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X. Residential Living

Responsible for Maintenance: Business Manager

Bill of Rights

Each student living on campus has individual worth and will be treated with the utmost respect at all times. All students living on campus will be held accountable for the responsibilities that come with living in a residence hall. At a minimum, residents must adhere to the expectations and requirements outlined in the Student Handbook, the Housing Terms and Conditions, and all other College policies applicable to students. Each shall have the opportunity to engage in those physical, educational, and social pursuits that are necessary parts of their RBC life. Living in a residence hall is a privilege and not a right. As such, the privilege can be revoked at any time if a resident commits a criminal act or violates the Honor Code, the Student Code of Conduct, this Student Handbook, the Housing Terms and Conditions, or any other College policy relating to students.

  1. Noise Policy: Each resident must be respectful regarding their noise level as it affects other residents. More than one complaint against a resident regarding noise levels may result in disciplinary action.
  2. Personal Property Policy: Residents sharing suites must be respectful of one another, including each individual’s personal property. Each resident must be considerate of each other’s living space including the actual physical living conditions of each room.
  3. Safety and Wellness:Each resident can voice complaints about residence life, which may include but are not limited to noise violations, personal property damage or theft, and safety and wellness policies. If a resident desires to file a complaint or feels unsafe, they should follow the complaint process outlined in Section III of this Handbook.

Residential Guidelines

Richard Bland College promotes a safe environment for you and your belongings; however, your room is still your responsibility. Richard Bland College is not liable for loss, damage, or theft of your personal belongings. Please keep your door locked. The Office of Housing and Residence Life strongly recommends obtaining Renter’s or Homeowner’s Insurance to cover personal belongings. Living conditions that could adversely affect residents’ health and safety are prohibited. Please be sure to review the Housing Terms and Conditions. The most current, published Housing Terms and Conditions along with the Student Handbook will govern your on-campus stay at RBC.

The Board of Visitors of William & Mary and the RBC President maintain authority to establish additional policies, rules, and regulations, which shall be applicable upon their effective date and operate continually unless otherwise stated. Further, RBC reserves the right to make reasonable modifications to this Student Handbook and the Housing Terms and Conditions to promote personal safety or protection of property, or for other reasonable purposes, provided reasonable advance notice is given. Residential students should review the Housing Terms and Conditions in conjunction with the residential living portion of the Student Handbook.

Housing Criteria

In order to live on campus, a student must comply with the following:

  1. Be admitted to Richard Bland College.
  2. Be a full-time student in good academic standing in a degree-granting program who has graduated from high school or the equivalent as determined solely by RBC.
  3. Maintain a class load of at least 12 credit hours with at least 25% of coursework being traditional face-to-face delivery on campus.
  4. Pay all outstanding balances with the business office.
  5. Pay the required housing damage deposit.
  6. Complete the online application for housing.
  7. Abide by all requirements in the Housing Terms and Conditions.

On-campus housing priority is given first to currently housed, full-time students. Students whose GPAs fall below a 2.0 may be required to vacate the residence hall. Students on academic suspension are not authorized to live in the residence halls. Unauthorized persons are not allowed to reside in any suite or individual room. Violators will be fined and/or charged with trespassing

Part-time Students

All students must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours to carry the full-time status and thus qualify to live in the residence halls. If a full-time student drops below full-time status, they will be required to add the requisite number of courses to achieve full-time status in order to remain living in campus housing. Residential students are permitted to request a one-time waiver of the full-time requirement if they need to drop below 12 credit hours. Full-time students who drop below 9 credit hours will not be permitted to remain in campus housing.  This one-time waiver is only good for dropping below 12 credit hours  while still maintaining at least 9 credit hours, and can only be used once during a student’s stay at Richard Bland College.

Mail Services

All residents living in the RBC residence halls will be assigned a mailbox. Students will be assigned new mailbox numbers at the start of each academic year. Room changes to another residence hall will result in a new mailbox. Incoming mail should be addressed as follows:

Student’s First and Last Name
11301 Johnson Road
Residence Hall Name, Box Number
South Prince George, VA 23805

Thomas Bland
11301 Johnson Road
Freedom Hall, Box 361
South Prince George, VA 23805

*Mail that lacks a complete address will be returned to sender.

Maintenance

All requests for work orders should be made directly through a student’s MyHousing account.  Repairs will be made as quickly possible. The student requesting the work order has an obligation to alert the Office of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) in the event repairs are not made in what the student considers a reasonable amount of time. Contact the HRL immediately for one of the following emergency maintenance issues:

  • sparking or smoking outlets or fixtures,
  • no lighting in room,
  • no water,
  • leaking sprinkler head,
  • inability to lock or gain access to your room,
  • loss of heat,
  • broken glass,
  • flooding, or
  • buzzing smoke detector.

