Listserv Discussions:
The first section are from DISCUSS and include 4 comprehensive
policies as well as some other comments. The second set is info
Brian Steinburg compiled when he was running
ResidenceHallDirector.com. These posts have not been formatted,
but hopefully they will give you some good resources to look at.
Thanks to those of you who sent on this information!
Western Kentucky University has a really good policy for cats and dogs.
They can have one animal. the dogs must be 25 pounds or less which
means it is limited to small size dogs. Deposit of $75 on each apartment is
paid. The dogs MUST be on a leash at all time. Must have vet certificates
and all shots. Cannot be looked after by students or staff. Cannot be
walked in the same area each day becuase of hygene concerns. If they
have walk through the lobby or common area to get out the animal must be
carried. Inspections are done twice a semester. No students or staff can
pet the animals. if any rules are broken, everyone loses priviledges.
those
are the details I remember off the top of my head.
You might want to
email Kit Tolbert at kit.tolbert@wku.edu and ask her. She is the Director of
Housing at Western.
Hope that helps!
Tehanee Ratwatte
Assistant
Residence Manager
Indiana University
I was allowed to have a pet at a previous institution and I was live-in staff.
However, our housekeeping supervisor was severely allergic. Out of
respect to her, I waited until I moved to obtain my kitten. Just a FYI. I also
had two residents who were severely allergic. After visiting my parents
home (two dogs), I would have to shower and change clothes immediately.
Once I went straight to work from the visit; the Housekeeper ad a
reaction and was hospitalized for two days. Sometimes it is the
people,
not just the policy.
Kim Owens
Iowa State University
Department of Residence
Pet Policy for Hall
Directors
Hall Directors will be permitted to own, and have live in their apartment,
fish in an aquarium and a limit of two (2) "caged" (birds, hamsters, etc.)
pets OR one (1) cat OR one (1) dog. The pet must be approved by the
Associate Director for Residence Life or her designee PRIOR to being
allowed in the apartment.
A $200.00 refundable deposit will be paid to the Department of Residence
seven (7) days prior to purchasing a pet. This deposit will be used to cover
possible damage to Department property caused by the pet. There will be
an initial apartment condition inventory completed by the hall director and
checked by the Associate Director PRIOR to the pet's presence. At the
time the staff member moves out of his/her apartment, or no longer owns
the pet(s), the Associate Director will tour the apartment and determine if
damage to Department property can be attributed to the pet(s). If damages
are more than $200, the staff member will be charged and be required to
make full payment within fourteen (14) days. If the damage is less than
$200, the staff member will receive the remaining balance of his/her
deposit within fourteen (14) days. The Associate Director for Residence
Life maintains the right to conduct apartment inspections biannually.
Only dog breeds listed on the approved breed chart will be approved for
ownership. Mixed breeds may be approved; contact the Associate Director
for Residence Life PRIOR to purchase.
The dog or cat must be maintained under a standard measure of restraint
(leash or carrier) when out of the residence hall apartment.
The animal must have all required vaccinations up to date and a copy must
be on file with the Associate Director for Residence Life.
It is strongly encouraged to take dogs through obediance training
(available through Ames Kennel club).
The animal must be licensed and a copy of the license must be on file with
the Associate Director for Residence Life.
The animal's feces must be disposed of properly. It is the owner's
responsibility to shovel feces from University grounds, dispose of it in a
plastic bag, and then place that bag in the garbage bins outside. Clean up
must occur IMMEDIATELY.
All pets must be kept out of student living areas and other areas commonly
utilized by students including lounges, study areas, elevators, dens,
computer rooms, post offices, etc. Pets are only permitted in the hallways
if: a)they are being transported to the owner's apartment; b) they are being
transported outside from the owner's apartment and c) the shortest route
from outside to the apartment is utilized.
Pets which constitute a nuisance to other residents, as determined by the
Associate Director for Residence Life, must be removed within seven (7)
days of notification by the Associate Director for Residence Life. The
Associate Director's decision is final.
All liability for the actions of the animal (bites, scratches, etc.) is the
responsibility of the owner.
The owner will take all reasonable precautions to protect the property of
the University and the residents.
All pets will be spayed and neutered at the appropriate age. A copy of the
vet report will be on file in the Associate Director's Office.
Cats will be declawed (front paws) at the appropriate age. A copy of the
vet report will be on file in the Associate Director's Office.
In the event pets would no longer be permitted by the Department of
Residence, those pet owners may file a request to the Associate Director
for Residence Life to have their previously owned pet(s) "grandfathered."
I agree to abide by the conditions of the pet ownership as stated in this
policy.
Name: ______________________________ Date: _______________
University of Alaska Anchorage
Department of Residence Life
Pet
Policy for Live-In Professional Staff
Residence Coordinators will be permitted to own, and have live in their
apartment, fish in an aquarium and a limit of two (2) "caged (no larger than
2'x3')" domestic pets (ie. birds, hamsters) or one (1) cat or one (1) dog.
The pet(s) must be approved in writing by the Director of Residence Life or
designee prior to being allowed in the apartment. The Director of
Residence Life has sole discretion to approve or not approve any pet if in
the opinion of the director, it is not in the best interest of the residential
community.
