Guide to
Community
Living
2013-2014
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Welcome!
Welcome to the Ramapo College of New Jersey, your home away from home. We are excited to create a
positive on campus experience for you. We hope this Guide to Community Living offers you some valuable
resources to make 2013 and 2014 an outstanding year to live on campus.
The information in this Guide to Community Living does not constitute a contract. The
College reserves the right to make changes in materials contained herein at any time
with reasonable notice. For the purposes of this document, 48-hours will be considered
reasonable, although more or less time may be dictated by circumstances. Updates and
additional information may be sent to your campus mailbox, sent as an E-mail to your
Ramapo College E-mail address, posted on residence area bulletin boards, and/or
available on the Ramapo Intranet site at
http://www.ramapo.edu/students/reslife/index.html
How to Use this Guide:
The Office of Residence Life publishes the Guide to Community Living every year to inform residents about
their rights, responsibilities, and the services available in the College and outside community. All residents
are responsible for abiding by the policies listed. The Guide is also a resource that will assist residents in
being successful students.
The Guide to Community Living is comprehensive, and you may want to look up a specific topic, without
having to scroll through the entire document. In order to expedite the process of finding specific
information, you may want to use the “Ctrl F” feature. Here is an example of how this feature is to be used:
Quick Reference for how to look up a certain topic:
You want to look up: “prohibited items list”
1. Press “Ctrl” and “F” on your keyboard at the same time. A new, gray-colored window will pop
up in the middle of your screen.
2. At the top of this box, are three tabs, labeled: “Find”, “Replace”, & “Go To”
3. Click the tab, labeled: “Find”
4. There will be an area on the gray-colored box, labeled: “Find What.” In this box, type in either
part of (i.e. “prohibited”,) or the entire phrase of what you are looking for (i.e. “prohibited
items list”, and click “Find Next” at the bottom right hand corner of the gray-colored box.
5. If done correctly, it will take you directly to the section(s) which include the phrase you are
searching for.
6. Keep clicking “Find Next” until you have reached the section you are searching for
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What’s inside……..
Residence Hall Services
Campus Mail
Page #7
Page #11
Off-Campus Shuttle
Res Life Process and Procedures
Community Living and Responsibilities
Page #13
Page #15
Page #34
Guest/ Visitation Policy
Parking and Public Safety Information
Page #37
Page #43
Facilities and Work Order Information
Information Technology
Page #47
Page #50
Dining Services
Fire Safety
Page #55
Page #59
Quick Links Information
Zip Cars and Campus Readership
Program
Page #70
Page 14
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Office of Residence Life Information
The Main Office of Residence Life is located in C-213 in the Academic Building, adjacent to the lounge also
known as the fishbowl. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Summer
business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 AM–5:15 PM. Phone: 201-684-7461 or 201-684-7466.
Office of Residence Life Position Descriptions:
Area Directors (ADs), Resident Directors (RD’s)
Area Directors and Residence Directors are professional staff members who are either assigned to a specific
Residence Hall or Area, for which they are responsible for the overall management and supervision of. They
have received both their Bachelors and Masters degrees.
Graduate Residence Directors (GRDs), Graduate Assistant (GAs) for Desk Attendants
Graduate Residence Directors and Graduate Assistants are Para-professional staff members who have
received their bachelor's degrees and are in the process of attaining a Master's degree. GRDs supervise
Community Assistants and oversee the daily operations of their assigned areas. Graduate Assistants
supervise undergraduate staff in connection with the Student Desk Attendant program. Their offices are
located in their designated residence area.
Assistant Residence Directors (ARDs)
Assistant Residence Directors are typically upper-class students, with at least 1 year prior experience, who
have been hired based on their skills and interests to serve apartment residents. Their primary goals are
concerned with the physical operations of the residence area, including the opening and closing of the
residence hall/area, room inventory; damage reporting, health and safety inspections, and office
operations.
Senior Resident Assistants (SRA’s) SRAs are undergraduate students, with at least 1 year prior experience,
who live and work in their assigned residence halls or areas. They are primarily concerned with the physical
and programming operations of the residence hall/area including the oversight of RA programming efforts,
health and safety inspections, and scheduling maintenance.
Resident Assistants / Community Assistants (RAs/CAs) are typically upper-class students who have been
hired based on their skills and interests in serving the resident community.
• They are trained to help their peers deal with roommate conflicts; lead floor, building, and area
activities; and to provide educational, social, cultural, and community building programs.
• They are also there to help residents stay within the guidelines of acceptable behavior as well as
perform various other administrative tasks.
• Resident/Community Assistants are available from their respective hall offices. They are available
to distribute recreation equipment, respond to roommate conflicts, answer questions, assist with
lock-outs, and provide general assistance for resident students.
• A Resident Assistant’s or Community Assistant’s primary goal is to establish a relationship with the
residents of his or her area.
• Resident Assistants and Community Assistants are valuable resources for all residents who need
referrals throughout the campus.
• RAs and CAs are directly supervised by a Graduate Residence Director or a Residence Director.
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Desk Attendants (DAs) Desk Attendants are located at the entrance of all traditional residence halls. They
are student-staff who help the Office of Residence Life maintain communication, security, and a friendly
environment in the Residence Halls. The main tasks of Desk Attendants are to assist students and guests of
students gain appropriate access to the Residence Halls as well as ensure that all records of persons
entering the halls are accurate and up-to date. Student Desk Attendant Managers assist the Coordinators of
the Student Desk Attendant Program in training and supervising the student staff throughout the academic
year.
Additional Residence Life Staff are students who work in the department of Residence Life include Mail
Clerks and Office Assistants. Students who are interested in any one of these positions should refer to the
Archway for the availability of open positions and more information on how to apply.
On Call Professional Staff (OCA’s, EOCC’s, CORE’s)
Each evening, weekend, and on all holidays, a professional staff member is on duty for the entire campus.
This person is trained to respond to various emergencies and students’ needs and concerns during non
business hours. An On Call Administrator (OCA) or Emergency On Call Counselor (EOCC) may be called by
Public Safety to the scene of an incident. The OCA is a Residence Life staff member who is on call from
4:30pm until 8:30am and on weekends to manage on campus incidents. The Residence Life Intranet Web
site includes a list of On Call Administrators and Emergency On Call Counselors. Pat Chang and Linda Diaz
also serve as the Coordinators of Residential Emergency Services. The coordinators for residential
emergency services manage emergencies that may affect several residents on campus; for example, a
power outage for an extended period of time.
There are situations for which the Mahwah Police are also called to assist. It is imperative that students
cooperate and comply with the requests of anyone who is “On Call”. Students are expected to respect all
college personnel and to comply with all requests.
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Residence Hall Services
Building/ Area Hall Offices:
Hall Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 11:00am to 12:00am
Saturday-Sunday 8:00pm-12:00am
Residents can contact the Resident / Community Assistants in the Hall Office during posted hours of
operation. If help is needed when Hall Office staff is not available in the office, students should contact
Public Safety at ext. 6666. Each hall office is located on the first floor of the building for traditional
residence halls. The hall office for the Village residents is located in the Thomases Commons. The hall office
for the College Park Apartments is located in the Lodge.
The hall office is your first contact to assist you in making you have a positive on campus experience. Please
contact us and we look forward to supporting you and providing you the appropriate guidance to ensure
your concerns and or ideas are addressed in a timely manner.
Bischoff Hall:
201-684-7053
bischoff@ramapo.edu
College Park Apartments:
201-684-7061
cpa@ramapo.edu
Laurel Hall:
201-684-7015
laurel@ramapo.edu
Linden Hall:
201-684-7215
linden@ramapo.edu
Mackin Hall:
201-684-7043
mackin@ramapo.edu
Pine Hall:
201-684-7213
pine@ramapo.edu
The Overlook:
201-684-7074
overlook@ramapo.edu
The Village:
201-684-7104
village@ramapo.edu
Programming:
Programming is a vital part of residential living. The Resident/Community Assistants, through the Office of
Residence Life, provide educational and community building programs for residents. Programming not only
enhances what is learned in the classroom, but also provides a forum for sharing and learning about other
members of the residential community. Residents are encouraged to be active in the program planning
process.
Students who have an idea or would like to request a program should bring it to the attention of their
Resident/Community Assistant. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to support and participate in
Resident/Community Assistant programs.
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Lockouts:
If a student is locked out during posted office hours, s/he should contact her/his hall office. At any other
time s/he should contact Public Safety. For your convenience, there are campus courtesy phones located
near each hall/area office which can be used to contact Public Safety, should a lock-out occur. S/he should
wait outside of their hall office area until either the RA/CA On-Duty or Public Safety arrives to assist with
the lock-out. Each lock-out will result in a $5.00 charge, which will be applied to the students’ account.
Abuse of Lockout Procedure may result in judicial action. After three (3) lock-outs there will be an
automatic referral for the student to meet with their respective Residence Hall Director.
Residents who are locked out of their room should be prepared to show their ID to the
Resident/Community Assistant or Public Safety to verify their identity and to produce their room key/access
card when they are given access into their room. Please be very responsible with your keys and access
cards. Students who conceal the fact that they have lost their keys or access cards in an attempt to avoid
charges jeopardize their safety and security (and the safety and security of their roommate(s).
NOTE: Loaner keys are not available
*It is important for students to carry their keys at all times. Repeated lockouts will result in disciplinary
action.
Lost or Broken Student ID Access Cards:
All Residents: Students must go to the Public Safety ID Room (RM C-101) to obtain a new ID card if an ID
card is lost, stolen, broken or damaged. Public Safety will give the student a new ID card and a slip of paper
that must be submitted to their residence/area hall office in order to get their new ID card activated for
their room/suite/apartment. It is important to note that this needs to be done in a timely manner until the
new ID card has been activated the students lost ID card will work for their room/suite/apartment.
Public Safety Lost ID Card Fee* (Subject to revision by RCNJ Administration):
1st replacement card - $25
2nd replacement card- $50
3rd and subsequent - $100
*Cards that are damaged through normal wear and tear will not be assessed the above charge.
Residence Life staff will issue a $15 fee for re-coding replacement cards.
If a student is issued a hard key and reports the keys lost, new locks are ordered and the student will be
billed. Therefore, the lock changes fee is not refundable.
Ramapo College keys may NOT be duplicated without written consent from the College. Individuals found
in possession of an unauthorized duplicate of a Ramapo College key will be fined and will face judicial
action. Loss of a housing assignment key may result in a $100.00 fee, charged to the student’s account for
material and labor costs for the key replacement.
Access to Residence Halls:
Residents who live in Pine, Linden, Bischoff, Mackin, Overlook or Laurel can enter their residence hall by
swiping their College ID card or assigned access card through the encoder/card reader located at the
entrance to each building. It is extremely important and expected that resident’s carry their ID at all times
for the safety of the community.
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Residence Life Charges:
Please note that these charges are not to be paid to the Residence Life staff. Charges are placed on
students’ accounts and are to be paid to the Bursar’s Office. Students are not allowed to use cash at the
hall offices for charges. Below is a table of charges that students may incur:
Type
Improper Check-Out
Re-encode ID Card
Access Card Replacements
New Bedroom Door Punch
Code
Lost/Forgot Mailbox
Combination
Lock-Out (anytime)
Residence Hall/Apartment
Damages
Other Administrative Charges
Health and Safety
Inspections-Prohibited Item
Amount
Charged
$75
$15
$15
$15
$1
$5
Case By Case
Case By Case
$50.00/violation
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Summer Storage Lockers located
in The Overlook
rd
There are 22 storage lockers located on the 3 Floor of The Overlook residence hall. These lockers are reserved first,
for returning International Students. The lockers are used to store belongings that could not be otherwise taken home for
the summer, such as books, computers, printers, clothes, etc. Summer Storage Locker spaces located in The Overlook
will be provided on a “first come, first serve” basis as there are only a limited number of lockers. A maximum of one (1)
locker space will be assigned per person. The application process will begin at the end of March and approval will be
given in early May.
There will be a $50.00 charge to store your belongings for the summer. However, this may change at any time. Please
contact The Overlook office at overlook@ramapo.edu with any questions.
Residents requiring storage space may contact an outside storage company. Below are some companies that are in the
area surrounding the College.
Uncle Bob’s Self Storage
211 Route 17 South
Upper Saddle River, NJ
(201) 236-8100
Extra Space Storage
43 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ
877-769-0474
Access Self Storage of Franklin
Lakes
574 Commerce Street
Franklin Lakes, NJ
(201) 337-0099
Access Self Storage of Oakland
21 Raritan Road
Oakland, NJ
(201) 337-8646
Extra Space Storage
100 Micik Lane
Mahwah, NJ
877-769-0474
Residence Hall Association (RHA):
The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a student organization, where the purpose is for on-campus
residents to become involved in the efforts to improve their residential areas, create and implement
programming, and have an overall impact on their residence hall/area experience. Each residence hall/area
has their own Residence Hall Councils (RHCs), which is a sub group of RHA. Within RHC, there are several
leadership positions that residents can be responsible for, within their residential area. RHC is an excellent
means of becoming involved and in gaining a positive experience from one’s on-campus living experience.
If a resident is interested in becoming involved within this organization, they should contact their respective
hall/area office for further details on how to do so, or can contact RHA directly at rha@ramapo.edu.
Fitness Centers:
The Bradley Center houses an elaborate fitness and weight training facility. In addition, the Office of
Residence Life manages a Fitness Center located in the College Park Apartment’s Lodge. There are several
cardio machines as well as weight machines. The hours for the Fitness Center are communicated usually
within the first two weeks of each semester. Both facilities are available for use by all students (college ID
required).
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Campus Mail
Campus mail is received Monday through Friday at the Office of Residence Life. Mail is not delivered on
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, and whenever the college is closed. It is then sorted and placed in the
students’ campus mailbox by Residence Life Staff. Students are responsible for information placed in their
mailbox by the College. Resident students are required to check their Campus mailbox (and their Ramapo
College email in-box) at least once each day. All residents will be added to the My Ramapo/Luminis group
for their residence hall assignment. Residents may not leave these groups, as pertinent information will be
sent to these groups regularly, via Ramapo email.
Campus Mailbox Locations:
Mailboxes for Pine, Linden, Bischoff, and Mackin Hall, The Overlook and Laurel Hall residents are located in
the lobby of each residence hall on the first floor. The Village mail boxes are located in the Thomases
Commons and mailboxes for the College Park Apartments are in the Lodge.
Mailbox Combinations:
All residents are issued a mailbox combination slip when they check into their assigned residence area.
Residents who lose/forget their combinations may be charged $1 for a new copy of the combination slip for
their mailbox. If you need assistance accessing your mailbox, please visit your hall office.
Mailing Address:
Students should use the address format listed below to receive mail. Any deviation from this format will
result in delays. All mail for students is delivered to their campus mailbox, not their room or apartment.
Student’s Full Name
Ramapo College of New Jersey
501 Ramapo Valley Rd. (Mailbox #)
Mahwah, NJ 07430-1608
NOTE: Residents living in the College Park Apartments must use their assigned 3-digit mailbox number; all
residents in The Village and traditional style residence halls must use their assigned 4-digit mailbox number.
