Topics A to D

Residential Policies, Information and Services

Abandoned Property

Students are encouraged to keep personal items secure in the residence hall rooms. Public areas of the residence halls and apartments including lounges, community bathrooms, hallways, etc. are not intended for storage of personal belongings. If residents leave their personal belongings in these areas, they will be notified by a staff member to remove the items. If residents continue to leave items in public areas despite warnings from the staff, the items will be considered abandoned property and may be removed or disposed by the staff.

Personal items/property left in a room once residents move out of their room, either during the academic year, at the end of a semester, or during summer housing, will be considered abandoned property and may be removed and disposed of by college staff. Residential Life and Custodial Maintenance are not responsible for any items left in the halls/apartments/houses.

Alcohol

The College of Saint Benedict believes that individual choices involving the use of alcohol have an impact on both the individual and the community.  National studies have found that alcohol use is closely linked to sexual assault, declining academic performance, violent crime, and alcoholism among college students.  For these reasons, the college’s alcohol policy demonstrates a strong ethic of care and establishes healthy standards for the community in relation to the responsible and legal use of alcohol.  This policy is written in accordance with Minnesota state law and reflects the mission, goals, and academic standards of our community.

As a residential college, CSB students have the opportunity to learn with a community of peers and a part of the learning that takes place is social in nature.  Responsible and legal alcohol use is part of that educational process. Learning to know one’s limits and to care about one’s community are parts of the residential experience. Students are expected to use caution in choosing to use alcohol and are responsible for their behavior at all times.  Being a community means that individuals are also responsible for others. Taking action to care about and confront inappropriate alcohol use among one’s peers makes the community stronger.

Please refer to the full Alcohol Policy and updates to the policy in the Student Life Policy section of the Bennie Book at http://www.csbsju.edu/benniebook/student.htm

Animals

The only pets allowed in campus residence halls/apartments/houses are fish within a tank no larger than 10 gallons. Should an unauthorized pet/animal be found, the student must make arrangements for any unauthorized animal to be removed immediately from campus. A minimum $50 charge will be applied to the student’s account for any unauthorized animal and additional charges for damages or cleaning may also apply. 

The Department of Residential Life and Housing at The College of Saint Benedict is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. This includes accommodations that support and facilitate a student's full-participation and equal access to the college's programs and activities, as well as to afford students with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy campus housing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established the need for housing providers to consider "Emotional Support Animals" (or ESAs), as an appropriate accommodation within one's place of residence under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).  CSB has a formal process, by which we work with students to determine ESA eligibility. We are available to help students work through the process of requesting an ESA. Be advised that an ESA may not reside on campus prior to completing the approval process through Student Accessibility Services.

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB or College) recognizes the importance of "Service Animals" as defined by the Americans with Disability Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).  Service animals are welcome in all public locations. 

Although CSB students are generally prohibited from having animals other than fish in campus housing, CSB will work with students that have a disability to host service animals.  We ask that students with Service Animals work with our office in advance of their arrival to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.

Please also see: CSB Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy, Procedures for Requesting an Emotional Support Animal in Campus Housing; Animals in Residence Statement; and Service Animal Policy.

Appliances

Students may have the following appliances in their rooms: Hot pots, coffee makers, popcorn poppers and refrigerators (five cubic feet or less). The following appliances are not permitted to be used in non-kitchen areas or residence hall rooms: sandwich makers, grills (such as the George Foreman Grill), hot plates and appliances with open heat coils. Microwaves are not permitted in Aurora, Corona or Regina Hall within resident rooms. These items are not permitted as students are encouraged to use their food service plan for meal needs and the demand these appliances place on our electrical system would be significant. Additionally, improper care and cleaning can lead to pest problems in the halls. Portable dishwashers, washers, dryers, space heaters, portable air conditioners, or any other major appliances not provided by the college are prohibited in all campus residence areas as they can cause severe damage/injury in the event of a malfunction, unmonitored operation, or improper installation.

Bed Bugs

The staff of CSB Residential Life and Housing as well as CSB Facilities Maintenance are committed to an effective and efficient response to students who suspect they may have bed bugs. 

For the safety and comfort of all students living in the residence halls, our staff will adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. As soon as a student suspects that she may have bed bugs, she should contact her RD/AC or the Director of Housing.  If another administrator or office learns of a potential bed bug problem, their first call should be to the RD for that Hall or Associate Director of Residential Life.

