1. Do I have to live on campus?
2. How can I get an application and information?
3. What are my living options?
4. What is included in the room?
5. Why didn’t I receive one of my 3 preferences?
6. What if I don’t like/want my housing assignment or roommate?
8. How do I find out my room and roommate assignment?
9. Where do I check in once I arrive on campus?
10. What if I am arriving after office hours, or on the weekends and do not have a room assignment?
11. Can I move in early?
12. Can I stay on campus over breaks?
13. Is there a deadline for submitting the Residence Hall application?
14. Are there any single or super single rooms available and how do I get one?
15. Can I submit my housing application before I have been officially admitted to the University?
16. What does the ID number mean on the application?
17. What meal plan options do you offer?
18. How does the meal plan work and at what times are the meals served?
19. How long do I have to change my meal plan after the semester has begun?
20. Do you offer meal plans for students who live off campus?
21. What do they use to look up my meal plan whenever I eat in the dining halls?
22. At what locations on campus can I use my flex money on my MAV CARD?
23. How do I deposit money on my MAVCARD?
24.How do I use the laundry facilities in my hall?
25. What do I do about parking?
26. What do my guests do about parking?
27. Is my MAVCARD used to gain access to my hall?
28. What is the Residence Hall Visitation Policy?
29. What items are not permitted in the residence halls?
30. What safety measures are taken in the residence halls?
31. I have received a Notice to Appear at a Conduct Hearing, where do I go?
32. I have been documented for an incident, what comes next?
33. I have received a Notice to Appear for a Conduct Hearing, but I am unable to make the meeting. What happens and/or what should I do?
34. My Resident Assistant keeps inviting me to programs/events in the hall or on campus. What are programs?
35. Why should I get involved in the Residence Hall Council or Residence Hall Association?
36. How do I address mail to my student?
37. Is it important for my student to have a room phone when they already have a cell phone?
38. My student is alone in a double occupancy room. Will they be charged the single room rate?
39. I am concerned about my son/daughter living on a coed floor. What is it like on a coed floor?
40. How noisy is it?
41. Should my son/daughter purchase renter's insurance coverage?
42. Who cleans the rooms?
43. Can my son or daughter get a single room?
44. Can financial aid be used to cover housing?
45. Are there Internet connections in the rooms?
46. What about cable TV?
47. Are freshman allowed to have cars?

Answers to Questions Above

Do I have to live on campus?
Mesa State College has a required on campus residency policy. All freshman and sophomore students who are single, under 21 years of age and not residing with their parents in Mesa County are required to live on campus, provided that space is available. Any exceptions to this policy (pdf viewer required) must be submitted to the Housing Office with appropriate documentation and then approved by the Director of Housing and Residence Life.

How can I get an application and information?
Prospective students can apply at any time to housing. Applications are found in the Mesa State College Viewbook or Students can apply online for housing at Apply for MSC Housing The housing application should be filled out completely and returned with a signed contract and $150 prepayment to the Housing & Residence Life Office. Applications without a deposit or contract on file will NOT be processed. Top

What are my living options?
Please see Resident Halls and Apartments for Living Option descriptions. Top

What is included in the room?
Each room in Monument Hall, Grand Mesa Hall and Walnut Ridge Apartments have regular twin beds that can be bunked, desks, desk chairs, and wardrobe space. Rait, Tolman and Pinon Halls have furniture mounted to the walls and thus cannot be moved. Top

Why didn’t I receive one of my 3 hall preferences?
Keep in mind that we coordinate our placements on a first come, first serve basis. The earlier you turn in your housing application, contract, and $150 prepayment, the more likely you are to receive your desired hall/room. Top

What if I don’t like/want my housing assignment or roommate?
Hall/Room changes can take place if a problem arises that cannot be solved in any other manner. We encourage roommates to complete the Roommate Contract (provided at the first floor meeting) and discuss any concerning issues with each other, before asking for a room change. All hall/room changes need to be granted through the Hall Resident Director. Top

How do I find out my room and roommate assignment?
The Housing & Residence Life Office mails this information to you prior to your arrival on campus. The information includes your hall/room assignment as well as your roommate's name, home address, and telephone number. We encourage you to contact your roommate before the semester begins to discuss furnishings as well as living habits. Top

