Housing and Residence Life Policies
- Scope of Housing and Residence Life Policies
Scope of Housing and Residence Life Policies
The following sections contain general policies for students living on campus. Virginia Tech students and student organizations who live on campus or use on campus residential facilities are required to know and to comply with these policies. Violations of this policy can be adjudicated by the governing department and/or the Office of Student Conduct, when appropriate.
- Housing and Residence Life Policies
Housing, Residence Life, and Dining Policies
As a member of the residential community, you are expected to abide by all of the standards of responsibility and behavior outlined in this publication as well as the terms and conditions of your housing/dining contract. Each student who resides on campus is required to sign a housing/dining contract prior to assignment. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions of the contract. You have the option of electronically signing the contract or requesting a paper copy; either way, when the contract is signed and returned, it becomes a binding agreement —a legal contract—between the you and the university. The terms and conditions of the housing/dining contract can be found at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/contract.php.
- Abandoned Items
Abandoned Items
Any personal property left in the residence hall room, common area, or in any storage area after termination of the housing contract occupancy period is considered abandoned. Abandoned items deemed to have value are tagged as to date and location of discovery, and stored in a temporary holding area by the Housekeeping staff.
If the item can be identified as belonging to a specific occupant or room, an e-mail will be sent to the resident's university e-mail address. If the item remains unclaimed at the end of one week (7 days) aftersuch notification, the Housekeeping staff, at its sole discretion,may discard the item directly, or transfer it to the university surplus property office for final disposal.
A claimed item must be retrieved by its owner within one week (7 days) of being claimed, or it will be discarded or transferred to surplus property, as above.
The university assumes no liability for damage or loss of any abandoned property on its premises.
- Appliances
Appliances
Electrical appliances such as electric stoves, George Foreman-type grills, toaster ovens, toasters, crock pots, sandwich makers, air conditioners, space heaters, hot plates, and other open-coiled appliances are not permitted in residence hall rooms. One refrigerator is permitted in each room; however, it may not exceed 4.5 cubic feet in capacity with an electrical rating of 120 volts and no more than 2.0 amps when in operation. Small appliances that have fully enclosed heating elements and are UL approved, such as coffee makers, irons, and small microwaves (1,000 watts or less) are permitted. Residence hall rooms are not designed for and are not safe for cooking. Microwaves are not provided in public areas of residence halls. Only one small microwave per residence hall room and per suite room is allowed. Students seeking to perform more substantial cooking should use one of the kitchens located in many of the residence halls. For fire safety reasons, if residents use kitchens, they should monitor equipment and be present while items are cooking. Residents must clean up the area after use.
Alterations of any kind to the electrical system of a room are strictly prohibited. Multiple-outlet strips are permitted if they are UL listed, have a maximum ampere rating of 15, and have an integral circuit breaker over current protection. Multiple-outlet strips cannot be plugged into one another, and only two per student are permitted. No extension cords of any kind are permitted. Halogen bulb lamps and high intensity lamps are prohibited in residence hall rooms.
- Bicycles, Motorcycles, and other Vehicles
Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Other Vehicles
Motorized vehicles and fuel are prohibited in all areas of the residence halls. Bike racks are provided adjacent to most residence halls, so you should not chain your bike to telephone poles, stair rails, etc. Also, you are permitted to keep your bikes in your residence hall room if your roommate agrees. Bikes may not be ridden inside of the residence halls. They may not be placed in stairwells, lounges, corridors, bathrooms, or any other public areas in the residence halls. We recommend that you place your bike in your room or take it home during university breaks.
- Common Area Damage Billing Procedures
Common Area Damage Billing Procedures
Common areas may include, but are not limited to, suites, lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, mail rooms, and elevators.
Students may be billed for damage, vandalism, stolen furniture, or housekeeping charges in a common area when the responsible individuals cannot be determined. The group billed may include one of the following: suitemates, a portion of the floor, all the residents of a floor, or some or all residents of the building. The location of the damage and the nature of the circumstances surrounding the damage incident will determine the group billed.
