The following policies are in place to preserve the facilities and provide for the safety of each student. Failure to abide by these policies may result in disciplinary action.
Antennas and Satellites
The University does not provide television service in residential area. Exterior antennas and satellite systems give residence halls and apartments a cluttered appearance and are potentially damaging to roofs and buildings; therefore, they are not allowed. Student are permitted to have a small, indoor, digital TV antenna.
Appliances
Students are permitted to use microwave ovens, small refrigerators (4.6 cubic feet or smaller with 1.5 amps or less), coffee makers, popcorn poppers, hot pots, slow cooker, and blenders in their rooms. These items must be plugged directly into the wall outlet and, combined, cannot exceed 15 amps. Window air conditioning units, hot plates, and deep fryers are not permitted in any campus building. Other appliances such as panini grills, electric skillets, counter top ovens, and any other high-temperature appliances with or without exposed heating elements are not allowed in rooms due to electrical wiring, smoke damage, and fire hazards. However, these other appliances may be used in apartment kitchens or other areas designated by the Resident Director. Questions regarding the use of appliances not specifically mentioned in this section should be directed to the Resident Director.
Irons used in the residence halls must have an automatic-off feature. Ironing must not be done on a bed or on the floor without proper protection from the heat. Extension cords are not permitted; however, outlet center/power strip surge-protectors that are UL-rated are allowed. If a student’s use of any power cord is considered a fire hazard, the Residence Life staff will instruct the student accordingly.
Bicycles
Students must register their bicycles with the University Police Department for protection and identification in case of theft. Registration can be arranged by contacting UPD at 903-233-4440 or registering online. Students will need to provide the make, model, and serial number (see Vehicle Registration). The University also provides bicycle racks outside each residence hall and in several areas around campus. All bikes must remain outside of buildings. Because of the possibility of theft, the University strongly recommends that bicycles be locked with a heavy-duty lock when not in use. LeTourneau University assumes no liability for loss of or damage to bicycles while they are on university property. At the end of each spring semester, all bicycles (except those used by students attending Summer Sessions) must be removed from the campus. During the summer, University Police will dispose of any bicycles remaining at bicycle racks that do not belong to summer residents.
Bonfires / Campfires
All requests for a bonfire or campfire on-campus must be approved in advance by Student Life or University Police. The City of Longview prohibits most forms of these type of fires, and dry conditions often cause Gregg County to establish a burn ban in the region.
Use of a portable fire pit is acceptable, provided appropriate approval has been received through Student Life and University Police in advance. Once approved, the following are general safety guidelines:
- Set up your fire bowl and maintain at least two buckets of water nearby for extinguishing the fire in an emergency or once finished.
- Your fire must be made with clean firewood. Scrap lumber, old furniture pieces, etc. are not allowed.
- It may not be started with accelerants such as gasoline, Coleman fuel or other combustible fuels. (A starter log or other commercially available fire-starter may be used.)
- The flames may not exceed three feet above the rim of the bowl, and the wood may not extend beyond the rim of the bowl.
- The fire may not be placed within 30 feet of any structure or under the branches of any tree.
- You are personally responsible for the COMPLETE extinguishing of the fire and embers BEFORE you leave the bowl.
- You are personally responsible for the clean-up and removal of all evidence of the fire and the gathering within 12 hours after the event.
- The fire must be strictly supervised at all times.
- Contact RD for appropriate storage of fire pits/bowls.
- Grills / barbecues may be used on campus but must remain 30 feet of any structure or under the branches of any tree while in use. Grills/BBQs may not be brought indoors, but may be stored outside of living areas as approved by Resident Directors. Propane tanks and lighter fluid may not be brought inside any living area.
Camping
Camping on university property is strictly prohibited.
Communication with Students
LeTourneau University recognizes the LETU student e-mail as the official means for written communication with students. All official Residence Life communications will be through LETU email. Students are responsible for reading emails sent to their LETU account.
Construction on Campus / Projects in the Residence Halls
Students are permitted to construct additional shelving units (bookshelves) for their residence hall room. Such construction must be limited in size so that they can be fully built or assembled outside the residence hall and easily carried directly into your room. Construction should occur in such a way that no object resting on the shelves rests within 18” of the ceiling (except in Tyler Hall and the Trinities where the limit is 24”), and also so that shelves are free-standing. All loft and shelving construction must be completed by the second weekend of the semester. For more information see: www.letu.edu/ResLife and Residence Hall Fire Safety Policies.
