Residence Halls
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQFrequently asked questions
Overview
What is the purpose of Residence Life?
The Office of Residence Life’s mission is to create educational communities which engage students in learning and personal development. Our residence halls are more than a place to live. They are vibrant and exciting communities where students learn, grow and develop. Students make friends, develop conflict resolution skills, expand leadership skills and learn to understand others. National research shows that students who choose to live in residence halls are likely to have better grades and are more likely to graduate than their counterparts who live off campus.
What is the benefit of living on campus?
WMU’s student body exhibits spirit and enthusiasm for both the University and the Kalamazoo community. The residence hall system fosters that spirit through planned activities, programs and opportunities to participate in hall government, service organizations and University events.
Students tell us that our residence halls provide the best and fastest way to meet other people. Many residents get to know each other by interacting with roommates, others on the floor, in the dining room and in-hall study groups.
The residence hall staff creates experiences that foster academic and personal development. Numerous programs and services were developed to support students academically and socially. In addition, the staff provides a variety of opportunities to connect with fellow students, faculty and WMU staff from across campus. The residence halls increase a student’s ability to interact with members of different cultures and backgrounds, an essential element for success in today’s global market.
What does the residence hall staff do?
Residence hall staff members facilitate community in the halls. Resident assistants (RAs) on each floor work to maintain a pleasant and positive atmosphere for study, recreation and personal growth. RAs are sophomores or higher who undergo extensive training. They initiate hall activities, serve as informational resources and peer helpers, address roommate concerns and assist in emergency situations. RAs should be the first person residents go to for questions, help, guidance and involvement in hall activities.
Each residence hall has a full-time professional live-in hall director who has a master’s degree in college student development, higher education administration, counseling or a related field. Directors are responsible for the leadership and supervision of the hall. Their responsibilities include:
· Supervising the student staff
· Developing programs to meet the needs of students
· Managing and administering the hall facilities
· Advising the hall council
· Overseeing and resolving student conduct issues
· Building community and
· Helping students make the transition to college
Extended quiet hours are available in Ackley/Shilling and Garneau/Harvey halls. In those halls, quiet hours begin at 8 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.
Are special interest floors available?
WMU offers several special interest floors, some with an academic connection and others with a lifestyle connection.
· Aviation House - Henry Hall
· College of Engineering and Applied Sciences House - Bigelow Hall
· Fine Arts House - Draper/Siedschlag Halls
· Health and Human Services House - Eicher Hall
· Honors Hall - Ackley Hall
· Magellan House - Garneau Hall
· Tenzing House for transfer students - Davis Hall or French Hall
· Transfer Student Hall - Hoekje Hall
· Umma Scholars - Harrison Hall
· Wellness House - LeFevre Hall
Is smoking allowed in the halls?
All residence halls are smoke-free. Students and guests wishing to smoke are asked to do so outside at least 100 feet from the building.
What about security measures?
Most halls lock outside doors at 9 p.m., but some halls are locked 24 hours a day. Students need a security key or student ID to access the building. Hallway access to resident rooms is locked 24 hours, so only residents or escorted guests can access living areas. Cameras are installed in elevators and by some entrances and hallways. After 9 p.m., residents are required to sign in guests so staff know who is in the building. Safety is a shared responsibility, so students should do their part by locking their door and reporting suspicious behavior. We encourage computers to be password protected. If you have a laptop, an investment to consider is buying a security cable to attach and lock the computer to a personal furniture item like a bookcase. Laptop security cables cannot be attached to University furniture.
Click here for more information on security in the residence halls.
Where do most first-year students live?
First-year students live in all halls except for French, Davis and Zimmerman, which are designated for upper-class students only.
Which is the best residence hall to live in?
What to base your decision on varies from person to person. Each hall has different amenities and special features, and buildings develop their own personality based on resident dynamics. There is a flat rate for all the halls, except for single rooms, so price is not a differentiating factor. Some things to consider are:
· Proximity to class, computer lab, recreation and food
· Living option – suite style in the Valley or traditional community on Main Campus
· Hall focus or special interest housing
· Hall amenities
Click here for a quick comparison chart of all the halls. Super Single rooms are also an option.
