenance Checks
For the comfort and safety of all, periodic room checks are made to be certain residents are complying with appropriate safety, health, and housekeeping expectations. Violations of any college policies which are noted during these checks will be recorded, and the residents of the apartment held responsible.

Room/Apartment Entry and Search
Although the college acknowledges your desire for privacy, certain occasions necessitate entering a resident’s apartment. These include periodic maintenance checks, when an emergency exists or is believed to exist, and if there is reason to believe that the policies or standards of the college are being violated. Certain situations warrant the search of a single room or apartment. Rooms will be searched only with “cause” and the occupants will be notified of the reason for any room search. There are two general situations which might precipitate a room search:

  • Reason to believe that established conduct, standard of health, or safety regulations are being violated.
  • Emergency situations which make it necessary for a staff member to search a room for a particular item, such as a telephone number or address.

Except in the case of an emergency or what is believed to be an emergency, an attempt will be made to have at least one of the residents present during the room search. Before any search is begun, an effort will be made to notify room occupants of the reason for the search, and will be afforded an opportunity to produce voluntarily the items or materials sought. Residents who are not staff members for campus housing are not permitted to assist in the search of the personal goods and belongings of another.

Any room searches by any staff will be cleared with the Office of Student Development, unless an emergency or what is believed to be an emergency precludes such a delay. Following all searches, a written report will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services within 24 hours of the search.  The College is opposed to general room searches (search of a number of rooms in a given area in the absence of causes to search a specific room). General room searches will be permitted only in case of extreme situations as determined by the Vice President for Student Development.  Maintenance personnel are not authorized to search student rooms, but, if during the performance of their properly assigned duties, they encounter or observe evidence of activities or articles in violation of College rules and regulations and/or the laws of the State of Tennessee, they will report such evidence to College staff.

PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
The college prohibits the use and possession of alcohol, all forms of tobacco (including smokeless and illegal drugs on any property used, owned, or operated by Crichton College. Additionally, evidence of intoxication by a resident or his or her guest will also render a student subject to disciplinary action.

Entertainment
In compliance with Crichton’s policies outlined in the on-line Student Handbook video, computer, and television viewing, as well as printed material and music which contains content or language out of character with the values of a Christian community is not permitted in campus housing. Students in violation of these policies will be subject to disciplinary review.

Keeping with the Policies and the Spirit of the College
Room decor or other materials which may be interpreted as relating to New Age philosophy, parapsychology, or the occult are not permitted in campus housing, nor are activities which may be interpreted as relating to such. Likewise, any emblems or other representations which might be interpreted as having gang symbolism are prohibited.

Pets
Fish are the only pets permitted in campus housing. Guests are not permitted to bring their pets on the property while visiting.

Renter’s Insurance
It is the responsibility of the resident to secure renter’s insurance for personal property. The College is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles.

RESIDENTIAL SAFETY POLICIES

Earthquake
The potential for earthquake activity does exist along the New Madrid fault where Memphis is located. For those unfamiliar with earthquakes, they can vary from a slight movement or a wave-like rolling to a severe shaking. There may also be aftershocks, but they are usually milder than the original quake.  Because there is no way to pre-determine an earthquake, you will need to be prepared to act quickly. Take a few minutes to become familiar with the location of your fire extinguishers and exits. It is important that in such an event, you think safety. Be aware that most injuries are a result of falling objects or debris. In the event of an earthquake, utilities may be affected, so avoid downed power lines, using matches (due to possible natural gas leaks), and drinking other than bottled water until authorities have determined utilities are safe.

During an earthquake, follow these emergency procedures:

During the shaking:

  • If indoors, stay inside and protect yourself by taking cover under a desk, table, or bed, or brace yourself in a doorway.
  • Stay away from windows. Once it is feasible, go to your designated meeting area, which is outside your RA’s apartment.
  • If outdoors, move to an open area away from overhead hazards such as power lines, trees, and falling brick or glass.
  • Stay far enough from buildings to avoid falling objects. Do not attempt to go inside a building. Once it is feasible, go to your designated meeting area, which is outside your RA’s apartment.

After an earthquake:

  • Check for injuries and for fires and report them by calling 911.
  • Limit telephone use to emergency calls only. Personal calls can overload the circuits and prevent real emergency calls from getting through.
  • Do not turn on light switches or appliances, or light a match.
  • Do not enter an elevator.
  • Wear shoes at all times.
  • Remember to remain calm and help others. Listen to your radio for general information.

Fire

Fire Procedures

If smoke is present in your room, keep close to the floor and move to the door. If the door is hot, do not open it. Exit through a first floor window if possible. Otherwise, place a wet towel or other cloth under the door and call 911. If the phone is not working, open the window and hang a sheet or other material out of the window to attract attention, and call for help.

If you hear a smoke alarm and your door is not hot, carefully proceed to the nearest exit, staying close to the floor in case you encounter smoke. If possible, check the other rooms to see if they are empty.  Do not re-enter the building until the Fire Department has given clearance to do so.

Smoke Detectors
Each apartment is equipped with a smoke detector. Tampering with safety devices or alarms within the complex is strictly prohibited. Problems with any such equipment should be reported to the Leasing Office.

Gasoline
A resident may not store gasoline or other flammable substances in any area of the complex or apartment.

Grills
Grilling is not allowed either with charcoal or gas grills except in designated community grill areas, if any, for the safety of the residents, their property, and community.

Legal Liability
Any person violating provisions of fire codes is guilty of a misdemeanor, and will, if convicted, be fined for each day during which any violation is committed.
Fireworks
Use or possession of fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited.

Locking Doors
It is advisable to keep your apartment locked even if you are at home. Residents must always lock the door when leaving, even if only for a moment, for the protection of other residents and their belongings.

Medical Emergency
In case of a medical emergency, call 911, then notify your RA or the Office of Residence Life immediately, and stay with the person until instructed otherwise. If the medical problem is not critical in nature, contact your RA for further assistance.

Severe Weather
Especially in the spring, severe weather can occur in the Mid-South. In the event a tornado watch is issued, students should monitor weather reports, and be prepared to take shelter if the watch is upgraded to a warning.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted, and students should take shelter immediately. Secure locations within the apartment are hallways and interior rooms, which are free from windows. You should remain in a secure area until the warning is over.

Suspicious Activity
If you see someone behaving in what you believe to be a suspicious manner, contact your RA. If you believe the person is a direct threat, call 911, then notify your RA.

Theft
If you believe that any of your personal property has been stolen, inform your RA, then call the Office of Residence Life to notify them of the theft. They will assist you in calling the Memphis Police Department and filing necessary reports.

Weapons
Possession of any weapon, including firearms, ammunition, knives, and martial arts gear is strictly prohibited.