All construction projects must occur outside the residence hall unless specific permission has been received from the Resident Director. Students will be held responsible for any damage incurred during construction.
Construction Zones Throughout Campus
Due to the numerous risks and potential for serious injury, anyone found inside a fenced-in construction zone will be handed over to the local authorities for trespassing. Furthermore, anyone discovered on any structure or piece of construction equipment inside a construction zone fence be subject to disciplinary action and may be suspended.
Damage to School Property
The student is responsible for the cost of repair and/or replacement of any University property damaged regardless of whether the damage was caused by accident, neglect, or intent by the individual causing damage. In accidental damage, the student may wish to contact family members to decide if costs will be covered by their Homeowner’s Policy.
Darts
Due to the possible damage to person and property, metal-tipped darts may not be used in the residence halls.
Drones, Quadcopters and other small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS)
The University requires:
- The operation of sUAS complies with all applicable state, federal, local, and university laws, regulations, and rules as updated or amended.
The University prohibits: - The use of sUAS to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms and legal requirements.
- The use of sUAS to monitor or record inside of University facilities from the outside.
- The operation of sUAS on or within University Property in areas of public assembly, sporting events, or areas of construction without prior approval from UAS Program Coordinator.
- The operation of sUAS inside university buildings without prior approval from the UAS Program Coordinator.
Explosives / Fireworks
Improvised explosive devices will not be tolerated anywhere on University property. Furthermore, any person using University resources to create explosive, hyper-expansive incendiary, or noxious fume/smoke devices is subject to immediate and severe disciplinary action, whether or not it is activated.
Guests
If an invited guest desires to stay with a resident overnight, he/she must notify the Resident Assistant as well as notify the RD (in person or by phone/email). A guest may stay a maximum of five nights within one semester (consecutive or not)The hosting resident is responsible for their guest’s actions.
Hazing / Initiation
Texas State Law and the University do not allow initiation activities which can do mental or bodily harm to any person, or which is offensive to the dignity of an individual. No person may be forced against his/her will to do anything he/she does not want to do. Violations of this principle may result in loss of University status for the individual or group, in University discipline, and/or in State prosecution.
ID Cards / Identification & Building Access
As a means of ensuring the safety and security of the University community, all students, faculty, and staff are required to present their University-issued ID card upon request by University Police officers, guards, or University officials. ID cards are created in the Student Life Office or during SWARM and Orientation events.
Residential students will be granted 24/7 access to the building where they reside, plus visitation access. Commuter students must request that visitation access be added to their cards each semester. Commuter students will not be granted resident-level access. All traditional students are also granted student-access to the Allen Family Student Center. Access at the Abbott Aviation Center is managed by Airport campus staff. Access will remain under proper usage.
Students living in a Residence Hall must have and should always carry an active and operational student ID card for access to their building. If a student identifies an access issue with their student ID card, they should contact their RD or the Office of Student Life as soon as possible to have the issue corrected.
Keys and Locks
Only University-approved locks are to be used on residence hall rooms and within the residential societies. If a lock does not work properly, the Resident Assistant should be notified immediately to initiate repairs or replacement. Tampering with locks, replacing existing locks with personal ones, or adding personal locks to University equipment is strictly prohibited. The Resident Director, University Police, and Facility Services must have a key to any door locks (building, room, and any storage area) in any residence on campus. The possession or use of unauthorized copies of keys, keys created by persons other than designated University staff, or any lock-picking equipment will result in disciplinary action that may include suspension (See also Security / Access Systems).
Lounges
Lounge areas are provided for enjoyment and fellowship and are to be kept neat and orderly. Lounge furniture must not be removed from the lounge for any reason without prior approval from the Resident Director. Lounges are open according to posted schedules; they are available for special events and reservations through the Resident Assistant or Resident Director.
The main lobbies for the residence halls (including the Village Center) are open to members of the opposite sex from 8 am to 12 midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and from 8 am through 1 am, Friday and Saturday. Please note that hours may vary slightly from building to building.