Can I indicate a preference for the hall I would like to live in?
Yes. You can request which residence hall you would like to live in. The residence hall and dining services housing sign up process allows for you to indicate your top six choices. Room assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you submit your request, the better your chances are of getting the hall of your choice.
Can I request a roommate?
Yes. Both parties must indicate a preference for each other on their housing application. The assignments software uses Western Identification Numbers instead of names to match roommates, so double check the correct number is entered. If you need to change a requested roommate prior to assignment letters going out, contact the Office of Residence Life directly. Roommate requests are granted until all double rooms are full, and rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I request suitemates?
No. The assignments software identifies individual rooms, not suites, so suitemate preferences cannot be factored into assignments.
When are contracts due?
Contracts are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no deadline for submitting a contract. Housing assignments are done on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier your application and signed contract are received, the more likely your chance of getting one of your preferences.
What if I need to cancel my contract?
Students wishing to cancel their housing contract must do so in writing or at the Office of Residence Life. A cancellation fee may apply depending on when you cancel your contract and whether or not you are still attending WMU.
Click here for more information about canceling a contract and separation fees.
When will room and board rates be known?
The WMU Board of Trustees must vote and approve housing rates each year. Click here to review rates for this academic year.
Now that I have my room assignment...
What are the dimensions of the rooms?
Room dimensions and layout information can be viewed online. Simply click on the hall you are assigned for specific information.
| Ackley/Shilling | Draper/Siedschlag | Harrison/Stinson |
| Bigelow | Eicher/LeFevre | Henry |
| Britton/Hadley | French | Hoekje |
| Burnhams | Garneau/Harvey | Zimmerman |
| Davis |
When will I find out about my roommate?
Roommate notification will be mailed in late-July.
Is it possible to request a different roommate?
Once students receive their room assignment letter indicating where they will be living, you can no longer request a different roommate. If you have not received your assignment, you can request a roommate in writing and may be assigned together if open double rooms still exist. Both you and your roommate must request each other.
If we are unable to place you with your requested roommate, we may be able to help after the halls open. Around the second or third week of the semester, room changes may be granted as space allows. Working with hall staff, students can move within or to other halls. Through this process, new roommate requests can often be facilitated. Students who want to move will be expected to assist in the process of finding a new room or roommate.
What happens after roommate assignments go out?
In the roommate notification letter, which goes out in early August, contact information will be provided for your roommate. You are encouraged to contact each other and begin initial get-to-know-you discussions such as likes and dislikes, interests, etc. It is also important for roommates to discuss use of the room, determine how the space will be shared, and who is bringing what. Once both roommates are on campus, communication about personal lifestyles and getting acquainted with each other continues. A great roommate resource is available online.
Residence hall staff is available to help facilitate discussion between roommates and help resolve any conflicts or concerns.
What will be in the room when I arrive?
Double rooms are furnished with the following:
|
· One to two ethernet jacks |
In the Valley, the suite bathrooms have two medicine cabinets, two sinks, four towel bars, a toilet and a shower with a shower curtain. A shower curtain is also provided in French, Davis and Zimmerman individual bathrooms.
Click here for more information about the rooms, or click on a specific hall and get a list of what is in that building by viewing the virtual tour.
Are microwaves, TVs, stereos, etc. allowed?
Yes. All electrical equipment must have an approved UL rating. Appliances or equipment, such as ceiling flans, may never be directly wired to a residence hall. Irons and small appliances like toasters and coffee makers may be used in special designated areas of each hall, but not in student rooms. Students are encouraged to use these areas, since cooking in student rooms is prohibited for fire safety and ventilation reasons. Microwaves are permitted in student rooms and should be less than 0.5 cubic feet. Small refrigerators and MicroFridges are available to be leased on a first-come, first-served basis from each hall office. Students may bring their own refrigerator, but it must be less than five cubic feet and use less than 1.5 amps of electrical current.