When a common area damage situation is discovered, a Common Area Damage Alert will be posted in the area in which the damage took place after the cost of cleanup, repair, or replacement has been determined. In addition to this posting, hall staff will make every effort possible to inform the residents who may be charged for the damage and cost. For a listing of common damage charges, visit www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/damages.php.
If the responsible individual(s) is not determined, the group will be billed approximately one month after the repair is complete. Common area damage billings are not subject to appeal.
NOTE: Typically a group billing will not be pursued if the cost of the damage is less than $2 per resident. However, if an accumulation of damage charges exceeds the $2 minimum for the semester, a billing may be done. Student Programs reserves the right to bill for lower amounts at their discretion.
- Communication
Communications (E-mail, Postal Mail, and Listserv Messages)
Residents are expected to check their VT e-mail accounts on a regular basis. Student Programs adds all resident students and off-campus students holding a dining plan to a mandatory listserv. Students are responsible for reading this material. E-mail is a primary means of communication with students, particularly for time-sensitive subjects such as utility and emergency notices. Students are also expected to regularly check their postal mailboxes.
- Contract Release
Contract Release
As specified in the Housing/Dining Contract, the contract shall be terminated if the student completes requirements for graduation, or for any other reason is not enrolled in the University. (If the student subsequently returns to the University during the contract period, the contract shall be reactivated upon the student's re-enrollment.) The University reserves the right to terminate the contract in the interest of order, health, maximum utilization of facilities, or disaster after due notice to the student.
Release from the contract for considerations other than those listed above will be made upon the recommendation of the Contract Review Committee. A request for termination does not automatically break the contract. The committee will consider extenuating circumstances with regard to the impact upon both the student and the University.
For more information, refer to the Housing/Dining Contract Terms and Conditions or go to www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/contractrelease.php.
- Controlled Access to Residence Halls
Controlled Access to Residence Halls
All residence halls are equipped with an electronic door access, or "key card systems," that limit entry to residents and their escorted guests. It is the responsibility of all residents and staff to carry their Hokie Passport cards at all times, deny entrance to any person not authorized to enter the building and report unescorted guests and non-residents. Concerns about unauthorized entry or suspicious individuals should be reported promptly to residence hall staff or to the Virginia Tech Police Department. Because residents have card access only to their respective building and all visitors must be escorted, you should permit only residents you know to enter behind you and not allow tailgating; each resident and/or those with authorized card access should swipe their card to enter.
- Disability Accommodations/ADA
Disability Accommodations/ADA
Student Programs works with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office (www.ssd.vt.edu) to ensure that students with disabilities receive equal access to education and opportunities within the academic community. SSD has primary responsibility in reviewing accommodation requests and determining reasonable and appropriate accommodations. Disability accommodations relating to on-campus housing and dining follow mandates required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable federal and state laws.
Students with a disability desiring assistance or accommodation should notify the associate director for housing and dining services at (540)231-6207 or e-mail housing@vt.edu, contact SSD at (540)231-3788, or e-mail ssd@vt.edu. Reasonable accommodations are considered for qualified individuals with disabilities who provide required documentation from medical professionals. Accommodation request forms are available through the housing and the SSD offices.
- Distribution of Literature
Distribution of Literature
The distribution of literature in the residence halls, when necessary, will be limited to designated central locations. Slipping literature under doors inside residence halls is not permitted. Literature may not be posted in halls without permission. Permission forms for posting are available in 107 East Eggleston Hall. - Elevators
Elevators
Freight elevators are not intended for passenger use.