  2. Residential Life and Housing will notify the Director of Facilities Maintenance as soon as possible so that the College's exterminator can be dispatched to the location to perform a thorough inspection of the room/suite/apartment in question. Please note that should a student notify Residential Life and Housing on a weekend or holiday, the Facilities staff will be contacted as soon as possible but action may not take place until the next business day. The exterminator cannot be dispatched on weekends or holidays. Students who report suspected bed bugs on a work day when the exterminator can be dispatched within 24 hours will NOT be granted an immediate temporary room change, nor will they be issued a new mattress UNTIL the exterminator has completed the inspection and submitted his/her findings. This is CRUCIAL so that we can prevent the spread of bed bugs if they are found to be in the student's room and belongings.

  3. If the exterminator is unable to respond to the student's room to inspect within 24 hours, Residential Life and Housing staff may be able to provide a temporary location in which the student can sleep until the inspection can take place. This is based on the availability of space within the residence halls. Any student who is given a temporary relocation is required to wash and dry whatever clothing she needs to take with her for the night. Upon doing that, the student should shower and put on clean clothes.  The clean laundry is all the student can take with her to the temp room.  We want to ensure that if there are bed bugs in the student's room, they do not travel to another room with the student.

  4. Students may not, at any time, deny the College's exterminator or Facilities Staff access to their living space (including their bedroom, suite/apartment/house common space, kitchen, bathroom, etc.)

  5. If the exterminator finds that there are no bedbugs present in the student's room or suite, then no further action will be taken.  The student will be asked to continue monitoring her living space, and to notify Residential Life and Housing immediately if there are further problems.

  6. If the exterminator concludes that bed bugs are present in the room, suite or apartment, Residential Life and Housing will provide the affected student(s) with a detailed list of instructions for the removal and laundering of their personal items. Laundry facilities are available in the residence halls and apartments for student use and do not require a per use fee; however, if student machines are not readily available due to other resident use, facilities maintenance will make access to one of the institutional machines available to help the student navigate this process as easily as possible.  The college will not cover the cost of anything a student wishes to dry clean or have laundered for her by an outside vendor.

  7. Only the College's exterminator can confirm or deny the presence of bed bugs - NOT student health services or any other outside person.

  8. Bed bugs are a serious community health issue, and ALL students are expected to comply with all instructions given to them within 24 hours once bed bugs have been confirmed within their living space.

Bikes and Bike Racks

Bike racks are located outside of the buildings for your use. Most bike racks are removed during Thanksgiving break. Bikes are to be taken home during the winter. Bikes may not be stored on balconies, porches, hallways, access ways, or inside apartments, houses, or residence hall rooms. Bikes are not allowed in the buildings due to the fire and safety hazard they present. There is limited indoor storage for bikes during the winter months for international students and those unable to get their bikes home for the winter. The college does not currently offer “indoor bike racks” which allow you to access your bike on an ongoing basis.

Breaks

All CSB Residence Halls close during break periods as outlined in the Campus Housing Agreement. Please make plans to go home or visit friends or relatives away from campus during break periods. During break periods, the halls are closed and campus services are very limited (Access to food service is limited or not available at times and other amenities are not available as well). Limited request by students to remain on campus during break periods will be permitted if the student is from a distance of greater than 4 hours from campus, has an on-campus employment position in essential services, or is required to stay for a college sponsored activity (for example, athletics). Students must request to remain on campus as per the instructions sent to them prior to each break via their campus email account.

The Residence Halls are closed for breaks during the following periods:

  • Thanksgiving Break
  • Semester Break
  • Spring Break
  • Easter Recess
  • Summer Break

As the campus apartments and houses are fully independent living units with their own kitchen and living areas, residents are permitted to remain on campus continually from Move-In to Move-Out immediately following graduation. However we do collect the names of those who will be on campus during break periods so that in the event of an emergency we are able to contact individuals.

All areas (apartments, houses and residence halls) close for summer break. Those who are graduating seniors will be required to leave following graduation.

For details regarding breaks and closing policies, please go to our Break Information page.

Candles

Candles, decorative or otherwise, are not permitted in any residence area. Students who have candles in their rooms, suites, houses, or apartments receive an automatic college disciplinary warning, incur a fine of $25-50 and will be required to take the candles home.  Candles that cannot be or are not taken home when confiscated are put in storage until the end of the semester.