We recommend students bring a multi-outlet strip with a circuit breaker so circuits do not get overloaded and fuses are not blown. Overloading a room with lots of electronics can be an issue, too. Contact your roommate in advance to coordinate who is bringing what so you don’t end up with two TVs, DVDs, stereos or such in the room.
A complete list of approved and unapproved items is below.
Prohibited items
· Candles
· Incense
· Anything with an open flame
· Flammable liquids
· Halogen floor lamps
· Multi-arm floor lamps
· George Foreman-style grills
· Waterbeds
· Water-filled furniture
· All pets other than fish
· Outdoor antennas or satellite dishes
· Anything with an exposed heating element
· Air conditioner or space heaters
· Contact paper
· Memo boards are prohibited on room doors
· Weapons (including paintball guns, airsoft guns and knives)
· FireworksLimited use items – cannot use in student rooms but can use in designated areas such as the hall kitchen
· Irons with auto shutoff
· Toasters
· Coffee makers
· Popcorn poppers
What is NOT allowed in the residence hall room?
For safety reasons, there are some items that are not allowed in the residence halls. These include octopus-style floor lamps, halogen floor lamps, multi-arm floor lamps, incense or anything with an open flame. Candles, even for decorative purposes, are not allowed. Fireworks; weapons including paint ball guns, knives and martial arts weapons; and combustible liquids are also not allowed. Items with exposed heating elements such as coffee makers, toasters and George Foreman-style grills may not be used in the residence hall room. Space heaters and air conditioners are also prohibited. See above for a complete list of approved and unapproved items.
May lofts be used?
Most residence halls have loftable furniture in them, so the beds can be elevated to increase your floor space. Personal lofts can not be built in these halls. Lofts may be rented or built in halls without loftable furniture, and a schematic is available online. Personal lofts must be freestanding and cannot be bolted or attached to the walls or furniture of the room. If you do not want to build a loft, all beds can be bunked together with supplies from the hall office.
Click here for more information about loftable furniture and renting or building a loft.
How long are your beds? What size bed sheets will I need?
Most residence hall beds are 80 inches long. We recommend purchasing twin extra long linens.
What about phones, long distance service and voice mail?
Students must bring their own telephone. Basic telephone service is provided at no charge for unlimited on-campus and local area calling. Long distance service is handled by pre-paid calling cards which are available for purchase at the University Bookstore, Microcomputer Sales and local stores.
Is Internet access and cable available?
Yes. ResNet, the high-speed residential computing network at WMU, provides an ethernet connection to both WMUnet (Western's network) and the Internet for a fee. To make arrangements for this service, visit the ResNet Web site. The University does enforce an Acceptable Use Policy and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act regarding downloading or sharing copyrighted movies and music. Judicial action is taken for violations. Personal wireless hubs are prohibited in student rooms.
Basic cable service is provided at no charge. Contact WMU Telecommunications at (269) 387-4663 for more information.
What about sending or receiving mail?
Outgoing mail can be dropped off at the front desk and will be picked up daily. Each room has a mailbox the roommates share. Mail is distributed at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To receive mail, address items to:
Student’s Name
Room # Hall Name (i.e. 125 Ackley Hall)
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-####
The “plus 4” zip code extension is specific for each hall.
Ackley/Shilling Halls |
5269 | |
Bigelow Hall |
5449 | |
Britton/Hadley Halls |
5270 | |
Davis Hall |
5450 | |
Draper Hall |
5367 | |
Eicher/LeFevre Halls |
5271 | |
Ernest Burnham Hall |
5370 | |
French Hall |
5451 | |
Garneau/Harvey Halls |
5273 | |
Harrison/Stinson Halls |
5274 | |
Henry Hall |
5452 | |
Hoekje Hall |
5453 | |
Siedschlag Hall |
5368 | |
Smith Burnham Hall |
5369 | |
Zimmerman Hall |
5455 |
Students will also receive this information in the assignments letter, and it is published in the Community Living Expectations handbook they will receive upon check-in.
Is a car necessary or are there other transportation options?
Whether or not to bring a car is a personal decision. There are shuttle buses on campus, and public transportation in Kalamazoo is free for students. Most students will tell you that parking can be an issue on campus because there are a limited number of spaces. For more information, visit Parking Services.