Where do I check in once I arrive on campus?
You need to check in at the residence hall that you have been assigned to. The halls are staffed 24 hours a day/7days a week, so you may check in anytime after the advertised opening date and time. You do have to claim your space before Sunday 5pm of opening weekend. If you are checking in on or after the first day of classes, please notify the housing office ahead of time so that your room may be reserved for your arrival. Top

What if I am arriving after office hours, or on the weekends and do not have a room assignment?
Residence Hall Front Desks are open until 2am everyday to accommodate late and weekend arrivals. If you do not have a housing assignment, then please wait and contact the housing office the next business day. Top

Can I move in early?
Early move-in is reserved for athletic players, FYI students, or students who have been requested to come back by either their department or their college employer. There are extra charges for moving in early. If you have a special request to move on campus early, please contact the Housing & Residence Life Office at (970) 248-1536. Top

Can I stay on campus over breaks?
If you live in Pinon, Rait or Tolman Halls, break housing will need to be requested in writing, and once approved there will be an additional charge. At that time you will be given you move in and move out dates during the semester break. Monument Hall, Grand Mesa Hall and Walnut Ridge Apartments are open during the breaks. You do need to sign up with your Resident Director; however, there is no additional charge. Top

Is there a deadline for submitting the Residence Hall application?
No. However, as soon as you have made the decision to attend MSC, we suggest that you submit your application for housing. We assign rooms by the date we receive the applications and deposit; therefore, the earlier you submit your application, the more likely you will get your preferred room assignment. Top

Are there any single or super single rooms available and how do I get one?
There are single and super single rooms available. These two options are very popular so we recommend getting your application in as soon as possible. Again, rooms are "priority assigned" by the date the application and deposit arrives in the Housing & Residence Life Office. Top

Can I submit my housing application before I have been officially admitted to the College?
Yes, we can accept housing applications before you have been officially accepted to the College. Be advised that processing of the housing application does not constitute approval of academic admission to Mesa State College. Top

What does the ID number mean on the application?
Your ID number is the student ID number assigned to you when you’re admitted to MSC. If you don’t know your student ID, use your social security number. Top

What meal plan options do you offer?
We have two plans to offer our Residence Hall students. They are Meal Plan A and B. Plan A allows the student to eat every day with at least three meals a day. Plan B allows the student to eat everyday lunches and dinners. Top

How does the meal plan work and at what times are the meals served?
Our dining hall located in the College Center is open 6:45am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 10:30a to 6:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For Meal Plan Options visit the Campus Dining page. Top

How long do I have to change my meal plan after the semester has begun?
If you signed up for the Meal Plan A and wish to change to Meal Plan B (or vise versa), we allow you to make that change throughout the first three weeks of classes. Top

Do you offer meal plans for students who live off campus?
We have several options for students that live off-campus. Here are the different options and prices for the 2007– 2008 academic year: Top

Meal Plan A - $1,719.40 per semester, 2007-2008
Unlimited entry into the dining hall from 6:45am-7:00pm, Monday-Friday. On Saturday and Sunday brunch is served from 10:30am-1:30pm, dinner served from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Also includes $180 of MAVmoney (declining balance) This plan may be purchased or changed at the Housing and Residence Life Office. Top

Meal Plan B - $1,614.25 per semester, 2007-2008
Unlimited entry into the dining hall from 10:30am-7:00pm, Monday-Friday. On Saturday and Sunday brunch is served from 10:30am-1:30pm, dinner served from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Also includes $180 of MAVmoney (declining balance) This plan may be purchased or changed at the Housing and Residence Life Office. Top

MAV 10 Meal Plan $76.00
10 anytime meals in the dining hall. $15 in MAVMoney, declining balance money that can be used in the Bookcliff Café, Cafe a la Carte and the dining hall. This plan may be purchased at the MAVcard Office. Top

MAV 40 Meal Plan $284.00
40 anytime meals in the dining hall. $50 in MAVMoney, declining balance money that can be used in the Bookcliff Café, Cafe a la Carte and the dining hall. This plan may be purchased at the MAVcard Office. Top

MAV 80 Meal Plan $551.00
80 anytime meals in the dining hall. $100 in MAVMoney, declining balance money that can be used in the Bookcliff Café, Cafe a la Carte and the dining hall. This plan may be purchased at the MAVcard Office. Top

