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Security starts with you. The personal security of resident students is a primary concern for the Department of Housing and Residence Life. We are interested in your security concerns and problems and encourage you to work with us to make the year an enjoyable and safe one. Simple things such as locking your door, not propping doors open, not allowing non-residents to enter the building as you do, going out in groups, and keeping track of your keys/cards and ID card are important security precautions that take little time but maximize your personal security. Residents can maximize their personal security by remembering to proceed with caution in and around their living environment.

University Police
University Police officers patrol the campus and are available to respond to calls 24 hours a day. In an emergency situation affecting the safety of University residents or property, the police should be notified at x72200 or x911. If at any time you fell threatened with physical harm, contact the University Police immediately.

Availability of Staff Members
A Resident Advisor (RA) or Resident Manager (RM) provides "on duty" coverage in most buildings/areas most nights from 8:00 PM until 8:00 AM. To reach this staff person, please call the phone number posted on your floor or by calling the reception desk in your area (Village Apartment residents should contact the Oak Hall reception desk). The availability of staff members may be limited during break periods and during transitional housing between semesters. Additionally, a professional staff member is on call every night from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM and throughout weekends and holidays to respond to emergency situations or other significant concerns. If you need the assistance of this staff member, contact University Police (x72200) or your RA or RM.

Weather Emergencies
If a tornado or strong storm warning is issued, it may become necessary for you to leave your room for a place of greater safety. Stay away from the top floors of the halls and any areas with exterior glass windows. Go to the lowest floor in the building.
Please call the inclement weather hotline at x72877 to inquire about class delays or cancellations. To inquire about dining operations, contact Chartwells Dining Services at x72216.

Medical Emergencies and Injuries
In the event of an injury or illness which requires medical attention, contact University Police at x72200 or x911. As you call, collect as much specific information as possible (names, location, and nature of injury) to give to the police. They will instruct you accordingly. when time allows, please contact your RA, RM, GA, or RC for further assistance.

Nighttime Travel Across Campus
It is suggested that you travel only on lighted pathways, particularly in the wooded areas. Blue-light phones, located throughout campus, connect directly to University Police. As staffing permits, escorts are available by contacting the University Police. Call x72200 to request an escort.

Theft
Should you be the victim of theft or other crimes, contact the University Police immediately. Your RC may be able to offer you further assistance.

Building Evacuation Procedures
If you discover any situation that requires evacuation, leave the building and call University Police at x72200 or x911 from a safe location.

1. Speak slowly and clearly so you can be understood
2. Give your name
3. Give the exact location of the emergency
4. Give any other relevant information (is anyone hurt, etc)

University Police will contact the necessary emergency personnel. If there is no public phone available, remember that the phones at the various gates and Blue light poles on campus connect directly to the University Police.

Bomb Threats
As in any emergency situation, the University Police should be notified immediately at 72200 or x911. In this particular situation, try to get as much information from the caller as you can and be prepared to give your name and the exact information you received to the police. After contacting the police, contact your RC. Do not investigate. Wait for further instruction from University Police, Housing and Residence Life staff, or other campus officials.

Fire Safety

Fire Alarms
Fire protection equipment (alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers/hoses,etc.) is located in each residential area. If abused this equipment will not be functional in the event of a fire, thereby endangering the lives of many people.

Because of the dangers and risks to residents and firefighters associated with false fire alarms and intentional fires, there are criminal and civil penalties for intentionally setting any fire; for intentionally causing any false fire alarm; and for vandalizing or tampering with any fire alarm or fire protection equipment (including covering smoke/heat detectors). Probable sanctions for these violations are removal from campus housing and/or criminal prosecution. Causing a false fire alarm will result in removal from the residence halls and/or a $500 chard and/or six months in jail.

Additionally, a $500 reward has been established for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals tampering with the system and causing false fire alarms.

Fire Evacuation Procedures
When a fire alarm is sounded (by smoke, another person, or otherwise), always take the fire alarm seriously and assume there is a fire. All persons are required to immediately evacuate the building. Failure to evacuate will result in a $50 charge. Some evacuation suggestions are as follows:

1. If there is smoke in your room, keep low to the floor. Crawl to your window and open it a few inches to allow in fresh air.
   
