NKU Housing

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General Information and Procedures


Cable  


Each apartment has a cable hookup and receives basic cable. If your television is "cable ready," attach the cable to your TV set and to the receptacle and you will receive cable. If your TV is not cable ready, you must obtain a converter box before you will receive cable. Premium cable channels are available to you. You must contract directly with TKR Cable for this service. WNKU – Channel 15 is the University station. The residents meet monthly at RHA meetings to choose what movies are shown.

Capacity Limits   


The limit as to the number of guests permitted in an apartment unit is set as the following:
Efficiency - five guests for a total of six people
One Bedroom - five guests for a total of eight people
Two bedroom - six guests for a total of ten people
Three Bedroom - seven guests for a total of ten people

Check in/Check out   


Residents who live in Kentucky or Commonwealth Halls are to check in at their respective desks. Residents who live in Norse Hall and Woodcrest Apartments are to check in at the Norse Commons desk. Residents will be issued keys and required to sign a residence hall check-in/check-out record as soon as possible. To move out of the residence halls during the academic year, you must first obtain approval from the Office of University Housing. When the term of the housing/dining agreement has ended, approval is not necessary. However, before you check out at any time you must:

  • Clean room thoroughly-dust, sweep, etc.
  • Clean the refrigerator thoroughly, remove all items and completely defrost. 
  • Empty Trash. 
  • Unplug everything. 
  • Turn down heating/air-conditioning unit.
  • Close and lock window(s). 
  • Return borrowed items. 
  • Remove all belongings from room. 
  • Lock room door.
A staff member must inspect the room for damages using the resident's check-in/check-out record. The resident can claim any damages to the room that are attributed solely to the resident. Any damages, which a resident does not attribute to him/herself, will be split between the residents of the room. The Hall Director will go through each unit after all the residents have checked out to assess damage cost. Damages will then be billed to the resident or deducted from the damage deposit.

The residents must then return the keys assigned them (room/apartment, bedroom, wing, and /or mailbox) to their hall desk and sign their key card. The resident and RA must sign and date the room check-in/check-out record.  After checkout has completed the resident needs to fill out the online change of address form located here. University Housing will forward mail for 30 days.

Residents who leave at the end of the fall semester must be checked out of their room by assigned date.

Kentucky and Commonwealth residents must check out prior to leaving for winter break. Norse and Woodcrest Apartment residents must check out no later than the closing of the Office of University Housing on the last University business day prior to the Christmas break.

Community Facilities   

 
Kentucky and Commonwealth Hall each contain a lobby area with an information desk, a television, vending area, loft/study area, and space for student recreation and socializing. Mailboxes for Kentucky and Commonwealth Halls are located in the Kentucky Hall lobby. Additionally, Norse Commons contains an information desk with mailboxes for Woodcrest Apartments and Norse Hall, a fitness room, a convenience store and a dining hall. Also included in the Commons is University Housing offices, meeting rooms, and laundry facilities.

Residents will be responsible for the proper care and use of the community facilities and reporting immediately to the Hall Director damage to the community fixtures and furnishings. The University will make all replacements and repairs.

Computer Information for Residential Students  


Personal computers are permitted in the residence hall rooms and apartments.  All rooms come pre-wired with ethernet access. Students wishing to use online access will need a network card installed in their computer in order to connect. 

Purpose of “NKUNET”
By having a connection to NKU’s Network (NKUNET), you may use programs such as Netscape Mail, Eudora, etc., to check e-mail (provided you have an NKU e-mail account). Plus, you may browse Internet web pages. Visit the University Housing Office, check the NKU webpage, and look for bulletin board postings occasionally to learn about any updates.

Requirements and Restrictions
The following items are minimum supported requirements to use “NKUNET.”