MAVmoney
This is straight declining balance money that can be added in any denomination. This money can be used in the Bookcliff Café, Cafe a la Carte, the Scramble on the Bishop Campus, and the dining hall. There is a 3% service charge added to all deposits. This plan may be purchased at the MAVcard Office. Top

What do they use to look up my meal plan whenever I eat in the dining halls?
Your MAVcard is your meal pass identifier and will be scanned each time you enter our dining facilities. Top

At what locations on campus can I use my MAVmoney on my MAVcard?
The $180 MAVmoney can be used at Campus Dining Hall, Bookcliff café, Game Room/Snack bar, Café a la Cart, Jazz Man, Bookstore. Patrons who add money to their MAVmoney accounts save 7.65% on taxes when purchases are made with their MAVcard. You can also use your MAV Money account to purchase additional meals in the dining facilities for guests or for yourself at only $4.00 per person. Top

How do I deposit money on my MAVCARD?
Deposits can be made in the MAVcard Office located in the W.W. Campbell College Center, next to the Wells Fargo branch. Accepted payment types include cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover). There is no minimum deposit required and deposits may be made at any time throughout the school year. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to call the MAVcard Office at (970) 248-1059 or toll free at 1-800-982-MESA xt.1059 to replenish their student's MAVmoney account. Top

How do I use the laundry facilities in my hall?
The residence hall laundry machines operate on a first come, first serve basis. There is no charge for Laundry in our halls and apartments. Top

What do I do about parking?
There are no free parking spaces on campus. You will need to stop by the MSC Parking Services Office and purchase your permit before you can park in our lots. If you are just visiting, you can park in our paid parking lots next to the College Center and across from Monument Hall. Visit Parking Services for a Campus Parking Map. Top

What do my guests do about parking?
After 8pm during the week and anytime during the weekends guest can park in any lot, except handicap and reserved. Otherwise they will need to park in our paid parking lots, or pick up a visitor's permit at the Parking Services Office. Top

Is my MAVcard used to gain access to my hall?
You will need your MAVcard to get into your building every day. In Monument Hall it will also gain entrance into your room and in Grand Mesa Hall it will gain entrance into your suite. Top

What is the Residence Hall Visitation Policy?
A guest is any person who does not live on campus or in your residence hall/apartment and is visiting you. You are ultimately responsible for your guest’s actions and it is also your responsibility to inform your guest(s) of any and all housing policies and procedures. You will also explain to your guest(s) that they must adhere to all federal, state, local laws and Mesa State policies or they will be asked to leave immediately from the residence halls/apartments. You can also be held responsible for any and all violations that are allegedly committed by a guest or visitor. If you are in the room when a violation occurs, you may be held responsible for the violation even if you are not directly involved in the perpetration of the infraction.Top

Escort - All individuals who are not residents of the halls they are visiting are considered guests. Therefore, all guest(s) are to be escorted within the residence hall at all times. This includes: Out of town friends; Other Mesa State students who live both off campus or in a different residence hall; Family. Any guest(s) who wishes to stay overnight has to be registered with the Resident Assistant on Duty of your residence hall/apartment. Registration is required to aid in locating guest(s) in the event of an emergency and to distinguish between invited and non-invited guests. You will inform both the Resident Director and the Resident Assistant where the guest will be staying, if the guest is not of the same sex. Top

What items are not permitted in the residence halls?
Because of health and safety reasons, the following items are not permitted in the Residence Halls: animals/pets (except for freshwater aquatic fish and service animals with prior approved documentation); any open coiled cooking appliance such as toaster ovens, George Foreman grills and hot plates; lighted candles or incense; firearms, pistols, ammunition, and explosives; drugs; alcohol or alcohol containers; waterbeds and hot tubs; connections to outside antennas; and kegs. Top

What safety measures are taken in the residence halls?
We take great strides to maintain a secure environment at MSC. Some of our efforts include: education of our security policy, talks with our Police Department and offers suggestions to students on how to protect themselves and their belongings; and the development of training and informational programs for all residence hall students to utilize in improving their security awareness. Top

Continued training with Residence Hall personnel on safety and security issues, and a close working relationship with Grand Junction Police help to protect our residents.