Mattresses
University mattresses are not to be removed from rooms for any reason. Sheets must be used at all times and washed on a regular basis. Mattress pads are recommended. Our mattresses are 39” × 80” and require Twin-XL (extra-long) bedding.
Waterbeds are prohibited in the residence halls. Exceptions may be considered for individuals who display a specific need for a waterbed that can be verified by a physician.
Media Usage
There are certain copyright laws that govern the use of rented or purchased video-recorded materials, limiting the use of these materials to personal and/or home settings. These laws are ambiguous as to whether a residence hall or its lounges qualify as a “home setting,” so it is important that caution and restraint are exercised in using rented or purchased video-recorded materials on campus. Therefore, campus residents must abide by the following guidelines concerning a video that is not purchased through a licensing agency and is categorized as “home use only.”
- Printed materials must not be used to advertise the video showing and it may not be a fundraiser.
- A fee must not be charged (either formally or informally) and donations must not be requested from the viewing audience.
- The video must only be viewed in a student’s room or in a floor/wing/house lounge.
- The video must not be viewed in any area that would be considered public, such as outdoors..
- The viewing audience must be limited to residents of the floor/wing/house in which the video is being viewed, and the residents’ invited guests.
- Microwaves and Refrigerators
Students may bring their own microwave and mini refrigerators for their rooms. These items must be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Refrigerators must not exceed 4.6 cubic feet in size or use more than 1.5 amps of electricity (all items requiring electricity cannot total more than 15 amps in one room). Students are expected to clean these units regularly as part of room inspections. Refrigerators are to be unplugged, and perishable food/beverage items are to be removed from these units during Christmas break each year (See also Appliances). We do not offer storage for refrigerators anywhere on campus over summer.
Open Flames
Open flames or incense is not allowed in the residence halls and are allowed in other areas only as approved by the Director of Residence Life. Open flames or heating coils of any kind without administrative approval will result in a fine of up to $100, and/or other disciplinary action (See also Fire Hazards).
Paintball Guns and Airsoft Guns
Paintball guns and Airsoft guns may not be used on campus. They cannot be stored on campus unless they are locked within a personal vehicle.
Pets / Animals in the Residence Hall
For sanitary reasons, and for protection of private and school property, fish are the only pets allowed in campus housing. LETU does not allow cats, dogs, birds, rodents, or reptiles to be kept in campus housing. This also includes feeding and temporarily keeping animals in or around living areas. Unauthorized animals will result in a $50 per day fine for the resident who brings them into the hall.
Students may have aquariums. An aquarium is defined as a self-contained ecological tank that houses living organisms in a totally aquatic environment of up to, but no more than, 10 gallons. Some plants and animals that may be found in aquariums include, but are not limited to, fish, crabs, anemones, corals, various mollusks, algae, and other elodea. This does not include amphibians, reptiles, or any organisms that live in a semi-aquatic environment.
To have an aquarium in the residence hall, all of the following must be followed:
- The student is fully responsible for proper maintenance of the aquarium at all times, including holiday breaks.
- The student is financially responsible for any damage that occurs in the room because of the aquarium. Charges will be made to student’s account.
- Students with aquariums must respect the rights of their roommates. If the roommate(s) of the aquarium owner complain about the use or misuse of the aquarium, Residence Life Staff have the authority to either modify/restrict use of the aquarium or remove the aquarium from the room.
- If a routine inspection by the Resident Assistant reveals that an aquarium is not being properly maintained, the owner of the aquarium will be ordered to improve aquarium maintenance or remove the aquarium from the room.
- Aquariums are limited to personal rooms, and only one per room is allowed.
- Gravel in tanks must be disposed of properly, not dumped down the toilets or in the sinks. Students will be assessed for damages resulting from aquariums.
- Screens or hoods are required on top of the tank.
- Tanks will be unplugged during Winter Break and arrangements made for fish to be taken care of in a location other than LETU housing.
- Only aquatic animals and plants listed in this policy are permissible.
- LeTourneau University asks students, faculty, staff, and guests with Service Dogs to register with the Director of Student Achievement to allow the University to provide adequate support. Residents with an appropriately * prescribed Emotional Support Animal (ESA) must begin their ESA approval with the Director of Student Achievement.
- Residents may not bring ESAs on to campus until their entire approval process is complete.