Note: The submission of a work order authorizes RBC personnel to enter a student’s room. The cost of repairs as a result of damages will be passed along to the student(s) within the room and/or apartment or the student(s) found responsible for the damages outside of routine maintenance and normal wear and tear.

Cleanliness

Residents are responsible for maintaining established standards of cleanliness and safety throughout the building. Residents are responsible for taking their personal trash from their room to the dumpster outside daily. Residents are also responsible for arranging a cleaning schedule for the common areas within their assigned suite.

  • Residence Life Coordinators (RLC) and Resident Assistants (RA) reserve the right to inspect suites and rooms a minimum of once per week for cleanliness.
  • Thorough inspections are conducted before student arrival and during every hall closing. Each student will be required to sign a room condition report acknowledging the condition of their room upon their arrival and departure.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to notify residence life personnel of any damages that may be present in their room upon arrival.
  • Locks should not be placed on closets without permission from the RLC. Damage to a student’s assigned space will be billed to their student account.
  • All wall hangings need to be secured with putty or masking tape only. No glue, tacks, double-sided tape, or nails are allowed. If walls are damaged, the cost of repairs and painting of the entire room will be charged to the responsible student’s account.

Storage

Due to space limitations, there is no storage for personal belongings available on campus beyond the limited storage space in the assigned residential unit. Students are encouraged to plan in advance considering space limitations within the room. Students are prohibited from leaving personal belongings in their residential space over the summer as storage. Any items left in the residence halls will be disposed by staff members within the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Room Changes

There will be no room changes for the first thirty days after arrival. This enables the College to verify who has moved in, who has not arrived, and what spaces are available for reassignment. Information will be posted to announce the start of the room change process. If a student moves without authorization, they are subject to removal from the residence halls and will be charged for an unauthorized move. In addition to room changes, the Office of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) reserves the right to move students living in a double room without a roommate in to a consolidated room or apartment in an effort to achieve maximum occupancy. See the Housing Terms and Conditions.

General Governing Policies for Residence Life

Violation of any of the rules below may result in disciplinary action, including possible interim suspension from housing or campus while awaiting a final decision from the Student Conduct Board and any subsequent appeals.

  1. All residence halls are smoke-free. Smoking includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, e-cigarettes, vapes, fog machines, and all other smoking devices. It also includes the smoking of any substance.
  2. Physical violence, threats of violence, and harassment will not be tolerated against any member of the Richard Bland community, including fellow students, campus visitors, vendors, faculty and professional staff.
  3. Door-to-door soliciting and peddling are prohibited except with prior written permission from the Assistant Director of Residence Life. Soliciting from or delivery to a student’s room is not permitted.
  4. Solicitation in the lobby areas requires prior written approval from the Assistant Director of Residence Life.
  5. Tampering with the fire alarm, fire extinguisher, fire exit doors, or smoke detector is against state, federal, and local laws. Violators will be prosecuted criminally, and administrative sanctions will be initiated.
  6. Residents are not permitted in unauthorized areas including, but not limited to attics, maintenance rooms, boiler rooms, roofs, ledges, and storage rooms/areas.
  7. Bicycles must be walked through the building and lobbies. They may not be parked in hallways, lounges, or stairwells. They may not be hung from ceilings or other RBC furnishings. Bicycles and/or equipment found in the hallways, stairwells, or lounges will be confiscated. Tire streaks, handle bar marks, mud, debris, or other signs left by a bicycle must be cleaned or they will result in cleaning or damage charges to the individual student, suite, hallway, or entire residence hall depending on the location of the damage. Owners who fail to take proper responsibility for their bicycles may be prohibited from bringing them into the building.
  8. Residents are encouraged to obtain renter’s insurance for personal property as Richard Bland College does not assume responsibility for any loss, theft, or damage to personal items.
  9. Residents must have received all immunizations required by the Virginia Board of Health, and provide proof thereof, before the first day of entry into their assigned residence hall. See Appendix V for required student immunizations.