A $300.00 refundable deposit will be paid to University Housing seven (7)
days prior to bringing the pet to the apartment. This deposit will be used by
UAA to professionally clean the staff member's apartment upon vacating
and cover possible damage to University Housing property caused by the
pet. This cleaning would be cleaning above and beyond the regular deep
cleaning that is performed upon the vacating of a Residence Coordinator.
An initial apartment condition inventory will be completed by the Residence
Coordinator and checked by the Director of Residence Life PRIOR to the
pet's presence. At the time the staff member moves out of his/her
apartment, or no longer owns the pet(s), the Director of Residence Life
along with a representative from University Housing will tour the apartment
and determine if any damage to University property can be attributed to the
pet(s). If damages and cleaning is more than $300, the staff member will
be charged and be required to make full payment within fourteen (14) days
or the charge may be deducted from the staff member's final pay check. If
the damage and cleaning is less than $300, the staff member will receive
the remaining balance of his/her deposit.
The dog or cat must be maintained under a standard measure of restraint
(leash or carrier) when out of the residence hall apartment.
The animal must have all required vaccinations up to date and in
compliance with the Anchorage Municipal Ordinance Title 17 which may
be acquired at the Animal Control Center on Bragaw Avenue.
The animal must be licensed in compliance with the Anchorage Municipal
Ordinance Title 17.
The owner must adhere to Anchorage Municipal Ordinance Title 17.
It is strongly encouraged to take dogs through obedience training.
The owner must adhere to the UAA Campus Pet Policy.
The animal's feces must be disposed of properly. It is the owner's
responsibility to shovel feces from University grounds, dispose of it in a
plastic bag, and then place that bag in the garbage bins outside. Clean up
must occur IMMEDIATELY. Animals urinating outside must do so away
from the maintained lawn areas.
All pets must be kept out of student living areas and other areas commonly
utilized by students including lounges, study areas, elevators, computer
rooms, post offices, etc. Pets are only permitted in the hallways if: a) they
are being transported to the owner's apartment; b) they are being
transported outside from the owner's apartment and c) the shortest route
from outside to the apartment is utilized. The exception to this would be 1)
the residence coordinator's office and 2) a common area if the animal were
to be part of an approved Residence Life program. Pets which constitute
a nuisance or health hazard to other residents or the community, in the
opinion of the Director of Residence Life, will be removed within fourteen
(14) days of notification by the Director of Residence Life. Pets that are
determined to be a threat to others' safety must be removed immediately.
All liability for the actions of the animal (bites, scratches, etc.) is the
responsibility of the owner.
The owner will take all reasonable precautions to protect the property of
the University and the residents.
All pets will be spayed or neutered at the appropriate age.
Cats will be declawed (front paws) at the appropriate age.
In the event that the UAA pet policy was abolished, those current pet
owners may file a request to the Director of Residence Life to have their
previously owned pet(s) "grandfathered." It will be the directors sole
discretion to allow or disallow the grandfathered request based on the
director's opinion of what is in the best interest of the residential
community.
Residents must be notified of the pet's presence in the Hall either through
a Hall meeting or letters or postings.
I agree to abide by the conditions of pet ownership as stated in this policy.
Signature: ______________________________ Date:
_______________ (pet owner's signature)
Name (print): _____________________________
Type of Pet: _________________ Breed: _________________ Sex:
_______
Director's Signature: __________________________ Date:
________________
BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF RESIDENCE
LIFE HALL DIRECTOR STAFF PET POLICY
Structure
Before acquiring a pet, the Hall Director must discuss their
plans with their respective Assistant Director and receive permission from
the Associate Director of Residence Life for Educational Initiatives.
The
pet agreement contract must be signed before the pet arrives.
Only cats
(subject to the limitations described below) are permitted.
Only two pets
allowed per apartment.
Pets must have all required vaccinations and
licenses to be in accordance with the city of Bowling Green pet ordinances.
Certification of the receipt of such vaccinations and the original license
must be presented by the Hall Director to the Associate Director for
Educational Initiatives. Updated copies of the licenses and vaccination
records must be kept on file in the Hall Director's office, and copies must
be provided to the Associate Director of Residence Life for Educational
Initiatives.
All pets must remain in the Hall Director's apartment at all
times. Anytime the animal must be removed from the apartment, it must be
done so in a pet carrier. The pet must be taken out of the building by the
shortest and most direct path.
All animal feces must be disposed of
properly on a regular basis. All waste materials and bedding should be
placed in a heavy, sealed, trash bag and placed in building exterior
dumpsters. Nothing is to be flushed in the university (or city) sewage
system.
Hall Directors must possess products that will appropriately
treat/care for/clean pet "accidents."
All liability for actions of the animal will
be the responsibility of the Hall Director. The Department of Residence Life
requires the Hall Directors to maintain liability insurance (renter's
insurance) on the pet.
Any concerns by residents, staff or other university
personnel about health, safety, disruption, or damage should be directed to
the Hall Director. Hall Directors MUST be receptive to complaints and
respond accordingly. This includes notifying the respective Assistant
Director and the Associate Director of Residence Life of concern(s)
raised.
