- Housing Costs
- Bottle and Can Collection
- Common Area Damage
- End of Year Closing
- Fire Extinguisher, Fire Alarms and Fire Related Activities
- Fire Prevention and Safety
- Housing Contract
- Housing Mold FAQ
- Housing Registration
- Keys and Key Fobs
- Laundry and Vending Services
- Misuse of Campus Telephones
- Official Recesses
- Personal Property
- Pest Control
- Pets
- Physical Plant and Maintenance
- Quiet Hours and Noise
- Residence Hall Property
- Residency Requirement
- Room Changes
- Room Condition Report
- Room Searches and Safety Inspections
- Visitation
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Residence Halls and dining venues will be closed during Winter Break.
All Students must temporarily vacate their assigned college housing during winter break and may not return until the published College opening date for the spring semester. Students who believe they are unable to leave campus due to exceptional circumstances (e.g. homelessness, emancipated foster youth,
inability to return to home country due to travel restrictions, etc.) may petition to reside on campus during the Winter Break.
The petition form will be made available late in the fall semester. Submitting a petition to remain on campus during Winter Break does not guarantee a space will be available or that the petition
will be approved.
Petitions should be submitted by Friday, November 17, 2023.
Cans and/or bottles may not be stored, collected, or used as decorations in a resident’s room. Violations of this policy will result in a $50.00 fine for the first offense. Subsequent violations may result in additional disciplinary action.
When intentional and deliberate damage occurs in a common area (hallway, communal bathroom, social room, etc.) and no one claims responsibility for such damage, the RAs of the building will notify the residents of an impending Common Area Damage charge. If the individual(s) responsible cannot be identified, then the charge is equally distributed among the community members.
Each resident should feel as though he/she has an intrinsic investment in the residential community. As such, residents should feel motivated to hold each other accountable for their actions. If a student damages college property, he/she is bound to accept responsibility and report these actions to their RA. Damage to public areas often goes unreported. Failure to take responsibility for our actions and allowing members of the hall to pay for damage is a serious breach of our Honor System. If damage occurs accidentally, the student still holds the responsibility to report the incident to their RA honestly and promptly.
If damage occurs to an area outside of the residence hall, but can be connected back to a particular residence hall, the damage charge may be assessed to the residents of that residence hall.
Charges will often be assessed based on a standardized fine. Situations that require additional work from sources outside of the college will result in the fine plus the cost of the outside contractor. Damage fines can be incurred for the following but are not limited to: Vomit, excessive trash, and cracked or broken window panes. Additional fines may be assessed for deliberate contamination of recycling bins.
Students must remove all their belongings within 24 hours after his/her last exam. Only graduating seniors and students associated with an official college function will have permission to remain past the official closing. When extenuating circumstances exist, students must agree to be relocated (along with all their possessions). Students who remain beyond the official closing will be fined $50.00 per day.
Fire Extinguisher, Fire Alarms and Fire Related Activities
- Falsely pulling a fire alarm or discharging a fire extinguisher, possession of fireworks on campus, and burning items (e.g., paper on doors or walls, paper in bathrooms, etc.) is prohibited. Minimally, first-time offenders will be fined $100.00 and the SRC will take other appropriate action. If the person responsible cannot be identified, the charge may be divided equally among residents of the floor. Clean-up fees may also be charged.
- Any student who willfully fails to exit the residence hall after the fire alarm sounds will be subject to disciplinary action that may result in removal from the residence hall.
- Rhodes is required to conduct fire drills each semester to ensure that fire safety systems are in working order.
The residence halls are private residences owned and maintained by the college. They are subject to the Memphis Fire Code, and are regularly inspected by the Fire Marshall′s Office.
1. Students should test their smoke alarm regularly to assure proper operation of the alarm. Service requests for malfunctioning alarms or new batteries should be submitted through the work order request page on the web or through Campus Safety (after hours). Smoke alarms must not be tampered with or covered.