- Emergency Preparedness/Emergency Kits
Emergency Preparedness /Emergency Kit
In the initial minutes or hours of an emergency, university officials must assess the threat to life and property, survey damages, and plan how staff and emergency services can best re-establish or continue to provide necessities such as shelter, food, and sanitation. Students who are not personally at risk from the emergency should plan to carry on without services for a period of time within the first 48 hours of an event. Students may be directed to stay in their residence hall rooms if they aren’t damaged, or in classrooms or dining halls in case of some outside threat to the campus community. Students should follow the directions of university officials, including faculty, staff, and Virginia Tech police.
In case of an emergency on campus, such as a power outage, ice storm, severe weather warning, or secure-in-place situation, students should prepare by maintaining a simple emergency kit in their rooms Including short-term food supplies.
Further information can be found at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/beprepared/
- Emergency Evacuation
Emergency Evacuation
Whenever a building’s general fire alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the residence hall according to established evacuation procedures. The local fire department and the Virginia Tech Police respond to all building alarms. Refer to www.studentprograms.vt.edu/firesafety/egress.php for specific evacuation instructions. If you think you will have difficulty responding to the fire alarm or evacuating the building quickly, consult with your RA or HS.
- Fire and Life Safety
Fire and Life Safety
All Student Programs facilities are operated according to a comprehensive fire and life safety program that complies with local, state, and federal regulations. The regulatory source agencies and the complete Student Programs fire and safety information are available at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/firesafety.
Student rooms, common areas, storage, and mechanical areas are subject to regular inspection by the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office officials, Environmental Health and Safety Services personnel, and Student Programs staff. You are advised to be knowledgeable of the policies prior to moving into a residence hall, noting the following items especially:
- Extension cord prohibition
- Limitations to wall hangings, curtains, and other window coverings
- Authorized appliances
- Flammable items
- Hazardous Chemicals or Materials
- Smoke detector testing requirements
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Flammable Items
Flammable Items
Flammable items, such as fuel (propane, lamp oil, solvents, gasoline, etc.), may not be stored in rooms or around residence halls. Items that require an open flame, operate on fuel, or produce heat, such as Bunsen burners, lighted candles, incense, and alcohol burners, are prohibited. Candles, incense, and other items producing an open flame may not be burned in the residence halls, except as part of a regulated religious ceremony approved in advance by Environmental, Health, and Safety Services www.ehss.vt.edu/programs/fire_and_life_safety.php.
- Food Deliveries on Campus
Food Deliveries on Campus
Food may be delivered to residence halls, academic/administrative offices, and outdoor locations by vendors. Such deliveries are permitted only in response to prepaid orders or to specific orders by resident students and employees. Vendors making food deliveries are not allowed within the building and must be met outside the residence hall as the residential sections of the buildings are for residents and their escorted guests only.
- Hazardous Chemicals or Materials
Hazardous Chemicals or Materials
According to the university’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Services, students should leave ceiling, wall and floor materials; pipe insulation; trim paint; and window putty undisturbed because they may contain lead or asbestos. If left undisturbed, these surfaces are safe. Areas with asbestos-containing materials are inspected every six months to ensure that the materials are intact. The university’s monitoring program will find and repair unsafe conditions if and when they develop.
- Housekeeping
Housekeeping
Housekeeping staff care for the public areas of the buildings during the academic year including bathrooms, hallways, and lounges. This group is also in charge of furnishings issues within the residence hall rooms. Students are required to clean their own rooms and shared suite areas. Housekeeping service is provided for bathrooms shared by multiple rooms in suite-style buildings.
See Work Orders
- Keys
Keys
Residents receive a key that operates both their individual room plus their mailbox. Students in suite-style buildings with a shared living area will also receive a suite door key.
Virginia State law prohibits the duplication of residence hall keys for any reason. If you lose your keys, the locks must be changed and the expense billed to your account. Residents are required to notify Student Programs of a lost key in a timely manner. To notify of a lost key, residents should go to their area office to receive a temporary replacement while a lock change is being scheduled.