Quiet / Courtesy Hours
Quiet hours are from 11 pm to 9 am for all living areas. Additional evening quiet hours will be decided by each floor at the beginning of the year and should correspond to those set elsewhere in the residence halls. During quiet hours, noise and music must be contained within one’s room.
Throughout the rest of the day, students are expected to observe “courtesy hours” by being sensitive to the quiet needs of those around them. Each student is encouraged to confront his/her neighbor when noise or music volume is excessive. Further complaints concerning excessive noise and music volume should be directed to the Resident Assistant or Resident Director. Continued problems with excessive music volume may result in sanctions such as the confiscation of the student’s equipment.
Right of Entrance
The University reserves the right of entrance by approved University personnel into students’ rooms at any time for the purpose of maintenance, repairs and/or inspection. Such inspections may routinely take place during scheduled breaks and at other times during the semester. A room search, conducted by Student Life personnel, is authorized when there is reason to believe that an individual is violating University community standards or using the room to conduct illegal or immoral activity. Access for such a search will be gained in accordance with Residence Life policies for room entry. If an illegal activity is discovered in such a search, it will be stopped, and University Police will be notified. The search may then be resumed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas concerning search and seizure. In the case of an emergency involving clear and present danger that life or property is in immediate or imminent danger, any University personnel may also enter a room immediately.
Roofs
Due to the high risk of personal injury and the accelerated deterioration of the roofs, no student is allowed on the roof of any building without permission from the Dean of Students.
Room Furnishings and Wall Hangings
University-provided furnishings are not to be removed from a room without permission from the Resident Director, nor are they to be stored anywhere other than the room or apartment. In the Village Apartments, University furniture may not be stored in the attic or moved outside of the apartment at any time.
In living areas with sheet rock walls (Gilbert Hall, Thomas Hall, Davis Hall, the Quads, South Hall, Village Apartments and Societies), posters may be attached to the walls with straight pins or brad nails. Use brad nails or straight pins with moderation. In these residence halls, Plasti-tac should be used on all wood surfaces. In Tyler Hall and the Trinities, no items of any kind may be attached to any surface of the room other than with Plasti-tac. The use of 3M Brand Command Strips and Mavalus Brand Dorm Tape is recommended as another method of hanging items on either drywall or cinder block. Other items are allowed only as approved by the Resident Assistant or Resident Director. Please seek counsel from your RD if you have questions.
For complete room set-up safety guidelines (as coordinated with the Fire Marshal of Longview), please review the Residence Hall Fire Safety Polices and the ResLife FAQ web page.
Room Inspections
For reasons of hygiene, personal responsibility, and community safety, rooms are to be kept clean at all times. Each Resident Director will work with his or her Resident Assistants to complete regular room inspections to ensure that the room is clean and orderly. A majority of the room inspections will be held at regular intervals (in residence halls, these will occur every two weeks; in the Village Apartments, once a month) and should be announced well in advance. A member of the Residence Life Staff will hold regularly scheduled room/safety inspections. In addition, “spot” inspections may be held without prior notice. Each room should be maintained in a clean and orderly manner. The neatness and cleanliness of a living area are the responsibility of each student.
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the implementation of fines. Repeat violations could lead to forfeiture of campus housing privileges.
Storage
There are limited storage areas in most residence halls. The maximum allowable number of boxes for storage will be communicated to each resident by their Resident Assistant or Resident Director. There is no provision for storage of junk vehicles or furniture; those items are the responsibility of the student. When the residence halls close, all items stored in the floor storage room must be prepared as follows:
- Stored within a closed box: use a rigid carton with flaps intact. If reusing a carton, be sure it is in good condition with no holes. Wrap items separately and use adequate cushioning material.
- Boxes must be completely closed and taped with a strong tape designed for shipping.
- The box must be labeled as if it were being shipped. The student’s permanent delivery address must be written clear and complete.
- Stored items may not include food or any other perishable item likely to cause mold or other decomposition damage. If a student does not return to LeTourneau University, his/her items in floor storage will not be held longer than 30 days.
It is the student’s responsibility to retrieve the items in person or request that the stored items be mailed. The Mail Center will mail the student’s items only after payment is received from the student to cover shipping costs. The Mail Center will not mail stored items that are not ready to be shipped as described above.
PLEASE NOTE: Storage service is provided for convenience only and is offered at the student’s risk. The University accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to items stored in residential storage areas.
