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GHSU Residence Life

General Information Index

 

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are permitted in the residence halls provided residents and any visitors who consume or possess alcoholic beverages are of legal age.  Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in public areas of the residence halls.  All alcoholic consumption must conform to GHSU and Board of Regent policies, as well as state and local laws.

Apartment/Room Entry

The University reserves the right to enter resident apartments and rooms for the right of inventory, fire protection, sanitation, safety, maintenance, rule enforcement, inspection, improvement or repairs, to evaluate conditions that could affect the health and safety of residents, or to control the units in the event of an epidemic or emergency or for any other purpose in accordance with University policy.  Residents are not required to be present at the time of inspections or other entries described above.

Appliances

Additional major appliances, such as washers, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and air conditioners that are not already provided by the University are prohibited in individual rooms or apartments.  Plumbing, water heating, and electrical systems were not designed to accommodate additional utility demands from these additional appliances.

Approved Appliances and Other Items

The following list contains items that are pre-approved for use in the residence halls:

  • iron with automatic shut-off
  • waffle iron
  • toaster
  • coffee maker with automatic shut-off
  • rice cooker
  • slow cooker/crock pot
  • electric grills (e.g. Foreman grill)
  • microwave oven
  • refrigerators in Residence 4 and Alumni Center (not to exceed 4 cubic feet)

Non Approved Appliances and Other Items

The following list contains items that are not allowed for use in the residence halls:

  • candles/candle wax burners (not even for decoration)
  • incense
  • potpourri burners
  • lava lamps
  • halogen lamps
  • hot plates
  • deep fryers
  • electric frying pans
  • toaster ovens
  • portable space heaters
  • personal washers/dryers
  • electrical equipment with exposed wiring
  • live (cut) trees (holiday decorations)
  • pets (except for fish in up to 10 gallon tank)
  • water beds or water filled furniture
  • neon signs
Bicycles

Bicycles are not allowed in any area of the Residence Halls or grounds other than in the provided bicycle racks.  Bicycles chained to trees/shrubs, rails, or in corridors or interior stairwells will be removed immediately.  Violation of this policy may result in additional administrative action taken.

Cable and Internet Service

Cable and Internet services are provided in the residence halls by Comcast.  The cost of these services is included in the housing fees.

To access the internet connection, residents will require a modem.  The equipment may be picked up at the Office of Residence Life located on the second floor of the Student Center.

Modems are to remain in apartments/rooms once a resident has checked-out of the residence hall.  A replacement charge will be assessed for equipment removed from the units after check-out.

Residents who desire additional Comcast services (premium cable channels, faster internet speed, etc.) may upgrade at additional cost by contacting Comcast directly.  Residents are responsible for fees associated with additional services.

Residents who experience connectivity problems with their cable/internet connection should contact Comcast at (706) 733-7712.

Cleaning Your Apartment/Room

Residents are responsible for maintaining the interior and exterior of their apartment/room in a safe, clean, and sanitary manner, and are expected to do the following:

  • Floors should be regularly swept, mopped, or vacuumed.
  • Periodic cleaning of walls will assist in maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of the unit.
  • Windows should be cleaned with common window cleaner (e.g. Windex) as needed.
  • Blinds and window frames should be regularly dusted and periodically cleaned with soapy water or an all purpose cleaner.
  • Care should be taken in opening and closing of windows and exterior doors.  Make sure exterior doors are securely closed.  Residents should be careful not to damage window screens.  Screens, doors, and windows that are damaged will be charged to the resident.
  • To clean the inside of the refrigerator, mix one tablespoon of baking soda per quart of warm water.  Rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry.  The refrigerator may be moved away from the wall for easier cleaning of its exterior with a mild soap and water solution.  Never use abrasive cleaners to clean the exterior of your appliances.
  • If you are going to be away for an extended period of time or are vacating the premises, do not turn the refrigerator off or unplug it.
  • Vacuum the carpet of the unit on a regular basis to prevent excessive wear.  Spot cleaning at the time of spills will help prevent stains.  Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the spill area to make cleaning easier.
  • Sinks, showers, and toilets should be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and mineral buildup.  Sinks, tubs, ceramic walls, and the exterior of the toilet should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner (e.g. Soft Scrub, Lysol Tub and Tile Cleaner), while the toilet bowl cleaners should be use d to clean the inside of the toilet bowl.
  • Stoves/ovens should be cleaned as needed.  Fried foods and foods prepared with cooking oil should be cleaned in order to prevent pest control problems.