2. If your room is clear of smoke, touch your door before opening. If it is hot, do not open! Stay in your room and wait for emergency personnel to reach you. Hang a sheet from your window to identify your location. If smoke is entering the room, stuff all openings with towels, etc.
   
3. If your door is not hot, exit the room toward the nearest fire exit. If the situation allows, take a coat, war shoes, and carry a towel for smoke. Close your windows, turn out the lights, and shut your door. Do not stop for personal belongings. Activate the fire alarm system if it is not already sounding.
   
4. Once in the corridor, close your door and head quickly, but without panic, to the outside stairwell exit. Do not use the elevators.
   
5. Exit down the stairway, making room for the people on the lower floors as they enter the stairway.
   
6. After you have exited, move away form the building to the designated evacuation area and wait for further instructions. if University Police are not already on site, call x72200 or x911 from a safe location.
   
   1. Speak slowly and clearly so you can be understood
   2. Give your name
   3. Give the exact location of the fire or emergency
   4. Give any other relevant information (is anyone hurt, etc)
      
   University Police will call the Charlotte Fire Department. If there is no public phone available, remember that the phones at the various gates and Blue light poles on campus connect directly to the University Police.
   
7. Keep out of the way of emergency personnel. if you believe someone is trapped on your floor, report this immediately to fire fighters or University Police.
   
8. Do not re-enter the building for any reason. If you have any information regarding a fire, your are encouraged to tell the nearest University Police Officer or a Housing staff member.

Assisting Residents With Special Needs
Physically impaired students need to identify a number of "buddies" in their immediate living area who can provide assistance during an emergency. Five or six "buddies" are recommended with the hope that one or two will be present during an emergency or other special circumstance. These people could assist the individual in moving to a location of greater safety. Students with special needs may wish to contact the Disability Services Office.

Keeping Hallways Clear
To help ensure safe evacuation should it become necessary, storing of personal belongings in hallways is a safety hazard and will result in a minimum of $25 charge of removal of the item(s). The University is not responsible for such items that have been removed from common areas.

Maximum Occupancy Limits
To help ensure safe evacuation, maximum occupancy levels have been established for the following locations:

Fire Escapes
Stairways designated as "Fire Escapes" are for emergency use only. No smoking or loitering is permitted. Inappropriate use of these stairwells can result in disciplinary action.

University ID Cards

Identification (ID) Card
Each UNC Charlotte student is issued a permanent photo ID card. A valid ID card carries with it certain privileges such as use of the library, admittance to various activities, and check cashing. Cards are coded with information which allows printing, vending, and access to campus cafeterias if the resident has a meal plan.

For security reasons, your ID card is for your use only and must not be given to others (except when requested by a University official). Violators of the ID policy jeopardize the security of other residents and are subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

Each student is responsible for carrying his/her ID at all times. In addition, students are expected to comply with requests from University Officials to present this identification at any time.

Lost ID Card
The UNC Charlotte ID card is a permanent card for which you are responsible throughout your enrollment at the University. If a card is lost or stolen, a permanent replacement may be obtained at the ID Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. After the ID Office has closed, a lost or stolen ID card should be reported immediately to the Loan Key desk staff in Scott or Oak Halls. As appropriate, a temporary, time-limited ID card will be issued and privileges on the permanent card will be cancelled. The temporary card will be coded to give you the same privileges as your permanent card. You must then go to the ID Office to have a new permanent ID card made the next business day.

ID Card Card
1) Protect your card from physical abuse. Carry it in your wallet; do not use it as a tool for any reason; do not punch holes in the card.

2) Avoid exposure to any type of magnetic source. Do not place your card on stereo equipment, or near magnets. Be aware that some wallets have magnetic closures.

3) Avoid running your ID card through the washing machine or clothes dryer.

Entry Into Your Residential Building
Our focus is reasonable security. In the University's ongoing effort to provide residential students with reasonable, but still effective, security measures, highrise and suite residence halls are equipped with card access readers and the exterior doors are locked 24 hours a day. Students assigned to all highrise and suite buildings and to apartments in Witherspoon Hall and Laurel Hall are required to use their University identification cards (ID Card) to gain entry to their residence halls. It is University Policy that students carry their ID cards at all times.