2. No upholstered furniture that has significant cuts or ruptures in the upholstery will be permitted in the residence halls. Students may be asked to remove items on walls that create a fire hazard. No items are to be hung from ceilings, covering lights, or covering smoke detectors.
3. Students may be asked to remove appliances to avoid overloading the circuits and to avoid fire hazards. All electrical appliances should be turned off when not in use.
a. Refrigerators in residence halls must be no larger than 33" high or 19" wide.
b. Any appliance with an open flame or burner, including but not limited to candle warmers, hot plates, electric skillets, toaster ovens, toasters, counter top style grills, sandwich makers and woks are prohibited.
c. Halogen and other exposed bulb lamps (upwards-facing lamps) are not permitted.
d. “UL Approved” power-strips with surge protectors not exceeding 15 amps must be used.
e. “UL Approved” Christmas tree lights designed specifically for indoor use may be used. No other forms of extension cords or multi-outlet extenders can be used.
f. Neon lights, beer signs, fireworks, flammable liquids of any kind, and open flame devices, including but not limited to candles and incense, are not allowed in residence halls.
g. All residence hall spaces are non-smoking.
4. Failure to comply with any of these fire safety requirements will minimally result in a $50.00 fine for first offense. Subsequent offenses may result in suspension or expulsion from the residence halls.
All students who reside in campus housing sign the Housing Contract and agree to abide by the policies and regulations contained therein. Students have a responsibility to know all college policies in general, and specifically all residence hall policies contained in the Housing Contract and The Student Handbook.
What causes mold to grow?
Mold is a part of the natural environment that aids in the decomposition of leaves, trees, and other natural outdoor organic materials. Individual mold spores are invisible to the human eye and are continually floating around outside. However, those spores make their way indoors and, when exposed to wet/humid areas, can begin to grow or colonize. It is impossible to eliminate mold and mold spores in the indoor environment due to daily human activity—as people enter and exit buildings, mold spores are carried in on clothing, shoes, and backpacks.
Mold is found almost everywhere and can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, insulation, ceiling tiles, clothing, and painted walls, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Mold needs water/moisture to grow, therefore maintaining indoor moisture and humidity levels between 30-60 percent will reduce the likelihood of indoor mold growth. Controlling humidity in large, heavily populated buildings is difficult, especially in hot humid weather.
Where is mold and mildew found?
Mold can come in a variety of colors, including white, which is sometimes seen on a damp carpet or other fabric materials; pink, which is often found on shower walls that are not cleaned regularly; and dark green/black, which is often seen around windowsills and in restrooms due to a large amount of condensation and moisture.
How does mold spread?
Air circulation in a building varies throughout the day and depends on the level of activity in the space. Mold spores are always present in both the indoor and outdoor environment, and can be carried in on clothing, shoes, backpacks, etc.
Tips for mildew and mold prevention and cleaning:
- Leave all bathroom doors open (at least on your side of a suite bath) to allow time for any steam or moisture to dry and to increase ventilation, and wipe moisture from walls, ceilings, and floors after showering. Note: While using your AC Unit, the air from your AC can assist in drying the moisture in the air following a shower.
- DO NOT leave windows open while blowing air from the AC unit.
- Be sure to clean and disinfect your suite bathroom periodically (at least once a week). Note: It is the responsibility of residents to ensure the cleanliness of private suite bathrooms and residence hall rooms.
- Do not place furniture or other items in front of the heating and cooling units that can obstruct airflow.
- Do not place potted plants or any other source of moisture on or around heating and cooling units.
- Do not leave wet or damp clothes, shoes, or towels in closets. Place them on a drying rack until completely dry. Please do not place drying racks in public spaces. Also, utilize laundry room clothes dryers.
- Empty your room and bathroom trash regularly and do not let trash accumulate.
- If you find mold/mildew be sure to apply your cleaning solution to the affected area and/or the cloth you are using to clean the area.
What can I expect after reporting a mold concern:
Residence Life takes a report of the mold concern, visual mold, and/or odor issue and submits to Physical Plant.
- Physical Plant performs a visual inspection in accordance with the college’s mold protocol.
