Housing & Residential Life - Handbook

Housing and Residential Life at Middle Tennessee State University provides on-campus living accommodations for more than 3,400 students. Residential living is a vital part of the MTSU experience, offering students exceptional opportunities to participate in academic enrichment and student leadership programs. Residents on the MTSU campus become part of an exciting community based on both campus traditions and scholarly activities. Facilities such as study lounges and computer labs, programs such as hall governments and learning communities, and specially trained staff help students to make the most of these living-learning environments.

Housing options
Types of housing available range from two- and four-person apartments in Womack Lane and Scarlett Commons to more traditional buildings which feature two-person rooms and community-style baths. For students with families, Womack Lane Apartments offer one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Amenities
Each complex is staffed with a combination of student and professional staff, trained to assist students in making a successful transition to MTSU and in enhancing personal and community development.

• Resident assistants are outstanding student leaders who live on each residential floor and assist with creating programs and activities, provide peer counseling and referral, and help to enforce University policy.
• Resident directors are MTSU students who have received additional training and are responsible for such programs as the hall government, coordinating the operations of the front desk, assisting with other administrative issues such as room changes, and providing emergency crisis intervention.
• Area coordinators are professional staff, with advanced degrees in such areas as education and counseling, who serve as the general administrators of the residential complexes and who supervise all staff in the buildings.

A member of the professional staff is available at all times, including evenings and weekends, to assist in resolving problems.

Selected buildings within each residence hall complex offer a 24-hour desk to assist students with general information, guest registration, equipment checkout, and maintenance requests. All residence hall rooms for single students are provided with basic furniture including beds, closet space, dressers, and desks.

It is the resident's responsibility to be sure the room is in good condition at the time of check out from the room. Students should provide their own bed linens, pillows, and personal effects. Maid service is not provided in student rooms; however, custodial service is provided in all public areas. Students may wish to bring a small trash can and a broom. Check the housing regulations for a list of electrical equipment allowed in the residence halls.

Each room and apartment is also equipped with a telephone line. Residents must supply their own telephone instrument. Information about MTSU telecommunication services including long distance, private lines, caller ID, and voice mail can be obtained from Telecommunications Services at (615) 898-2991.

On a monthly or bimonthly schedule, all rooms will be treated for pest control. To provide effective pest control, all rooms in an entire building must be sprayed. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated by the chemicals used, these conditions should be made known to Housing and Residential Life staff prior to accepting a room. We will be more than happy to review with the doctor the chemicals used to see if they will affect the student's condition.

Application procedures
To apply for residence halls and on-campus apartments, complete an MTSU Application for Housing and Residential Life and return it with the required fees to MTSU Housing and Residential Life, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 6, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 or apply online at www.mtsu.edu/housing/apply.shtml . Housing assignment priorities are based on the date of application; the University is unable to guarantee housing for all students.

Completed applications, signed by the student, indicate acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in the Housing License Agreement. Please be aware that the agreement is for a full academic year, including both fall and spring semesters.

Fees for the semester must be paid before registration is complete unless other arrangements are made. Students should contact Housing and Residential Life for current rates. Payment of fees entitles the student to a space in housing, but may not guarantee a specific space or hall. Final assignments are made by Housing and Residential Life, and while every effort will be made to honor requests, the student agrees to accept the space assigned. Students are encouraged to be in the application process during the fall before their arrival.

Roommate Conflict Resolution
In the event of a roommate conflict, students are encouraged to seek assistance from the resident assistant, resident director, or area coordinator. A roommate contract can be mediated between the students by the staff member in order to focus on correcting the problem. The primary goal is to teach students skills in effective confrontation, problem solving, and compromise. If no compromise or other resolution is achieved, either student dissatisfied with continuing the roommate assignment may choose to move to another room. If both parties are uncooperative and unable to achieve resolution, the area coordinator may direct that both residents move to separate rooms on separate floors or in separate buildings.

Single and Private Rooms
Single and private rooms are available on a limited basis only, at a surcharge of an additional 75 percent of the room rate for private rooms.

• Housing and Residential Life , KUC 300, 898-2860