  • Network Card (you must install this yourself or have a computer repair store install it).
  • Category 5 twisted-pair network cable (may be purchased at NKU’s Bookstore, CompUSA, etc.)
  • Windows 95, 98 or Mac OS 7 (or greater). 
  • To install the software needed to use “NKUNET,” it is likely that you will need to have your Windows 95/98 CD, disks, or Installation Files (which may be pre-installed in the C:\Windows\Options\Cabs\ directory on your computer if it came pre-installed with Windows 95/98). 
  • Network Card and Cable Installation (REQUIRED)
  • Physically install your network card in your computer by following the instructions accompanying your network card. Connect your computer to the network by plugging the network cable into the data outlet (white wall box with printed number) and your network card.

Damages   


Damages have been incurred by some residents in the following areas and are billed to the resident's account.
  • Setting hot pans and appliances on the counter, resulting in blistering or cracking of counter tops. Replacements and labor costs could be approximately $200.
  • Cutting meat or other foodstuffs on counter tops resulting in cut up counter tops. Residents should do all cutting on breadboards. Counter top's replacement and labor could be approximately $200.
  • Damage to walls via use of contact paper and masking tape. Walls so damaged will be repaired and/or repainted at the rate of approximately $40 or more per wall. Painting an entire room costs $90 or more. Wallpaper or contact paper is not allowed in apartments. If you have some on walls, make sure that it is noted on your check-in form so that you will not be billed for it when you vacate.
  • Window breakage: cost of window replacement could exceed $431 due to special sizing and glazing procedures.
  • Tampering with cable outlets: Charges for repairs and replacement will be charged to the resident. If anything goes wrong with the cable TV, contact the Norse Commons Desk.
  • Failure to follow checkout procedures such as defrosting refrigerators, cleaning the unit, returning furniture to original configuration and removing trash will result in damage charges.
  • Leaving room and/or apartment window open during cold days. The cold air can freeze water pipes causing a flood in resident rooms resulting in thousands of dollars in damages that could be assessed. Students are advised not to open their windows on cold days.

Disability Information   


Handicapped accessible rooms are available. Some of our facilities have modified restroom and kitchen access such as grab bars in showers and lowered counters in the kitchen areas. Students with special needs will be accommodated through the cooperation of University Housing and Disability Services. To obtain a handicapped room or special accommodations, please contact Disability Services.

Appeal of assignment received or modifications offered:
There are three options available to students who feel the accommodations are not satisfactory:

  1. The student may request to move to another space that may better accommodate their needs. Room change requests can be requested by completing a room change request form available in the Housing Office.
  2. The student may request to have specific modifications completed or installed in their assigned rooms. Requests for modification of space should be submitted in writing to the Assistant Director in the housing office.
  3. The Assistant Director may discuss the modifications with the Disability Resource Center staff. The request should address the following issues:
Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if accommodation is not met? What is the likely impact on academic performance if accommodation is not met? What is the likely impact on the student's daily life if request is not met? The decision will be based on the questions listed above as well as the feasibility and availability issues:

  • Is space available that meets the student's needs?
  • Can the requested modification be made in the area where the student is assigned?
  • Can space be adapted to provide the requested modification without creating a safety hazard (electrical load, emergency egress, etc.)
  • Are there other effective methods or housing modifications that would achieve similar benefits to the requested modification?
  • Is the cost of meeting the request prohibitive?