Computer Labs

Computer labs are provided in each residential area which residents can access 24 hours. Labs are located in Aurora, Corona, Regina, Brian, Margretta, and Lottie Halls, as well as Idzerda Commons, Luetmer apartment building, and the lower level of the McDonald and Dominica apartment buildings. Labs include CPUs, monitors, and laser printers. The Residential Life and Housing Office and Information Technology Services maintain the computers, printers, and paper. If you need assistance with the computer, you can call the help desk (ext. 2228). For more paper or new toner, please contact Residential Life and Housing (ext. 5580) or the RA/CA on duty in your area. Margaret, Jeannette and Rainbow house are provided with Internet access through an outside Internet service provider. House residents with questions about Internet service should contact the Telecoms Office.

Academic work always takes priority over e-mail and recreational Internet use. Everyone is expected to be sensitive to the needs of others. These computers are provided for the use of the resident only. SJU students needing computer facilities are expected to use the general computing labs in the Main Building or the Clemens Library.

Community Standards and Policies

In the Benedictine tradition, we value the ideals of hospitality and community. Students are held accountable to the community standards and policies as outlined here and in the Bennie Book at http://www.csbsju.edu/benniebook. Our residential program seeks to build an awareness of the rationale for our community standards to promote an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of students and to instill a sense of accountability for individual behavior. Occasionally, it is necessary to address concerns with individuals who choose to violate community standards and expectations. Our student conduct process is designed to educate women and help them make decisions that are appropriate within the context of our community.

Whenever a policy violation occurs, a student has the following rights:

  • To be notified of the report of an alleged violation;
  • To present her version of the situation, adding details, reading the report filed, and/or clarifying information;
  • To be treated with fairness and due care;
  • To appeal the decision of the conduct official;
  • To expect that the violation and outcome be kept private unless specified otherwise.

In most cases, a student who has violated policies or standards can expect to be contacted by a Residential Life staff member to arrange a meeting. The student will be allowed to read any reports that have been filed regarding the alleged incident. The student and the conduct official will discuss the situation and the possible outcomes. The student will then receive a written letter outlining any sanctions assigned. The completion of the sanction(s) will bring closure to the incident. Any questions regarding this process can be directed to a RD/AC or the Director of Residential Life. 

Conduct Appeals Process

Students have the right to appeal disciplinary action. In general, an appeal of disciplinary action will be heard by the next level conduct officer in the conduct process.

  • A decision by a Residence Director or Area Coordinator is heard by the Director of Housing or the Director of Residential Life. 
  • A decision by the Director of Housing is heard by the Director of Residential Life. 
  • A decision by the Director of Residential Life is considered by the Dean of Students. 
  • A decision by the Dean of Students is heard by the Vice President of Student Development.

There are three just causes for an appeal to be considered and appeals for other reasons will not be considered. It is important to note that the appeal is not a rehearing of the case. The just causes for an appeal are limited to the following:

  1. The student's due process has been violated.
  2. New evidence is available that was not previously presented.
  3. The sanction is considered inappropriate for the offense.

The appeal must be submitted in writing to the appropriate hearing officer in the appeal process (see above).  The appeal will include the student's name, the offense, and the sanction given.  The burden of proof rests with the student who is bringing the appeal.  The written appeal must be submitted within five (5) working days following the notification of the initial sanction.

Upon receiving an appeal the appeal hearing officer may:

  • Review and respond without a meeting with the student;
  • Review and request a meeting with the student prior to responding;
  • Remand the case back to the original hearing officer for reconsideration.

When a student appeals the outcome of their original hearing, the appeal hearing officer may uphold the decision or the sanctions of the hearing officer; overturn the decision and/or sanction; apply stricter sanctions.

The student may be asked to meet with the appeal hearing officer and this would occur at the appeal hearing officer's discretion.  A student may request a meeting, but the decision regarding a meeting remains with the appeal hearing officer.

After reviewing the reason(s) for the appeal and the documentation provided by the student, the appeal hearing officer will determine whether or not the appeal will be granted.  The student will be notified in writing within five (5) days after the submission of the appeal regarding the decision of the appeal hearing officer.  The decision of the appeal hearing officer is final and the student will be allowed to appeal the decision of a particular case only once.

Courtesy Hours

We value a community that balances individual and group needs.  Courtesy, respect, and consideration are the normal expectations in the apartments, houses, and residence halls 24 hours every day.  To support academic achievement and recognize personal and group needs, please be considerate of neighbors and monitor your noise level.  Courtesy hours are always in effect.  If you are being disturbed by others’ noise at any time, it is expected that you will go directly to them and request that they lower their noise level.  If the problem is not resolved in this manner, contact the CA/RA on duty.  House residents must adhere to all city noise ordinances.