In the event of a formal grievance or significant complaint, the
Associate Director of Residence Life will determine whether the
continuation of that Hall Director's pet privileges are appropriate. If the
decision is made to terminate the pet privileges, a reasonable period of
time to effect the removal will be provided. (A formal grievance constitutes
a written document identifying problems the person has with the pet.)
Hall
Directors must arrange for care of the pet when they are away on
weekends, vacations, or extended periods of time. This should be a fellow
Hall Director or professional staff member, not a student or student staff
member.
Declawing of cats is voluntary; however, as indicated above, the
Hall Director is solely responsible for all damage caused by the cat,
including but not limited to the financial cost of replacing and/or
reupholstering furniture, woodwork, tile, curtains, paint, etc. The same
responsibility applies to the cost incurred in eliminating any odors caused
by the cat. Kittens must have a scratching post until the time when they are
de-clawed.
Female cats must be spayed by 6-7 months of age. Male cats
are not permitted in apartments until the neutering process has been
completed.
Apartment doors must remain closed at all times.
Damages
Before acquiring a pet, a contract statement of responsibility
must be signed. The Hall Director is solely responsible for all damage
caused by the cat to university property, including but not limited to the
financial cost of replacing and/or reupholstering furniture, woodwork, tile,
curtains, paint, etc. The same responsibility applies to the cost incurred in
eliminating any odors caused by the cat, or in eliminating cat hair, dander,
or other related items.
The pet owner will take all necessary precautions
to protect the property of the department. Food dishes, cages, litter boxes
and the like must be placed on a plastic or a protective mat.
Allergies
Hall Directors should be mindful that other staff members may
have allergies to their pet, and should not conduct meetings in the
apartment if this is the case.
Upon vacating the apartment, in addition to
the typical cleaning the custodial staff provides (shampooing carpets,
washing and/or painting walls), the Hall Director is responsible to pay for
additional cleaning needed as a result of the pet(s). Discretion for this
decision lies with the Associate Director for Educational Initiatives, in
consultation with the Associate Director of Housing Operations
Miscellaneous
As appropriate, Hall Directors are expected to be able to
explain pet policy rationale to students.
While it is not necessary to fill out
a new contract every year, each Hall Director with a pet should
communicate with the Associate Director about the status of their pets.
This would include updated vaccinations or other information about the
Hall Director's pets.
Office of Residence Life
Agreement for Pets in Full-Time, Live-In, Professional, Staff
Apartments
STAFF MEMBERS
The following agreement applies only to full-time,
professional Coordinators living in apartments within the residence halls.
Hall Directors and Resident Assistants
are not permitted to have pets on
campus.
These guidelines serve only as a reference point and should not be viewed
as absolute. Any staff member considering the acquisition of a pet is
expected to discuss this matter with the Assistant Director of Residence
Life or his/her designee in advance of ownership. The Assistant Director of
Residence Life has final approval for both the acquisition of and selection
of a particular type of pet.
Any incoming Coordinator must discuss the type of pet being brought to
campus to insure that it meets policy guidelines. Pet ownership is decided
on a case by
case basis.
NUMBER OF PETS
Coordinators will be permitted to own, and have live
in their apartment, fish in an aquarium. In addition, there is a limit of two (2)
caged pets OR one (1) cat OR
one (1) dog.
ALLOWABLE PETS
The Office of Residence Life may allow the following
pets according to the stated guidelines. No other types of pets are allowed.
Fish
o All types allowed.
Rodent Species
o Hamsters, mice, rats, and other approved,
domesticated rodents (ferrets will not be approved).
o All rodents must be
caged.
Reptiles/Insects/Arachnids
o All reptiles, insects, or arachnids must be
caged.
o No poisonous species are permitted.
Birds
o Must be a bird that is typically domesticated (e.g., canaries,
parakeets, cockateels, cockatoos, and other parrots).
o All birds must be
caged.
Page 2
This policy may be changed or adapted to the needs of the Office
of Residence Life at any point, with notification to the Coordinator staff.
Cats
o Must have all required immunizations up-to-date and a copy must
be on file with the Assistant Director of Residence Life.
o Cats must be
spayed or neutered at the appropriate age. A copy of the vet report must
be on file with the Assistant Director of Residence Life.
o Cats must be
declawed (front paws) at the appropriate age. A copy of the vet report must
be on file with the Assistant Director of Residence Life.
Dogs
o Must have all required immunizations up-to-date and a copy must
be on file with the Assistant Director of Residence Life.
o Must be
licensed and a copy of the license must be on file with the Assistant
Director of Residence Life.
o Must be collared and on a leash outside
apartment per CSU policy.
o Dogs must be spayed or neutered at the
appropriate age. A copy of the vet report must be on file with the Assistant
Director of Residence Life.
o Must possess friendly and sociable
characteristics.