Policy and Procedure for Accommodation Appeal

If the student feels that he/she has been denied a reasonable accommodation by the Coordinator of Disability Services, an appeal may be made to the Appeals Panel of the Disability Advisory Committee according to the following procedure:
  • Within five (5) business days of the denial for accommodation, the student shall submit a written notice to the Coordinator of Disability Services of his/her wish to appeal that decision.
  • The Coordinator of Disability Services shall notify the Disability Advisory Committee in writing of the students wish to appeal within five (5) business days. 
  • The Disability Advisory Committee shall form a panel of three (3) individuals to hear the appeal within five (5) business days of receipt of the notice from the Coordinator of Disability Services.
The Appeals Panel shall be comprised of the following:
  • Two representatives from the Disability Advisory Committee.
  • One student appointed by the Disability Advisory Committee.
In no case shall the University Legal Counsel sit as a member of the Appeals Panel.
  • The Appeals Panel will notify the student and the faculty who teach the class(es) or staff who provide the services in which the accommodation has been denied of the date, time and place of the appeal hearing.
  • The Appeals Panel will notify the student and the faculty who teach the class(es) or staff who provide the services in which the accommodation has been denied of the date, time and place of the appeal hearing. 
  • The student shall have the opportunity to explain to the Appeals Panel at the hearing why he/she believes that the decision of the Coordinator of Disability Services is incorrect. This opportunity includes: The right to make oral statement to the Appeals Panel and the right to submit supportive documentation. 
  • The Coordinator of Disability Services shall have the opportunity to explain to the Appeals Panel at the hearing his/her reasons for denying an accommodation to the student. This opportunity includes: The right to make an oral statement to the Appeals Panel; and the right to submit supportive documentation.
  • The faculty/staff shall have the opportunity to address the panel about the accommodation appeal. The Appeals Panel may ask questions during the hearing of the student, the faculty/staff and the Coordinator of Disability Services to aid it in its decision. 
  • The Appeals Panel must notify the student, faculty/staff and the Coordinator for Disability Services of its decision in writing within five (5) business days following the conclusion of the hearing. 
  • If the student is dissatisfied with the determination of the Appeals Panel, he/she may make a final appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. 
  • The student must submit a written notice of appeal to the Appeals panel and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management within five (5) business days of the Appeal Panel determination. 
  • All materials possessed by the Coordinator of Disability Services and the Appeals Panel shall be forwarded to the Office for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management upon receipt of the written appeal by the Coordinator of Disability Services. 
  • The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management shall make his/her determination within (5) business days from receipt of the appeal. 
  • The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management shall notify the student, the faculty/staff, the Coordinator of Disability Services and the Appeals Panel in writing of his/her final determination.
The decision of the Vice President of Student Affairs is final.

Emergencies   


For any type of medical emergency:
  • Immediately contact the Department of Public Safety at 572-7777.
  • When you contact Public Safety give them your name, location, name of injured (if known), and the nature of the injury. 
  • After notifying Public Safety, contact a member of the University Housing Staff.
Earthquake
In the event of an earthquake you should take the following steps:
  • If you are indoors-stay indoors. Get under a desk or table or stand in a doorway or corner. Stay clear of windows, bookcases, cabinets, and mirrors until the shaking stops.
  • If you are outdoors-stay outdoors. Get into the open, away from building, trees, walls, and power lines.
Fire
When you have been alerted by the alarm, shouted warnings, or the sensation of smoke or fire, follow the instructions listed below:
  • Put on a coat and hard-soled shoes.
  • Take a towel with you to put over your face to prevent smoke inhalation. 
  • If there is smoke in the room, keep low to the floor. 
  • Before passing through any door, feel the metal doorknob. If it is hot, do not open the door. 
  • Before opening a door, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. If heat or smoke is present, close the door and stay in the room. If you cannot leave the room, open the window.
  • To attract the fire department's attention if you are trapped, hang an object out the window. If there is a phone in your room, call Public Safety 572-7777 and report you are trapped; give the room number and specific location.
If you can leave your room, close your windows and all doors behind you as you exit.
  • Go the nearest exit or stairwell.
  • If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, go to an alternate exit. 
  • If all exits from a floor are blocked, go back to your room, open a window, wave something out the window, and shout for help. 
  • After evacuating a building, move well away from it and stand clear. Emergency apparatus will be maneuvering around the building. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON! 
  • Follow the directions of fire, police, and residence hall personnel.
The University safety program requires a pre-scheduled fire drill for the residence halls. All other alarms that you hear indicate that there is a threat of an actual fire within the residence hall. The University requires all hall residents adhere to the fire safety regulations of the campus. Failure to evacuate is not only a safety hazard, but it is a violation of University policy.

