Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Rules for dorm living

Housing Guide 2010

By Kristi Smith

One of the most burdensome events a college student could face in his or her collegiate career is to have a hold imposed on his or her class scheduling for the next semester. This disciplinary event is fairly frequent despite it being easily avoidable. It is therefore essential for all on-campus students to know and understand the rules and regulations imposed in dormitories or on campus apartments in order to avoid much stress and in order to leave LSU with a clean academic and disciplinary record.

Incoming and current students can reference the 2009-2010 Living on Campus Handbook for Residence Halls and Apartments on issues from alcohol-free living and guest policies, to items prohibited on your balcony. The 30-page document also lists need-to-know phone numbers.

According to the Living on Campus Handbook, "Only those residents who have attained the legal drinking age of 21 can possess and/or consume alcohol in the privacy of their own assigned room."

It also cites the following standard items from being placed on a balcony: furniture, outdoor holiday lights, laundry, bicycles, garbage bags, and grills. For the complete list of items prohibited from a balcony, see the Living on Campus Handbook.

An important rule for on-campus living is that you cannot have people living with you in your specific room. This is the same for most, if not all universities. Visitors must leave at a reasonable hour. Also, pets are not permitted at all. Fish, however, are allowed in a 20-gallon or less tank.

Residential Life Director Steve Walker gives his official 'Welcome!' in the handbook, and goes on to state that "This handbook presents information regarding the community services, policies, and procedures for the resident communities at LSU." He also mentions to "familiarize yourself" with the document and speak with Residential Life staff members for more information.

"I'll be starting LSU in the fall as a freshmen, and I'm nervous about living on my own for the first time," says high school senior Jessica Sanders. "I'm excited, but still a little nervous about living with complete strangers," she said.

LSU has plans in place to make sure everyone living on campus can feel comfortable with their surroundings. They run on a "you will be accountable for your behavior" attitude, and the rules are set in place accordingly.

If there a problem arises in a dorm or apartment, students should report the issue. "First they would talk to the [resident assistant], and if the situation can't be solved, it can be taken further," said resident Shannon Barber, who also works at the front desk of Acadian Hall.

Failure to follow proper guidelines set by LSU can result in an array of consequences, including the receipt of a charge letter from the student conduct office, which requires that the specific case will be processed, witnesses will be called forth, and a decision will be made on the matter.

Originally Published: March 10, 2010

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