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Receiving Packages:
All packages received for on-campus residents are delivered to the Office of Residence Life Mailroom (C210). “EZ track it” is a computerized system the College utilizes to track incoming packages and notify
residents when they receive a package. When a package is received, the resident will receive an e-mail from
EZ track it, indicating that they have a package that needs to be picked up at the Residence Life mailroom.
Students must bring their student ID to C-210 to retrieve packages.
Sending Packages and Letters:
Outgoing mail may be brought to the Office of Residence Life Mailroom C-210. Hours of operation are
communicated to all on-campus residents each semester. UPS packages may be dropped in the UPS box
located between the C and D wings. Students may also go to the Mahwah Post Office located on East
Ramapo Avenue off Franklin Turnpike, FedEx on Route 17, and The UPS Store (formerly Mailboxes, Etc.) on
Franklin Turnpike to mail packages.
Mail Delivery:
Mail is not delivered when the College is officially closed, including holidays and during inclement weather
when the College has been closed by the President. During the summer break, first-class mail is forwarded
to your home address for a limited time to residents that have filled out forwarding labels only. Mail is not
delivered on the following Federal holidays:
New Year’s Day, 1/1
Memorial Day, 5/26
Columbus Day, 10/14
Christmas Day, 12/25
Martin Luther King’s Birthday,
1/20
Independence Day, 7/4
Veterans Day, 11/13
Washington’s Birthday, 2/17
Labor Day, 9/3
Thanksgiving Day, 11/22
First-class mail is forwarded for thirty (30) days after you check-out of your housing assignment. After 30
days, mail will no longer be forwarded and will be returned to sender. Students are responsible for
informing correspondents of their new address. Mail that has been forwarded is usually delayed. Bulk-rate
mail and magazines cannot be forwarded.
Students having problems receiving mail on-campus should notify their hall office.
Postage Stamps:
Students may buy stamps at the Roadrunner Central ticket counter (located on the second floor of the
Student Center across from the Bookstore), in the Campus Bookstore located on the second floor of the
Student Center, or at the Mahwah Post Office located at 12 East Ramapo Avenue in Mahwah. Some local
grocery stores also sell stamps.
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Transportation
Off-Campus Local Shuttle Services:
The College contracts with a bus company to provide a 7-Day Shuttle Service for all
Ramapo students, faculty, and staff. The shuttle travels to local businesses, the Ramsey Train Station and
makes evening mall trips. Please refer schedule available on line for the service calendar. In addition, the
updated schedules can be found here:
http://www.ramapo.edu/about/shuttlebus/
Seating is on a first come-first serve basis
For information, questions, and comments please e-mail: shuttle@ramapo.edu.
New York City Bus:
Short Line Bus Service 365 day a year NYC bus service ticket information
•
Discount tickets are sold at Roadrunner Central (ext. 7933; 2nd Floor Scott Student Center). Tickets
expire the last day of the calendar year.
•
Discount Price (one-way) $6 Students, $8 faculty, staff with valid Ramapo I.D. Tickets are full price
on bus. All tickets are non-refundable.
•
Tickets are valid for all stops from Port Authority to Suffern, and Suffern to Port Authority.
•
Valid Ramapo I.D. must be presented on the bus.
•
Short Line Bus Schedule available online: www.shortlinebus.com. Check the Short Line Schedule for
reduced service on holidays.
•
In addition, to the Circle and Bradley Center stops, you can use the 7 day local Loop to connect to
Short Line Bus and NJ Transit
•
Any passenger requesting an ADA-Accessible bus must inform ShortLine no later than 48 hrs. prior
to departure at shortline@coachusa.com or call 800-631-8405 (toll free) or 201-529-3666.
The following is the link for Public Transportation Information:
http://www.ramapo.edu/about/transportation/
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Zip Cars:
Zip Cars:
Ramapo College now offers car sharing as a transportation option. Zip Cars are available at an affordable
rate, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty, and staff ages 18 and older. Please visit
Ramapo’s Zip Car website: http://www.zipcar.com/ramapo
Campus Readership Program:
Ramapo College partners with the New York Times to provide free newspapers to students. Newspapers
are available in the lobby areas of traditional residence halls, the Lodge and the Thomases Commons. In
addition, free papers are available at J. Lees, the Atrium, Fishbowl, and the Ansfield School of Business (2nd
floor lobby). Students can also enjoy full complimentary access to NYTimes.com on any device for 24 hours
via NYTimes.com Please direct questions regarding the readership program to Elizabeth Joyce in the Office
of Residence Life at ejoyce@ramapo.edu or 201-684-7214
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Residence Life Processes and Procedures
General Housing Information
Housing Selection for Incoming and Continuing Student
FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS
Eligible continuing students may participate in the online housing selection process in the spring term. The
process allows students to choose housing based on class status for residents to select who they want to
live with. Residence Life cannot guarantee all residents will receive their first choice of housing. In order
to participate in the online process, continuing students must submit a $500 nonrefundable deposit by the
specified deadline. Students will also be asked to complete the online Acuho-I survey (which will be sent to
their Ramapo e-mail address. Details of this process are posted on the Web around mid-spring. Students
who do not participate in the housing selection process will not be guaranteed housing for the upcoming
semester.
HOUSING DEPOSIT FOR CONTINUING RESIDENTS
Continuing students who wish to reserve campus housing for the subsequent academic year will be
required to submit a nonrefundable $500 deposit. This deposit must be paid in order for a student to be
eligible to participate in the online housing selection process. (The deposit will be used as a credit against
a student’s housing charges for the term in which housing is being reserved). Housing deposits are nonrefundable and will be forfeited should a resident withdraw from housing. Students are encouraged to
review their account online within 48-72 hours to see if the forfeited housing deposit has created a balance
on their account or increased a current balance.
HOUSING CONTRACT
Students who reside in campus housing are required to comply with the policies and expectations outlined
in the Residence Agreement, which all residents sign prior to residing in campus housing.
GUARANTEED HOUSING
Students are guaranteed housing for eight consecutive semesters as long as they remain full-time students,
are in good social and academic standing, satisfy all their financial obligations to the College, and follow
published procedures regarding Housing Selection and the Spring Intent process.
SUMMER HOUSING
Students either have to be working for Ramapo College or taking classes at Ramapo College to live on
campus during the summer. The area that summer school residents will reside in varies each year;
placement information will be provided upon check-in. There are no “alcohol allowed” housing assignments
available, regardless of age; all summer student housing assignments will remain “alcohol prohibited.”
Meal plans will not be available; however, students may purchase Ramapo Dollars by emailing
ramapodollars@ramapo.edu with their request. Summer housing is limited and placement is made on a
first come, first serve basis.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Request for early arrival - Fall semester: Continuing international students can request to be an early
arrival at no charge. Arrivals prior to summer housing move- over will be charged based on a pro-rated
summer housing rate, and only if their residence is ready for occupancy.
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Request for early arrival - Spring semester: Continuing international students requesting early arrival in the
spring, can request to be an early arrival (at no charge) two days prior to spring check-in. Any arrivals prior
to those two (2) days will be charged based on a pro-rated winter housing rate.
All early arrival requests must be submitted in writing at least three weeks in advance to
erylariv@ramapo.edu
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Residents with a documented disability who wish to request housing accommodations in order to take full
advantage of college programs and services must contact the Office of Specialized Services no later than
March 1st for continuing students and April 1st for new incoming students.
GENDER NEUTRAL HOUSING
Most housing assignments on Campus are made based on same gender. Ramapo College seeks to provide
a living environment welcoming to all gender identities; not one limited by the traditional gender binary or
male or female. Gender Neutral Housing allows for same-gender, opposite-gender or other-gender
identities to live together regardless of biological sex. This provides a living/learning environment where
residents can learn about and explore gender identity and expression in a supportive environment.
Gender Neutral Housing participants must commit to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming living
environment free of discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Each resident
accepted to live in Gender Neutral Housing must agree to the Gender Neutral Housing Agreement and will
have responsibility to develop and uphold standards for the community in congruence with valuing all
persons and seeking to learn from their diverse experiences and perspectives. Participants must also agree
to take part in the assessment of the Gender Neutral Housing program by participating in occasional
surveys.
INTERNATIONAL LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY (Located in International House, College Park
Apartments)
The International LLC aims to create an intentional community which encourages student engagement and
appreciation of the global environment through a designed set of program activities, discussions and
community events.
SUBSTANCE FREE HOUSING
Substance-free housing is a healthy living option for students that are willing to make a commitment to
living in an environment that is free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Community members who voluntarily choose substance-free housing are committed to this choice and
believe it is significant to their success at Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Sustainable Living Facilities
Ramapo College’s Sustainable Living Facilities (SLFs), which began operating in the fall of 2010, follow the
‘green lifestyle in an existing building’ model, for two reasons: there are no plans to build additional
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residence halls (at least in the near future), and most existing residences are new and not nearing the time
for major renovation when the building could be greened.
Community members are committed to living a ‘green lifestyle.’
ROOM OCCUPANCY
Students may occupy their assigned residence hall room on the opening date announced prior to each
semester. Failure to occupy a reserved room by the first official day of classes may result in forfeiture of the
student’s room assignment. The space may be reassigned to students on the housing waitlist. Any student
forfeiting a room assignment will need to reapply for any future housing requests. If a student needs to
check in later than their area’s check in day, they must e-mail their hall office by the date that they are
originally supposed to check in with the date they plan to arrive in order to keep their housing assignment.
All residence halls/apartments/suites/rooms shall be vacated no later than 24-hours after the student's last
final examination or, at maximum, no later than the time designated in the closing letter. Students must
follow the special directives issued by the Office of Residence Life regarding checkout, guests and all other
matters. Exceptions may be granted to students who have submitted a Check-out Extension Request Form
to their Area/Residence Director on or before the appropriate due date and time. Approved or denied
requests will be placed in the student’s campus mailbox.
ADMINISTRATIVE RELOCATION POLICY
The Associate Vice Presidents for Student Affairs or his/her designee reserves the right to reassign any
student to another space for reasons of discipline, safety, health, unresolved conflict, or to achieve
maximum space utilization.
ROOM CONSOLIDATION
The Office of Residence Life reserves the right to reassign any student to another space for reasons of
discipline, safety, health, unresolved conflict, or to achieve maximum space utilization. When a resident is
left in a double or triple occupancy room without a roommate, for whatever reason, the resident may be
required to select a new roommate for his or her room (or one will be selected for the resident), or
purchase a super single or move in with another resident who has been left in a multi-person room alone.
Residents without roommates are not allowed to use their roommate’s furniture/space as someone may
move in at any time to occupy the existing vacancy at any time unless they have a super single.
Ramapo College reserves the right to (a) authorize or deny room and roommate changes, (b) place
additional students in a student's assigned room, (c) consolidate vacancies, and (d) re-designate building
assignments if it is in the best interest of the overall housing community. Students may be administratively
reassigned by the Associate Vice Presidents for Student Affairs (or designee) to maintain the best
environment for learning.
FULL-TIME STATUS
Residents that reside on campus are required to maintain full time status as a student. Full time status is
equivalent to 12 or more credits. However, exceptions will be granted in the following cases: (1) A resident
is a graduating senior in their last semester, (2) a resident is completing the final classes in a minor, or (3) a
resident is unable to carry 12 credits for disability related reasons. Such persons must inform the Office of
Residence Life in advance via e-mail to reslife@ramapo.edu to receive approval to reside on campus with
less than the minimum requirement.
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Village Residency Limitations and Requirements
To reside in a Village apartment, students must meet the following eligibility requirements. Students who
are 21 years of age or older, may reside in and/or request to reside in a Village housing assignment.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all apartments in the Village until the residents of the apartment have
completed all required procedures for alcohol allowed housing and have received written
acknowledgement from the Village Office of the alcohol-allowed status. Students who are under 21 years
of age, may reside in and/or request to reside in a Village housing assignment if they have earned or will
have earned at least junior class status (at least 64 credits), prior to the initial date of occupancy. Students
who select the Village housing for the fall semester during the housing selection process and/or students
who choose to room change from another housing assignment into a Village housing assignment at any
time during the fall semester will be limited to residing in a Village housing assignment for that fall
semester and spring semester only. At any time throughout the year, students who are placed into
available Village housing assignments by the Office of Residence Life may or may not be required to meet
any of these requirements or limitations. The one year residency limitation will not apply to students who
room change into the Village within the spring semester. This will be determined by the Office of Residence
Life on a case by case basis. Students who are placed into Village housing assignments by the Office of
Residence Life will be informed of any applicable housing expectations prior to being placed. There are
designated alcohol allowed suites in Laurel on the 7th and 8th floors. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in
all suites in the Laurel Hall 7th and 8th floors until the residents of the apartment have completed all
required procedures for alcohol allowed housing and have received written acknowledgement from the
Laurel Hall Office of the alcohol-allowed status.
Check-in:
On the first day of a student’s approved date to move into their housing assignment, students will report to
their assigned residence hall area. Upon arrival, they will need to complete check-in by filling out a check-in
agreement as well as confirm their emergency contact information is up to date. A mailbox number and
combination, along with a phone extension will also be issued at this time. A resident’s room/suite door
and the front entrance door are programmed for access using their student ID card. Residents who do not
check-in within 24 hours of the opening of the Residence Halls/Apartment Complexes will lose their
housing unless prior arrangements have been made for a late check-in. If a resident will be checking in
late, they need to e-mail their hall office to inform them of their late arrival prior to the scheduled check in
date.
Check-Out Information:
All residents must complete the check-out processes that are communicated by the Office of Residence Life
prior to the end of the Fall and Spring semester in order to avoid an improper check-out fine. Students must
complete all check-out procedures with their own hall/area.
Check-Out Room Configurations:
Upon check-out, it is the residents’ responsibility to ensure that all college issued furniture and/or other
related college property are returned to its original location and properly assembled. Failure to comply with
these expectations may result in damage billing charges and/or disciplinary action.
Check-Out Extensions:
Students who need to remain in housing past the designated check-out date and time must complete the
Check-Out Extension Request process. Requests for check-out extensions will not be granted for any nonacademic related reasons including unavailable/late transportation and off campus employment. Students
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who have approved check out extensions are not allowed to have guests during the approved extension
period.
Housing Withdrawal Process:
Students who wish to withdraw from housing must do so by visiting their hall office. The Withdrawal
process is not complete until all belongings have been removed from their room/suite/apartment and all
necessary paperwork has been completed, including an exit survey. Failure to check-out properly may
result in an improper check-out fee. Upon completion of your check-out, a damage assessment of the
student’s room will be conducted. The hall/area office will submit the housing withdrawal form to the main
Residence Life office after the student has completed the check-out process. Please note: Filling out this
form does NOT withdraw the student from classes; course withdrawals must be completed through the
Registrar.
If you withdraw from housing and decide at a later date that you would like on campus housing, you must
resubmit a housing application with the required housing deposit to the Bursar’s Office. Upon receipt of
your commuter application, your name will be added to the commuter wait list. Please note: housing is not
guaranteed for those on the commuter wait list.
Students who voluntarily withdraw from housing, students who are administratively withdrawn from
housing or students who lose housing as a result of a judicial sanction must reapply for any future housing
requests, as their guaranteed housing status is no longer in effect. Once a student is withdrawn from
housing, they are considered a commuter student and must reapply for a future housing requests as your
guaranteed housing status is no longer in affect.