If you become locked out of your room, resident advisors and house supervisors have access to master keys and may unlock only the room to which you are assigned. Requesting this service more than three times per semester may jeopardize your privileges and result in a student conduct referral. If you lose a room key and your RA or HS is not available, check with another staff member in the building. If you cannot find a staff member, contact your area office and then the Key Control Office in 26 Owens Hall. Housekeeping and maintenance staffs are not permitted to let residents into their rooms.
- Lofts
Lofts
Lofts are elevated beds that allow students to store items or place their desk under the bed. Students may rent, purchase, or construct their own lofts. Some buildings already have "loftable" furniture present in the room. In these buildings, outside (self-built/purchased/rented) lofts are not permitted.
Keep in mind that each room must be returned to its initial check-in condition, including placing beds back in their original configuration. Damages caused by the use of lofts are the responsibility of the resident.
Self-built lofts must meet established guidelines for construction. For construction guidelines and more loft information, including buildings which allow lofts, visit: www.studentprograms.vt.edu/movein/lofts.php.
See also, Room Furnishings
- Maintenance
Maintenance
There is no charge for repairs or maintenance to rooms resulting from normal use. However, repairs needed because of vandalism, misuse, or abuse will result in bills for the repair. If a room requires repair, you can submit a work order yourself. For situations that threaten health and safety, the resident should notify the RA/HS, call the Facilities Help Desk at 1-1111, or notify the Virginia Tech police 1-6411.
See Work Orders
- Medical Waste Disposal
Medical Waste Disposal
Sharps containers are special containers for disposal of sharp medical instruments used to administer prescribed medications. Sharps cannot be disposed of in regular trash receptacles. For more information about obtaining and disposing of sharps containers, visit www.studentprograms.vt.edu/publications/policies.php#sharps.
- Opening and Closing Schedule for Residence Halls
Opening and Closing Schedule for Residence Halls
Residence halls are closed during Thanksgiving break, winter break, and spring break. Only Cochrane, the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown, Newman, Hillcrest, and Main Campbell Halls and Oak Lane Community buildings are open during these academic-year breaks. Students in these buildings are required to sign up for housing during breaks. Students not living in these residence halls will need to find alternate accommodations. You should be prepared to vacate your room by the designated closing time for the breaks using closing instructions provided by your RA or HS. Residents are not permitted to return prior to the published opening time.
Dining plans are not active during academic breaks. Most dining centers are closed. Cash operation facilities may be open for limited service during breaks. Please review the dining center break schedules on the Student Programs website.
At the end of each semester, you are expected to check out within 24 hours of completing your last exam. Students found in the building after closing or before opening are subject to trespassing charges or immediate removal by Virginia Tech Police. Late departure requests are reviewed by Residence Life staff.
The residence hall schedule is available at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/opening_closing.php
- Pest Control
Pest Control
Routine extermination services are provided in residence hall public areas twice a month. If you have a pest problem (insects or rodents) in your room, submit a work order, and a pest control professional will treat your room as soon as possible.
Residents are responsible for practicing good housekeeping in their rooms and in the residence halls to help deter pests, e.g., proper food storage, clean bedding, prompt cleaning of dirty dishes/utensils and dirty laundry, regular trash removal from the room (including pizza boxes), and so forth. Residents who promote pest/vermin infestation will be responsible for the cost of extermination.
See Work Orders
- Pets
Pets
For both resident students and guests, animals (pets) are not permitted in the residence halls. The only exceptions are guide dogs accompanying persons who have a sight-impairment, and fish contained in one aquarium, not to exceed 10 gallons, per room.
- Quiet Hours
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are in effect Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. During these hours, rooms, hallways, and other connecting areas should be generally noise-free. Twenty-four hour courtesy hours are always in effect. Residents are expected to be courteous. Upon
request or complaint, students are expected to lower the noise level of their activity. During final examination periods, quiet hours are in effect 24 hours per day. - Refund Policy for Housing due to Resignation
Refund Policy for Housing due to Resignation
Students holding a residence hall contract who leave the university during the first week of class will forfeit $100 of their residence hall fee. Thereafter, the semester room charge, less $100, will be refunded over the first six weeks of the semester. If you withdraw after the beginning of the seventh week of the semester you will be charged the full room rate.