The plumbing is not designed to handle the disposal of tampons, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, grease, garbage, or other such materials.

The Office of Residence Life can contact maintenance staff to handle the most severe clogs.  Service calls to remove foreign objects from drains and toilets may result in service charges being assessed to the resident.  Your unit will be periodically inspected and air filters may be changed.  Please contact the Office of Resident Life at (706) 721-3471 for more information.

Cooking and Kitchens

Community kitchen areas are provided in Residence IV and the Alumni Center.  Kitchens contain a microwave oven, stove, and ice machine.

Residents are urged to use extreme caution when cooking.  A resident should under no circumstances leave the kitchen unattended while in the process of cooking.  Cleanliness is also essential due to the problems which unsanitary conditions create in a residence hall (odors, pests, poor sanitation, etc.).

Any kitchen items left in the kitchen will be collected by staff.  Residents will be held responsible for damages or excessive clean-up charges resulting from misuse of the kitchens.

Damages and Vandalism

Residents accept their apartment or room in a state of good repair and expressly relieves the University from all liability for damage or injury, of whatever kind, sustained by the resident or any other person while on University property.

Residents are responsible for all damages and vandalism that occur as a result of their actions, or the actions of their guests, including accidental damage.  Residents will not be charged for normal wear of furnishings; however, misuse or negligent care of furnishings, including, but not limited to burns or staining of tables; carpeting; counter tops; cuts or burns on furniture; holes in walls, doors, or ceilings; broken or damaged window screens; and missing furniture will result in damage charges being assessed.

Acts of vandalism may result in judicial action with appropriate sanctions, including restitution for damages.

Electrical Devices

Extension cords are not permitted.  UL tested surge protector devices may be utilized on electrical equipment provided they are installed and used properly.  Devices may not be placed on the floor, but must be affixed 8 inches from the floor.

Email Communication

Email is the official method of communication for the Georgia Health Sciences University.  The Office of Residence Life regularly distributes official communication to residents via their University email account.  Please check your account regularly for important information regarding room sign-up, check-out procedures, activities, as well as other announcements.  Every resident is responsible for the information sent to him/her via campus email.

Environmental Sustainability

The Office of Residence Life recommends residents develop and maintain environmental responsible living habits.  This includes, but is not limited to, turning off unnecessary electrical appliances, minimizing your use of water, and recycling.

For example:

  • Never leave computers, stereos, televisions, and lights on when you are not at home.
  • Reduce the length of your showers.
  • Understand your building's recycling program and use it.  Recycling bins are available in various areas of the residence halls.
  • Report any leaks (dripping faucets, showers, etc.) to the Office of Residence Life.
  • Develop good sustainable living habits and encourage your friends to do the same.

Sustainability also includes recycling of items that should not be trashed and ultimately landfilled, as they contaminate groundwater with their toxic materials.  Items we encourage you to recycle may include:

  • Heavy metal batteries (all metals, but not alkaline).  These may be deposited in the recycling container marked "BAD BATTERIES".
  • Spent florescent lamps.  These should be placed in the designated recycling container provided on premises for this purpose as they contain mercury, a toxic metal.  Incandescent bulbs should not be included.
  • Computers and peripheral computer and electronic equipment.  These should be placed for recycling in the designated location marked "WASTE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT".

Questions regarding the disposal or recycling of other items may be director to Environmental Health and Safety at (706) 721-2663.

Firearms

Storage of firearms (and other legal weapons) is not permitted in the residence halls.

Furnishings

Rooms in Residence IV and the Alumni Center are fully furnished.  Each room is furnished with a bed, chest, wardrobe closet, desk, and desk chair.  Furnishings may not be removed from the rooms at any time.  Charges will be assessed to students for any furnishings that are missing or damaged.

Apartments in Residences V and VI are rented unfurnished.  Each apartment unit is furnished with a refrigerator and stove.  All carpets and floor coverings must be fire rated and labeled Class I or II.  All draperies/curtains must be fire resistive materials.  Personal furnishings that do not meet these standards are not acceptable for use in the residence halls.

Window blinds are provided in all residence hall facilities.  Knotting cords of horizontal blinds will cause cords to become twisted in the mechanisms.  Staff will inspect and test the operation of the blinds when residents vacate the residence halls.  If cords are knotted or twisted causing poor operation, the resident may be billed for a replacement blind.

Grounds

Residents are prohibited from planting gardens, flowerbeds, or any type of shrubbery on the grounds of the residence halls.