Students who have been granted an approved Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) must follow the
withdrawal process outlined in the Guide to Community Living. Students who intend to return to housing
after the MLOA must complete a Temporary Withdrawal Form (in addition to a housing withdrawal form)
and submit it to the main Office of Residence Life (C-213). Although, students are guaranteed housing, we
are unable to guarantee a specific housing assignment. The student’s age as well as credits (on file at the
time of placement) will be taken into consideration.
Students who are withdrawing from housing or Military obligations or a Study Abroad program through
Ramapo College must submit a housing Withdrawal Form (in addition to a housing withdrawal form) and
submit it to the main Office of Residence Life. Although, students are guaranteed housing, we are unable to
guarantee specific housing requests. The student’s age as well as credits (on file at the time of placement)
will be taken into consideration.
Students will be responsible for all housing charges until they have officially completed all check out
procedures and withdrawal processes. Students who do not properly follow the check- out procedures will
be charged a $75 fee for an improper check-out.
No refunds will be issued for housing or dining plan changes after the 50% refund deadline. Please review
the calendars on the college website for refund deadlines.
Abandoned Items:
Personal belongings that are left in a residence hall after the resident has vacated or checked-out will be
declared abandoned. The College is not responsible for any abandoned items. These items will be disposed
of immediately after check-out by housekeeping services. The College is not responsible for any items left
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abandoned in the laundry room. Items that have been abandoned for over 24 hours are subject to removal.
These items will be donated to the local shelter.
Damage Billing Procedures:
Residents are responsible for any damage that is caused on College property or at a College-related event.
At check-in, residents receive a Room Inventory. The Room Inventory contains information about the
condition of the campus residence to which the student is assigned. There is an opportunity to dispute
what is contained on the Room Inventory, which will be communicated upon check-in. After this time, it is
assumed to be an accurate assessment of the condition of the residence and its contents.
Residents are billed for damages, as they become known, often as a result of a room inspection. Damages
are added to the student’s account. It is the student’s responsibility to see that damage bills are paid. (An
outstanding balance on an account may result in a student’s inability to gain certain College services, to
register, to obtain an official transcript, etc.). Malicious or repeated major damages may also result in
disciplinary action in addition to charges for repair or replacement.
After residents check-out of the residence halls at the end of the term, the Residence Life Staff will make a
final inspection of the residence and compare the facility’s condition to the original inventories. Facilities
staff makes the determination of the cost to repair any damage/loss. Depending on the situation, outside
contractors may be used or College staff (often on overtime) may be assigned to repair damage/loss.
Damage charges are assessed as a result of depreciating the value of the item that belongs to the college;
not necessarily to be able to replace something or repair it to its original value.
If more than one student occupies a space in which damage/loss occurs, the students will be held equally
liable, unless one or more takes responsibility for the damage/loss. If damage/loss does occur, it is helpful
if the residents notify the hall office (via e-mail is recommended) to ensure that billing is correct and the
circumstances surrounding the damage/loss known.
Room Changes:
Each semester there is a “No Questions Asked” open room change period, which will be posted in the
residence halls/apartment complexes. All room changes are processed through the hall office. During this
time, a resident may request a room change by filling out a Room Change Request Form at their hall/area
office. Residents are not permitted to move from or swap their assigned room/suite/apartment until the
indicated date and time provided through written approval from their Area / Residence Director.
Unauthorized room changes may result in a fine and/or judicial action.
Residents do not need to specify a reason for a room change during the open room change period, but
anything included may be considered for priority purposes, especially in the cases of limited availability.
After the open room change period, requests are not granted unless there are extreme circumstances.
Students are not required to remain with roommates who pose a danger to themselves, to others, violate
important laws, or significantly disrupt normal College operations. Students should contact a college
official as soon as possible if these circumstances occur.
Due to limited space availability, room changes cannot be guaranteed. The timeline for room change
requests may change based on space availability. Room changes also can be made if a major issue exists
and all alternative action has been exhausted. Room changes are considered the last possible alternative to
solving roommate conflicts. Refer to the chapter on “Community Living in the Residence Halls” for
information about roommates.
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Under no circumstances will room changes be granted to accommodate unlawful discrimination.
Due to the complexity of processes affected by room changes, once a room change has been approved,
cancellations cannot occur and it is required that the resident move on the date and time specified in their
written approval. Residents must carefully consider the affects of submitting a room change request prior
to submission, and clearly indicate their needs to avoid confusion, or an undesirable situation. If changing
buildings/areas where there is a difference in housing costs, it may take up to 7 business days for the
change in housing charges to be reflected on the student’s account.
Residents must also be aware that changes in residency areas can result in changes in housing charges.
Residents are encouraged to review the Bursar’s listing of housing-related charges for each area. Upon a
change in housing assignment, pro-rated charges for each housing location (if changing areas) will be
replaced on the student’s billing account. Due to timeline limitations, these changes may not be
immediately reflected on the account. All traditional halls require residents to be on a meal plan (including
Laurel Hall).
Cleaning:
Residents are responsible for cleaning their own suite/room/apartment area. Residents are also required
to bring their own cleaning products, vacuum, broom, and mop.
Noise and 24-Hour Courtesy Policy:
A 24-hour noise courtesy policy exists throughout the residence community. Accordingly, residents are not
permitted to play their stereo equipment, televisions, etc., to excess at any time. Music and other noises
should be kept to a minimum at all times. Residents work, sleep, and study at varying hours of the day and
night. It is important to be considerate of others. If a neighbor is making excessive noise, residents should
politely approach those who are at the source of the noise to let them know that they are causing a
disturbance. Loud music or other noise should not be heard from outside the residence halls. Playing
musical instruments is not permitted in the residence halls or apartments.
Large exercise equipment (treadmill, Stairmasters, NordicTrack, or any similar equipment) is permitted, as
long as it does not disturb other residents in any way. The Office of Residence Life or Judicial Affairs may
require residents to remove any equipment if its use has been found to disturb others. Residents are
encouraged to utilize the Fitness Centers located in the Lodge and Bradley Center for access to such
equipment.
Quiet Hours:
Official “Quiet Hours” are in effect Sunday through Thursday from 11 PM to 8 AM and on Friday and
Saturday from 1 AM to 12 noon. During these hours noise should not be heard outside of residents’
bedroom, suite, or apartment. Violators of this policy are subject to disciplinary action. Quiet Hours are
extended to 24-hours a day during Final Exam Week and are strictly enforced. Violators may have their
housing privileges immediately terminated with the imposition of an Interim Suspension.
NOTE: Specific dates of 24-Hour Quiet periods will be posted. Please note that Quiet Hours apply to all
public areas in and around the residence halls/apartments including all parking lots.
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Roadrunner Courts Noise Advisory:
Please be advised that residents of Laurel, Pine and Linden Hall may encounter events that may have live
band music and/ or a DJ in the Roadrunner Courts area, which is the quad area located between Laurel,
Pine and Linden Hall and the Basketball Courts. All permitted events that are in the Roadrunner Courts area
have been approved by the Office of Events and Conferences. Events that take place in the Roadrunner
Courts include but are not limited to Academic Classes, Greek Week, Earth Week and the Save Darfur
Events and should comply with normal quiet hours. Should you have any questions regarding reserving the
Roadrunner Courts Area, please contact the Office of Events and Conferences.
Stereos:
Students may bring stereo equipment into their suite/room/apartment at Ramapo, but they must use them
responsibly. It is a good idea to consider purchasing a set of headphones so that the noise from stereos will
not disturb other residents. Any students owning or operating a stereo are required to agree to reduce the
volume of his/her stereo if it is disturbing others. Speakers may not be placed in windows. If a student
does not voluntarily reduce the volume to an acceptable level upon the initial request, judicial action may
be taken. In all cases of judicial action concerning the misuse of stereo equipment, a non-compliant
resident may be required by the Office of Residence Life or Judicial Affairs to remove the stereo from
his/her suite/room/apartment.
Alcohol Allowed Housing Agreement:
Student housing at Ramapo College is primarily alcohol-prohibited, meaning that beverages containing
alcohol are prohibited regardless of the age(s) of the resident(s) or their guest(s). However, the College
makes a few exceptions for certain apartments located in the Village and in certain suites located on the
seventh and eighth floors of Laurel Hall only. Ramapo College expects students to be responsible citizens
members of our College Community. Most Ramapo College students are considerate of others within our
community they and avoid violating College policies. Students are encouraged to be a part of this majority
so that alcohol-allowed housing privileges may continue to be offered on our campus.
All residents assigned to reside in the housing unit must be 21 years of age or older. A residence may lose
its alcohol-allowed housing status by violating state laws and/or policies set by Ramapo College of New
Jersey. If one or more resident(s) assigned to a residence is under 21 years of age at any time, the entire
housing assignment is automatically designated alcohol-prohibited— beverages containing alcohol are
prohibited, whether the housing assignment has this agreement posted or not. If a new resident, who is
younger than 21 years of age, is ever assigned to the housing unit, it is automatically designated alcoholprohibited. Residents may not assume that a new resident is over 21 or that the housing unit will remain
alcohol-allowed or become designated as such when a new resident is assigned to the housing unit. If any
resident is not completely certain of the status of their housing unit, it is the responsibility of the resident
to ask the Residence Life Professional Staff member in their hall office for a definitive answer via email.
New Jersey State laws allow for the purchase, possession, and consumption of beverages containing alcohol
for persons who are 21 years of age and older, with certain restrictions. Ramapo College residents living in
certain housing assignments, which have been designated “alcohol-allowed” by the Office of Residence Life
and when all residents assigned to such a housing unit are 21 years of age or older may obtain a
stamped/approved alcohol allowed housing agreement and then be permitted to possess and consume
alcoholic beverages within that housing unit, in a responsible manner. Refer to the Student Code of
Conduct in the Student Handbook for information regarding New Jersey’s laws about alcohol and Ramapo
College’s complete alcohol policies.
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Residents living in alcohol allowed housing assignments will be held judicially responsible for guests who
violate Ramapo College alcohol policies. Persons who are under 21 years of age are not permitted to be in
the presence of beverages containing alcohol in any on-campus residence, at any time. Ramapo College
policy prohibits anyone who is under 21 years of age from being in the presence of beverages containing
alcoholic, in any location on campus, including alcohol-allowed housing assignments. Residents of alcoholallowed housing assignments are held responsible for verifying the identity and age of their guests/visitors
whenever beverages containing alcohol may be present. Residents assigned to alcohol-allowed housing
assignments may still be held judicially and legally responsible for their guests/visitors, even if false age
identification is presented. Guests/visitors who are under 21 years of age are also held responsible for
being in the presence of alcohol in residences. Guests who violate Ramapo College policies may be banned
from the College. Please note that if guests/visitors of any residence become involved in an accident or
become injured or cause injury to others due to the consumption of alcohol on-campus, the host(s) of the
guests/visitors may face increased disciplinary action from the College and may be held liable in a court of
law. Residents are under no obligation to possess beverages containing alcohol in any housing assignments
at any time. Alcohol-allowed housing is a privilege that residents must treat with the utmost care, maturity,
and responsibility.
If there is a room change in a housing assignment that was originally designated alcohol-allowed, the status
of the assignment may change, due to the age of the new resident. If there is a change in status, it is the
responsibility of the residents to obtain an updated, approved alcohol-allowed housing agreement to post
within their housing unit. This is done by visiting the residence hall office to obtain an alcohol-allowed
housing agreement, which must be stamped and dated accordingly, before it can be posted to in the
housing assignment.
Ramapo College prohibits the advertisement of alcohol in any window on campus that is visible to the
general public, including all residences. Displays using containers that likely contained alcohol (based on
alcohol brand or label) are prohibited from all windows of on-campus residences. All beverages containing
alcohol, including emptied and/or decorative containers of alcohol are prohibited in alcohol-prohibited
residences. Alcoholic beverages may not be seen outside of any appropriately designated alcohol-allowed
housing assignment, anywhere on campus at any time; beverages containing alcohol (including alcohol
bottles and beer cases) must be concealed whenever they are being transported outside of appropriately
designated residences, while on campus. Kegs of beverages containing alcohol and very large quantities of
alcohol are prohibited on campus. Public intoxication is also prohibited on campus. Drinking games such as
“beer pong” and any game that can be considered to promote excessive consumption of alcohol are
prohibited. Whether a game is actively in progress when College Officials arrived on the scene or not,
reasonable evidence, such as a board or table setup with ping pong ball(s) and cups may be considered to
be beer pong, which is a prohibited drinking game. Judicial actions may be taken against the persons
involved.
Students who are found in violation of alcohol policies will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs.
Judicial sanctions for alcohol violations include but are not limited to revocation of alcohol-allowed housing
privileges, loss of on-campus housing selection privileges (if applicable), significant monetary fines,
immediate housing reassignment, immediate loss of housing, and/or additional sanctions as deemed
appropriate by the hearing officer and under the direction of the Office of Judicial Affairs. Residents who
repeat violations of College policy may be administratively removed from housing at any time.
Beverages containing alcohol are prohibited until after residents receive an Alcohol-Allowed Housing
Agreement, which must be dated, stamped “Approved” by Residence Life Hall Office Staff and posted to
the wall in the alcohol-allowed housing assignment by Residence Life Staff. This agreement must be posted
to the wall at the immediate entrance of the housing assignment in the clear sleeve provided by the hall
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office and it must remain there during the entire semester unless alcohol-allowed housing is revoked. In the
event that alcohol-allowed housing is revoked, a Public Safety Officer or a Residence Life Staff member may
be sent to remove the agreement from the residence. This agreement must remain clearly visible to all
guests/visitors of the housing assignment so they are aware of the housing status. In the event that the
agreement has been damaged or inappropriately removed, residents of the alcohol-allowed housing
assignment may obtain another copy that must be stamped/approved from their hall office.
The residents assigned to the above indicated residence or any alcohol-allowed residence at Ramapo
College of New Jersey, agree that their failure to comply with any of the College’s alcohol policies, including
any of the rules provided herein, may result in their being removed from the alcohol-allowed residence and
into another residence on campus, at the discretion of Professional Staff members of the Office of
Residence Life.
Should you have any questions regarding Alcohol-Allowed Housing, please contact your hall office.
Water Conservation:
High efficiency water-saving toilets, low-flow sink aerators, and showerheads have been installed in the
residence halls. Please follow these guidelines in order to ensure the proper functioning of these items:
•
•
•
•
Use toilet paper conservatively and be as efficient as possible. Residents should not flush their toilet if
they perceive a problem.
Dispose of all feminine hygiene products in a wastebasket securely wrapped.
Never flush foreign objects, feminine hygiene products, food waste, trash, or paper towels down the
toilet.
Medical syringes and other medical waste must be disposed of according to NJ laws and regulations.
See the Director of Health Services for information.
Please note: Students found responsible for clogging the toilet due to not adhering to the above guidelines
will be held liable for all costs associated to cleanup and replacement of college property such as carpet,
tiles, furniture etc.
Bed Bunking:
Bunking beds which can be defined as the stacking of one bed on top of another is prohibited.