Prohibited Items

Electrical ItemsCombustiblesWeaponsAlcohol and Drug ParaphernaliaAppliancesMiscellaneous
Extension cords or outlet splittersNon-flame retardant curtains, draperies, wall hangingsBB gunsAlcohol (empty containers or otherwise)Air conditionersWaterbeds
Ceiling fansFlammable liquids including propane, motor oil, gasoline, cooking fuel, keroseneNerf or water gunsScalesIndividually owned large appliancesPersonal door locks
Lava lampsOil lanternsGunsDrugs and narcotics illegal in VirginiaDeep fryersWall mounted shelving, furniture, of fixtures
Electric heatersPressurized canistersAmmunitionParaphernalia that may be used for illegal drug use, including pipes, grinders, one hitters, etc.Toaster or convection ovensConstruction barriers
Light dimmer switchesLive cut treesPellet gunsOutdoor grillsShortwave radios
Halogen lampsFlammable materials including charcoalSwords and martial arts bladesStreet signs
Wax potsIncense Candles or any open flameStun gun and TasersNewspaper machines
Exterior antennas or satellite dishesScented oil burnersKnives used for any purpose besides cooking that are over 4” in lengthBed risers or bricks
Electrical appliances without automatic shut offFirecrackers or explosivesAny other weapon not specifically listedNon college- supplied mattress or furniture
Scented plug-ins with socket attachmentsAerosolsLiquid or gel drain clog remover chemicals
Propane canisters or flammable gassesDrums and other percussion instruments
Amplified electrical instruments
Hoverboards
Scooters including Segway (excluding wheelchairs or other ADA approved devices)

Suggested Items

  • Alarm clock
  • Formal/semi-formal attire
  • Area rug
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Iron and Ironing board
  • Umbrella
  • Broom, dustpan, cleaning supplies
  • Large trash bags
  • Linen (extra-long twin)
  • School supplies
  • Fan
  • Personal size portable safe
  • First aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Television no larger than 24″
  • Toiletries
  • Wastebasket
  • Winter coat
  • Headphones
  • Plants
  • Bicycle w/lock
  • Clothing dryer rack
  • Digital converter box (for TV older than 2014)
  • Envelopes and postage stamps

Permitted Items

  • Vacuum cleaner/electric sweeper
  • Hairdryers/curling irons
  • Blenders/crock pots/soup warmer/toaster
  • Multi-plug power strip w/circuit breaker/surge protector
  • Air purifiers
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Bread machine
  • Coffee pot
  • Gaming systems
  • *If in doubt, contact the ORL.

Residence Hall Safety

Residence hall staff members will be available to open the doors due to access card system failure. Residence hall staff members are prohibited from allowing non-RBC students entry into the residence halls. Visitors must gain entry and be accompanied at all times with an RBC student. It is essential that you actively participate in making your residence hall a safe and secure place for you and your fellow residents to live. Carry your room key and access card with you at all times.

Students are urged to be cognizant of their safety and security needs while on and off campus. An escort service is available by contacting RBC Police. Dial (804) 862-6111. Please note the following:

  1. Though RBC takes all reasonable precautions, our campus is a public area and therefore not immune to the dangers of modern society. Therefore, as RBC cannot guarantee the safety and security of the premises at all times, the College expects students to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves and their property.
  2. Computerized I.D. card access is provided in the residence halls for the safety of residents. While RBC is in session, the exterior doors to the residence halls will be controlled to restrict access to residents and their escorted guests. Access to residences by non-residents may be restricted if RBC determines that this is necessary for safety and security reasons.
  3. Individual residents are the only persons authorized to use their specific ID card to access the residence halls. Allowing anyone else to use their ID card is expressly prohibited. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary and/or criminal action.
  4. Residents may not engage in any activity which creates a safety risk or which jeopardizes the security of the premises. Students are prohibited from propping open exterior doors for any purpose.
  5. The roofs, attics, and mechanical equipment rooms of all College buildings are restricted areas and may not be accessed.
  6. Individuals observed in the hall who are not residents or guests must be reported immediately to an Office of Residence Life staff member or RBC Campus Police.

Room Entry/Inspection

Residence hall staff members will be available to open the doors due to access card system failure. It is essential that you actively participate in making your residence hall a safe and secure place for you and your fellow residents to live. Carry your room key and access card with you at all times.