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR BY ANIMAL AND PET OWNER
Health,
sanitary, safety, and disruptive standards must be maintained as
follows:
o Pets must not be left unattended for inordinate amounts of
time.
o Pets must not be taken into the residence hall offices, common
space, or student living areas. Pets are only permitted in the hallways if: a)
they are
being transported to the ownerís apartment, b) they are being
transported outside from the ownerís apartment, and c) the shortest route
from outside to
the apartment is utilized.
o Pets must not be taken into
any administrative, academic, or athletic facilities.
o Pets may be leashed
outside an apartment only when the owner is home and the owner is with
the pet outside.
o Pet feces must be disposed of properly. It is the
ownerís responsibility to shovel feces from University grounds, dispose of
it in a plastic bag, and then
place that bag in the garbage dumpsters
outside. Clean up must occur IMMEDIATELY.
o Pet accidents within the
apartment must be promptly cleaned up using appropriate cleaning
products.
o Regular and routine cleaning of floors, kennels, cages, and
litter boxes must occur. The strong odor of a pet emanating from the
apartment is not
acceptable.
o Flea infestation must be attended to
promptly and consultation with appropriate personnel is expected
beforehand.
o Pets must not be allowed to disrupt others (e.g, barking
continuously, squawking, yowling, howling, etc.). Pets which constitute a
nuisance to other
residents, as determined by the Assistant Director of
Residence Life, must be removed within seven (7) days of notification by
the Assistant Director of
Residence Life. The Assistant Directorís decision
is final.
Office of Residence Life Proposed Agreement for Pets in Full-Time, LiveIn, Professional, Staff Apartments
Page 3
This policy may be changed or adapted to the needs of the Office
of Residence Life at any point, with notification to the Coordinator staff.
o
Pets must not be involved in an incident where a person experiences
either the threat of or an actual injury as a result of the animalís
behavior.
o All liability for the actions of the animal (bites, scratches, etc.)
is the responsibility of the owner. Personal renterís insurance of the owner
may be
necessary.
o The owner will take all reasonable precautions to
protect the property of the University and the residents.
o The owner will
notify the Assistant Director of Residence Life if the pet has escaped its
confines and is unable to be located within twelve (12) hours.
Violations
concerning any of the aforementioned may result in the staff member
having to find alternative housing off-campus for the pet. It should be noted
that
having a pet is a privilege, not a right. The Assistant Director of
Residence Life will make the final decisions in these matters.
DEPOSIT
A $200.00 refundable deposit will be paid to the Office of
Residence Life seven (7) days prior to purchasing a pet. This deposit will
be used to cover possible
damage to Department property caused by the
pet. There will be an initial apartment condition inventory completed by the
Coordinator and assessed by the
Assistant Director of Residence Life and
Director of Custodial Services PRIOR to the petís presence.
VACATING THE APARTMENT
At the time the staff member moves out of
his/her apartment, or no longer owns the pet(s), the Assistant Director of
Residence Life and Director of Custodial
Services will again assess the
apartment and determine if damage to Department property can be
attributed to the pet(s). The Assistant Director of
Residence Life maintains
the right to conduct apartment inspections annually to assess for pet
damage and make decisions regarding pet ownership.
o If damages are
greater than $200.00, the staff member will be charged out of the last
monthís paycheck and be required to make full payment
within thirty (30)
days. If full payment is not received within thirty (30) days, a lawsuit will be
ensued.
o If damage is less than $200.00, the staff member will receive
the remaining balance of his/her deposit within thirty (30) days.
Vacate
dates may be influenced by repair/replacement schedule as necessary
based on any damages caused by the pet. Discussions need to occur
when the
Coordinator gives notice to the Assistant Director of Residence
Life.
CLEANING AND DAMAGES
Apartment cleanliness both during
occupancy and post occupancy may be a concern for custodial staff
members. Continued standards of cleanliness, as it
relates to health
issues, are expected. Further, the staff member has an Office of
Residence Life Proposed Agreement for Pets in Full-Time, Live-In,
Professional, Staff Apartments
Page 4
This policy may be changed or adapted to the needs of the Office
of Residence Life at any point, with notification to the Coordinator
staff.
obligation to make sure that the apartment is as clean as the original
standard.
This also includes thorough cleaning and vacuuming (and
HEPA-vacuuming for allergens) of carpets, fabric window coverings, and
University furniture.
Damages and extraordinary cleaning caused by the
pet are the responsibility of the staff member.
o Replacement or repair of
damaged items will be the financial responsibility of the staff member.
o
All assessments will be at the real replacement or repair cost.
Replacement carpet will be charged at a prorated rate based on the age of
the carpet.
o Extraordinary cleaning charges shall be deemed appropriate
by the Assistant Director of Residence Life and the Director of Custodial
Services if such
charges are required as a result of the pet living in the
apartment.
AGREEMENT
Having read the aforementioned guidelines, I acknowledge
that I understand them, accept them, and agree to abide by
them.
_________________________________________
_____________________
Signature of Coordinator
Date
_________________________________________
_____________________
Coordinatorís Printed Name Apartment (Hall,
Number)
Here is another discussion on the same topic:
Here at Manhattanville College, a small Liberal Arts college, all live-in
staff are allowed to have pets. There is no limitation on size or type of
animal either. I guess the philosophy is that this is our HOME, as
opposed to students who are only here for the academic year. I'm really
not sure, and frankly I'm not really going to question it!