Winter Weather:
Snow and ice removal are handled by outside contractors as well as the Facilities Department. The
Facilities Department does not shovel out private vehicles. There are a limited number of snow shovels that
are available in each of the Residence Hall Offices. To borrow a shovel, residents should bring their student
ID to their hall office during posted office hours. Students who do not return the shovel may have to
reimburse the College. Students are also encouraged to bring their own shovel.
Health and Safety Inspections/ Schedule:
A health and safety inspection is a regularly scheduled procedure conducted by Residence Life staff to
ensure that the condition of the College’s property remains clean, healthy, and safe. Authorized College
personnel can enter student rooms for the purposes of health and safety inspections, repair and
maintenance, assessment of damages, inventory of College property, determinations regarding compliance
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with College policies, or emergencies where imminent danger to life, safety, health, or property is
reasonably suspected.
Residence Life staff will conduct inspections twice during the fall semester, and once during the spring
semester. During the fall semester, one will be conducted approximately mid-semester, and the other will
be conducted during our closing procedures. The exact date and time of these inspections will not be
posted. Please refer to the schedule below for the dates during which health and safety inspections will
take place. Please report any major damages or safety issues to your Resident/Community Assistant as
soon as possible.
Residents’ rooms/apartments can pass or fail the inspection based on the status of the
apartment/suite/room, common area, bathroom, and bedroom. If the entire room/suite/apartment fails
inspection, each resident will be fined $50.00 or more, depending on the specific conditions of the living
areas. All fines will be billed to the resident’s College account. If a resident fails inspection three times
during the year, he/she will be referred to the Office of Campus Judicial Affairs for a judicial hearing, which
may lead to additional fines and/or sanctions including removal from housing. It is the resident’s
responsibility to remember the time periods of monthly inspections.
The following policies apply to Monthly Inspection in the College Park Apartments and The Village:
• If the bathroom fails, the entire apartment fails inspection.
• If three items fail within the kitchen and living room areas, the entire apartment fails inspection.
• If two items fail within the kitchen and living room, and one item in one of the bedrooms, that
particular bedroom will fail inspection.
• If three items fail in one bedroom, then that bedroom fails inspection.
The following policies apply to Monthly Inspection for Bischoff, Laurel, Linden, Mackin, The Overlook and
Pine:
• If the bathroom fails, the entire suite/room fails inspection.
• If three or more items fail in the bedroom, that bedroom fails inspection.
• In Pine Hall, if two things fail in the common living area, the entire suite fails inspection.
Health and Safety Inspection Guidelines:
It is expected that:
• The room/suite/apartment, kitchen, bathroom, living room does not have any prohibited items. See list
of prohibited items section and see Residence Life Agreement. There are extensive fines, irrespective of
inspection fines, for possessing prohibited items. Residents will be charged for each prohibited item
discovered in their unit.
• Residents may claim responsibility for prohibited items with their hall office; otherwise the entire unit
will be assessed any and all applicable charges.
• Recyclables have been removed and placed in recyclable dumpsters.
• All garbage has been removed and wastebaskets have been emptied.
• Bathroom has been cleaned by sweeping and mopping the bathroom floor, wiping down the sink,
shower and toilet areas.
• Kitchen and living room have been cleaned (if applicable) by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming
carpet, washing all dishes and wiping down sink, counter and dining tables. All appliances such as
microwaves and refrigerators must be cleaned.
• Bedrooms have been cleaned by vacuuming carpet, removing all garbage from all areas, wiping down
desk and dresser.
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Please note that damage charges are also assessed during health and safety inspections. Conditions such as
holes in the walls, appliances that appear abused or misused resulting in a repair or replacement, broken
windows, damaged blinds, graffiti, nail holes, broken or missing screens and any other damaged items that
are in the place of residence may also result in additional replacement/repair charges.
This is not an all-inclusive list but a set of guidelines to assist residents in preparing for your health and
safety inspection.
Health and Safety Inspections Schedule:
Please note that inspection weeks are unannounced with the exception of this general schedule. Dates are
subject to change. All changes will be posted on the residence life Website and/or communicated via email
sent to the Residence Hall Luminis groups.
The state inspector also completes health and safety inspections unannounced for on campus residential
areas.
FALL DATES: 9/30/13 to 10/11/13 and 11/11/13 to 11/22/13
SPRING DATES: 3/3/14 to 3/14/14
SIGNAGE
The College spends significant funds on the purchase and upkeep of signs which are displayed throughout
campus, including all traffic signs. Some signs are written in Braille so that the visually impaired are assisted
in navigating their way around campus. Other signs provide useful information about dangerous areas and
areas where entry may be restricted. In addition, Resident/Community Assistants and others may post
signs, decorations, flyers, and other informational material for the benefit of all residents. It is very
important that these signs and other materials are maintained in the condition in which they were
originally posted and not removed or damaged. Residents (and guests) should never remove these signs or
postings from their designated locations. Removing any of these items may result in a fine and judicial
action. Residents should follow posting policies when advertising student events or other activities. (Refer
to the section on the Posting Policy within the residence halls in this Guide and also to the Student
Handbook for the posting policy of other campus areas.)
POSTING POLICY
The purpose of this policy is to establish a system for efficiently disseminating information, maintaining the
aesthetic appearance of the college environment and ensuring that all postings are in accordance with the
New Jersey State Fire Code. This policy applies to the Scott Student Center, Berrie Center, and all academic
wings and buildings. All persons and organizations, including non-members of the College and commercial
establishments, are required to comply with this policy.
Designated Posting Areas
The first floor “cores” between each of the academic wings has bulletin boards for the following purposes:
• AFT/CWA/Local 195 announcements
• Human Resources announcements (locked, glass enclosed boards)
The second floor of most academic wings has bulletin boards maintained by either specific academic or
administrative departments or the Center for Student Involvement.
Design Standard
All publications posted by a Ramapo College club, organization or office must follow the College’s design
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standard. Any posting that does not follow the standard will NOT be posted or will be removed from
posting. For more information about the design standard please visit
http://www.ramapo.edu/standards/print/index.html. The Center for Student Involvement also has a design
team, CSI Design, which can assist with designing posters and flyers in accordance with the College’s design
standard. CSI Design can be reached via OrgSync or by calling 201.684.7775. Requests for design services
should be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the date needed.
Flyers
For the purposes of this policy “flyer” refers to any “hangable” document between the sizes of 8 ½ x 11 and
11 x 17 used to advertise, announce or promote a program, event, activity or opportunity.
“Oversized” Posters and Greek Organization Banners
If an individual or organization wishes to announce an event using a poster larger than 11 x 17, it is the
responsibility of the organization to ensure that the oversized poster or banner is approved by the Posting
Coordinator in the Center for Student Involvement (SC-200). The Posting Coordinator may require that
oversized posters and banners are also approved by the College’s Fire Marshal, at the Posting Coordinator’s
discretion. If the oversized poster or banner is designed and printed by CSI Design, no further approval is
necessary. Only after approval is granted can oversized posters and banners then be placed on designated
core stairwell blacktop, using only painters’ tape. Oversized posters and banners shall not hang below the
bottom of the core wall. It is the responsibility of the organization to remove these posters and banners
within 24 hours of the event. Failure to do so may result in a loss of posting privileges.
Posting Procedures
• All flyers must be approved by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) and stamped with the date
the item is approved before any flyer will be posted.
• Only those flyers that advertise, announce, or promote a program, event, activity or opportunity
applicable to Ramapo College students are eligible for posting.
• If the flyer is prepared and printed by CSI Design, Marketing and Web Administration, or
Communications and Public Affairs, it does not have to be stamped, but must still be submitted to
CSI for posting.
• All flyers sponsored by the College or by College-affiliated organizations must include:
o Ramapo College Logo (lower right-hand corner or upper left-hand corner).
o Disability Services Accommodations Information (lower left-hand corner).
o The name of the program, event or opportunity, the name of the sponsoring organization,
and the date, time and location of the event.
• A maximum of 11 flyers for Ramapo events will be posted in academic areas. This covers all
approved posting areas in the adjoining academic wings.
• Flyers for Non-College members or commercial establishments (Non-College events) will be posted
only in the C-Wing Lounge area, also known as the “Fishbowl”, as space permits.
o Flyers for Non-College Events may not include any College logos or other indicia implying
Ramapo College affiliation or sponsorship.
o A maximum of 3 flyers will be posted.
• All flyers will be posted for a maximum of a 2 week period.
• Copies of all currently approved flyers will be on file in the CSI Office.
• Flyers will be posted by CSI Office Staff only.
o Flyers will be posted on the approved Bulletin Boards by the CSI posting staff each business
day. Posting will take place on the next business day after submission, space permitting.
o Due to potential safety hazards, flyers will not be posted on the ground, floors, and
walkways.
o Flyers will not cover other flyers.
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In the event the Bulletin Boards are filled to capacity, flyers will be posted in the order in
which they were submitted when space becomes available.
o Flyers will be removed in a timely manner by the CSI posting staff.
For Ramapo Events only, flyers may be distributed on campus by members of the College
Community, having received prior approval from the CSI Office and Events and Conferences.
o These flyers are not required to have the aforementioned logos.
Flyers may not promote events or activities that are illegal or in violation of the College’s Code of
Conduct.
Any flyers hung not in accordance with this policy will be removed.
o Organizations violating the posting policy may lose their right to post and may also lose
additional club/organization privileges.
o Individual students who violate the posting policies may face disciplinary charges.
o Maliciously destroying/defacing others’ flyers will result in either administrative or
disciplinary action.
o
•
•
•
Residence Hall Specific Posting Policy
• For distribution of flyers in the Residence Halls, all approval policies, listed above, must be
followed.
• Flyers to be displayed in the Residence Halls must first be approved by the CSI Office. The flyers will
be approved and be available for pick-up after 6:00pm (but before 11:30pm) the business day
following the submission of the flyers.
• After approval from CSI posting staff, the person submitting flyers will be emailed when they are
ready for pick-up. The sponsor may then drop the flyers off at the appropriate building/area
office(s) and the flyers will be posted by Residence Life staff. Below is a listing of the number of
flyers permitted for each building or area:
Bischoff (5)
Mackin (5)
CPA Lodge (1)
Overlook (8)
CPA quads, outdoor & Lodge areas (21)
Pine (5)
Laurel Hall (8)
Village (1)
Linden (4)
• College offices that submit flyers for Residence Hall posting do not need to pick up approved flyers
from the CSI Office and distribute to individual locations. A total of 37 flyers if only CPA Lodge
Posting is needed OR 57 flyers if all areas of CPA Posting are needed will be brought to the
Residence Life Main Office by CSI Posting staff.
• There is no space available for Non-College posting in the Residence Halls.
Questions or requests for additional information about the Posting Policy can be directed to the Center for
Student Involvement at 201.684.7593.
COMMERCIAL SOLICITATION
Solicitation is prohibited in the residence halls. This includes door-to-door sales, distribution of flyers,
collection of money, placement of menus in locks of doors or under doors, etc. Residents should report
suspicious persons to Public Safety immediately.
CHARITY DRIVES & DORM STORMING
As of December 2010, the practice of going door to door was no longer permitted; this includes “dorm
storming.” The offices of Residence Life, Cahill Center, and Student Development have outlined the below
policy to ensure that charity collections are handled ethically and professionally.
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Charity Drives
Food//Item drives will be allowed as long as the requirements are followed. Food/Items must be collected
at a table that is staffed at all times by the members of the club or organization sponsoring the drive. Tables
must be arranged through the Office of Events and Conferences and authorization for the drive must be
obtained through the Community Service Center. Space in hall lounges or lobbies need to be reserved
through each hall office for the buildings the drive will be conducted in. Advertising for the drive can occur
as long as posting policies are adhered to. Only approved advertisements will be allowed to be posted in
the Residence Areas.
SOCIAL GATHERING POLICY
Location
Maximum # of
Persons Permitted
in Suite or
Apartment
(Including residents)
Pine Hall
12
No
No
Linden Hall
12
No
No
Bischoff Hall
6
No
No
CPA Brown (1
bedroom)
9
No
No
CPA Brown (2
bedroom)
16
No
No
CPA Gray
16
No
No
The Overlook
12
No
No
Outside Areas
Cannot create
a noise Disturbance
Yes (25 feet from any
building or Residence
Hall)
No
Mackin Hall
6
No
No
No
Yes, Designated Apartments
Only.
(when only students
and others 21 and over are
present)
No
Yes, Designated Suites Only.
(when only students
and others 21 and over are
present)
The Village
Laurel Hall
16
12
Smoking Permitted
Alcohol Permitted
The above guidelines are in effect at all times. Official quiet hours are in effect Sunday through Thursday
from 11 PM to 8 AM, as well as Friday and Saturday from 1 AM to noon. (Quiet hours are extended at the
end of each semester per a distributed schedule).
A noise violation during quiet hours occurs when noise can be clearly heard outside a suite or apartment.
No gathering of individuals in an outside area can create a noise disturbance.
- 29 -
A host is defined as any assigned resident of the room/suite/apartment where a gathering is taking place.
Any non-student guest involved in a violation will be removed and may be denied future visitation
privileges. A host is also held responsible for the actions of their guest(s), including any/all damages caused
by a guest.
Termination of Gathering, Dispersal of Guests, Confiscation of Alcohol, and Removal of Unregistered Guests
The above actions will take place if any one of the following conditions exists:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Underage consumption/possession of alcohol is taking place.
Inappropriate alcohol (kegs and beer balls) is present.
Number of persons present exceeds occupancy limits.
Charging for entry to the gathering is taking place or has taken place.
A noise violation (after first warning) is taking place or has taken place.
Disorderly/inappropriate behavior of persons is taking place in and/or outside of
apartment/suite/room.
Alcohol is transported/possessed/consumed within Pine, Linden, Bischoff, Mackin Halls, the Overlook,
College Park Apartments (CPA), or any designated “No Alcohol” living areas.
Evidence to suggest excessive drinking game(s).
Any law is being violated.
APARTMENT/BUILDING DOORS
Apartment doors and stairway doors may not be propped open at any time for reasons of safety and
security. Judicial action may result if any residents' apartment or residence hall doors are found propped
open or vandalized in any way.
BYPASSING ENTRANCE DOORS
Gaining access to any building by bypassing security devices can cause structural damage to the building
door and is strictly prohibited, as well as compromising personal safety. Anyone caught bypassing these
devices will face disciplinary action and will be charged for any repairs necessary. Bypassing includes: using
any item to open entrance doors/activate door sensors, using any item to keep entrance doors from
closing, forcibly holding/propping entrance doors open, and any other means of passing through entrance
doors without swiping a college ID card. Only front entrance doors may be used to access residence halls.
BARBEQUE POLICY
Fires may only be lit on stationary grilles provided by the College. A maximum of 5 lbs. of charcoal is
permitted in each apartment or residence hall room. All ash and used charcoal briquettes must be disposed
of in metal drums, which are provided at each barbecue area. College policies regarding noise/quiet hours,
trash and alcohol must be observed at all times. A member of Public Safety, Residence Life or an On Call
Administrator may shut down a barbecue if appropriate. Students who leave charcoal briquettes or
barbeques unattended may be prevented from further use of barbeques. Barbeques cannot be attended
by an excessive amount of guests. Requests for outdoor events must go through The Office of Events and
Conferences.
BICYCLES, ROLLER BLADES AND SKATEBOARDS
Students are prohibited from using bikes, roller blades, and skateboards inside the residence halls.