Clothes, rugs, or any type of outdoor clothesline may not be placed on fencing, trees, or shrubbery on the grounds.  These items are subject to removal by Public Safety.

Health and Safety Assessments

Representatives from GHSU Environmental Health and Safety conduct safety assessments on an annual basis.  It is the responsibility of each resident to keep their unit in a reasonable state of cleanliness as required by your housing agreement.  Failure to promptly correct cleaning or safety violations may result in the termination of a resident's housing agreement.

Key Lockouts

Residents who find themselves inadvertently locked out of their residence hall may contact Public Safety at (706) 721-2911 in order to have a door unlocked.  In the unlikely event that a resident is locked out of their residence hall after house and absolutely cannot wait until the following business day, Public Safety may be contact to unlock a door.  There is a $15.00 service fee and a wait of up to an hour for Public Safety (depending on officer availability) to provide the service.

Keys

Maximum security keys are issued to residents by the Public Safety Key Control Office prior to checking into the residence halls.  If a key is lost or stolen, residents should contact Public Safety immediately at (706) 721-2911 so that the locks may be changed.  Residents are responsible for the total cost of changing the locks.  The key replacement fee is $50.00 per key.  Keys may not be duplicated.  Residents are encouraged to keep their keys with them at all times.  Installation of private locks and lending keys to others is prohibited.

Laundry Areas

Commercial coin-operated washers and dryers are provided in all residence hall areas.  Residents are asked to call Auxiliary Services to report machines that are "out of order".  Refunds for lost money may be obtained by calling Auxiliary Services at (706) 721-4101.

Lofts

Lofts are not permitted in the residence halls.

Mail and Packages

For residents living in Residences V and VI, mailboxes for each individual apartment are provided.  Mailbox keys are issued to residents at check-in.  The mail service is provided through the United States Postal Service, Augusta, Georgia.  Residents that lose a mailbox key will be charged a $25.00 key replacement charge by the United States Postal Service.

Mail to residents living in Residence V should be addressed to each resident as follows:

Name

1300 Warren Hites Drive

Apartment Number

Augusta, Georgia 30901

Mail to residents living in Residence VI should be addressed to each resident as follows:

Name

1105 Fifteenth Street

Apartment Number

Augusta, Georgia 30901

Residents in Residence IV and the Alumni Center will be assigned a mailbox located in the Student Center.

Mail to residents living in Residence IV should be addressed as follows:

Name

Georgia Health Sciences University

Residence 4, Room XXX

Augusta, Georgia 30912

Mail to residents living in the Alumni Center should be addressed as follows:

Name

Georgia Health Sciences University

Alumni Center, Room XXXX

Augusta, Georgia 30912

Residents should direct questions regarding mail service delivery to the U.S. Postal Service Office (for the 30901 zip code area) by calling (706) 823-3113.

For packages from independent carriers such as UPS, FedEx, etc., all deliveries are made directly to the GHSU Campus Mail Room.

Spouses and/or dependent children of students should include the student's name when using a GHSU mailing address on mail and packages in order to insure timely delivery.

Maintenance

Maintenance services are provided to housing by Facilities Management.  Residents may report maintenance problems directly to the Office of Residence Life by calling (706) 721-3471 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  After 5:00 p.m., on weekends, and on holidays, residents may contact emergency maintenance at (706) 721-2434.  Residents are urged to report maintenance problems promptly to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

It is important that residents provide their name, building name, apartment/room number, phone number, and a detailed description of the problem.

Residents are urged to provide the Office of Residence Life with prompt notice of any damage to defects to their apartment or room (to include water leaks, running toilets, and dripping faucets.)

Residents are urged not to attempt repairs.  This includes using drain cleaner to unclog a drain.  This may cause further damage or create a hazardous condition for the facilities management staff that are trained and equipped to make all repairs.  Additional charges that are required as a result of a resident's attempt to make a repair will be billed to the resident.

Mold/Mildew

Mold and Mildew grow in areas that are dark, cool, and moist.  Excessive moisture in the air will lead to mold and mildew forming on walls, room furnishings, and possibly on your personal items.

Problem areas frequently include closet interiors, bathrooms, and surfaces adjacent to windows and doors.  Excessive room moisture from the use of humidifiers, frequent steamy showers, and cooking all contribute to mold and mildew growth.

Ventilation is important in preventing mold and mildew growth and residents are strongly encouraged to ensure adequate ventilation is provided in their unit.