Jason P. Marshall Resident Director - Founder's Hall Manhattanville
College Purchase, NY 10577
From: Susan Harlos <sharlos@cwv.edu> Date: Wed, 02 Aug 2000
08:42:47 -0400
Gerry,
I know that West Virginia University has/had one when I worked there
in 95-97. It was WONDERFUL for those of us who lived in the
residence halls, really made it feel like home. I also thought it
helped a lot of homesick first year students as nearly every day I
had one or more knocking on my door and wanting to play with my
cat because they missed their own. I don't remember a lot of
specifics about the policy except that I had to have the whole place,
furniture and all, steam cleaned when I left the position. Overall, it
was a wonderful draw for the professional staff. You can call their
Director of Residence Life at (304) 293-4686.
Susan J. McCarthy Director of Student Support Services The
College of West Virginia P.O. Box AG Beckley, WV 25802
From: Kate Winne <kate.winne@uni.edu> Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2000
16:06:00 -0700
We have a professional staff pet policy here at U. Northern Iowa.
Professional staff members can have up to 2 cats (declawed and
neutered/spayed) or another approved caged animal such as a
ferret... and fish.
Kate Winne Hall Coordinator University of Northern Iowa Cedar
Falls, IA 50614
From: Shannon Peters <speters6@wvu.edu> Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2000
17:41:01 -0400
Here at WVU we are allowed to have pets - cats, dogs, whatever. As a
new hall coordinator, I can say that my two kittens have really helped to
make this my home, rather than "the apartment that goes with my
job". In addition, it is nice to have someone to go home to at the end of
the day. Some of my colleagues who are dog fans, though, are really
debating getting them because of the amount of time that we're
elsewhere in our buildings and the size of the apartments.
Shannon L. Peters Residence Hall Coordinator, Lyon Tower
Residential Education, West Virginia University P.O. Box 6430
Morgantown, WV 26506-6430
From: "Schetter, Jeremy K" <jschetter@flsouthern.edu> Date: Tue, 1
Aug 2000 17:08:06 -0400
Geraldine Muir,
I am one of 10 live-in professional staff members at Florida Southern
College. We use the same pet policy as our student population . . . a
small fish in a small bowl.
Kendrick Schetter
From: Lisa Barker <lbarker@mbc.edu> Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2000
17:01:38 -0400
I get to have my cats as a professional at Mary Baldwin College. And I
know others before me have had dogs. It's part of the reason I
chose to work here. Having had animals for two years before
getting my Master's, I couldn't just give them up. I think it's a very
nice option, especially when you consider what most of us make! :-)
Lisa
From: "Jennifer Robinson" <jrobinson@gw.hamline.edu> Date:
Wed, 02 Aug 2000 10:13:55 -0500
At Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, Hall Directors are allowed to
have dogs or cats, no size restrictions.
Jennifer J. Robinson, Ph.D. Director of Residential Life Hamline
University 1536 Hewitt Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104
From: Margo Miller <mamiller@kutztown.edu> Date: Tue, 08 Aug
2000 23:33:06 -0400
At Kutztown University Residence Coordinators are allowed a cat or a
dog and Resident Directors are allowed a cat. Must be declawed
and have shots and all. Both can have a small bird and or fish up to
25 gallon tank.
From: "Collett, Adam" <Adam@imomail.tamu.edu> Date: Mon, 7
Aug 2000 09:23:21 -0500
Responding to a post about campus pet policies for live-in
professional staff...
While I was a Hall Director (graduate assistant position) in 1997-1998,
I worked with several colleagues to put together a farily thorough
proposal to try to convince our department to allow professional
live-in staff to own pets.
I have posted the entire proposal as well as some of the support
documents at the following site:
http://campuspets.homepage.com
It is intended to be of assistance to those who are trying to get such a
policy established, but it seems to serve as a general resource to
those researching the issue from either side.
Adam Collett
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 13:07:50 -0400
From: Joe Mulligan <jmulliga@ramapo.edu>
Here at Ramapo College we allow our resident students to have fish
as pets in the residence halls as long as they are kept in a tank that
is no larger than twenty gallons. Recently some students have
requested that the pet policy be expanded to include a variety of
other animals. The students expressed that allowing a variety of
pets may assist in decreasing levels of stress for them. Our dept.
has experienced many situations in the past of neglected and
abandoned animals as well as maintenance concerns stemming
from unauthorized pets.
I am interested in finding out if schools allow residents to have pets
in the residence halls. If so, what are your guidelines? If not, what
is your rationale?
Any assistance would be appreciated greatly. -- Sincerely,
Joe Mulligan Coordinator for Judicial Affairs/ Assistant Director of
Residence Life Ramapo College of New Jersey 505 Ramapo Valley
Road Mahwah, N.J. 07430 Tel: 201-684-7869 Fax: 201-684-7589
Recently, our Resident Directors began to inquire about a policy
exception that would allow them to have pets in their apartments in
light of the "no pets in the residence halls" policy in our student
handbook.