BICYCLE RACKS
Due to space constraints, bikes may not be stored in Pine, Linden, Bischoff, Mackin the Overlook or Laurel.
Students should lock their bikes to the racks provided outside each of these buildings. Those living in the
- 30 -
Village or CPA may store bikes in the bedrooms or closets of their residences (but not the common living
areas).
LITTERING
In the interest of protecting the environment, the disposing of any form of litter other than in designated
receptacles, is prohibited.
COLLEGE PROPERTY
Students may not transfer or move any college property, including but not limited to lounge furniture,
computers, indoor and outdoor benches, tables, chairs, umbrellas, permanently attached items and/or
unattached items from their original rooms or outdoor locations, for any reason. Outdoor furniture, such as
benches, tables, trash bins, and other items, may not be moved at all. Outdoor benches have been placed
in such a way as to accommodate many. They are not to be placed inside of apartments, on stairwells, or
within 25 feet of the entrance of any building. This distance allows people to use the outdoor benches while
smoking, avoiding a smoking policy violation and exposing others to unwanted secondhand smoke
inhalation. The unauthorized transference of college property may result in disciplinary action for the
person(s) responsible for moving the item(s). However, in the event that the specific person(s) responsible
for the violation cannot be determined, residents assigned within the common area may be fined. The
college may decide to remove certain college property if such violations persist.
PERSONAL FURNITURE
Furniture must not impede egress from a room suite or apartment. Residents’ personal furniture must
have a label attached stating that it meets CAL133 fire safety guidelines. Residents will be responsible for
removing any personal furniture during checkout. Any furniture left behind will be discarded and residents
will be charged for removal.
OBSTRUCTIONS OF COMMON AREAS
In order to avoid potentially dangerous situations, hallways, lobbies, stairwells and common areas must be
kept free of obstructions at all times. For example, trash bags, bicycles, furniture, or other items may not
be left in places where they might obstruct paths for entrance or egress.
PETS
All pets (with the exception of fish in a tank smaller than 10 gallons) are prohibited. Assistance Animals,
however, may be present after approval through the Office of Specialized Services, i.e. Seeing-Eye dogs are
routinely permitted. College staff living in campus residences may have certain approved pets.
REQUESTS BY RESIDENCE HALL STAFF
Residents are required to follow the requests of residence hall staff members who are acting in the
performance of their duties. Failure to comply with such requests may result in disciplinary action.
ROOM DECORATIONS
Room decorations, including posters and pictures, must be limited in order to comply with all fire safety
regulations. Items such as nails, masking tape, or scotch tape should not be used to affix posters and
pictures to the wall. These items may cause damage to the walls. This may result in a charge to the
occupants of the apartment, suite or room. If Fun-Tack is used, it must be completely removed from the
walls or you will be charged for its removal. Fun-Tack cannot be used in the Overlook or Laurel.
Tapestries, drapes, or beads that block egress from the room into the hallway are not permitted, as this
poses a fire hazard. The blocking of heating units also poses a fire hazard.
- 31 -
Room doors (inside and outside) may not be covered with paper or other highly flammable material to
excess. Only a small portion of the entrance and bathroom doors may contain papers, flyers, pictures, etc.
Wreaths, live trees, wired lights (such as holiday lights and/or string lights, including LED lights), and certain
highly flammable furniture items are prohibited items that will be confiscated by Residence Life Staff and
discarded. Confiscated items are not returned to residents. Residents will not be compensated for
confiscated prohibited items. Residents must also be careful not to damage walls through use of certain
adhesives which may be difficult to remove. Charges for tape/adhesive residue and damages to the wall
from such adhesives will be assessed at the time of the resident’s checkout from the room.
Residents who are under age 21 and/or who are living in residences where alcohol is prohibited may not
display decorative alcohol containers and may not possess alcohol paraphernalia in their rooms. Windows
cannot be decorated with any type of alcoholic displays. The item will be confiscated and not returned.
Each resident of the housing assignment will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs.
Walls may not be completely covered. At least 90% of the wall must be free from posters, papers, pictures
and any other hangings. No cardboard of any kind may be placed on the walls or hung from ceilings.
SCREENS
Screens may not be removed from residence hall windows. Throwing anything out of the room/apartment
window is prohibited. Entering/exiting through any room/apartment window is also prohibited. A fine and
judicial action may result for removing screens from anywhere in the residence halls, including
rooms/apartments and common areas such as stairwells, lobbies, lounge, etc.
TRASH/GARBAGE
Residents of apartment complexes are required to place all garbage in the dumpster located outside of the
apartment complex. Residents of traditional residence halls should place garbage in the designated trash
room with their building. Leaving garbage outside of an apartment, suite, room, in hallways, or in stairwells
will result in fines charged to the residents of the entire residence area as a “common area” charge.
Garbage found outside of an apartment building may be inspected by Facilities and Residence Life Staff to
determine the individual(s) that may be responsible for the violation. If the responsible individual(s) are
not determined, the entire apartment building will be assessed fines. Repeated violations may result in
further disciplinary action.
RECYCLING
The College, in conjunction with the Office of Residence Life requires recycling in each residence hall/area.
In Pine Hall and the Apartments, each common area is provided with a recycling bin. Linden, Bischoff,
Mackin, Pine, The Overlook, Laurel have recycling bins in each room/suite/apartment. These bins are to be
used for recyclable items only. Items that must be recycled include: aluminum cans, plastic bottles, paper,
glass and corrugated cardboard. Residents found in violation of the College’s recycling efforts are likely to
receive fines and may face judicial action. The door to door recycling pick-up schedule will be provided via
email to all residents. Recycling is required. Specific guidelines are provided to each resident. Residents
who fail to comply may face disciplinary action.
TV/Computer Equipment Recycling
NJ legislature now requires that all TV and Computer equipment be recycled. Ongoing recycling cannot be
accommodated in the Residence Halls and Apartment complexes. However, recycling drops will be set-up
at the end of each semester in designated locations within the Residence Halls and Apartment Complexes.
As these may change from time to time, please reference the closing materials and any communication
- 32 -
from your hall/area office for dates and locations. Do not leave any TV or Computer equipment for disposal
in the Trash and Recycling areas unless expressly permitted. If needing to dispose of TV or Computer
equipment during periods other than Hall-closing periods, please consult with local recycling centers.
BUSINESS FROM RESIDENTS’ ROOMS
Residents are not permitted to carry on any organized business for the purpose of generating funds for
personal profit from their room/apartment. They may not use their room phone numbers or data
connections for business purposes.
ROOFS
Students are strictly prohibited from entering onto the roof of any campus building. Violators of this policy
will be referred to judicial affairs.
SPORTS IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS
Football, wrestling, boxing, hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, frisbee, water balloon fights, skateboards,
and all other sports activities are prohibited inside and in the immediate vicinity of all residence halls.
There are facilities available that are more appropriate for such activities. Residents may visit the Bradley
Sports and Recreation Center to find out more about available sports activities (such as intramurals) in
which they may participate, or contact a Resident/Community Assistant regarding programs involving
sports/athletic activities.
Snow Plowing:
Students should not congregate on roads and walkways when snow plows are present. In some situations,
students may be asked to move their cars to another lot to facilitate plowing.
RESIDENCE LIFE POLICY VIOLATION FINES
The following is a list of common Residence Life fines. Possession or use of prohibited items will result in
fines - additional penalties may be imposed as a result of, including possible referral to the Office of Judicial
Affairs.
Type
A Second or Severe Noise
Violation
Improper Check-in
Improper Check-out
Failed Health and Safety
Inspection
(bedroom, suite, bathroom, apt)
Unlawful removal of College
furniture
Relocation of College furniture
(possible cost of missing furniture
not included)
Using window or emergency exit
as exit/entrance
Failure to immediately evacuate
during a Fire Alarm
Amount Charged
$50
$75
$50 (per roommate)
$75
$75
$100
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(this includes failure to evacuate
after a warning and failure to
evacuate at all)
Prohibited Item
$50 per item
Room Cleanliness:
If a student’s room is left unclean once it has been vacated, he/she will be charged a room cleaning fee, as
well as an excessive garbage fine according to the amount of garbage or mess. Students are required to
remove all belongings from their room/suite/apartment and common areas when they checkout. It is their
responsibility to take any belongings that they no longer need or want to the dumpster. Students will be
charged for garbage left in their room/suite/apartment area and for any other belongings left behind in the
room/suite/apartment. In addition, students, and/or entire buildings may be fined for garbage left in the
hallways, stairwells, lounges, and lobbies.
Cooking in the Halls:
Pine, Linden, Bischoff, Mackin, Overlook and Laurel Halls are not designed for major cooking in the
rooms/common areas; therefore, students are not allowed to bring electrical appliances for cooking.
Instead, residents of these areas must purchase a meal plan (See Dining Section). However, all residents
may warm up food or cook snacks in the microwave that is provided in each living unit. Blenders are
permitted. Residents should be extra cautious when cooking to not only prevent fires, but also to prevent
inadvertent activation of fire alarm systems. Please be sure to turn on vents if available.
Disorderly Conduct:
Water/water balloon/shaving cream fights, vulgar or abusive language, physical altercations (fights), failure
to comply with a College official, etc., will be documented and may result in disciplinary action and/or
removal from the residence halls.
- 34 -
Community Living and Responsibility in the Residence Halls
Living on campus is more than just “renting a room.” All residents are members of a community. Being
part of a community involves having responsibilities. Students who see or hear something happening that
could be dangerous to others within the community are expected to report it.
Resident/Community Assistants are resources for the residents and are trained to confront residents or
guests when they conduct themselves inappropriately. Because residents are strongly encouraged to
interact with each other on a one-on-one basis, residents should attempt to communicate effectively and
harmoniously. For example, if a neighbor is playing his/her music too loud, it is expected that the resident
will first ask the neighbor to POLITELY lower the music. If he or she does not comply, please contact a
Resident/Community Assistant. If unable to reach a Resident /Community Assistant then contact Public
Safety at 201-684-6666.
Roommate Rights
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The right to read and study in one's room without interference.
The right to sleep at reasonable hours without disturbance from noise, guests, roommates, etc.
The right to a healthy and clean living environment.
The right to free access to one's room.
The right to personal privacy and freedom from inappropriate behaviors of others.
The right to host guests (as long as you and your guest(s) are not interfering with the rights of others).
The right to live in an environment free from illegal drugs and prohibited alcohol use.
One of the most effective ways to deal with a roommate conflict is to discuss what the living issues are.
Roommates should have a conversation at the beginning of each term to talk about what each expects
from the other roommate. Roommate contracts are a great way to put these discussions in writing and
avoid future problems. If problems occur between roommate(s), the Graduate/Residence Director may
require the residents of the living area to complete a roommate contract in order to prevent future
problems.
A roommate contract is an agreement in which the residents of each room, suite, and apartment can define
their own rules and practices within their living area and are within the general confines of college rules. At
the beginning of each term, the Resident/Community Assistants will assist residents on drawing up the
contracts. These contracts can be amended at any time with agreements from all parties involved. Please
submit agreements to the hall/area office. Contracts are required for all first year resident students.
Room changes are considered the last possible alternative to solving roommate conflicts.
Roommate/ Suitemate Contracts
Roommate/Suitemate agreements can be very important tools during a resident’s college experience.
Although these agreements are often thought to be useful only for situations requiring conflict resolution,
they are very effective in conflict prevention. ALL FIRST YEAR RESIDENTS AT RAMAPO COLLEGE ARE
REQUIRED TO DEVELOP A ROOMMATE/SUITEMATE AGREEMENT WITH THEIR RESIDENT ASSISTANT AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. Other residents are strongly encouraged to develop agreements and may be
required to do so by their Graduate/ Residence Director. The agreement will help each resident to have a
more enjoyable experience and will help to alleviate a buildup of concerns that could become very
- 35 -
uncomfortable. Each roommate/suitemate is required to sign the agreement, which is designed to protect
each resident’s rights and to help provide a comfortable living environment. The following questions and
answers attempt to clarify the importance of roommate/suitemate agreements:
Why is it important to develop a roommate/suitemate agreement at the very beginning of the year?
There are no problems yet; why should my roommate(s)/suitemate(s) and I bother?
There may not be any issues right now; however, by developing an agreement from the beginning,
roommates/suitemates/apartment-mates will ensure that everyone’s rights are maintained.
Won’t this agreement limit my rights?
Too often, there is a negative perception about roommate/suitemate agreements. The items developed in
the agreement are not meant to be limiting or to prevent students from having fun. The agreement should
be viewed as a set of expectations that each roommate/suitemate has of one another, which will help to
make everyone’s time living together as productive and fulfilling as possible. Residents will spend a great
deal of time with their roommate(s)/suitemates and each roommate should feel as comfortable as possible
in their residence area.
Is the agreement set in stone?
Each roommate/suitemate is expected to abide by all terms outlined in the agreement. However, some
concerns may later develop which were not outlined in the original agreement. The agreement can be
amended to address any other items which the roommate(s)/suitemates feel are of importance. The
roommate(s)/suitemates and the Resident/Community Assistant can sit down and discuss amendments to
the agreement.
What if someone violates the agreement?
If any person in the room/suite violates any term outlined in the agreement, that person will meet with the
Resident/Community Assistant and Graduate/ Residence Director to discuss the actions and appropriate
sanction. Once again, by having the agreement the rights of everyone in the room/suite are protected. If
one or more individuals violate the agreement an administrative room change may be conducted at the
discretion of the Area Director.
Each room/suite should develop an agreement to prevent disputes, which distract from living a healthy life
and detracts from the ability to do academic work both physically and emotionally. When roommates are
ready to develop an agreement, the Resident Assistant/Community Assistant can help them discuss which
items should be addressed in the agreement.
Insurance Claims against the College
Ramapo College is an agency of the State of New Jersey and, as such, is covered by the New Jersey Tort
Claims Act NJSA 59:1-1 et. seq., the New Jersey Contractual Liability Act NJSA 59:13.1 et. seq., and the
availability of appropriations.
The State of New Jersey does not carry public liability insurance, but the liability of the State and the
obligation of the State to be responsible for tort claims against its employees and property are covered
under the terms and provisions of the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Ramapo College is represented by the
State in legal matters.
Residents are strongly urged to carry renter’s insurance or be added to their parent’s homeowners
insurance. The College DOES NOT have insurance that covers students’ belongings. There are several
companies (National Student Services, CSI and worth Avenue Group) that provide insurance for student
- 36 -
belongings. Website information for each company is:
www.nssi.com,www.collegestudentinsurance.com,www.worthavegroup.com
Tort Claim Forms may be obtained from the Office of Business Services. However, all correspondence is to
be addressed as follows:
Department of Treasury
New Jersey Bureau of Risk Management
Mary Roebling Building
20 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08624
Attention: Claims
Personal Hygiene
All residents have a right to a healthy and clean living environment. With this in mind, the following is
suggested:
•
•
•
•
Shower on a regular basis.
Keep all dirty or soiled clothing in a laundry basket or hamper until they can be washed.
Change bed linens once a week.
Change and wash clothing on a regular basis.