Housing & Residence Life is concerned about your student’s safety and security. While the College is a relatively safe place, crimes do occur on campus. To ensure everyone’s security, students must take responsibility for keeping a safe environment. Top

No guns or weapons are allowed in the Residence Hall living areas. All guns and bows must be checked in with Grand Junction Police at their substation located right across the street from Walnut Ridge Apartments. The items will be locked in a storage area. No ammunition is allowed in the Residence Halls. (Pistols and handguns are not allowed on campus.)

All Residence Hall doors are locked 24 hours, everyday of the week. To prevent unauthorized persons from entering buildings, we require all students to use their MAVCard for entry. Your son or daughter should always carry their MAVcard which is acts as their student ID. We ask each student coming into the building to not “tailgate” or follow another resident into the hall. Please use your MAVcard to gain entrance into the hall. Top

Students should not prop open doors. Propped doors invite entry by non-residents, some of whom may commit crimes. Discourage your student from allowing unauthorized entry into the Residence Halls and their individual rooms by always locking their doors. If your son or daughter sees a propped door, or unauthorized entry occurring, they should report it immediately to the hall front desk or a Residence Life staff member.

Those students who violate weapons or security polices could be evicted from the Residence Hall system and may be suspended from Mesa State College. Top

Students should avoid walking alone at night. If your son or daughter has a night class, encourage them to contact our Escort Program at (970) 260-2683. Our escort staff work every night from 7pm to 1am (except for breaks). They are trained to keep a watch out for problems or situations that may need police intervention.

Bikes with good locks are rarely stolen. Students may also store their bikes in their rooms. Cars should be parked in a well-lit area and kept locked at all times. Valuables should not be left where they can be seen in a vehicle; they should be locked in the trunk. Top

Crimes should be reported. We encourage students to report any criminal act or suspicious behavior to Grand Junction Police immediately. This can be done by calling 911 directly.
We take security very seriously, but ultimately it is up to each student to help us maintain a secure environment. At their age, your son or daughter may often feel invincible. Talk with them about safety before they come to MSC. The best lock in the world won’t work if students don’t lock it or if they prop a door open.

I have received a Notice to Appear at a Conduct Hearing, where do I go?
Go to the front desk of Monument Hall, where you will sign a "Honesty and Responsibility Form". You will then be asked to wait in the lobby until the Conduct Hearing Officer or Conduct Board invites you to the Monument Conference Room for the hearing. Top

I have been documented for an incident, what comes next?
The Resident Director of your hall will read the documentation (Incident Report) and determine if the violation should be handled within the hall or should be sent to the Conduct Hearing Officer/Conduct Board. Either way, you will receive a Notice to Appear letter with a date and time and location that you will be required to attend the hearing. Top

I have received a Notice to Appear for a Conduct Hearing, but I am unable to make the meeting. What happens and/or what should I do?
When determining the date/time for a judicial hearing, every effort is taken to find a time that will not conflict with your class schedule. If you are unable to attend the hearing for any other reason, you will be required to give a written statement that will be used in your absence. Top

My Resident Assistant keeps inviting me to programs/events in the hall or on campus. What are programs?
Many individuals throughout the college campus provide programming/event opportunities for students, staff, faculty and community members to participate in. The Residence Life Staff and Residence Hall Association members, work very hard at creating these opportunities. Programs are provided so that those who attend can learn, expand their horizons, be challenged, have fun, meet people, connect to others and the community, etc. The large majority of these programs are free! Top

Why should I get involved in the Residence Hall Council or Residence Hall Association?
Each residence hall and Walnut Ridge apartments have a group of residents that form the Residence Hall Council. It is important for you to take an active role in your community and the Residence Hall Council is a forum for you to express your concerns and/or help create a positive and strong community. The Residence Hall Association is the umbrella organization that is made up of all of the individual Residence Hall Councils. RHA is also there to advocate for residents and to help in making positive change throughout the residential community as a whole. These two entities can only be sustained if you, the resident, takes an active role in supporting their efforts. Top

How do I address mail to my student?
Please do not include Mesa State College and do not include the name of the building/hall on the envelope, or the mail will be delayed. Please only write your student's name, the street address, room number, city, state and zip code as follows:

Top
Is it important for my student to have a room phone when they already have a cell phone?
Yes! Your student's room phone is the primary contact method used by the Department of Housing as well as by other offices on campus. An answering machine is not necessary as voicemail is provided. Your student can ask any Residence Life staff member for help in setting up their voicemail, or consult the Phone Mail Tree printed in the Student Handbook.