Tornado/Severe Weather
A steady tone of the Civil Defense siren or other noise-making devices for a period of three to five minutes means that a tornado has been sighted and will probably hit within Northern Kentucky or Hamilton County.

If you hear a siren, get a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. In Kentucky or Commonwealth, evacuate to the nearest residence hall stairwell. In Norse or Woodcrest, go into your bathroom or evacuate to the nearest residence hall stairwell. After taking cover, listen to the radio for weather updates and the all clear.

Fraudulent Application or Eligibility  

 
If there is any reason to believe that a person or resident has fraudulently gained access to or is no longer eligible for housing, the resident of the unit will be contacted to review the matter. If it is verified that the individual is fraudulently living in the unit, or the resident fails to respond to the inquiry, eviction procedures may begin immediately.

Heating and Air Conditioning  

 
Here are some guidelines to follow to make your heating/air-conditioning unit work best:
  • Do not place anything in the units, such as potpourri, air fresheners or other items such as these. They only create mold and cause bad odors.
  • The units in Kentucky and Commonwealth have off, slow, medium, and fast controls for fan speed. The other knob controls how much hot or cold water goes through the coils. 
  • The units in Woodcrest and Norse have additional features. The temperature control knob, when turned, will click twice. Once you are satisfied with the room temperature, turn the knob until you hear two clicks, and then back one. This feature helps maintain the room temperature without having to constantly adjust the unit. 
  • The Norse and Woodcrest units have a remote on/off switch. 
  • Best operations for all units require that intake vents not be blocked. This disrupts the airflow, causing poor heating and cooling. Therefore, do not push anything (such as furniture) up against the units.

Insurance   

 
It is recommended that students have some type of renters' insurance to cover their property while they are living in the residence hall.

Kitchenettes   


Kitchenettes are available on the first floor in each wing of Kentucky and Commonwealth Halls for resident use. A kitchenette is also located in the Norse Commons building for use by all residents. To enjoy the continued use of these facilities, please adhere to the following guidelines:
  • You must provide your own cooking utensils.
  • When using the microwave oven, do not use metal or foil items. 
  • You must remain present when using a kitchenette. 
  • You are responsible for cleaning up the kitchenette after use (since the custodial staff does not maintain kitchenettes, it is the sole responsibility of residents to do so). 
  • Please remember to remove your cooking utensils after use (any item left in a kitchenette after midnight may be discarded).

Laundry Room   

 
The facilities are provided for residents only. The facilities are located in both Kentucky Hall, on the ground level, and Norse Commons. If you lose money in a machine, or notice a machine needs repairs, please report it to the lobby desk.

It is essential that those using the laundry rooms are considerate of others when using the facilities. Please remember to remove your clothes immediately upon completion of washing and drying cycle. Others may be waiting! Also, when someone is folding clothes on the table, please do not put dirty clothes, hangers, detergent, or bleach on it. Remember to wipe up anything you spill, especially bleach. It can ruin clothes. All who use the facility are responsible for helping keep the laundry rooms clean.

You may use your All Card Student ID as a debit card with the laundry machines and receive a discount. The card reader is located on the wall next to the dryers. Swipe your card and then choose the machine number you wish to activate. You may add money to your card with the machines located in Steely Library and via http://allcard.nku.edu.

Mail   


Many services available through the U.S. Postal Service are provided at the University Post Office located on the lower level of University Center. The window is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students will receive their mail and packages at the appropriate desk by 5 p.m. Monday throughSaturday. For example, if a student lives in Norse Hall or Woodcrest Apartments, the student will receive his/her mail at the Norse Desk. If a student lives in Commonwealth or Kentucky Hall, the student will receive his/her mail at the Kentucky Desk. If a student lives in University Suites, the student will receive his/her mail at the University Suites Desk.