Students are urged to be cognizant of their safety and security needs while on and off campus. An escort service is available by contacting RBC Police. Dial (804) 862-6111. Please note the following:

  1. Though RBC takes all reasonable precautions, our campus is a public area and therefore not immune to the dangers of modern society. Therefore, as RBC cannot absolutely guarantee the safety and security of the premises at all times, the College expects students to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves and their property.
  2. Computerized I.D. card access is provided in the residence halls for the safety of residents. While RBC is in session, the exterior doors to the residence halls will be controlled to restrict access to residents and their escorted guests. Access to residences by non-residents may be restricted if RBC determines that this is necessary for safety and security reasons.
  3. Individual residents are the only persons authorized to use their specific ID card to access the residence halls. Allowing anyone else to use their ID card is expressly prohibited. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary and/or criminal action.
  4. Residents may not engage in any activity which creates a safety risk or which jeopardizes the security of the premises. Students are prohibited from propping open exterior doors for any purpose.
  5. The roofs, attics, and mechanical equipment rooms of all College buildings are restricted areas and may not be accessed.
  6. Individuals observed in the hall who are not residents or guests must be reported immediately to an Office of Residence Life staff member or RBC Campus Police.

Removal from the Residence Hall

The College may terminate a student’s housing agreement and take possession of the room at any time for violation of any federal or state law or regulation or College policy or rule, or for health or administrative reasons. The student removed in this situation will not be permitted to return to their housing assignment or visit other residential facilities until approved by the Director of Residence Life.

The Housing Terms and Conditions is entered into by Richard Bland College and the student in full acknowledgment that public and private higher education housing institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia (such as Richard Bland College) with residential on-campus student housing assignments are not bound by the Virginia Landlord Tenant Act. Among other things, Richard Bland College is not obligated to follow civil court proceedings related to removal of the student and the student’s property from the on-campus student housing assignment, but may automatically remove the student and the student’s property from on-campus housing if Richard Bland College determines that the Housing Terms and Conditions or RBC housing rules have been violated, or the student otherwise does not qualify for student housing.

Abandoned Property: RBC will not be responsible for damage or loss of any personal property not removed within 24 hours after a student separates from housing or after the residence halls officially close in the spring. A room cleaning charge will be assessed against any student who fails to remove their items within the 48-hour timeframe. RBC does not store abandoned property. Any property abandoned by a student will be owned by RBC after 48 hours, and disposed of as deemed appropriate by RBC.

Canceling Housing Agreement

Cancellation notifications must be submitted in writing to residencelife@rbc.edu or by using the following address:

Richard Bland College of William & Mary
Office of Residence Life
11301 Johnson Road
South Prince George, VA 23805

A student who officially withdraws or is released from the College or housing during any session and completes their exit as is defined in Section 17 of the Housing Terms and Conditions will be charged room and board (meals) according to Refund Policy.

  • International students are not issued refunds as it could impact visa status.
  • Damage deposits will be held until after room damage assessment is completed.
  • Students must complete an entrance/exit form when checking into a residence hall and prior to departing the residence hall. The student is considered to maintain possession of the room until a completed exit form is properly received by the Office of Residence Life.
  • Students exiting the residence halls during a semester, but who plan to return the next semester, must submit a new Housing Terms and Conditions for the upcoming semester.
  • Students who fail to properly turn in their key at the end of the Housing Terms and Conditions period and/or prior to any departure will be charged the cost of changing the lock.
  • When a room is permanently vacated, the residents are responsible for returning the room and its contents to its original condition. Failure to do so will result in charges to the resident(s) of the room. Items left in the room after the Office of Residence Life has determined the room is vacant shall become the property of Richard Bland College. Room cleaning charges will be applied to those students’ accounts who vacate without properly returning their room/apartment to its original condition.

Noise

The residence halls exist to support and complement the academic mission of the College. Quiet hours and courtesy hours provide standards of acceptable noise levels for residents to socialize, study, and sleep. For all residents, as members of a residential community, the comfort and convenience of neighbors must be a primary consideration. Noise shall include but not be limited to music, TV, voices, video games, and activities.

Twenty-four-hour courtesy hours are in effect in the residence halls at all times. When asked to lower the noise levels by a staff member or fellow resident, residents are expected to modify their behavior regardless of the hour, day, or night.

Quiet hours are in effect Sunday –Thursday 10 pm through 8:00 a.m and Friday—Saturday 12:00 am to 8:00 am each day. Residents should keep their doors closed when playing music or creating noise that could disturb others. The standard for acceptable noise levels during quiet hours is that noise should not be heard outside of the room or through walls. The noise generated by vacuum cleaners necessitates that their use be prohibited during quiet hours.

During finals week, quiet hours are in effect twenty-four hours a day, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of exams through the last scheduled exam. Failure to observe quiet hours or courtesy hours is considered conduct infringing on others and is a violation of residence hall policy.

Placing stereo speakers or other sound amplification devices in windows, doorways, and common areas is prohibited unless for an approved event receiving prior written approval from the Office of Residence Life. Volume should be maintained at a reasonable level so as not to disturb other residents or people outside the building. This includes musical instruments and amplifiers.