Student conduct suspensions will result in a prorated refund based on the date of check-out. Residents called to active U.S. military duty are provided a full refund after following the University guidelines for military resignations.
All refunds will be calculated from the official room check-out date, which may not necessarily be the last day you attend class or officially resign from the university. No refund will be granted for a retroactive resignation that occurred in a previous fiscal year.
- Renter’s Insurance
Renter's Insurance
The university does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to student property. Residents are encouraged to have adequate insurance to cover all belongings. If a homeowner's policy does not cover belongings while in the residence hall, the student should consider having a rider written for this purpose or purchase separate renter's insurance.
- Resignations/Withdrawals
Resignations/Withdrawals
Residents must check out of the residence halls within 48 hours from the time of a student’s official withdrawal or suspension from the University. Check-out includes completing the Room Condition Form with and returning room keys to a staff member or using the express check-out option. To obtain the housing signature on the University Withdrawal/Resignation form, students must have an approved plan for departure.
Check-out procedures and further details can be found at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/faq.php#withdrawals
- Room Changes
Room Changes
Student Programs encourages roommates to attempt to resolve issues that may be causing conflict. Residence Life staff are also available to help. Should a student still desire to change rooms, he or she must follow the room change procedure. Student Programs attempts to honor room changes on a space-availability basis after the roster verification process is completed at the start of each semester (approximately two weeks after the start of classes). Most changes require the approval of the RA/HS and all room changes require the approval of Student Programs. If a student moves without approval, he or she may be required to return to the previous assignment and may be subject to student conduct action.
See also Room Vacancies
Details are available at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/roomchange.php.
- Room Condition Form (RCF)
Room Condition Form (RCF)
All residents will complete a RCF when moving into a room which contains an initial inspection report of the room's condition and furnishings. It is the responsibility of the student to review the RCF for accuracy and completeness. When a resident moves out of a room, the RA/HS will use the RCF to assess the room condition and mark any changes from the initial condition. This assessment may result in charges for damages or cleaning.
- Room Decorations
Room Decorations
Room personalization and holiday decorations must comply with regulations governing fire and electrical safety in the residence halls. The hallway side of the room or suite door may not be decorated. Only a small message/memo board (not exceeding 200 square inches) may be placed on this side of the door. Consult your RA or HS with any questions. Decorations that do not meet regulations must be removed. For more information, refer to the Policy for Residence Hall Decorations at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/publications/policies.php#decorations.
Please note that all curtains must have a manufacturer’s tag certifying that they are fire proof.
- Room Entry
Room Entry
A staff member may enter an individual room, or suite, or apartment under the following guidelines:
- Belief that a policy violation may be occurring
- Belief that someone may be in danger
- Facility or maintenance needs
- Safety or health inspections
In addition, the university reserves the right to enter into any residence hall space for the purposes of inspection, improvement, repair, to control the rooms in the event of an epidemic or emergency, or for any other purpose in accordance with the University Policies for Student Life, including unannounced inspections by the State Fire Marshall.
University staff will attempt to perform these functions with minimal inconvenience to residents. Maintenance inspections are not undertaken in order to discover prohibited conduct. However, if illegal substances or other policy violations are found in plain view during maintenance or housekeeping work, residents of the area may be subject to police action and/or a student conduct referral.
Any person charged with the enforcement of University Policies for Student Life and residence hall policies and regulations may enter a room upon reasonable belief that a violation is occurring. Such entry does not constitute a search.