Residents who feel that a roommate has a serious hygiene problem and are uncomfortable approaching
him/her should consult with their Resident/Community Assistant for advice or help. Students who refuse to
comply with reasonable standards of personal hygiene may have their housing privileges revoked.
Guest/ Visitation Policy 2013-2014
Guest Procedures
Guests are allowed in the halls as long as they comply with all Residence Life policies and procedures and
do not disturb the normal operation of the building. Guests must carry the appropriate valid identification
on them at ALL times as well as their approved Guest Registration Form. Guests must remain with their
resident (host) at all times. Residents may submit a Guest Registration Form prior to their guest’s arrival,
however all required information needs to be filled out fully.
Residents will be held accountable for the behavior and/or actions of the guest(s) they have registered.
- 37 -
Each registered guest is allowed to stay on-campus no more than three (3) nights (consecutively or not)
within a seven (7) day period. A night begins and ends at 10:00PM. RCNJ residents are allowed to host up to
two (2) guests at any given time.
All guests residing on-campus past the hours of 10:00PM must carry an approved Guest Registration Form
and the appropriate valid form of identification at all times. Guests may not move from host to host to stay
on-campus more than three (3) nights.
Current RCNJ residential students do not need to be registered as a guest. All residents are responsible for
their guests.
The College automatically assumes that all residents within a shared housing unit (room/suite/apartment)
agree to permit their roommate, suitemate, or apartment-mates to register guests in their shared housing
unit, without having to provide prior acknowledgment of those guests. However, residents have the right to
opt-out of this automatic Guest Registration by contacting their Resident Assistant/Community Assistant to
facilitate a roommate/suitemate/apartment contracts. As with any roommate/suitemate/apartment
contract, if someone violates the terms of the contract, staff in the hall/area office must receive a formal
complaint before they can act upon it. It is important to note that once a complaint is received for a
particular room/suite/apartment, all residents of that space may lose guest privileges until they come
together and a contract is developed.
It is essential that students adhere to the Social Gathering Policy for the assigned room/suite/apartment. It
is the responsibility of roommates/suitemates to alert the host of the guest of any issues or concerns they
may have concerning any guests or the amount of guests entering their room/suite/apartment. It is
recommended that students have open conversations with roommates/suitemates about guest
expectations.
Adult Guests (18+)
An Adult Guest is defined as anyone who is age 18 years or older and not assigned to an on-campus student
residence room, suite, or apartment.
Examples of Guests:
• RCNJ Commuter Students
• RCNJ Former Students
• Non-RCNJ Students
• Non-RCNJ Family Members
These individuals need a Guest Registration Form and can be registered any night of the week. All guests
must remain with their hosts at all times. Guests must carry the approved Guest Registration Form and a
valid form of identification.
Acceptable Identification: Any current government issued photo identification:
State Driver’s License
State issued photo identification
card
Permanent Resident Card
Passport of any Country
- 38 -
Military Identification Card
Unacceptable Identification: Any forms of identification that are not government issued with a photo
will not be accepted for guests:
Any college identification cards
(Including Ramapo Commuter
IDs)
General photo identification
cards (i.e. – Work Identification
cards, Volunteer Identification
cards)
Birth certificates
Credit Cards of any kind (i.e. –
Credit Card displaying the
owner’s face)
Minor Guests (Under age 18):
A Minor is defined as a person under 18 years of age. Minor Guests are only permitted to visit on the
weekends (Friday-Sunday).
Minors over the age of 14 must provide a current high school identification card. All other forms of
acceptable Identification listed above will be sufficient as well.
Failure to adequately supervise guests who are minors may result in disciplinary action or termination
of minor visitation privileges.
It is highly recommended that anyone who wishes to host a guest (or guests), who is (are) a minor to
notify his/her respective hall office in advance.
All guests, regardless of age, must abide by all Ramapo College local, State, and Federal regulations and
rules.
Guest Registration Availability and Submission:
In order to have a guest(s), the resident (host) must register his/her guest(s) by completing a Guest
Registration Form and submitting it to the respective locations indicated in the chart below. Guest
Registration Forms will ONLY be approved by the Residence Hall Office or Desk Attendant Booth of the
host, with the exception of those who live in The Village or The College Park Apartments. When the Hall
Offices of The Village and The College Park Apartments close, residents from those areas must get their
Guest Registration Forms approved at the Residence Hall Office closest to their place of residence.
Residents who have agreed with their roommate/suitemate to grant permission prior to a guest visiting
must provide their signature in the provided space.
- 39 -
Please review the below chart for where a Guest Registration Form can be obtained and submitted.
Traditional Residence Halls
{Pine, Linden, Laurel, Mackin, Bischoff and Overlook}
Monday11:00am - 12:00am
Residence Hall Office
Friday
Monday10:00pm - 5:00am
Desk Attendant Booth
Friday
Saturday8:00pm - 10:00pm
Residence Hall Office
Sunday
Saturday10:00pm - 5:00am
Desk Attendant Booth
Sunday
Apartment Residence Areas
{Village and College Park Apartments (CPAs)}
Monday11:00am - 12:00am
Friday
Monday10:00pm - 5:00am
Friday
SaturdaySunday
SaturdaySunday
8:00pm - 12:00am
10:00pm - 5:00am
Residence Hall Office
Desk Attendant Booth
(CPAs- Go to Mackin/Bischoff/Overlook)
(Village- Go to Laurel/Pine/Linden)
Residence Hall Office
Desk Attendant Booth
(CPAs- Go to Mackin/Bischoff/Overlook)
(Village- Go to Laurel/Pine/Linden)
Guest Policy Violations:
No one may use the guest procedure to evade paying proper residence hall charges. Guests may not move
from host to host in order to stay on campus for more than the duration the policy states. Students and
guests who are found to be in violation of these procedures will be documented by the Residence Life Staff
or Public Safety Officers. Students who violate the Guest Policy may be referred to Office of Judicial Affairs
and may be subject to a residence area ban. Individuals, such as runaways or others fleeing lawful parental
authority, are not permitted as guests.
NOTE: Depending on the situation, the College reserves the right to change or limit guest procedures.
Guest privileges will be revoked if actions impede the teaching and learning processes that are at the heart
of the College's mission. Guests’ personal behaviors should conform to the wishes of all the residents in the
room/suite/apartment. It is the host’s responsibility to report the misconduct of guest(s) to the
Department of Public Safety or Residence Life staff immediately.
Other Information:
There are designated times throughout the year when guest privileges are more restricted in order to
confirm with Residence Hall operations. Below is a listing of these times and guest expectations and
procedures. Residents who reside on campus may not use their residency to allow others to circumvent
paying for housing.
- 40 -
Time:
Fall Early Arrival
Check-in
Thanksgiving
Break
Fall Semester
Finals
Fall semester
check-out
extensions
Winter Interim
Housing
Policy:
No Guests Permitted
until check-in begins
for designated
building/ area
Guests Permitted.
Normal Guest
procedures are
followed.
Guests Permitted.
Normal Guest
procedures are
followed.
No Guests Permitted.
Guests Permitted.
Normal Guest
procedures are
followed.
Spring Early
Arrival Check-in
Guests Permitted.
Normal Guest
procedures are
followed.
Spring Break
Guests Permitted.
Normal Guest
procedures are
followed.
Guests Permitted.
Normal Guest
procedures are
followed.
Spring Semester
Finals
More Information:
Residents in Early Arrival Housing who are approved to
arrive to housing early due to an affiliation with a group on
campus are not permitted to have guests.
Residence Hall Offices work on a revised schedule.
Desk Attendants work normal hours – 10pm-5am.
It is important to note that it is 24-hour quiet hours during
this time and residents should be mindful of peers who are
studying or preparing for finals. Please review
expectations regarding 24-hour quiet hours and residents
are expected to hold their guests to the same standards.
Residents are approved for a check-out extension for
academic related reasons. No guests are permitted.
Winter Interim Housing period is for students who reside
on campus in order to work for the college, are
international students, or are in-season athletes.
Residence Hall Offices work on a revised schedule. Desk
Attendants work normal hours – 10pm-5am.
Winter Interim Housing residents do not have the
authority to allow roommates/suitemates/apartment
mates to move into residences prior to normally scheduled
check-in date. A Student who is found violating this will be
considered an Illegal Resident. Please reference the illegal
resident procedures as listed below.
Residents in Early Arrival Housing, who are approved to
arrive to housing early due to an affiliation with a group on
campus, are permitted to have guests. Residence Hall
Offices work on a revised schedule. Desk Attendants work
normal hours – 10pm-5am.
A resident cannot register a semester
roommate/suitemate/ apartment mate as a guest during
this time period. Spring Early Arrival residents do not have
the authority to allow roommates/suitemates/apartment
mates to move into residences prior to normally scheduled
check-in date. A Student who is found violating this will be
considered an Illegal Resident. Please reference the illegal
resident procedures as listed below.
Residence Hall Offices work on a revised schedule. Desk
Attendants work normal hours – 10pm-5am.
It is important to note that it is 24-hour quiet hours during
this time and residents should be mindful of peers who are
studying or preparing for finals. Please review
expectations regarding 24-hour quiet hours and residents
are expected to hold their guests to the same standards.
- 41 -
Spring semester
check-out
extensions
Summer School
No Guests Permitted.
Residents are approved for a check-out extension for
academic related reasons. No guests permitted.
Guests are Permitted
The Residence Hall Offices work on a revised schedule.
Once a resident participates in the end of summer “all
summer move-over “no guests are allowed until regular
check-in begins for designated building/ area. This is
regardless of Fall placement on campus.
Guest parking Procedures:
Guests are allowed to bring their vehicles on-campus. Attached to the Guest Registration Form is a parking
pass. All parking passes must be completed thoroughly, stamped for approval, and placed on the dashboard
of the guest’s car. Guests may only park in designated Parking Lot D, located near the Bradley Center.
If a Guest is not registered prior to coming to campus, they should first park their car in Parking Lot D
before receiving a Guest Registration Form Parking Pass from the appropriate residence hall. After receiving
an approved Guest Registration Form Parking Pass, that guest should immediately put the parking pass on
the dashboard of his/her vehicle. If a guest receives a ticket from Public Safety for parking in Parking Lot D
without a Guest Registration Form Parking Pass between the time of parking his/her vehicle, receiving a
Guest Registration Form Parking Pass and putting it on his/her vehicle, the ticket may be revoked, if
appealed. The guest should indicate that s/he was in the process of receiving a Guest Registration Form
during the time the ticket was issued.
If a guest is only interested in visiting the campus for a couple of hours during the day, he/she should visit
the Public Safety Booth at the front of the College for a day parking pass.
Guest Transportation Procedures:
Guests are welcome to use both the RCNJ Shuttle and the NYC Port Authority Bus.
RCNJ Shuttle: Guests are welcome to use the RCNJ Shuttle. They must be with their host at all times. All
guests should have their Guest Registration Form available when riding the RCNJ Shuttle; they may be
asked to present it. If a guest is using the RCNJ Shuttle to arrive from the train station, the host must be
onboard the RCNJ Shuttle to meet him/her. The times and destinations for the RCNJ Shuttle are located on
the Ramapo website.
NYC Port Authority Bus: Guests are welcome to use the NYC Port Authority Bus. Their ticket must be
purchased with their host’s Ramapo ID at Roadrunner Central. A guest is not required to present a Guest
Registration Form to ride the NYC Port Authority Bus.
Illegal Entry
Entering another resident’s room without that person’s permission is illegal and prohibited. Breaking into
or entering any room (including entering one’s own room) by means other than the regular method of
using one’s student ID swipe-card is also prohibited. Criminal charges and/or any damage charges may be
pursued for illegal entry by any unauthorized means.
- 42 -
Illegal Residents:
Illegal residents are persons who visit residents’ rooms for long periods of time (for more than three days
within a given week) or whose visitation violates the Guest Procedures in any way. Unregistered guests are
considered “illegal.”
If the Office of Residence Life staff, officers from the Department of Public Safety, or other College officials
find someone who is living in a campus residence, but who is not authorized to be there, the “host” student
(or students) may be charged the regular housing charge for the “guest” and the “host” may be charged
with conduct violations. Violators may be fined and/or face judicial action.
Residents who are aware of a person(s) living on-campus without authorization or who is violating the
Guest Policy, should notify their residence hall office staff as soon as possible. The Desk Attendant Staff will
be checking the Guest Registration database on a regular basis to insure that all residents and guests are
complying with the Guest Policy.
- 43 -
Public Safety – Motor Vehicle, Photo ID & General Information
Public Safety Department:
The Public Safety Department is located in rooms C-101 and C-102 in the main Academic Building. The
Public Safety main office is in room C-102 and is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. Their
Customer Service area, in Rm. C-101, processes Photo ID Cards and addresses parking permit questions and
problems. Questions on parking and permits may also be submitted through parking@ramapo.edu. Public
Safety may be reached for non-emergency assistance at ext. 7432, or for emergencies at ext. 6666.
All students intending to operate a vehicle on campus are strongly advised to become familiar with RCNJ
Motor Vehicle Rules and Regulations, found on the Public Safety webpage. An Adobe Reader printable
version of the Regulations is available as well.
All students parking a vehicle on campus must have a current and valid parking permit displayed for that
vehicle. Go to www.ramapo.thepermitstore.com to apply for the current academic year permit.
Note: The parking fee is included with tuition and other fees, but PAYMENT OF THE PARKING FEE DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE COMPLIANCE WITH THE PARKING REGULATIONS. YOU MUST APPLY FOR THE PERMIT AT
THE ABOVE WEBSITE, RECEIVE IT AND AFFIX IT TO THE PROPER LOCATION ON YOUR VEHICLE (REAR LEFT
PASSENGER WINDOW, LOWER RIGHT CORNER). If you do not receive your permit by mail within 10 - 14
BUSINESS days, contact parking@ramapo.edu.
On-campus parking is not authorized for first-year residents. Freshmen with extenuating circumstances
for transportation may submit an appeal to the Freshman Car Appeals Committee via email to
cars@ramapo.edu.
Temporary Permits:
If you are using another vehicle temporarily, YOU MUST OBTAIN A TEMPORARY PARKING PERMIT at the
MAIN ENTRANCE Public Safety Booth. All visitors must stop at the Public Safety Information Booth and
obtain a Temporary Parking Permit as well.
Reserved Parking:
Parking spaces reserved for those with disabilities are clearly marked. Parking in a FIRE LANE or a
Handicapped space without legal authorization may result in a NJ State-assessed fine of at least $200, with
additional and/or higher fines and penalties if also ticketed by the Mahwah Township Police. The Mahwah
Police Department patrols the campus and enforces traffic and parking laws, especially for emergency and
access routes and parking for people with disabilities. Vehicles parked in an unauthorized space may be
booted and/or towed at the vehicle operator’s expense.
Students are not authorized to park in spaces displaying a reserved sign (i.e., reserved 24 hours, Residence
Life Staff, Service Vehicles, etc.) and/or in a Residence Hall area not authorized for the parking permit
displayed. All violations to this policy are subject to parking citations.
All parking regulations are strictly enforced. There are costly fines for infractions.
- 44 -
Gate Access/ Resident Area Parking:
All residents needing gate access must go to Public Safety’s Customer Service Center (Rm. C-101) to have
their ID card coded for the correct gate access. ID Cards are NOT coded for gate access automatically.