Is there an overnight guest policy?
You may have guests stay overnight if the guest is of the same gender and your roommate consents. Opposite sex guests are not allowed to sleep or reside in students rooms. If your guest is of the opposite gender, the guest must stay with someone else who is the same gender as the guest. All guests must be at least 18 years old. Each room is limited to two guests per night, and guests may stay no more than two nights. Guests must have a valid state-issued ID card.
Do I need renters insurance?
Renters insurance for theft or property damage is not provided as part of the housing contract. Many students are covered under their family’s homeowners insurance, so inquire with the policy’s agent. If a student needs insurance, a popular choice is National Student Services, Inc. NSSI works with college students to provide solid coverage with low deductibles. For more information, contact NSSI at (800) 256-6774 on go online.
Can I personalize my room?
Part of the fun of living on campus is the opportunity to make the space yours. Pictures, posters, lights, plants, etc. are all a part of making it home. Prohibited decorating items include contact paper on walls, doors or door frames, painting the room and memo boards on room doors. Only items posted by hall staff will be allowed on the outside of residence hall room doors and hallways.
University furniture should not leave the residence hall.
Can I bring my own furniture?
Students bring futons, love seats, chairs, bookshelves and other items to expand their room. University furniture must stay in student rooms, and in-hall storage is not available. There is limited storage for bed ends for students who build lofts. Click here for a complete list of what is in each room.
Where are employment opportunities on campus?
Student jobs can be found all across campus. In the residence halls, students are employed as front desk receptionists, managers of hall offices, fitness room monitors, Mug Shots coffeehouse workers and resident assistants. Applications for hall positions are available at the front desk, online or via BroncoJobs Plus. Another popular employment option close to where students live is with Dining Services.
What services are available at the front desk and hall office?
The front desk opens at 5 p.m. weeknights and is open on the weekend. The desk services include:
· Equipment rentals such as vacuums, tools, games and sporting equipment
· Sending and receiving mail
· General University resource for information
· After-hours maintenance assistance
· Guest check in after 9 p.m.
The hall office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The hall director is located in the office, and services provided include addressing student concerns, providing general information and assiting with maintenance issues.
Any recommendations to make move-in easier?
Move-in is hectic as 5,000 students and their families all try to get settled in the halls. We recommend students unload their belongings in front of the hall and then go park their car before taking things up to the room. This allows more people to get in close to the hall and not carry things as far. During opening weekend, upperclass student volunteers will be available to help families carry items up to student rooms. Volunteers will also be available for Fall Welcome move-in. Other things to consider are bringing a dolly and cutting handles in boxes for easy carrying. We also recommend a few basic cleaning supplies. They come in handy for a quick sprucing up and keeping the room clean during the year.
What is Fall Welcome?
Fall Welcome is a program designed to help first-year students make a smooth transition into the WMU community. Participants move into the residence halls early to start getting familiar with campus. In addition, program sessions and small group activities provide a chance to develop valuable skills for academic success and start making friends. For information about Fall Welcome call (269) 387-2301.
Moving-in
How do I get to campus?
Students traveling to Kalamazoo on I-94 are encouraged to take exit 74 North onto U.S. 131. Travel 2.8 miles on U.S. 131 N to Stadium Drive East, or exit 36. For a campus map with directions, click here.
Specific directions to each residence hall can be found here. Please note that during move-in some roads and streets may become one-way.
What about parking during move-in?
Traditionally, students and parents can park in any student space in lots designated A, C, F, K and W during move-in week. Cars in employee, reserved or handicapped (unless a permit is displayed) spaces will be ticked, as well as vehicles on sidewalks and the grass. Thirty-minute loading areas in front the residence halls will also be enforced. For information about parking permits, contact Parking Services.
What will happen when I arrive?
Anticipate a lot of traffic around the halls as several people arrive and unload at the same time. If you have multiple people with you, ask them to unload the car onto the sidewalk and move it to a permanent parking spot. While they do that, you can go in the hall to start checking in.