See also Room Search
- Room Furnishings
Room Furnishings
A typical residence hall at Virginia Tech consists of double-occupancy rooms with a single-sex community bathroom on each floor. Each room (except in suite-style residence halls) is furnished with a medicine cabinet or mirror, sink, two beds (often bunked), two mattresses, two desks, two desk chairs, two dressers, and closet space. Single rooms and suite options are limited, but sometimes available. A limited number of rooms are designated for permanent triple occupancy. Residence hall rooms and windows vary in size from building to building, and sometimes there are variations within a residence hall.
All room furnishings must remain in the room, including bed ends not currently in use. Furnishings from other student rooms, public lounges, or study lounges are not permitted in student rooms. If such furnishings are discovered in your room, you could face student conduct action for theft.
You are responsible for the condition of your room, including doors, locks, telephone, windows, walls, window screens, and all furnishings. Removing window screens is not permitted.
Your safety is important to us. You must not move a bed in front of or near a window in such a manner that it would be possible to roll out of bed and through an opened window or obstruct a possible escape route in the event of a fire.
See also Lofts
- Room Renovations and Adjustments
Room Renovations & Adjustments
Prohibited attachments to student rooms include, but are not limited to, the following: locks, outside radio or television antennas or dishes, additional electrical or computer wiring, ceiling fans, web cameras, and air conditioners.
- Room Search
Room Search
Searches by law enforcement personnel are conducted under the applicable provisions of the law. If a search is conducted when you are not present, you will be notified in writing that a search has been conducted.
- Room Smoke Detectors and Sprinklers
Room Smoke Detectors and Sprinklers
Battery-powered or hard-wired smoke detectors are mounted in residence hall rooms. Virginia fire safety codes require weekly testing of battery-powered smoke detectors. You are responsible for testing the smoke detector in your room each week. For more information, or if a smoke detector fails to operate properly, contact your RA or HS promptly. Resident advisors and house supervisors will check the room smoke detector logs during health and safety inspections to ensure residents are conducting and documenting the required weekly test. Additionally, the State Fire Marshall may conduct periodic room checks. Unauthorized removal of a smoke detector or batteries or failure to check a battery-operated smoke detector will result in a student conduct referral. O’Shaughnessy, Lee, Pritchard, East and West Ambler Johnston, Slusher Tower and Wing, New Residence Hall East, Peddrew-Yates, Payne, Harper, and the Oak Lane houses are equipped with sprinkler systems in student rooms and public areas. You may not hang anything on the sprinkler head or the cage/cover or do anything that may cause it to discharge.
- Room Vacancies
Room Vacancies
Occasionally, a vacancy exists in a residence hall room. Student Programs reserves the right to fill that vacancy at any time. The vacant bed, dresser, desk, etc. must be maintained in a manner such that the room can be occupied by a newly assigned resident on very short notice. During periods of reduced occupancy, a resident may be permitted to "buy the vacant space" and create a single room for the semester. At the end of the fall semester, all vacancies in residence hall rooms must be made ready for new students arriving for the spring semester. If a room is completely vacancy, Student Programs will not allow you to move into the room by yourself, creating a single at double occupancy rate; however, two students may be allowed to move into the room together.
- Sex Offenders in the Residence Hall
Sex Offender Restriction
Any individual who must register as a Sex Offender is prohibited from living on-campus in a University residence hall.
- Smoking
Smoking
Residence halls, like all university buildings, are smoke-free facilities. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the residence halls, including student rooms. Smokers should not crowd or congregate by doorways. The perimeter of residence halls, within 25 feet of the building, is a smoke-free zone.
- Storage
Storage
Contact your RA or HS to learn whether storage is available in the residence hall. Available storage areas should be used primarily for large items, such as footlockers, suitcases, and trunks - do not store items of value. Residence hall furniture and lofts may not be placed in storage. Stored items must be at least 18 inches below the ceiling in buildings with a sprinkler system and 24 inches below the ceiling in all other buildings. The University and Student Programs assume no responsibility for damage to or loss of any item in storage. Storage is not available during the summer months.
