1997-1998 Undergraduate Catalog General Information - Housing and Residence Life

Housing

The Department of Housing and Residence Life invites students to join the on-campus community at New Mexico State University. While campus living is not required, the university strongly encourages students to take advantage of the many opportunities available through campus residency such as community involvement, convenience, safety, economy, leadership, and employment opportunities. Additionally, students who live on campus often have higher grades, are more involved in campus life, and enjoy college more than students who live off campus. On-campus living is designed to foster personal growth and development by supporting learning which occurs inside the classroom as well as augmenting this with out-of-classroom learning experiences. Many options and lifestyle choices are available. For more information on the options listed below, visit our web site at <http:\\www.nmsu.edu\>.

Residence Halls. NMSU offers five different residence halls with many different lifestyle options for students to choose from. Although most halls feature double-occupancy suites, there are some community bath areas in Rhodes-Garrett-Hamiel. For students classified as juniors or seniors, Regents Row features single-occupancy rooms in a suite configuration. Rooms are fully furnished. The semester fee includes all utilities and local phone service.

Vista del Monte Apartment Complex. The amenities of apartment living are combined with the convenience of an on-campus location at the Vista del Monte Complex. Individual apartments are designed to accommodate upper class and graduate students in one of three configurations: four-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments, and efficiency duplexes. Each apartment occupant has a private bedroom. Apartments are fully furnished. The semester's charge includes all utilities and local phone service.

Student Family Housing. Student family housing is available for students who are married and/or have dependents living with them. Two-story townhouse apartments and single story houses include two bedrooms, a bath, kitchen and living room. All units are unfurnished except for the stove and refrigerator. Washing machine hook-ups are provided in the kitchen. The monthly rent includes all utilities; residents are responsible for telephone and TV cable, if they so desire.

Commuter Student Housing. For students who commute to NMSU throughout the week, Commuter Student Housing is available. This housing option offers students a place to study and sleep one, two, three or four nights out of the week without the obligation of a regular signle student housing contract. Commuter students are asked to commit to a weekly schedule on a by-semester basis. A variety of payment options are available for the student's convenience. Commuter students are housed on a space-available basis in regular residence hall rooms. The nightly rate does not include linen or towel service.

Availability of Units for Students with Disabilities

There are a limited number of specially equipped residence hall rooms, Vista del Monte apartments and family housing units available to students with disabilities (including wheelchair-bound students) who wish to reside in campus housing. These are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to students who meet the stipulated qualifications for the relevant housing area. Specific needs or requirements (i.e., roll-in showers, special door openers, etc. ) should be discussed with the Housing and Residence Life Office on an individual basis prior to submitting an application.

Application Procedures and Acceptance Policy

The university reserves the right to refuse to give a housing assignment to any student. Examples of reasons for refusal include, but are not limited to, individuals who have a criminal history, individuals who have behavioral problems which may, in the opinion of the university, negatively impact the group living environment, individuals who have been previously evicted from campus housing, or individuals who have poor rental histories.

The university will assign accommodations subject to the space available. The university will not guarantee assignments to a particular building, nor will it guarantee types of accommodations, specific rooms or apartments, roommates, or single rooms.

The university reserves the right to change or cancel assignments in the interest of order, health, safety, or discipline with appropriate written notice.

Completed applications for single student housing* should be submitted to the Department of Housing and Residence Life as early as possible, preferably one regular semester in advance. Assignment to a space on campus will be guaranteed for applications received by July 1 (fall term) and November 15 (spring term). Residence hall applications require a prepayment at the time of application; apartment applicants** must submit the prepayment at the time of assignment. Submission of a housing application indicates acceptance of the terms and conditions of the applicable contract. The Director of Housing and Residence Life is responsible for administration of the contract.

In order to live in the residence halls or the on-campus Greek Complex, students must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits. Vista del Monte apartment residents must be enrolled full time.

Completed applications for Student Family Housing** should be submitted to the Department of Housing and Residence Life at least 6 to 8 months in advance. Family Housing occupants are assigned from a waiting list based on the date of application. Family Housing occupancy is month-to-month, with thirty (30) days' notice required to vacate.

*Application procedures for current on-campus residents may differ from those stated above.

**Certain qualifications apply for single student apartment and family housing occupancy. Consult the Housing Office for details.

Food Services

Student meal plans offered on the boarding/dining program are on a voluntary enrollment basis. When a student elects a meal plan, the obligation is incurred for the full semester with no withdrawals or refunds. Students may select one of four plans offered. Meal rates are listed under "COSTS" earlier in this chapter. Meal rates are subject to change.

Plan 1. Any 17 meals per week, Monday through Sunday.

Plan 2. Any 15 meals per week, Monday through Sunday.

Plan 3. Any 10 meals per week, Monday through Friday.

Plan 4. Five meals per week, any one meal per day, Monday through Friday. Must register for this plan with the Auxiliary Services Office.

Summer. 10 meals per week, Monday through Friday, lunch and dinner.

Student I.D. cards serve as the student's dining card and cannot be transferred to others. Meals are not served during university holiday or vacation periods.

A commuter meal plan consisting of 65 meals is available to off-campus students and students living at Vista del Monte apartments or Greek Complex.

The MoneyCard, a prepaid cash card is available for students who wish to avoid carrying cash for food or bookstore purchases. These programs are available through the Auxiliary Services Office.

Dining Facilities

* Taos Dining Room: serves contract board students; located in Corbett Center

* Corbett Patio Cafeteria: a la carte; cash basis; features ITZA Pizza; hours are posted

* Corbett Crossroads Snack Bar: a la carte; cash basis; variety of snack and meal services available; hours are posted

* Aggie Snack Bar: located in Agriculture Building; hours are posted

* Tower Flamingo Cafe: located in Memorial Tower; hours are posted

* Fast Break Trailer: features Subway sandwiches; located in library mall

Student Special Care Policy

To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, New Mexico State University may, on occasion, require that students receive a particular type of care or treatment (i.e., emergency medical attention, live-in attendants, or vaccinations) as a condition of continued enrollment or eligibility to reside in university-operated housing. When this care or treatment is required by the cognizant university administrator, the student will be obligated to assume any financial responsibility associated with the treatment.

Furthermore, the university may, on occasion, contact a student's parents, legal guardian, or spouse in cases of extreme emergency, or where a possibility of imminent harm exists. This will occur only when, in the judgment of the appropriate official, the best interests of the student and the university will be served.

When practical, the university will notify the student, in writing, of the university's intention to undertake the steps authorized by this policy. This decision may be appealed by the student to the Vice President for Student Affairs within 24 hours of notification. The appeal should be in writing and should state clearly the reason why the student objects to the proposed action. The vice president will review the facts in the case and convey the decision to all parties within 48 hours. The vice president's decision shall be final.