What’s my address if I live in...?
Mail is delivered to the residence halls Monday through Saturday. Residential students should inform friends and family of their campus address. The following formats should be used on all incoming campus mail:

Commonwealth or Kentucky Hall
Student Name
Hall & Room Number
20 Campbell Dr.
Highland Heights, KY 41076
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norse Hall or Woodcrest Apartments
Student Name
Hall & Room Number
10 Campbell Dr.
Highland Heights, KY 41076
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University Suites
Student Name
Hall & Room Number
30 Campbell Dr.
Highland Heights, KY 41076
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meal Plan / Board Plan Changes   


Residents may request changes in their Meal Plan / Board Plan choice during the first two weeks if the semester. No changes will be approved after the two weeks are up.

Meeting rooms   


Meeting rooms are located in the Norse commons building for programs, meetings, or gatherings. If you would like to reserve a room, contact the University Housing Office at (859) 572-5448.

Ombudsman Services    


The Ombuds Service Team is your University service for responding to problems, issues, comments, and suggestions concerning academic and non-academic matters. The service will assist you in identifying and overcoming unnecessary barriers to your success. The Ombuds Service Team also collects your compliments about the University. We encourage you to use the Team to let us know how the faculty and staff served and supported you during your NKU experience.

Plumbing Care   

 
The apartment drain system can be best maintained by allowing only waste water to go through them. Food, paper (other than toilet tissue), and other objects should not be flushed down the commode. The sewer pipes are not made for these types of waste material. Also, DO NOT pour grease or foodstuff down the kitchen and bathroom drains because you may have to pay for repairs when waste water backs up into your apartment. When stoppage is due to carelessness or negligence, you will be billed a service charge.

If your drain is slow or backed up, call the Norse Commons desk and report the problem. If it is an emergency and the desk is closed, report the emergency to the Kentucky Hall Desk.

Do not use ant type of household drain cleaner in your drains because some are not compatible with the chemicals that are used by the Physical Plant and may cause harmful chemical reactions.

Recreational equipment   

 
Recreational equipment is available at the lobby desks for residents to check out with their student ID. Items available must be returned in the specified amount of time.

Refrigerators  

Each room/apartment is furnished with a refrigerator. Kentucky and Commonwealth Halls have a 2.5 cubic foot refrigerator. Refrigerators size in Norse and Woodcrest varies, depending upon the type of unit. Up to six (6) additional cubic feet of refrigerator space are permitted in the apartments and only two additional cubic feet are permitted in Kentucky and Commonwealth halls. Refrigerators must be UL approved.

Residency Requirement   

 
NKU is committed to placing the learner at the center of all we do. For those who wish to “complete their college experience”, NKU provides a residential village with an educational environment that maximizes opportunities for success. The freshman housing policy is designed to ensure that new freshman students, residing outside the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area beyond reasonable commuting distance, begin their education in a safe and supportive environment. Unless qualifying for one of the exemptions listed, freshman students will be required to live on campus.

Exemptions:
  • Permanent home residency in: Indiana - Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson. Ohio, Ripley, or Switzerland counties , Kentucky - Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, Mason, and Pendleton counties , Ohio - Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties.
  • 21 year of age or older by September 1 of the upcoming fall semester 
  • Married, divorced, or widowed 
  • Parent with custodial responsibilities 
  • Served at least six months in the armed services 
  • Part-time student (less than 12 credit hours) 
  • Students attending NKU distributed learning centers 
  • Demonstrated acceptable extenuating circumstances
Waivers
Only in rare circumstances will the Freshman Housing Policy be waived. Deadlines for housing waivers are due on May 1 for the Academic year and November 1 for Spring semester. Once a student has checked into their room assignment, they may not apply for a waiver.

Rights of Entry  

 
The University reserves the right to enter any room or apartment: (a) with or without notice for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, or repair; (b) without notice to or permission of the resident thereof, for the purpose of:

(1) inspecting for dangerous drugs or narcotics;
(2) inspecting for firearms, fireworks, explosives, weapons; or
(3) any other substances, materials or goods the possession of which is a breach of the Housing/Dining Agreement, the standards and regulations of the University, or the laws of the State of Kentucky.
Such entry and inspection, however, should be made only when the University has reasonable cause to believe that such items are present in the room; and (c) when there is reason to believe that the occupants of the room are in serious physical or psychological distress.