- Visitation and Guest Policy
Visitation and Guest Policy
Residence halls are special-use facilities. Non-residents may only access the buildings when escorted by a resident. Roommates should discuss and approve the time and duration of each other’s guests or visitors in the room. Members of the opposite gender must be escorted by the host from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. in all living areas of the residence halls.
Overnight guests of the opposite sex are prohibited. Residents may have overnight guests of the same sex only if prior arrangements have been made with roommates. All guests are governed by university and residence hall regulations. Hosts are held accountable for their guests’ conduct.
The Office of Student Programs designates residence halls as either coeducational or single-sex. Visitation in student rooms by members of the opposite sex is permitted only during designated hours as listed below. Extensions to these hours may be approved through procedures established by Student Programs. All halls have a lounge designated for 24-hour visitation. When room visitation is not in effect, members of the opposite sex are permitted only in the 24-hour lounge area. Please note that members of the opposite sex may not use community bathrooms.
Visitation Hours for Members of the Opposite Sex:
Option I (Available on a by-room basis on third floor of Johnson and Miles)
Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.–2 a.m. Sunday 10 a.m.–midnight Monday-Thursday Not allowed Option II (Johnson and Miles)
Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.–midnight Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.–2 a.m. Option III (All other non-cadet halls, except those listed in Option IV)
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.–2 a.m. 10 a.m. Friday–2 a.m. Monday Option IV (Hillcrest, Harper, Main Campbell, Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown, Payne, New Residence Hall East, and Peddrew-Yates)
Unlimited (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) - Work Orders/Emergencies
Work Orders / Emergencies
Any resident can submit at work order for their room or suite. Generally work orders for common areas of the residence hall are written by the RA/HS. To submit a work order go to sps.studentprograms.vt.edu.
Maintenance emergencies, including, but not limited to, flooding, interruption of electrical power, broken windows and locks, or other issues that affect the safety of the residents should be reported promptly to the RA or HS on duty. During the normal weekday business hours, you can also contact the Office of Student Programs directly to report emergencies at (540) 231-1111. During the evenings and overnight, your RA or HS can contact the on-call housing personnel to address emergencies.
To escalate a concern about a regular work order, the Housing Services Facilities Help Desk can be reached at 1-1111.
- Telecommunications Policies
Telecommunications Policies for Residence Halls
Communications Network Services provide telecommunications services (digital ROLM telephone local and long distance service and PhoneMail, Ethernet data connectivity, cable video services, and wireless network capability in limited locations) to residence hall students. Information on policies and procedures can be found at www.cns.vt.edu.
Authorization Codes
Students are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their authorization code. Sharing of authorization codes is a violation of university policy and is subject to disciplinary action. Each student is responsible for his or her authorization code. It must be protected in the same manner as any credit card. If an authorization code is lost or stolen, immediately contact Student Telecommunications. At that time, the number will be deactivated and a new code will be issued. You will be responsible for all calls made prior to your notification in person to the Student Telecommunications Office. The fee for reissuing an authorization code is $5.00.
Collect Calls
Students living in the residence halls are prohibited from accepting collect calls and from billing any calls or telegrams directly to their residence hall telephone number. The cost of the call and a handling fee of $10.00 for each call accepted will be charged to the students found to have made or accepted such calls. If the responsible individual cannot be identified, the cost will be split between those who were residents of the room at the time the calls were accepted.
Repairing/Replacing Telecommunications Equipment
In cases of damaged, altered, or stolen telephones and related attachments, students will be jointly and severally responsible for the cost of repair and/or replacement. The current cost of the digital ROLM phone 312 is approximately $80.00 (subject to change). If Virginia Tech is unable to identify the responsible individual, the cost will be split between those who were residents of the room at the time the damage occurred. Students need to contact Communications Network Services Operations Center (1-6780) for repair or replacement of telephones. Problems with theft or vandalism should be reported to the Virginia Tech Police.