My student is alone in a double occupancy room. Will they be charged the single room rate?
During the fourth of school, students are permitted to change rooms for free. After this one week period, students who are alone in double occupancy rooms receive a letter giving the opportunity for students to find a roommate if they wish, to have a roommate assigned to them or to pay the difference between the double and single room so that they can keep their room to themselves. The additional purpose and benefit of room consolidation is to keep costs down by conserving resources, lowering the number of rooms that require maintenance attention and decreasing the wear and tear. Top

We value the community and relationships that your student has built with neighbors so we do not ask students to move outside of the floor that they live on. A student may, however, choose to move to another building or floor if they have a friend with whom they choose to live. If there are multiple students within a floor that choose to have a roommate assigned, then the person with the most recent housing deposit received date is the one to move. Room changes involved in the consolidation process are at no charge to the student.

If your student does not return the letter to their Resident Director or the Housing Office by the deadline provided in that letter, we will assume they are happy with their housing situation and they will be charged the single room rate which is prorated based on the first day after the letter is due. Top

I am concerned about my son/daughter living on a coed floor. What is it like on a coed floor?
In most instances, assignments are made by floor, wing of a building, suite or apartment. There are some instances where men and women live next door to each other; however, suite (i.e. bathroom) assignments are always gender-specific.
Top

How noisy is it?
The primary reason students attend MSC is to pursue an education. As such, we strive to make our residence hall environments conducive to study and other academic endeavors. In all areas, the right to quiet supersedes the right to make noise. We do realize, however, that noise is a healthy sign of social interaction in a community living environment. Because of this, our staff sometimes find themselves in a precarious position – how much noise is too much? Generally, more noise is tolerated during the day, less noise is expected during the evening and nighttime hours. In addition, quiet hours may be designated by hall councils to assist in providing more specific parameters. Finally, we encourage our residents to take responsibility for their own living area and address issues as they arise. This is one of the most effective means of maintaining community standards. Top

Should my son/daughter purchase renter's insurance coverage?
Yes, your son/daughter should purchase insurance coverage. The college does not carry insurance to protect possessions brought in by students and does not assume obligation or liability for lost, stolen, or damaged items of personal property under any circumstances. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange insurance for such personal possessions. (Often a parent's policy can be extended to cover the student's belongings while they're away at college). Top

Who cleans the rooms?
Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms as well as the connecting suite bathroom. In community bath areas, custodial staff clean and maintain the bathrooms. Custodial staff also clean the corridors, stairwells, lounges, lobbies and laundry rooms on a daily basis. Top

Can my son or daughter get a single room?
Yes, the application form itself asks whether you'd like double occupancy or single occupancy. Remember, though, that single occupancy is more expensive. Single occupancy rooms are assigned on a space-available basis only. Top

Can financial aid be used to cover housing?
Potentially. The College directly applies financial aid awards to the student account. Tuition is the first fee to be covered. If there is aid "left over" after tuition has been paid, it will then be credited to other charges, such as housing and dining. The promise of financial aid cannot be substituted for the application fee and prepayment amounts. These are due separately, up front, at the time of application. Rent and meal plan charges are then due each semester. Top

Are there Internet connections in the rooms?
High speed data connectivity is part of room charge. Direct connections are available in all of our halls and apartments. The Grand Mesa Hall is now wireless in the building and outside in the east courtyard. Your students computer must have an Ethernet card and you will need a cat5 Ethernet cable. Technical support is available on-site once you arrive at MSC to help with computer set-up and Ethernet connectivity. Top

What about cable TV?
Cable TV is also part of the room charge. Enhanced basic cable is provided in all residence hall rooms and apartments. Top

Are freshman allowed to have cars?
Yes. Any student may bring a vehicle to campus. Vehicles parked in a residential parking area are required to display a current MSC parking permit. Students who live in campus housing may park in the lots immediately adjacent to their living area, providing there is space. Top

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