- If the investigation determines that no mold or moisture intrusion is present, as confirmed by protimeter (moisture meter) measurements, Physical Plant will report findings to Residence Life. Residence Life will communicate the results to residents. No further action is required.
What will be done if mold is found in my room by Physical Plant staff?
If surface mold is present (approximately 10 square feet or less of light surface mold present), then Physical Plant will proceed with maintenance level mitigation, which includes:
- Containing the area with general dust control measures
- Isolating the HVAC returns and supplies and turning the mechanical systems to “off,” if feasible
- Controlling access to the space until after work is completed (close doors, etc., to minimize air movement)
If the area where mold is found is non-porous (concrete, porcelain, tiled, plastic, vinyl, etc.), mitigation includes:
- Cleaning the area with solution of soap and water or approved disinfectant (HALT) to remove surface deposits
- Wiping surface with disposable cloth and allowing the surface to dry
- Disposing of generated debris in heavy duty plastic bag for sealed transport
If the area where mold is found is porous (drywall, etc.), mitigation includes:
- Misting the area with general amended water solution to minimize spore dispersal
- Covering the area with plastic sheeting and sealing with duct tape
- Removal of mold to 24” beyond visibly impacted area and placing generated debris in heavy duty plastic bag for sealed transport
- Inspecting the reverse face to ensure demolition sufficient to remove impacted materials; the interior of wall cavities should be cleared, brushed, and damp wiped only, as needed
- Once surface is dried, finishes will be reinstalled
- Debris will be bagged and sealed for transport through the facility, and microbial contaminated materials and general construction debris will be disposed of in general outdoor trash containers.
If surface mold is present (approximately 10 square feet or more of heavy or embedded mold present), then all documentation will be provided to a mold abatement vendor. The mold abatement vendor will work directly with Physical plant to investigate and complete the work plan as recommended by the vendor.
Regardless of the specifics of each case, Physical Plant will document an action plan and report findings to Residence Life. Residence Life will communicate results to residents. No further action is required.
Is it safe for me to stay in my residence hall if there is currently mold in the space?
In most cases, yes, it is safe. Mold growth is commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments and can be easily cleaned; however, if not addressed by cleaning as soon as it appears, it can lead to additional mold growth and elevated spore counts in a space.
What is the inspection process to determine how to address any mold in my residence?
If students or families have concerns about mold, they should contact Residence Life at (901) 843-3241 or submit a work order through Rhodes Express Online:
- Log in to Rhodes Express Online
- Select Work Order Reporting in the right column
- Log in to the Self-Service Portal
- Submit a work order to Physical Plant
Should I purchase a portable air cleaner and dehumidifier?
This is a personal choice. The air cleaner and dehumidifier should be UL approved. Humidifier use is discouraged, as the device increases moisture in a space.
To participate in housing selection, a student must complete an online registration from the link sent to them via e-mail in February of each year. Students who register on time will receive a lottery number to use in selection of an apartment or room during the housing selection process.
By registering for housing selection, students agree to the housing cancellation policy. By contacting the Director of Residence Life, a student may cancel the registration or housing assignment.
- If a student cancels by 5 p.m. on May 15th, the student will incur no cancellation fee.
- If a student cancels between May 16th and June 30th, a cancellation fee of $250 will be placed on the student's account.
- Students who cancel between July 1st and July 15th will incur a $500 cancellation fee.
- Cancellations after July 15th will incur a cancellation fee of $750.
- If a student registers for housing and then decides to participate in a study abroad program during the fall semester, the registration will be deferred to the spring semester, and no cancellation fee will be incurred.
- If a student registers for housing and subsequently is released from the residency requirement, the registration will be canceled without penalty.
- If a student registers for housing and subsequently withdraws or transfers, the student will be held to the housing cancellation policy.
To cancel your application or your housing assignment for Fall 2023, please select the link: Housing Cancellation Form.
In the case that a roommate withdraws from housing, a student may be assigned to the open space, or the remaining student may be asked to move to another under booked room. Students on the waiting list will not be charged the cancellation fee unless they accept a housing assignment and subsequently cancel.