Visitation

Visitors must abide by the posted visitation policies, which may change throughout the  2024-2025 academic year at the discretion of RBC.. Visitors include persons who live in other residence halls, commuter students, and persons who have no affiliation to RBC. No more than two (2) guests per resident are authorized at any given time unless prior written approval is received from the Office of Residence Life (ORL). All guests must surrender a photo ID and be properly signed in by the on-duty staff member (RA, RLC, and security). Residents are responsible for policing the behaviors of their guests. Visitors can be asked to leave campus housing at any time for violation of hall rules and regulations. Residents and guests must follow the visitation policy and abide by the Student Code of Conduct.

General Visitation Hours:

Sunday thru Thursday: 8:00am – 12:00am

Friday thru Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00am

Visitation Procedures

  1. Visitors must present a valid ID to the on-duty staff members.
  2. The resident must be with their visitor when they arrive to be signed in.
  3. The on-duty staff member will sign the visitor into the visitation log book.
  4. At the conclusion of visitation, all visitors are required to vacate or be held in violation of the visitation policy.
  5. Visitation hours are communicated by the Office of Residence Life.

Note: Residents living in another residence hall are considered visitors and must follow the visitation process and rules.

Note: Visitation hours are subject to change. See the visitation policy in the Office of Residence Life for the most recently approved visitation hours.

Overnight Guests

Visitation of Residential Students

  • Overnight guest forms must be submitted by 2:00PM on the day of the intended visit.
  • Residential guests are permitted daily upon approval from ORL.
  • Guest cannot stay longer than 3 consecutive days.
  • Incomplete overnight guest forms will be denied.

Visitation of commuter students & non-RBC students 

  • Overnight guest forms must be submitted by 2:00PM each Friday.
  • Overnight guests are only permitted on the weekends.
  • Non-residential overnight guest must depart Sunday.

Policies for ALL visitors:

  • Guest must be at least 18 years old.
  • Resident must have the permission of his or her roommate and suitemates.
  • Resident must have a completed overnight guest form on file.
  • Visitors CAN NOT stay if there is no approved overnight guest form in the guest log.
  • Resident assumes responsibility for the behavior of their guest.
  • Guest must relinquish a photo ID to the on duty staff member upon their arrival.
  • Guest can be asked to leave if they violate college or hall policies.
  • All guest forms must have an approval signature from ORL.
  • Students can have a total of 2 guests at one time

Approved overnight guest forms will be placed in the guest binder, when possible staff will also receive an email.

Once an approved guest arrives, guest will have to verify their identity and complete the overnight guest form with their initials and signature.

 

Roommate Success Tips

Communicate
There is probably no other person in the world you will get to know as well as your roommate. Even if you bond instantly, there may be moments when your roommate’s little quirks get on your nerves. Letting things fester can turn an annoyance into misery. Communication – both talking and listening – will be the key to a great relationship.

Personal Belongings
Less is more. By the time you’ve managed to fit in two beds, a computer, and TV, how much room is left for clothes and a few books? There is no way you are going to duplicate all the comforts of home.

Borrowing
Rule #1: Don’t. Rule #2: If you absolutely must borrow something, always ask permission first. Return it in the promised timeframe and the condition it was in when borrowed. If you damage or lose something you borrow, you are responsible for replacing it. Can’t afford to replace it? See rule #1. Nothing causes more strife between roommates and friends than borrowing – money, food, clothes, CDs, sports equipment, etc.

Neatness
If the law of averages works, one of you will be neat and the other messy. Here is where you learn the great art of communication and compromise. Mom doesn’t live here, but you do. The neat one will have to learn to tolerate life’s imperfections. The messy one, well, it’s time to start picking up after yourself.

Lights Out
It’s inevitable, one of you will have an 8:00 a.m. class and the other will want to study until 2:00 a.m. Work out routines for late night studying (is there a lounge?), late night returns (tiptoe and use a flashlight), and early morning classes (tiptoe out and dress in the bathroom). Everyone needs a good night’s sleep.

Quiet Time
All residence halls have quiet hours. Loud music or socializing in the hall will not be appreciated by your fellow corridor-mates and is a one-way ticket to unpopularity and possible suspension from campus housing. 

Irreconcilable Differences
When the course of rooming does not run smoothly, seek guidance from your Residence Assistant first, Residence Life Coordinator second, and finally the Director of Residence Life. But remember, not liking your roommate does not grant you a room change – this is college, and you will meet people from many different backgrounds.

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