Residents must use their Ramapo College ID to gain entrance to the North side of Campus
(Overlook/College Park Apartments). All residents’ vehicles will be issued permits according to their
residence location. Freshman residents with special permission to have a car must park in the D LOT ONLY.
VILLAGE residents may park only in the B, C OR D LOTS. LAUREL Residents must have their ID card coded for
access the Parking Deck via the South side of Campus - Tupelo Road gate to Woods Road. OVERLOOK
residents may use the Parking Deck for overflow parking, however, they can only access the Parking Deck
via the North side of campus, as Overlook residents’ do NOT receive gate access via Tupelo and Woods
Road.
Citation Appeals Process
Citations issued to vehicles must be appealed within 20 calendar days of issuance. Failure to file the appeal
within 20 calendar days constitutes forfeiture of the right to appeal. Appeals are made online at
www.ramapo.thepermitstore.com.
Appeals ARE NOT CONSIDERED for the following reasons:
• Ignorance of the regulation
• Stated inability to find a legal parking space
• Operation of the vehicle by another person
• Stated failure of parking enforcement staff to ticket previously for similar offenses
• Inability to pay the fine
• Disagreement with RCNJ Motor Vehicle Rules and Regulations
In all cases, appellants should provide evidence to support their position, i.e., witness statements,
photographs, etc. The Appeals Committee may invalidate citations found to be in error but may not reduce
published fines or other sanctions for those reasons listed above. The decisions of the Appeals Committee,
comprised of Ramapo College staff, faculty and students are final. Appellants will receive an e-mail
notification of the Appeal outcome. Please be patient in the Appeals Process, as it can take up to one
month or more during the academic year.
Visitor and Guest Parking:
Residents and their guests must comply with Campus Motor Vehicle Regulations, or the resident student
may have his/her resident parking privileges revoked, and the guest will be banned from the Ramapo
College campus. The ONLY authorized location for overnight resident GUESTS is C or D Lots. Overnight
guests parking in the residence areas will be ticketed. Resident students are responsible for ensuring that
their guests are parked legally and have obtained the proper temporary overnight parking pass from their
respective residence hall staff. SEE GUEST POLICY.
PARKING AT RAMAPO COLLEGE IS AT OPERATOR'S RISK
Walkways:
Occasionally, emergency vehicles (police, fire, and/or Emergency Medical Service) may need to use
walkways to gain closer access to buildings. In addition, some Campus vehicles may need to use them
when there is a direct work-related reason to do so, but only when vehicles are operated at slow speeds.
Golf carts and other campus vehicles operated at an unsafe speed and/or driven recklessly is a danger for
all pedestrians and particularly for students with disabilities. Violators are subject to fines and other
disciplinary action.
- 45 -
Please be safe and courteous to fellow students and others by using only roadways for vehicular travel, and
stopping to Yield to Pedestrians at crosswalks. Driving on the walkways is a direct violation of campus
motor vehicle regulations and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Statutes, and violators will be subject to fines
and/or other disciplinary action. It is a particular danger to students with disabilities.
Driving on Campus:
The operation of a motor vehicle on the Ramapo College Campus is a privilege. All persons who bring a
motor vehicle on campus are subject to the rules and regulations of the College and the laws of the State of
New Jersey. Residents are required to report all traffic/automobile accidents that occur on campus to the
Public Safety Office.
The speed limit for driving on campus is posted on all roads and parking lots; please refer to the Motor
Vehicle Information, Rules and Regulations published by Public Safety for specific guidelines. Pedestrians
always have the right of way; stop so that pedestrians may safely cross streets. At five locations on campus,
roadways raised pedestrian crosswalks have been installed. Vehicles approaching those crosswalks must
obey the posted 5 mph speed zone while crossing carefully over the crosswalks and stop to allow
pedestrian(s) attempting to cross the roadway.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is strictly prohibited under New Jersey law.
Driving without a current and valid driver's license is also prohibited under New Jersey law. All cars must
have valid registrations and be properly insured as required by law. Ramapo College adheres to all New
Jersey State laws; vehicular violations may result in fines, RCNJ judicial action, and/or police involvement.
(Refer to the section "Parking on Campus" and see the yearly Public Safety Department publication "Motor
Vehicle Information, Rules and Regulations.") The Mahwah Police have the legal authority to arrest drivers
on the campus or to issue municipal tickets for parking infractions, especially in handicapped parking spots
or in prohibited areas.
Campus Safety:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Public Safety Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998
requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to disclose the reported instances of certain
kinds of criminal activity on their campuses.
In compliance with this Act, the Public Safety Department provides a booklet entitled, Public Safety
Department Policies and Practices and Campus Crime Statistics to anyone who requests a copy from the
office. This same document is available to students online and can be viewed and/or downloaded on the
Web at http://www.ramapo.edu/studentlife/publicsafety. Printed copies are also available at the Public
Safety Office Desk.
Construction Sites:
As Ramapo College continues to grow, everyone must be mindful of the safety issues regarding
construction areas. To ensure safety, only authorized contractors (and certain College Officials) are
permitted beyond or within construction barriers. These barriers are put in place for everyone’s protection.
It is extremely important that students do not go beyond the construction barriers (e.g., fences) that
surround these very dangerous construction areas. For construction areas where barriers have not been
placed, students must still maintain a safe distance. Entering and/or throwing objects into and/or beyond
these areas will result in a fine and serious disciplinary action.
- 46 -
Identification Cards:
Students are required to carry Ramapo College identification at all times and must present their ID card to
any College official and/or Residence Life staff upon request. All resident guests are required to carry an
Overnight Guest Pass at all times and must present the Guest Pass to any College Official upon request.
Failure to present identification upon request will result in a fine and judicial action.
Public Safety Escorts:
The Public Safety Department will provide escort services when sufficient personnel are available to do so.
Students should understand however, that given limited Public Safety Department personnel, escorts
cannot be used for the purpose of simple social visitation or the completion of academic assignments.
Public Safety Escorts will be provided from on-campus locations to a student’s on-campus residence or
automobile.
Students should call Public Safety when danger is perceived to them, others, property, or if a serious health
emergency exists. Suspicious persons and/or situations should always be reported to Public Safety at ext.
6666. In the event, the Mahwah Police’s emergency number is 9-911 (college extension) or 911 (noncollege phone).
Routine transportation to such locales as the post office, bank, train station, or grocery store is not
provided by Public Safety. Consult the shuttle schedule or arrange separate transportation through a local
taxi service.
Complaint Form for Reporting Incidents:
The Ramapo College Public Safety Department and the Student Affairs Division ask for all students’
assistance in dealing with crime and other incidents, such as illegal bias incidents that occur on Campus.
Students who know of a crime that has occurred or is occurring should report it immediately. The
Complaint Form is available on the Public Safety Department webpage, through the RCNJ website.
Students may also request a hardcopy of the complaint form in either the Public Safety office or The
Student Affairs Office. All information may be reported anonymously and results in an investigation being
initiated.
Vandalism:
Students are asked to immediately report any vandalism, destruction of property, or other inappropriate
behavior to their Resident/Community Assistant, hall office, and Public Safety ext. 6666. If graffiti contains
prejudicial statements or symbols, students are asked to call Public Safety.
- 47 -
Facilities and Work Orders
Laundry Facilities
Laundry is free of charge to Ramapo College residents. Washers and dryers for Pine, Linden, Bischoff,
Mackin, and the Overlook are located on the first floor. Laurel Hall laundry is located on the second floor.
In the College Park Apartments, washers and dryers are located in the laundry room across from Mimosa.
Laundry facilities in the Village are located in the Thomases Commons. Each Laundry room is open 24-hours
a day. The College is not responsible for any items left abandoned in the laundry room. Items that have
been abandoned for over 24 hours are subject to removal. These items will be donated to a local Charity.
Laundry Machine Problems
Students should contact the appropriate residence hall office or the Resident/Community Assistant OnDuty if there is a problem with the laundry machines and the vendor will be notified.
Facilities and Work Orders
iService Desk is a web based system that allows users to input a request for routine services via a series of
click-and-pick menus and can be found at http://repairs.ramapo.edu. This page must be viewed using
Internet Explorer or Firefox and is only accessible on campus. Any questions regarding this site can be
referred to the Service Desk at extension 7660. Please report any work orders to your hall office and
Residence Life staff will submit the request using the iservice desk.
If you require immediate assistance (i.e. no heat, extreme hot or cold temperatures, flooding, gas, electric
or water outage) please call our Service Desk at extension 7660 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30
PM or Public Safety after these hours at extension 6666. We would like to remind everyone that all other
routine service requests should be reported to their hall office so the staff may enter necessary repairs into
iService Desk at http://repairs.ramapo.edu. This is for the purposes of tracking, staff-follow up, consistency
in the clarity of reporting, and responsibility allocation.
If utilizing iService Desk, please send only one request per web entry. Include your name, location of the
needed work and brief description of your request or problem. Our system will send automatic email
notifications to the sender when the request is processed, when the status changes and when the work is
complete. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your request or this notice, you may call our
Service Desk at extension 7660; please reference the Request or Work Order number provided. Please do
not call or email individual supervisors with your requests; this will only slow down our response time.
HEATING VENTILATING AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS (HVAC)
Please do not block HVAC units with furniture or personal belongings. Students who detect a smell or noise
should submit a work order immediately. However, if smoke is visible, they should contact Public Safety
immediately. HVAC units are inspected twice a year.
FACILITIES EMERGENCIES AND AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES
Any needed repair that affects the health, safety or security of students should be reported immediately.
The chart below provides guidelines for determining who to call for emergencies. Examples of emergencies
are: clogged/overflowing toilets, broken pipes, any lock problem, no heat, and broken windows in
inclement or cold weather or no lighting around stairways.
- 48 -
PEST EXTERMINATION and INSECTS
Students should contact the appropriate Residence Hall Office who can coordinate with facilities. Students
are asked to keep in mind that Ramapo College is located in a wooded area with a diverse and plentiful
population of insects. However, students who find an excessive number of insects in their
room/suite/apartment should contact their RA/CA or hall office. The College employs the practice (IPM),
(Integrated Pest Management)in conjunction with the service of a contracted pest control company. This
means that before using more aggressive pest control measures, the College exhausts other measures first.
For instance, Facilities makes sure that screens are in place on all windows and weather stripping is in place
around doorways (especially entrance doors), etc. Students are also expected to take out the trash on a
regular basis, report any plumbing leaks and practice commonly accepted "good housekeeping standards".
Leaving dirty dishes or foodstuffs in unsealed containers will invite vermin. In some cases monitoring traps
are used to identify the pest involved and a determination is then made on how to proceed. Residents will
be informed if more aggressive measures are needed.
Time of day
8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (M-F)
Weekends
4:30 PM – 7 PM or after midnight
8 PM – 12 Midnight
Who to call
Facilities, ext. 7660
Public Safety, ext. 6666
Public Safety, ext. 6666
RA or CA at your hall office
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE ISSUES:
ODORS IN PINE AND LINDEN HALLS
From time to time and under certain weather conditions, residents may notice a natural gas odor in Pine
and Linden Halls. A pressure relief valve located outside of the boiler house next to Pine Hall causes this
odor.
The valve is designed to relieve boiler pressure when four or more of the boilers shut down simultaneously.
This odor will be of short duration and poses no danger to anyone. There are NO gas lines in the building.
However, it is important that students still continue to report all unusual odors of any kind immediately to
the Facilities Office 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or to the Public Safety Department after 4:30 p.m.
BISCHOFF AND MACKIN BATHROOM FUMES
The bathroom floor drains in Bischoff and Mackin may emit a foul odor at some point during the semester.
Students who smell this odor coming from the drain should try to solve the problem by pouring a few cups
of water down the drain first. DO NOT use Drano or any other liquid plumber solution to unclog a drain.
These products damage the plumbing system. If the smell remains, contact the Facilities Office at ext. 7660.
PENDING MAINTENANCE REQUESTS
Students who have submitted a maintenance request and have received no action or follow-up about it in a
reasonable time frame should notify, the appropriate hall office, or call the Facilities Service line ext. 7660.
Facilities ask that students NOT send duplicate requests through email. Students who call the Service Line
and have received the emailed response should have the work order number available when asking
questions about the request. Students should keep in mind that the average response time for nonemergency work requests is approximately five (5) days. The average response time for emergencies
between 8 AM and 10 PM is less than 60 minutes.
- 49 -
PLUMBING
Residence Life has provided a plunger for each resident’s bathroom. Please contact the hall or apartment
complex office if a plunger is not present at the time you check-in.
TOILET OVERFLOW
Students can stop an overflowing toilet by shutting off the water valve at the bottom left or right-hand side
of the toilet (this feature may not be available on all toilets). To close the valve, turn it counterclockwise,
this will prevent water from passing through. Students can also use the plunger provided in each bathroom
to loosen any materials or waste that may be clogging the toilet. Call Facilities at ext. 7660 and let them
know about the problem if the above steps do not resolve it. An overflowing toilet is considered an
emergency repair; if the Facilities Department is unavailable, immediately call Public Safety at ext. 6666.
DO NOT use Drano or any other liquid plumber solution to unclog a toilet or drain. These products damage
the plumbing system. Inform the Residence Life staff if it becomes a recurring problem. Call Public Safety
at ext. 6666 if there is a plumbing emergency.
LAMPS/LIGHT BULBS
Lamps are not provided in resident rooms/apartments, however living room lamps are provided in the
Village. Light bulbs are not provided. Residents should be mindful not to exceed the maximum
recommended wattage of the fixture.
- 50 -
Information Technology and Communication
Telephone Services and Making Phone Calls:
Residents should bring their own telephone instrument. Residents and their roommate(s) are responsible
for the phone provided and must pay for its repair or replacement if it is damaged or missing.
On-Campus:
From any residence hall room phone, simply dial the four-digit telephone extension for friends and offices
on-campus.
Off-Campus local calls:
Dial “9,” then “1,” then the 3-digit area code {even if calling in the (201) area code}, then 201-684-7500 and
enter the extension that you would like to call (which includes an off campus caller trying to dial an on
campus resident; they would enter their four digit extension after calling 201-684-7500)
All Toll-free numbers are available:
Dial “9,” then “1,” then the 3-digit toll free area code, and then dial the seven-digit telephone number.
Example: 9-1-800-123-4567
Long Distance Calls:
Residents are required to use calling cards, prepaid calling cards or cell phones in order to make long
distance calls.
Receiving Phone calls from Outside: If you want to receive an off campus phone call, the person needs to
dial 201-684-7500 and then type in your 4 digit extension.
NOTE: Students may not make any operator assisted phone calls nor have any calls or services billed to
RCNJ Campus phone numbers. Students found making operator assisted phone calls, billing services,
and/or other purchases to the College will be held accountable and judicial action will be taken. Students
MAY NOT contract with an outside vendor to have additional lines or services installed. Students found
violating these restrictions will face loss of their phone privileges, fines plus cost of service, as well as other
disciplinary actions.