Updated information about the housing selection process will be available on the Residence Life web page and emailed out in February of each year.
To participate in housing selection, a student must complete an online registration from the link sent to them via e-mail in February of each year. Students who register on time will receive a lottery number to use in selection of an apartment or room during the housing selection process.
Individual room keys will be issued to each resident student by the Residence Life Office upon arrival on campus. Students will have access to the outside doors of residence halls via electronic key fob. It is the responsibility of each student to protect all other students by taking care neither to lose residence hall keys and key fobs nor lend them to others. Lost keys and fobs should be reported to Campus Safety. A new fob and room key can be requested via the campus work order system. Residents must return keys to the Residence Life Office when leaving campus or at the end of the year. Students who fail to report a lost or stolen key are jeopardizing the safety and security of their fellow students. The cost for a replacement key fob is $25. Lost or unreturned keys will result in a $10.00 charge. Students are to keep their key fob unless they withdraw or graduate from the college. Mailbox keys are to be returned to the mail room.
Due to the serious compromise to the security of all residents, exterior doors should never be propped. A $50.00 fine and a possible referral to SRC will be assessed for individuals found violating this policy.
Laundry and vending services are available in many of the residence halls. Refunds for lost money may be obtained from Rhodes Express. See section on Physical Plant for reporting broken machines. Laundry services return to coin operation during the summer months.
All residence halls remain open during fall, Thanksgiving, spring, and Easter breaks. Food service is limited or not available during this time and meal plan is not in effect. Break housing is not available between fall and spring semesters. Students who remain in halls after the posted closing times or who arrive prior to halls opening will be asked to leave immediately, may be fined $50 per day, and may face disciplinary action.
Students’ personal belongings are not covered by college insurance. Students are encouraged to have renter’s insurance or confirm that personal belongings are covered under parent’s homeowner’s policy. Bicycles must be locked in a rack or stored in one of the bicycle storage rooms when not in use. Students may apply for a key to the bike closets from the Residence Life Office.
The college contracts with a pest control company to provide service to control insects and rodents. Service is requested by submitting a work order to Physical Plant by Tuesday of each week. If it is found that unsealed food, excessive trash, or improper storage of belongings has led to extra treatment, the resident(s) will be charged the total cost incurred by the college. Do not use your own pest control products. Use of such chemicals can pose a serious health risk to you and the other residents who live near you.
Fish (in tanks with maximum capacity of 10 gallons) are the only pets which may be kept in student rooms with the permission of roommates. The only exception is guide dogs for people with disabilities. Violators of these policies regarding pets will minimally be fined $100.00 for each infraction. Exceptions will not be made for any temporary keeping of pets.
Guests or commuter students are required to keep pets on leashes while on campus and are responsible for cleaning up after the pet. Pets should not be taken inside Residence Halls.
Physical Plant and Maintenance
Routine maintenance may be requested via the Rhodes webpage. For emergency requests, call Physical Plant at x3870; if no answer, call Campus Safety at x3880.
Quiet hours are times when no noise should be heard in the hallways or outside of the building. Courtesy hours are times during which the noise level may be higher than during quiet hours. As the term implies, students are expected to be courteous to one another and respect the rights of other residents. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 a.m. the following morning Sunday through Thursday. On weekends (Friday and Saturday), these hours begin at 1:00 a.m. and last until the following morning. Courtesy Hours are in effect at other times. During final exams and reading days, quiet hours are extended to 24 hours.
Violations of the noise policy will result in a $25 fine and possible disciplinary action.
- All residence hall furniture in students′ rooms at the beginning of the academic year must remain in their rooms throughout the academic year.
- Beds may not be stacked on other beds, dressers, or desks. Only one set of cinder blocks, placed horizontally, may be used to elevate beds. Cinder blocks may not be used with bunk beds; they also may not be used under beds with adjustable bed heights. Beds may not be inverted.