Culinary Services

The CSB and SJU campuses offer several choices for your dining and refreshment needs. Please refer to the CSB Culinary Services and SJU Dining Services websites for menus and hours of service at http://www.csbsju.edu/CSB-Culinary-Services.htm and http://www.csbsju.edu/sjudining/ respectively.

Each student must have a valid CSB/SJU ID to enter any campus dining facility. If you have lost your campus ID, contact the CSB Security Office.

CSB Gorecki Culinary Services (Dining Service)

We encourage our students to dine, relax and gather with friends at the CSB Gorecki Center thus promoting a feeling of campus community. Dining at the CSB Gorecki center provides students with the best value for their food dollars (Bennie Bucks).

Good to Go

Grab-and-go service located on the Atrium of the Gorecki Center. This establishment offers hot and cold beverages, bakery items, sandwiches, soup, and fresh fruit.

McGlynn's Sports Cafe/O’Connell’s Coffee House

McGlynn's Sports Cafe provides a variety of menu options including: daily specials, burgers, fries, homemade soups, sub sandwiches, and more! O'Connell's features both hot and cold beverages in addition to homemade baked goods. Both are located in the Haehn Campus Center and a perfect place to gather with friends!

Clemens Perk and Johnnie Java

Student-run coffee shops where you can use your flex dollars.

SJU Refectory (Main Dining Room)

Complete meal service, located in the Quadrangle. All-you-care-to-eat with unlimited seconds on most items.

SJU Sexton Commons

This is a la carte location offers daily specials, grill, deli items, sandwich items, pizzas and other snack items. Located in Sexton Commons, this establishment has hours from early morning into the late night for students convenience.

Culinary Service Appeals

In accordance with the Residence Agreement, students living in the residence halls and lower level rooms in the West apartments are required to maintain a Board Plan for the academic year. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by Culinary Services. Please contact Culinary Services for information regarding appealing your culinary service meal plan.

Damages

Any damages that occur in your room, house, apartment, or building as a result of your neglect or misuse will be charged to you.  Remember that you are also responsible for any damages caused by your guests.  Custodial maintenance can be contacted to respond to and repair things that are the result of ordinary use through the online work order system at: http://www.MySchoolBuilding.com/myschoolbuilding/mygateway.asp?acctnum=985017776.  In cases of normal wear and tear, you will not be held financially responsible.  Residents are expected to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness and repair.

Decorating Rooms

  1. Please keep the following guidelines in mind when decorating your room/apartment/house.

  2. The Fire Code prohibits the use of Christmas lights (or strand lighting) where they come in contact with flammable materials. Also, lights may not be used to decorate around your door or in the hallways. 

  3. For your own safety, please avoid creating "pinch points" when hanging your lights. Anytime a cord is repeatedly pinched, the possibility of a short exists, which is a fire hazard. Pinch points can occur when lights are placed through door frames, windows, near drawers, or run under or around bed frames/lofts.

  4. Limit the amount of paper materials used in decorating your room or apartment. You may only cover up to 75% of your door with paper or ribbon decorations. This is to prevent the rapid spread of fire down the hallway from room to room. 

  5. When decorating your room, you may not remove any permanent or semi-permanent fixtures (i.e. shelves or lighting). 

  6. When the holiday season arrives, please remember that only artificial trees are permitted in individual student rooms, apartments, and lounges. No natural branches or trees are permitted in any residence area at CSB.

Drug Policy

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University consider the use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs and the misuse or distribution of prescription or over the counter drugs, as detrimental to the welfare of the individual student and the health, security and safety of the college community. The illegal use, possession or distribution of drugs or drug paraphernalia or the misuse or distribution of prescription or over the counter drugs will not be tolerated by the college of Saint Benedict or Saint John's University.

The College and University have a responsibility to maintain a safe and secure environment for students to pursue their educational goals free from the use and/or presence of illegal drugs. Additionally, Federal and State drug use control laws are applicable to all members of the campus community. In promoting a drug-free community, CSB and SJU will provide educational and informational programs about the use of drugs as well as provide counseling and emergency services for students.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are in compliance with the requirements and mandates of the Drug Free Schools and Community Act.

Please refer to the full Drug Policy and any updates to the policy in the Student Life Policy section of the Bennie Book at https://www.csbsju.edu/csb-student-development/bennie-book.

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