Security / Access Systems
Abusing and/or vandalizing the security or access system is considered injurious to fellow students and compromises the safety of the building’s residents. Serious disciplinary action (including fines, the possibility of suspension, and the potential for criminal prosecution) will be taken in the case of a student who compromises the safety of residents (See also Keys and Locks).
Street Signs
In order to assure compliance with state law, students may only possess and display street, construction, or traffic signs if he or she has a proof of purchase, or can demonstrate that the sign was formally discontinued by traffic authorities.
Surveys
Surveys for any purpose, including those academically related, may be administered only after the originator of the survey has submitted a copy to the Dean of Students and has obtained subsequent approval.
Televisions
Students may have televisions in their rooms and LeTourneau University expects discretion in students’ viewing behaviors. The AFSC Media Room, Corner Cafe, and Solheim Center Cardio room have televisions for student usage.
Vaping & E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes, e-liquid and other vaping paraphernalia is not permitted for use or storage on campus. Nicotine use (in any location) is prohibited. (See Specific Behavioral Guidelines, item 2).
Wastewater Disposal
The sanitary sewer system is designed to handle only the following materials:
- Human waste: This includes feces and urine.
- Toilet paper: Only the provided toilet paper or commercially available, single-ply, rapidly disintegrating toilet paper is recommended.
Flushing any items other than those listed above can lead to clogs and backups in the sewer system. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Flushable wipes: Despite labeling, most “flushable” wipes do not break down readily and can contribute to clogs. This product leads to more system failures on LeTourneau’s campus than any other product.
- Feminine hygiene products: Tampons, pads, and liners should be disposed of in a wastebasket.
- Paper products: Paper towels, tissues, napkins, and facial tissues are not designed to break down in water and can cause blockages.
- Fats, oils, and grease (FOG), food, and coffee waste: These substances solidify in pipes and contribute to sewer system blockages.
- Non-biodegradable items: Anything that does not readily decompose, such as dental floss, cotton swabs, hair, medications, or household chemicals, should not be flushed.
Water Fights
Due to the potential damage to residents, their belongings, and the facility as a whole, water fights are not allowed in the residence hall or between non-consenting individuals anywhere on campus Students will be held responsible for any damage that occurs.
Weapons
LeTourneau University is a weapons-free campus except to the extent allowed under applicable federal and state law.
No person may:
* enter into any building of the University bearing a firearm;
- possess, on campus, any weapon otherwise prohibited under state or federal law;
- enter into any sporting venue where a University-sanctioned or UIL event is in progress while bearing a firearm;
- possess a firearm on any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted; or
- possess a firearm while on board a passenger transportation vehicle owned, operated, or leased by the University.
Additionally, no person may carry on or about their person or store on any property owned, operated or leased by the University any of the following: ammunition, BB/pellet guns, blow guns, paint-ball guns, AirSoft guns, 3D printed weapons, sling shots, facsimile weapons, fixed-blade knives, long-blade knives (over 5.5 inches), swords, spears, martial arts weapons, explosives, archery bows and arrows, or any other non-firearm weapons as defined by Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code.
The following are exceptions to this policy:
• a) A licensed peace officer may be in possession of weapons/firearms in accordance with applicable laws and departmental policies.
Vandalism
Especially due to its destructive, disrespectful, and dishonoring nature, acts of vandalism will not be tolerated and participation in acts of vandalism will result in disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as “a deliberate act of property destruction; the severe disruption of normal University operations; or the malicious, intentional, and willful destruction or defacing of public or private property.”
Visitation
Members of the opposite sex are not allowed in rooms or hallways without permission from the Resident Director. The exceptions to this policy are during scheduled visitation hours or open houses held periodically throughout the year. The visitation hours below are in effect only on days when classes are in session and do not include days before or after classes each semester or holiday breaks throughout the semester unless specifically noted by postings in the residence halls.
- Residence Halls
- * Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 6 – 11 pm
- * Sunday: 5 – 9 pm
- Apartments, Quads, and Societies
- * Every Day: Noon – 11 pm
- During visitation hours or open house, a resident’s door must be completely open with a light on when a member of the opposite sex is in the room. Failure to comply with these visitation policies will result in loss of visitation privileges and/or other disciplinary action.
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