- Students are responsible for removing trash and debris and for cleaning their residence hall room when moving out of a room. Failure to do so is subject to a fine. No items may be stored on campus during the summer. Anything left behind will be discarded and the expenses incurred will be charged to the owner(s).
- Social rooms serve as a place where residents can gather as a community. Thus, priority for reservation is given to residents of the hall and residence life sponsored programs. A group can reserve a social room for a meeting but not on a regular basis. The primary use of social rooms should allow for maximum availability and access to hall residents. Social rooms are not intended to serve as sleeping spaces for residents or their guests.
- Personal furniture or equipment must not be placed in the halls or lounges. Any items of furniture found missing from a residence hall room will be charged to the residents of that room. A student who leaves personal furniture in a room after checking out will be charged a disposal fee. Social Room furniture must remain in social rooms at all times. Removal of furniture is considered a violation of the Honor Code. Additionally, any costs involved and a fine of up to $100 will be assessed in such matters. Screens must not be removed from windows. Student-made or individually purchased lofts of any kind are not permitted in residence halls. Students with lofts will be fined no less than $100.00 for any offense. Marring and destruction of furnishings and defacement of walls, doors and woodwork, breakage of windows, etc., is not tolerated. Compensatory damages will be assessed for any violation, and disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible.
- Students are prohibited from being on the roof or other unapproved spaces. Violation of policy may result in $50 fine and housing probation.
- Students are not permitted to play sports or ride bicycles or skate boards in residence halls. These actions can cause personal injury or damage to flooring and/or hallways.
Living on campus is a vital part of the college experience and aids the student’s adjustment to college. Therefore, all first-time, first-year students at Rhodes must live on campus for their first three full academic years. Exceptions can be made for local students who commute from their parent’s home. Transfer students must live in college housing until they have completed three full academic years; previous enrollment at other institutions counts toward fulfilling this requirement. Exchange students must reside in college housing for the duration of their enrollment at Rhodes.
All changes in room assignment during the term of this Contract must be preapproved by the Residence Life Office. A checklist of procedures necessary for initiating a room change, including execution of room assignment forms, is available in the Residence Life Office. During the academic year, a student may not change rooms during the first two weeks or last two weeks of either semester. The Student making an unapproved room change without proper notification and approval will be fined $250.00 and may have the preferred room assignment revoked.
In the fall, Resident Assistants fill out the Room Condition Report online and mark all noteworthy items. Residents should inspect their living quarters along with the Resident Assistant. Damage to any part of the room or to any furniture should be described clearly.
Failure to complete the RCR or failure to describe in full any damage that existed at the beginning of occupancy will cause student occupants to pay charges for damages. Students will be charged for nails, decals, and “mounting squares” added to walls, ceiling, or furniture.
Room Searches and Safety Inspections
The Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee, in consultation with the Director of Campus Safety and/or Director of Residence Life, may authorize a search of a student′s premise if there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of college policy is occurring or has occurred.
Authorized personnel of Rhodes have the right to enter student rooms at any time for purposes of maintenance and repair, inspection of health and safety conditions, and investigation of violation of college regulations. Resident Assistants conduct routine checks of battery-powered room smoke detectors. At least once each year, generally during vacation periods, a representative of the Residence Life Office and/or a representative of Physical Plant or Campus Safety will conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance inspections.
Rhodes permits 24-hour visitation if the Student first secures the verbal approval of his or her roommate(s) and/or suite-mate(s) before the arrival of any visitors.
A roommate′s right to free access to the room/apartment at all times, privacy, study time, or sleep must not be deprived because of a guest. Any student wishing to entertain a guest, whether of the same or opposite sex, must have the permission of the roommate(s). The college does not allow cohabitation and cannot ignore any infraction of this policy that comes to its attention. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disciplinary action. The occasional guest staying with a student overnight must register with Campus Safety. Guests are expected to remain under the auspices of the host student and the host bears the responsibility for the guest′s behavior in compliance with campus policy. Host responsibilities for a guest should not be transferred from one student to another. When it appears that guests have been abandoned, they will be asked to leave the campus. Guests are not permitted during finals and senior week.