Entry Into Other Residential Buildings - IMPORTANT Policy Change
In order to enhance the safety and security of all residential areas, residential students will no longer have ‘community’ access into residential areas other than their own.

Access to residential buildings is restricted to residents of the building or area only. Guests are to use the phone located near the main entrance of the building to call the resident they wish to visit. It is the responsibility of the resident to come to the front door and to escort the guest the entire time they are visiting the building.

Thank you for your attention to this important change!

Entry Through Side Doors
All exterior door are locked 24 hours a day/seven days a week from the outside.

There are propped door alarms on most of the exterior door of the residence halls. These alarms allow additional egress points out of the residence halls. If the door is held open or propped open after a short period of time, the alarm will sound. To silence the alarm, simply close the door.

It is the entire community's responsibility to ensure a safe environment. Please do not prop door open; if you notice a side door propped open, please close the door to secure it immediately.

Entry During Break Periods
Residents may stay in campus housing during all academic year break periods including Fall, Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring Breaks. As usual, the buildings will be locked and only accessible via card access. During break periods, loan key, Housing Facilities Office response, and related services run on a significantly reduced schedule. During these periods, residents are encouraged to be alert and to contact University Police should anything or anyone seem suspicious.

Using The Card Readers
To enter a building, slide your ID card through the card access reader. Sliding the card through too quickly or too slowly may result in a message to RE-READ, or try again. Once the reader "recognizes" you, you will get a valid message, and the door lock will click open. You have only a few seconds to enter the building before the door locks again.

If your ID card does not work, contact one of the Loan Key Desks (in Scott and Oak Halls). Tell the staff member working the desk that you have your ID card but it is not granting access. The staff member will help you obtain a temporary ID. If your ID card is not working, be sure to have your ID card checked at the ID Office in Cone Center on the next business day.

If you have forgotten your ID card, you will need to gain entry to the building by using the outside phone and calling a roommate or friend inside the building. This person will need to come to the front door to escort you in to the building.

Deliveries
Because the buildings are always locked, persons making deliveries (pizza, packages,etc.) must use the outside telephone to call the resident’s room. The resident must then go to the front door to retrieve the delivery. Delivery staff are not permitted to go to the resident’s room unescorted.

Guests
Building residents are responsible for the conduct and behavior of their guests and guests must be escorted at all times. Guests should have a University ID, a driver’s license, or some other government issued photo ID to present to a staff member if requested.

Response to Unknown Persons
Under no circumstances should you allow someone you don’t know to enter a building. Such a breach of security endangers all residents and is a violation of access/entry procedures and disciplinary action will be taken.

Room Keys and Cards

Bedroom, suite and apartment doors are accessed by either a key or a key card. Depending on where you live, you will be issued a combination of key(s) and/or keycards in order to gain entry to your room. You are urged to both carry your keys/cards and to lock your room door at all times. You should never give your keys/cards to anyone else. The improper use of any key/card by a resident and/or a guest may result in disciplinary action.

Lost Keys/Cards
If you have lost your key and/or card, you must inform a Housing and Residence Life staff member immediately. Once notified, an immediate lock change will be initiated for which you will be billed (see the billing section of this handbook for specific charges). If the lock change is performed after normal office hours, staff overtime charges will also be incurred. You may elect the option of delaying the lock change until the next business day by signing a statement accepting full responsibility for the safety and security of your room, suite, or apartment. Once this option is selected, the lock change cannot be stopped.

After business hours lock changes will include overtime charge (minimum of two hours labor). These costs are billed to the resident after a lock change has been completed.

Loan Keys/Cards
If you are locked out of your room, a temporary key/card (called a loan key) may be issued according to the following directions:

1. Go to the Loan Key Desk appropriate to your building:
Residents of Hunt Village, Holshouser, Scott, Moore, and Sanford Halls may obtain loan keys/cards from Scott Hall according to following schedule:

Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Housing Facilities Office (Scott Hall Lower Level)

Monday through Friday 5:00 pm - 8:30 am
Scott Hall Reception Desk (first floor)

Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (24 hours)
Scott Hall Reception Desk (first floor)

Residents of Greek Village, Martin Village, Phase III, Laurel, Hickory, Cedar, Sycamore, Hawthorn, Oak, Elm, Pine, Maple, C.F. Lynch, and Witherspoon Halls may obtain loan keys/cards at the Oak Hall reception desk 24 hours a day.