Check-in will consist of several stations, such as receiving your room key or student policies, and completing paperwork like an emergency contact card. This includes a health insurance policy number, so bring the appropriate information with you. An important part of check-in will be the Room Inventory Form. Take this form to your room and make notes regarding any damages or wear and tear you see in the room. When you check out in April, this form is used to compare the condition of your room in August before you moved in. Any damages not previously noted on the form will be billed to your student account when you leave.
Finally, take time to look at the signs and information posted in the halls. Some signs will be informational, such as policies or campus services, others will inform you of campus and hall events happening the first week, and others will be about meetings for different organizations you can join.
Will there be anyone to help me move?
Bronco Buddies are upper-class student volunteers who will assist with move-in. They will help unload cars and carry belongings to your room. Bronco Buddies are available for Fall Welcome and opening weekend.
What items should I bring?
Some basics to pack are listed below. Click here for a comprehensive list.
· Telephone
· Pre-paid calling card for long-distance service
· Computer - students who made arrangements for ResNet via the Web should bring their assigned account number with them
· Pillow
· Blanket
· Sheets
· Towels
· Hangers
· Clothes for all weather
· Alarm clock
· Auto shut-off iron
· Laundry basket
· Laundry detergent
· Cleaning supplies
· Toiletries
· Robe
· Flip flops for community bathrooms
· Shower caddy to carry your toiletries to the shower
· First aid kit (basics like Band-Aids and thermometer)
· Sewing kit
· Basic dishes and utensils
· Poster putty or 3M adhesive strips for putting things on the walls
· Snack food
· Fan
· Planner or calendar
· Pictures, posters or other items to decorate the room
Coordinate with your roommate on items people tend to share like refrigerators, TVs, VCR/DVD, stereo and microwaves.
Note: Memo boards and personal items are prohibited on the outside of student room doors. Only items posted by staff will be allowed in the hallway.
What should I do during that first week I get to campus?
Get to know your roommate: If you do not already know your roommate, take the time to get to know each other. Talk about your likes and dislikes, your morning routine and your expectations of each other. Investing the time now talking about these issues can save you arguments and headaches later. Additional tips about roommate relationships are available online.
Get to know your resident assistant and other residents: Meet and learn about the people you will be living with throughout the year. Make a special effort to meet your resident assistant. RAs can be valuable friends and resources.
Attend activities in the hall each night: To help you meet others in the building and across campus, each hall will be offering activities each evening during the first week of school. These events are just the beginning of great programs and events staff offers to help you meet other people and have fun.
Buy your books: Do this early! Most students wait until the last minute and then the bookstore is crowded. Bring a backpack with you to take your books back to your room.
Find your classes: If you don’t know where to find the room or building where your classes will be, take the time to explore and find them. This will make the first few days of class less stressful.
Get your room set up: Get settled in your room and personalize the space. Then you will be ready to go and can focus on academics when classes start.
Where do I eat?
WMU Dining Services opens on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, at breakfast. During residence hall move-in, Friday, Aug. 29 through 31, Dining Services will be serving a special opening menu in all residence hall dining rooms. There will be special extended serving hours on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31. On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, Dining Services is open using a consolidated schedule. During residence hall opening, serving hours will be posted near all residence hall desks. Regular serving hours and Dining Service announcements are posted at the entrances to all dining rooms.
During residence hall move in your family is invited to enjoy a complimentary meal in one of our dining rooms at the time you move in. Pick up your family's free meal tickets at check-in or at your residence hall's front desk. This is Dining Services' opportunity to welcome you and your family to campus and to sample what Dining Services has to offer!
Regular residence hall dining service serving hours will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, including the CarryOut Express at Draper dining dervice. CarryOut service and specialty dining in all dining halls will open on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Visit www.wmich.edu/dining/carryout to learn more about CarryOut options. Late-Night CarryOut in Valley II and Henry/Hoekje/Bigelow dining service opens Monday, Sept. 8. As a participant in a dining plan you may eat in any of our dining rooms or use the CarryOut option by simply having your WMU Bronco Card scanned at the entrance. For more information on Dining Services, please go to their website: www.wmich.edu/dining