We are a small, rural campus in Vermont, with five traditional
residence halls housing 350 students. The RD apartments are 3
rooms (Bedroom, Kitchen/living room, and Office) that are on the
same hallway as the student rooms (they were converted from 3
individual rooms). Half of the staff members (9 in total) are in their
third year (or later) in the position.
I am in a position where I want to be empathetic with my staff who
live in the halls full time year round, and at the same time maintain
the integrity and service of the residential program.
For that reason, I am seeking to gain your input. Do you or do you
not allow professional staff to keep pets in the residence halls? If
you do, what are the stipulations (especially since their office is
connected to their apartment, I am concerned about students who
have aversions/allergies/(fears?) to pets.
Any input I could receive would be greatly appreciated.
On our campus, students and professional live-on staff are permitted
to have non-venomous reptiles and non-meat-eating fish. The live-on
staff have to abide by the same pet policy as the students. While I
understand the reasoning that they live in the apartments year-round
(unlike students who live here for nine months), and the apartments
are larger than a standard double room, the issues of allergies and
damages are still the same. Many apartment complexes and people
who rent houses prohibit pets too. I would have a hard time
justifying an employee living in a residence hall having a rabbit, cat,
or dog to a student (or the student's parents) who lives on the same
floor.
Just my two cents worth.
Here at Concordia, our Dir. of Res Life allows the professional
housing
staff to have small pets, including fish and cats. While I certainly
understand Joanne's concerns, I think there are other issues that
weigh in
as well. One of the big concerns I've heard recently is a difficulty in
finding qualified Hall Director candidates. This shortage could pose
serious challenges for our profession. The more we can allow HDs to
feel
like they live as "normal" a life as possible, the more I think we can
attract and keep good housing staff. I for one would not take a
position in
which I could not have my cats. I'm sure there are others out there
who
feel the same. Besides the fact that my cats are part of my family,
being
able to have them in my apartment makes me feel like my director
respects my
right to have a life, and understands that this helps me be a happier
employee.
Just my two cents.
I've been on both sides of the issues. At one point the live-in staff
was
allowed to have small pets, up to a cat. Things were okay. Then
there was
a change in the leadership and the pets had to go. That was a very
difficult time, but I lived through it. Looking back at the event, I
recognize that the adminstration was just doing whatever to "quiet"
the
live-in staff without a very serious look at the long and short term
issues.
Ms. Goldwater is correct, it's very diffcult positon to defend to
parents,
students, and other areas of the institution. Some of the long term
issues
may include; an apparent double standard, allergies, stains, odors,
allergies, cleaning, and air quality. I realize that the overall
competition for quality staff is increasing, but if having a pet is a
"deal
breaker" then so be it. Life is full of choices, pets are just another
one
of them.
Yes, pets are just another "choice"--but one which approximately 50% of
American Households decide to partake (according to Mediamark
Research, 1995). I believe that the "so be it" approach could be harmful
to the field of Student Affairs. C'mon now, what career path other than
the military places so many restrictions on personal lives of
professionals?
You said that with pets, "things were okay" and then go on to state an
opinion that unjustifiably opposes pets. That, and your use of the word
"defend" makes me wonder if you are less than objective on this
particular issue. Why "defend" something that was, by your own
admission, "okay" and can be easily supported by logic and common
sense. I believe "explain" would have been a more appropriate choice of
words.
Long term issue #1 "Apparent double standard"--double standards
assume one population. You can't do this with live-in professionals
without disrespecting the position and the people within it. There are
students, and then there are full-time live-in professionals--two
completely different populations which SHOULD have different
standards. Different standards are inherent and essential--pay, living
conditions, ability to reside without being a student, etc...the "double
standard" concern is invalid by definition.
#2--Allergies In most cases involving pets, there is never any reason for
any student to come in contact with a pet. In living situations that don't
include a private entryway and a pet that requires outdoor time, a
contract that stipulates the use of a restraining device would address
this. I've had my dog in 3 different halls on two different campuses over
6 years, a total of approximately 1500-2000 residents over the years, and
have never received a complaint--and neither have my supervisors.
#3--Stains, cleaning (or damage) If this is a concern, require a
deposit. You've heard professionals state that they wouldn't have
entered the field if they couldn't live with their pet--of course they'd put
deposits down in a heartbeat to address this concern! Ask for as much
as it takes to make you comfortable--they'll raise the money.
I had to
get my apartment carpet and furniture commercially cleaned--the result
was an apartment cleaner than most others that people might move into.
#4--air quality Not sure what kind of animal you might be referring to, but
pets generally don't smell bad--especially if taken care of. This leads to
the biggest factor--holding pet-owning professionals accountable. I
believe that the reluctance to do this is the real number one reason why
live-ins are sometimes not allowed to have pets. Live-in professionals
that do not take care of their pet properly should be held accountable-the same way they would if they had a drank beer every afternoon, or
played their stereo too loudly.
I believe Student Affairs professionals do a disservice to themselves and
live-in professionals when they tout these reasons for not permitting
live-in professionals to have pets. If you want, just say no--it has more
integrity.