When mold and mildew appear, prompt treatment is essential before it has the opportunity to accumulate and cause significant damage.  Contact the Office of Residence Life for cleaning suggestions and additional preventative strategies.

Off Campus Housing

As a service to students, the Office of Residence Life provides current on-line listings of prices, locations, and availability of commercial apartments and privately owned rental property in the Augusta area.  Also, there is information for students that wish to share a rental property or for students seeking a roommate.

Students who wish to view the listings should log into MyMCG and click on the "Campus Resources" tab.  Under the "Student Links" box there is a direct link to the listings called "Off-Campus Housing and Roommate Listings".

Pest Control

The initial step on the elimination of insects in the residence halls is sanitation.  All insects need food, moisture, and harborage in order to survive.  The pest control operator's success at an individual's residence will be partly determined by the resident's housekeeping habits.  The two most troublesome insects found in the residence halls are ants and roaches.  These pests can be completely eliminated, but not with pesticides alone.

Below are some steps each resident must practice in order to be free of insects:

  • Wash dirty dishes immediately after using them.  Do not leave dirty dishes on the table, counter, or in the sink.  After washing dishes, drain the sink and do not leave water standing.
  • Vacuum or mop floors on a regular basis.
  • Do not leave chips, cookies, cereal, etc. with interior bags left open.  Store in a sealed plastic storage bag or place in the refrigerator.
  • Rinse used beverage containers and dispose of in the appropriate manner.

All residence hall areas are treated on a 90-day cycle by Environmental Services.  Anytime a resident reports a pest problem (roaches, spiders, bugs, etc.) a prompt response will be given.  Residents may report problems to Residence Life at (706) 721-3471.  Residents are urged not to purchase and apply commercial chemicals in the apartments and rooms.  Only certified pest control technicians are licensed to apply pest control chemicals on GHSU property.

Pets

Residents are prohibited from having any animal of any type in the residence halls or apartments or adjacent grounds with the exception of aquatic fish in aquariums of 10 gallons or less.

Renters Insurance

GHSU is not responsible for any personal property damaged or destroyed while the resident is living in the residence halls except where GHSU is found negligent.  Residents are urged to consider purchasing renter's insurance.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in the residence halls and on University property.

Solicitation

Door-to-door solicitation is prohibited in all residence halls.  Student groups wishing to solicit in the residence halls must obtain permission from the Office of Residence Life.  Apartments and rooms may not be used by students and/or student groups as places of business.

Space Personalization

Creating a "home" while living in the residence halls makes the apartment or room more pleasant and comfortable.  When planning to decorate, it is important to keep in mind that no permanent changes may be made to a room or apartment.  Residents are not permitted to make repairs or alterations to their apartment or room without the written permission from the Director of Residence Life.  This includes, but is not limited to, ceiling fans, light fixtures, shelves, partitions, lofts, window coverings, wallpaper, painting, plumbing, and heating.

Storage

Community storage space is not available in the residence halls.  Personal items may not be placed in stairwells, corridors, or other community areas.

Subleasing

Residents are not permitted to assign, transfer, or sublet a room or apartment.  The space shall not be used to give accommodation to boarders or lodgers or for any purpose other than what is specified in the housing agreement.

Trash

Residents are responsible for the removal and transport of all trash to the dumpsters, which are located in close proximity to each residence hall.  Trash should not be left outside of exterior doors in corridors or stairwells.  Trash not properly disposed of will create a pest control issue for everyone in the residence hall.

Visitors

Residents are permitted to entertain guests.  For the safety and security of residents in a community environment, residents must adhere to the following criteria in order to have guests:

  1. One guest per resident may be permitted in the residence halls for a period of up to 3 consecutive nights with a maximum of ten nights per semester.
  2. The resident extending an invitation must be present during the guest's stay.
  3. An overnight guest must be acceptable to all roommates, since a resident's right to occupy his/her room without the presence of an overnight guest shall take precedence over the right to a roommate to host an overnight guest.
  4. A resident assumes the responsibility for all their guest's actions, damages, and violations of rules.
  5. A guest must adhere to all federal, state, and local laws and GHSU and Residence Life policies.
  6. Guests will be subject to immediate eviction if their behavior is deemed inappropriate.
  7. A request must be submitted to the Office of Residence Life no later than 4 days prior to the requested date for visitation. If the request is approved, the Office of Residence Life will reply to the student with approval for the guest.  A copy of the approval form will be sent to Public Safety and the Parking Office.  The resident must pick up the temporary pass from the parking office.

 

Revised: 1/29/13