During Winter Break, please follow the posted signs in order to get a loan key/card.

2. To check out a key/card, you must verify your student identification number and/ or present a valid picture ID.

3. Use the key/card to gain entry to your room. You must return the loan key/ card immediately after use. If you do not return it within three hours, you will be charged for a lock change.

4. When you return the key/card, you must present a valid picture ID and show your permanent key/card. A charge of $2.00 will automatically be posted to your student account.

From time to time, the staff working the desk must leave the desk area to accomplish work related tasks. If the desk staff are not available when you return the loan key/card, please wait at the desk for their return.

Return of Keys and Cards
Failure to return keys/cards when you check out of your room will result in the full cost to change the lock and/or to replace the keys/cards.

Illegal Room Entry
The use of any device (except the proper University keys/cards) to gain entry into doors within the residence halls is prohibited. Such behavior by a resident and/ or guest will result in disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.

Health and Safety Inspections

All campus residences will be inspected at least once during each semester and summer term to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Residence will be given 48 hours notice regarding the approximate date and time the health and safety inspections will occur. Students are required to allow University officials to enter their residences for these inspections and follow-up visits. Staff conducting the inspections lock all doors when leaving the room, suite, or
apartment. Be sure to carry your keys/cards to avoid being locked out.

The entire living area will be inspected. In the suites and apartments, particular attention will be given to the bathroom, kitchen and other common living areas. Residents who do not pass the inspection will be given 48 hours to make the necessary changes. If the second inspection results in a failure, each resident will be assessed a $25.00 charge and any labor charges to correct the deficiencies. Subsequent failures may result in additional charges and a referral to student court and/or cancellation of a resident’s housing contract.

The Department of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to schedule a special health and safety inspection of any residential unit and/or public area space if the condition warrants concern.

Examples of Health and Safety violations include:

1) General lack of cleanliness (excessive trash, dirty kitchen or bathroom areas, etc.).

2) Having any animals (other than fish in properly maintained aquariums) in University housing.

3) Placement of common area (floor lounge, seminar room, lobby, etc.) furnishings in a student’s room, suite, or apartment.

4) Possessing prohibited appliances and/or grills.

5) Extension cords with more than one device plugged into it without a power strip.

6) Storing of trash on balconies of apartment areas.

Each violation will result in a $25.00 charge per resident per room, suite, or apartment. Subsequent violations will result in additional charges and may result in a referral to student court and/or cancellation of a resident’s housing contract. Written appeals regarding health and safety inspections should be sent to the Housing Facilities Office. The first review will be completed by the RC of the hall/area. The second review will be conducted by the Associate Director for Operations.

Recommended Cleaning Products

Showers
Tilex Soap Scum Remover – This is the best product to remove body oil and soap scum. It is not a disinfectant and you may want to use a spray disinfectant after using the Tilex. After shower is cleaned - then spray with one of the after shower sprays (after shower sprays WILL NOT CLEAN your shower). This product can be slippery so watch your footing.

Refrigerators
Wipe and clean with all-purpose cleaner; remove all moldy and spoiled food.

Stove Tops
Use a degreaser on the top of the stove (409, Fantastic, Mean Green, and Grease Lightning). Remove drip pans and use degreaser to clean pans and under pans (nylon scrubbing pads work the best). Wipe front and the remaining area of stove with degreaser and rinse.

Toilets and Sinks
All-purpose cleaners can be disinfectants. Make sure the label indicates that it is. Never use bowl mop or brush anywhere but in the bowl itself. If you clean the rest of the toilet with the mop or brush you will contaminate the rest of the toilet. After cleaning bowl, spray the fixtures lid, sides, base, tank and floor around toilet with a disinfectant spray cleaner. Let this product sit the recommended time (usually ten minutes) and wipe with paper towels. Wipe sinks in same manner.

Oven
Use oven cleaner on inside of oven only (Easy-Off and Mr. Muscle oven cleaner)… simply scrub and rinse. If you are having trouble cleaning your unit, you may have the wrong product. If you have any questions, please call the Housekeeping Coordinator at x77531.