FYI-- After gathering information from 243 colleges over the past 2 years,
I have identified the following: Almost 1/3 (30%, 73 schools) have Pet
Policies for their Live-in/on Professionals that PERMIT cats Almost 1/5
(18%, 44 schools) have Pet Policies for their Live-in/on Professionals that
PERMIT dogs The following is a list of some institutions that have pet
policies that allow dogs: Bard C, Cal Poly Pomona Fndtn, Carthage, C
of St. Catherine, Columbia C (SC), Columbia U, Concordia U, DePaul U,
Emmanuel C, Ferrum C, Goucher C, Green Mountain C, Grinnell C,
Hamline U, Iowa State U, Kalamazoo C., Kutztown U, Lake Forest C,
Manhattanville C, Maryville U, Mercer U, Mt. St. Marys (MD), New York
U, San Diego State U, San Jose State U, Santa Clara U, SUNY Delhi,
Trinity U, U of Cincinnati, U Illinois-Chicago, U Miami, U Missouri-Rolla,
U Pacific, U Rhode Island, U Richmond, U Roanoke C, Southern
California, U Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Vassar C, Washington U-St
Louis, West Virginia U, Wheaton C, Winona State U, Xavier U-Cincinnati
For copies of the 2000 Live-in Professional Report and/or a package
including several of permissive policies(including dogs) from a variety of
schools--just drop a line with an address.
(This email was from Rich Horowitz, who compiles the annual Live
In/On Professional Report. He is an excellent person to contact about
this. To see the report, click here. To contact Rich, email him at
horowitr@newpaltz.edu.)
At the University of Missouri-Columbia, professional staff are also
permitted to have small pets, including cats (no dogs), within certain
guidelines (spayed, declawed, weatherstripping applied to doors, damage
deposit, etc.). I too understand the concerns about the students vs. the
staff issue (i.e., "why do they get to have a pet?"), but also have to agree
that professional staff are in a different scenario than a student that
lives there for 9 months. There are steps that can be taken to effectively
address concerns about damages, allergies, residents' fear of pets, etc. I
also think that we need to recognize that professional staff are responsible
enough to be aware of issues of having a pet and live up to the
expectations
that accompany that responsibility. The benefit is that the professional
staff feel that they have a home environment. For full-time live-in staff,
I feel this is critical in order for them to be able to balance the stresses
of living in. From personal experience, I would never have taken a job
anywhere that would not allow me to keep my cat, and if it came down to it,
would have eliminated Residence Life as an option if I couln't find an
institution that was able to accommodate that need. From conversations
with
colleagues within the field, more of them are looking at pet policies when
they consider institutions. I think that as the job market outside of our
field becomes more appealing, we need to look at areas where we can
accomodate such needs that will attract and retain quality staff, especially
those who live in.
I strongly disgree with you. The idea that allowing a professional staff
member to have a pet creates a "double standard" is absurd. As a live in
Director of Residence Life, I feel that I have earned the right to be
treated differently than the students, which in my case means that I have
the right to have 3 cats. As live-in professionals, we have earned our
degrees, we have put in many hours "learning" our profession and in my
eyes
have earned the right to be allowed certain priveleges.
If we, as live-in professional, were treated entirely as the students are,
what then really differentiates us from them? We are adults who are
required to live in a situation that may not always be conducive to a
personal life. Within reason, of course, I do not see the harm in allowing
professional staff members to have pets, if that is what allows them to
feel that they have a personal life outside of their job.
In no way am I saying that we should be allowed to own a Great Dane dog
in
a residence hall apartment (some things are just not feasable). But there
are plenty of small pets (including some dogs) that offer comfort to a
person. And in no way am I saying that the person with the pet should not
be responsible for their pets actions (in reference to stains, sratches,
etc). If there is damage done, the owner should be held accountable--no
if's, and's or but's.
I have lived-in in two different environments, one I was not permitted
anything different than the students, and my current where I can have pets.
I must say for myself (and my husband who has lived with me in both
places) we are much happier having our cats than we were when we were
unable to have anything with fur.
If it comes to pets as a "deal breaker," I fully believe that if I offered
a job to my ideal employee and they had a pet...I would work very hard to
make a deal that was acceptable for both of us. And if that includes
bringing a pet, then so be it. Pets are not necessarily "just a choice for
everyone."
Thank you.
> I strongly disgree with you. The idea that allowing a professional staff
> member to have a pet creates a "double standard" is absurd. As a
live in > Director of Residence Life, I feel that I have earned the right to
be > treated differently than the students, which in my case means that
I have > the right to have 3 cats.
You raise an interesting point. It occurs to me that it is also a "double
standard" that on our campus, our RDs can have live-in partners and
children, but our students can't. If my 13-month old son were living in, he
could wreak more havoc on a residence hall apartment than a cat could
any day! For my staff members who don't have partners and children,
having a pet can go a long a way in reducing the feeling of isolation that
can be inherent in a live-in position.
During my time as a Resident Hall Coordinator at a state college in New
York, I wrote and had approved a pet policy for live-in professional staff
to allow them to have cats, birds, and other small animals, capable of
living in a cage (ie gerbils, etc).