Residents shall permit the duly authorized agent, employee or representative of the University to enter, with reasonable notice, any part of and apartment or room during reasonable hours for the purpose of making inspections, improvements, or repairs.

Room Changes   


Residents who desire a change of room or hall must submit a room change request in order to be considered. The ability to relocation based upon space limitations and an educational philosophy that residents have tried in good faith to solve any differences. See your Residence Hall Director if you wish to change rooms.

Room Features   


All rooms and apartments are furnished with:
  • extra-long twin beds, closets,
  • chest of drawers, 
  • wastebaskets, 
  • desks, 
  • study chairs, 
  • a refrigerator, 
  • local telephone service (you provide a telephone), 
  • adjustable heating and air conditioning.
Utilities are also included in the cost of the room/apartment.

Apartments will have additional furniture such as:
  • chairs,
  • and/or two-seat couches
  • and kitchen table and chairs
The one bedroom unit includes a full kitchen (excluding a microwave); the efficiency and three bedrooms have a microwave and limited kitchen facilities; and the two bedroom has limited kitchen facilities (excluding a microwave). All apartments include bathroom facilities and cable hookup.

Room Rates   


To get the rates please visit the room rates page.

Room Safety Inspections   


As a resident, you are responsible for maintaining your room in a reasonably neat and clean condition. When available, you may check out vacuums or dust brooms from the front desks. A monthly room inspection will be conducted by the hall staff. The inspection is for purposes of ensuring safe and sanitary conditions in your room and for maintaining residence hall policies. Additionally, damage charges may be assessed at this time.

If your room contains conditions that need to be corrected, the RA will re-inspect the room within three days. If the corrections have not been made, then you and your roommate may be subject to disciplinary action. Any prohibition found during this time will be immediately confiscated.

Security   

 
Several security features exist in the residence halls and apartments, including doors into room and apartments that lock automatically when closed. Security begins with you. For Kentucky and Commonwealth Halls, all fire exit doors and wing doors, with the exception of the main lobby, must be locked at all times. Be sure to take your keys at all times.

To ensure a safe environment, you should never prop open a fir exit or wing door. Additionally, it is important that all students enter and exit through main lobby doors and ensure that others do the same. If you have a concern with door security, please report it promptly to a member of the residence hall staff.

The doors to the Woodcrest Apartments and Norse Hall open directly to the outside of the building. All residents are encouraged to keep their apartment door closed and locked at all times.

Additionally, it is important to make sure you close your blinds in the evening.

Solicitors   

 
Any unauthorized solicitor will have written identification signed by a University official. Door-to-door salesmen are not permitted. Unauthorized solicitation or canvassing, regardless of purpose or organization, is prohibited. Infractions should be reported immediately to the University Housing office or you Hall Director.

Storage   


No storage facilities are available for people living in the residence halls or apartments.

Telephones   

 
Each room in Kentucky and Commonwealth Halls is provided with one active telephone line and one modular jack for local service. This outlet will accept one telephone. Each apartment has one telephone jack in each bedroom and one in the living room with one active telephone line. Either a rotary (pulse) or touch-tone phone is compatible, provided it has a modular connector.

If you would like to make long distance calls from your room/apartment, you may use a calling card by contacting your company through a 1-800 operator. Residents may not bill long distance calls to the residential phone number or address. You must dial 9 to access any local or 1-800 number. Additionally, coin telephones are available in Kentucky, Commonwealth and Norse commons lobby for long distance calls.

Note: Starting Fall 2009, landline telephone service will not be provided automatically and will need to be ordered in all buildings except Callahan Hall where it is provided as a complimentary service

Walks  


Residents shall be responsible for the cleanliness of balconies or walks in front of their apartment.