It took three months of writing and re-writing this policy and to get it
approved, which was a very rewarding process. I had our Director of
Residence Life and Director of Physical Plant approve it before going to
the Vice President of Student Affairs. I also discussed pet ownership
with our counseling center and included information on the benefits of
owning a pet. There was a $150.00 damage deposit required to be paid,
the amount considering local landlord rates and the salary residence life
live-in staff received. Pets had to be fixed (spade/neutered) and if less
than six months old declawed. The apartment was inspected before and
after the pet moved in and out. Damages were charged to the
owner. Plus, the pet could not leave the apartment unless on a leash or
in a carrier. It was not allowed to roam around the halls.
That was the policy in a nutshell. It worked, it was well-received, and it
was beneficial. It was very beneficial to people who, because of the job,
were required to live-on campus, worked long and erratic hours
sometimes due to the nature of the job, and it was a welcome benefit. It
certainly helped me. How nice it was to come back to the apartment to
relax and have a cat that sat with you, purred, and didn't have a
roommate conflict, a problem with alcohol, or had just failed a mid-term.
I just thought I would weigh in with my thoughts...
In terms of the double standard argument...I don't believe a double
standard exists. There are two standards for employees and students,
but this is appropriate. Students are required to meet their school's code
of conduct and housing agreement...this is their standard. As a
professional staff member, I do not sign the housing agreement, nor am I
required to comply with all the student policies.
Rather, I must obey my professional employee standards as set by Human
Resources, etc. For example, I can't hire a relative under my school's
nepotism policy, but I do not have to sign in my guests. I feel there are
two distinctly appropriate set of rules and consequences.
Ultimately, I do think it can be fair for a school to say no pets (just as
many landlords do) if it is for reasons related to damage, noise, etc.
I think we need to be careful when we start making decisions that equate
professional staff with students. Even if you do decide to say no pets, I
think it should be justified with reasons appropriate to and respectful of
the professional standing of your live-in staff.
Just my thoughts on the topic : )
I disagree....rights are not earned...they are given...or are assumed.
The issue is that we never treat staff 'differently' then students, in
fact, we must hold staff to the same values that we seek to inculcate
within our students...
Animals for staff come down to quality of life issues for people we
expect often to perform a very difficult job for often very little
money...
:)
I agree with you. Just want to point out that the issue of
"earned rights" was from a message that someone else wrote and
that I was quoting (as I did with your message above). Just
want to make sure that statements are attributed to the correct
individuals.
I'll add my two cents to this conversation:
I am honestly having trouble understanding how any of us that work in this
field don't see the differences between live-in professional staff and
students. Let's be honest and acknowledge these differences and not
worry about issues of a "double standard" which is totally irrelevant in this
discussion.
To me, legitimate concerns include damage, allergens, etc. These can be
worked through with a common sense approach between supervisor and
employee. I am not a pet person, but I see nothing wrong with allowing
our live-in staff to have pets if we understand and work through any
issues.
I agree with David. (below) Back in 1972 my wife and I were offered
the position of RD in one of the first co-ed halls at a private
University in So. Cal.. We agreed on one condition...that the
administration make an exception to the "no pet" rule and let us keep
our dog. You know, it worked out fine, and not even once did a
students demand to have a dog for themselves, or even object for that
matter. In fact, our dog became the hall mascot and helped make it
more like home. Sure, we had to clean up any messes (inside and out)
and set up an outdoor "corral" so he wouldn't run wild during the
times we let him out, but even not having a private entrance to our RD
apartment wasn't a problem. A little flexibility on the part of the
administration ended up going a long way toward building a sense of
community and an example of responsible family living at Cortner
Hall.
I agree with Jim. In my eight years as a residence hall director at two
institutions, for six of them I have had a pet (cat). It was not something
I earned. It was a privelege of the position, recognizing the live-in
requirement, long hours, difficult and unexpected situations to deal with,
and the pay. Research indicates pets lower blood pressure, increase
self-satisfaction with life, and overall are beneficial to your health. I
have always followed the same rule of thumb as a live-in pet owner as
was expected of me when hired - be responsible. They call it a fishbowl
that we live in sometimes - how about making the fishbowl a little bit
more liveable.
To add my 2 cents to the pet debate I currently work at an institution (WVU) that allows pets for live-in
staff. While it wasn't a deciding factor in whether or not I would take the
position, it certainly didn't hurt their offer. What I have been surprised at
is how much of a role my kittens play in students opening up to
me. Sometimes it is much easier for students (including RAs) to share
their concerns, fears, etc. while they are playing with them. Some
students will stop by, ostensibly to see the cats, but in the course of the
conversation tell me about roommate troubles, pressures from home, etc.
And I've found it's a nice de-stresser for my staff, too, when they've had
a rough day or they need to talk. During midterms, those kittens got
more attention than they ever have before!
I would never deny that there ARE downsides. I have one staff member
who's allergic to cats, so it limits the number of staff events I can hold in
my apartment. I also can't ever keep my apartment door open, so the
folks on the floor where I live think I'm kind of a hermit. And yes, it does
set a double standard, but so do a lot of the benefits live-in staff receive
in many cases - the ability to have a spouse / significant other live-in
also, no/different visitation restrictions, the ability to cook in the living
space, etc.