Local Phone Calls:
The Office of Residence Life has included the cost for making local phone calls as part of the student
housing fee. Residents can make local phone calls any time from their telephone by dialing “9,” then “1,”
then the 3-digit area code, then the local telephone number. The following is a list of local area codes and
prefixes that you may call without any additional cost:
Area
Code
(201)
Prefix
236
378
579
248
389
612
251
419
632
252
425
639
258
444
642
264
445
652
269
447
661
- 51 -
301
485
669
312
493
670
316
512
675
327
529
684
331
540
689
335
560
701
345
574
819
733
824
961
Area
Code
(551)
Prefix
Area
Code
(845)
Prefix
Area
Code
(973)
Prefix
427
357
301
358
739
825
962
749
828
972
760
831
995
762
847
778
848
804
579
368
777
369
504
738
475
556
869
962
783
857
918
785
879
533
786
882
788
887
790
891
800
925
812
907
818
934
547
*Students MAY NOT connect to Internet services using College phone lines, even if the prefix is listed here.
ALL students receive free access to the Internet. Access to pay service numbers (area code 900 and
exchange 976) has been blocked.
Voicemail:
There is no need to bring an answering machine. The College provides a voicemail system that has several
useful features that answering machines do not have. Setting up the voicemail system is easy. Voiceprompts walk students through a voicemail setup tutorial. In order to receive voicemail messages, students
must set up their voicemail box. All resident students are encouraged to setup and check their Campus
voicemail on a daily basis as the college may be reaching out to your housing assignment extensions.
Students sharing a telephone extension will need to refer to special multi-user setup instructions provided
at time of check-in.
Residents should follow these steps to get started:
Lift up the handset, dial “7500” and wait for the voice-prompt to enter a security code.
For your first-time setup, enter the default security code “0000.”
Follow the automated voice-prompt menu options…
To change a security code, name, and/or greeting dial “31” while in your mailbox, to go to Personal
Options. Follow the automated voice-prompt menu options…
Dial
32
4
5
To
Record a Personal
Greeting
Change Security Code
Record a Name
- 52 -
NOTE: In order to access/retrieve voicemails from all phone lines outside the RCNJ phone system, dial (201)
684-7500. Press the pound “#” key twice and follow the automated voice-prompt menu options…
Phone Problems
To report a phone or voicemail trouble, please report to your hall office.
A telecommunications staff member will respond to calls M-F 8:30-4:30 during the semester except for
holidays and College closings. A time frame for resolution will be provided. Residents must state their
NAME, EXTENSION, CONTACT EXTENSION, BUILDING & ROOM NUMBER, and NATURE OF YOUR
PROBLEM when leaving a message. Any omitted information will result in a delay of service.
Cable Television:
Ramapo College receives a digital cable signal rather than the outdated analog cable system. The digital
system creates a better viewing experience for our residents and eliminates the service outages we would
experience regularly with the obsolete analog system. However, due to the modern digital system upgrade
certain older televisions referred to as “tube or box televisions” may not be able to receive the digital
signal. If a television does not have QAM tuner or cannot accept a QAM signal it will not work for the digital
channels. This information is typically located in the TV specs or a sales associate at the store you are
buying the TV can get you this information.
If you have an older TV that does receive a QAM signal but does not receive the digital channels regularly
you may need to purchase the iView 3500STB DTV converter box. You can find these converter boxes at
several retail electronic stores or it sells for $39.99 on Amazon.com. The converter box does not work with
closed captioning so if you require closed captioning please contact media@ramapo.edu for assistance.
Programming Your Cable TV:
It is important to auto program your TV to ensure you are viewing all the available digital channels. Exact
details on how to auto program or auto tune digital TVs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from
model to model. These instructions are generalizations that are meant to describe the way most TVs
accomplish this feature. For best results, refer to the owner’s manual or instruction booklet for your
specific TV, many of which companies now have online versions for viewing.
General instructions:
Step 1: Press the Power button to turn on the TV.
Step 2: Press the Menu button
Step 3: Select “Setup”
Step 4: Select “Cable” or “Channels”
Step 5: Select “Auto Program” or “Auto Tune”
Step 6: Press “OK” to begin the auto tuning or auto programming.
Cable Wire:
Splitting of cable to expose cable cords through windows is prohibited. Violators will be referred to the
Office of Judicial Affairs. All residences are equipped with one cable TV jack per resident, except in certain
tripled arrangements.
Troubleshooting cable issues:
Cable problems should be reported to your hall office immediately and the Residence Life staff will contact
media services to rectify the problem. Residents are asked to allow at least 24-48 hours for someone to fix
the problem(s). If the problem has not been fixed within this time, students should notify their Hall/Area
Office.
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TV CHANNEL GUIDE
Channel
WCBS-DT
WCBS-DT2
MTVU
SCOLA
Campus Programming
Campus Programming
RCTV
Campus Programming
Campus Programming
Campus Programming
WNBC-DT
WNBC-DT2
WNYW-DT
WNYW-DT2
WNYW-DT3
WABC-DT
WABC-DT2
WWOR-DT
WWOR-DT2
Bounce
Mundo-Fox
WPIX-DT
WPIX-DT2
WPIX-DT3
CNBC
WPXN-DT
WPXN-DT2
WPXN-DT3
WNJN-DT
TV Program Guide
TV Program Guide
CNN
HLN
FOX News
Fox Business Network
MSNBC
Bloomberg
Link TV
CSPAN1
CSPAN2
Al Jazeera America
CNBC
FOX Soccer Channel
CBS Sports Network
ESPNU
ESPN Classic
ESPNews
ESPN Deportes
Golf Channel
#
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
4.1
4.2
5.1
5.2
5.3
7.1
7.2
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
11.1
11.2
11.3
17
31.1
31.2
31.3
50.1
54.1
55.1
56.1
56.2
56.3
56.4
56.5
56.6
56.7
56.8
56.9
57.1
57.2
57.3
57.4
57.5
57.6
57.7
57.8
57.9
Channel
Big Ten Network
Big Ten Network Alt.
MLB Network
NBA TV
NBC Sports Network
Fox Sports 1
Fox Sports 2
Sportsman Channel
TNT
USA Network
A&E
TV Land
GSN
ABC Family
Nickelodeon
Comedy Central
Cartoon Network
Animal Planet
HGTV
Lifetime
Lifetime Movie Network
Bravo
OWN
Oxygen
WE tv
SoapNet
E! Entertainment
LOGO
Tru-TV
Spike TV
Disney Channel
Biography Channel
Travel Channel
Food Network
Cooking Channel
Syfy
Cloo
Chiller
FOX Movie Channel
AMC
IFC
Reelz Channel
Ovation TV
Destination America
MTV
- 54 -
#
58.1
58.2
58.3
58.4
58.5
58.6
58.7
58.8
58.9
59.1
59.2
59.3
59.4
59.5
59.6
59.7
59.8
59.9
60.1
60.2
60.3
60.4
60.5
60.6
60.7
60.8
60.9
61.1
61.2
61.3
61.4
61.5
61.6
61.7
61.8
61.9
62.1
62.2
62.3
62.4
62.5
62.6
62.7
62.8
62.9
Channel
MTV2
VH1
VH1 Classics
Fuse
CMT
Up
BET
TV One
EWTN
The Word
TBN
World Harvest Television
BBC America
TLC
History Channel
H2
Discovery
Discovery Fit and Health
Science Channel
Military Channel
National Geographic
Investigation Discovery
Nat Geo Wild
The Weather Channel
Once Mexico
RFD TV
HITN TV
#
63.1
63.2
63.3
63.4
63.5
63.6
63.7
63.8
63.9
64.1
64.2
64.3
64.4
64.5
64.6
64.7
64.8
64.9
65.1
65.2
65.3
65.4
65.5
65.6
65.7
65.8
65.9
High Definition Channels
MSG HD
Sportsnet New York HD
MSG Plus HD
YES Network HD
ESPN HD
EPSN2 HD
NFL Network HD
NHL Network HD
TBS HD
FX HD
HBO (East) HD
HBO2 (East) HD
66.1
66.2
67.1
67.2
68.1
68.2
69.1
69.2
70.1
70.2
71.1
71.2
Dining Services
Dining Plan Selection Information:
The following information has been compiled to assist students in selecting a Dining Plan that is best for
them. Questions regarding any of this information can be directed to the Dining Services Office at 201-6847773.
Students assigned to Pine, Linden, Bischoff Hall, Mackin Hall, Laurel, and Overlook Halls are required to
select and purchase a Dining Plan for each semester of the academic year. Students assigned to the
apartments on campus may also choose a Dining Plan; however, it is not required. Below is a glossary of
commonly used terms that may assist students in making their selection.
Dining Plan Options:
The Ultimate
This plan offers students the “ultimate” in flexibility
and access. Students on the Ultimate plan have the
option of accessing the student restaurants as many
times as they would like during the course of the day.
A coffee and a bagel on the way to class or a sit down
dinner, this option provides it all. The student with
this plan has unlimited access to the Birch Tree Inn or
the Pavilion for any of the meals served over the
course of the week, including late night dining. In
addition to the unlimited usage in the student
restaurants, the plan includes flex per semester, which
can be used for student catering, guest meals in the
student restaurants or in any of the retail outlets. This
plan does not allow for takeout dining.
The Super 14
For the student who may not make it to breakfast
every morning or has a less predictable schedule, the
Super 14 offers a little less structure. The student on
this plan has a total of any 14 meals a week in the Birch
Tree Inn or the Pavilion. This plan includes flex per
semester, which can be used for additional meals in the
student restaurants, late night dining, and student
catering, guest meals in the student restaurants or in
any of the retail outlets.
The Tasty 10
The Tasty 10 is for the student on the go. It offers any
10 meals per week at the Birch Tree Inn or the
Pavilion, including late night dining. This plan includes
flex per semester, which can be used for additional
meals in the student restaurants, student catering,
guest meals in the student restaurants or in any of the
retail outlets.
The Sensible 6
The student who desires the most in flexibility, who
may not take the time to sit down for many leisurely
meals during the course of the week, may find the
Sensible 6 to be the plan of choice. This plan offers any
6 meals per week at the Birch Tree Inn or the Pavilion,
including late night dining. It includes flex per semester
which can be used for additional meals in the student
restaurants, student catering, guest meals in the
student restaurants or in any of the retail outlets.
The Laurel Plan
This plan offers flex dollars per semester which can be
used for meals in the student restaurants, late night
dining, and student catering, guest meals in the
student restaurants or in any of the retail outlets. This
meal plan is only available to those residents who
reside in Laurel Hall.
- 55 -
Dining Plan Commonly Used Terms:
Flex Dollars: These are dollars attached to all
Dining Plans which may be used to purchase meals
over the allotted number for each week, for
student catering, guest meals, or for use in any of
the retail operations on campus. These dollars are
similar to a debit banking account, with the
assigned amount of dollars being available at the
beginning of each semester and debited as they are
used throughout the semester. These dollars must
be used by the end of each semester, or they will
be forfeited.
Late Night Dining: In addition to the traditional
breakfast, lunch and dinner served, Ramapo College
offers a late night dining program from 9 p.m. to 1
a.m., seven days a week. All meal plans may use a
meal as an option during this time frame.
Meal: This represents each time a student enters
the student restaurant for breakfast, lunch or
dinner. The student may enter the facility only
once during each meal period, with the exception
of the Ultimate plan, which offers unlimited usage.
Any additional meals over and above the number
stated in the selected Dining Plan will require
payment with Flex, Ramapo Dollars or cash.
Ramapo Dollars: These are essentially the same as
flex dollars, with the difference that they may be
purchased separately, without purchasing a Dining
Plan and carry over from semester to semester. This
plan may be added to at any time throughout the
semester and unlike flex dollars, does carry over from
the fall to the spring semester. These funds may be
used throughout the student’s college career at
Ramapo. Ramapo Dollars are not refundable for any
reason Ramapo Dollars may be purchased at the
Ramapo Dining Office or the Office of Residence Life.
Payment is expected at time of purchase. Residence
Life will bill in increments of $50 only. Purchases
made in Dining Services are paid by cash or check
only and may be purchased for any amount of $25 or
more.
Retail Operation: This refers to facilities which are
not specifically geared towards meal plans. The
retail operations on campus are the Curtain Call
Café, located in the Berrie Center, the Atrium,
located in the Scott Student Center, and the
Convenience Store, located in the Trustees
Pavilion. All three facilities accept cash, Flex and
Ramapo Dollars.
Student Restaurant: The student restaurants are the
facilities that offer all you care to eat dining for
students on dining plans, as well as visitors who wish
to pay a flat rate at the door. The student restaurants
are located in the Trustees Pavilion (Pavilion) and the
Scott Student Center (Birch Tree Inn).
Week: The week begins on Saturday and ends on
Friday. There are four meals served Monday
through Friday: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late
night dining. There are three meals served on
Saturday and Sunday: brunch, dinner and late night
dining. Meal allotment is reallocated on Saturday
for brunch. There are approximately 16 weeks in
each semester
- 56 -
Dining Facilities:
Following is a list of the dining facilities on campus. Hours vary by location and time of year. Customers can
call Dining Services at 204-684-7773, log on to the Ramapo College website or see signage at each location
for specific hours of operation.
The Atrium
The Atrium is a retail operation located in the Scott
Student Center. This operation accepts cash, Flex
and Ramapo Dollars as methods of payment. This
location is primarily a quick service and convenience
item venue.
Convenience Store
The Convenience Store is located in the Trustees
Pavilion. The regular inventory includes snacks,
beverages, frozen foods, canned food, basic
toiletries, laundry supplies and limited household
items. This operation accepts cash, Flex and Ramapo
Dollars as methods of payment. Please note that we
do not offer disposable bags. Re-usable bags are
available for purchase or you may bring your own.
Pavilion
The Pavilion is an all you care to eat Student
Restaurant located near Bischoff and Mackin Halls.
This operation also caters primarily to the resident
student with a Dining Plan. The menu includes a
variety of daily choices designed to suit the needs
and tastes of students.
Marketplace at the Birch Tree Inn
Marketplace at The Birch Tree Inn is an all you care
to eat Student Restaurant located in the Scott
Student Center. This operation caters primarily to
the resident student with a Dining Plan. The menu
includes a variety of daily choices designed to suit
the needs and tastes of students.
Curtain Call Café
The Curtain Call Café is a coffee house featuring
Starbucks Coffee which is located in the Berrie
Center, serving a limited menu of muffins, danish,
whole fruit and pre-made sandwiches and salads
and a selection of specialty coffee and beverages
not found elsewhere on campus. This operation
accepts cash, Flex and Ramapo Dollars as methods
of payment.
V-Store
The V-Store is located in Thomases Commons in the
Village. It is comprised of a variety of Vending
machines which includes snack machines, laundry
supplies and much more.
Changing Dining Plans:
Students may change their Dining Plan up until the 100% refund date, as published in the academic
calendar in the Schedule of Classes. We encourage students to review the Dining Services webpage for
information on how to change their meal plan. Questions can be emailed from their Ramapo e-mail
account to mealplan@ramapo.edu.
Dining Rules and Regulations:
Students must present a valid college I.D. card in order to use their Dining Plan or Ramapo Dollars. Dining
Plans are non-transferable and may not be used by anyone other than the owner of the I.D. Students are
entitled to unlimited service while in the Student Restaurants, however, food, trays or service ware may not
be removed from the dining area. If an I.D. card is lost, student must notify Dining Services immediately to
ensure that their account is protected until a replacement card can be obtained through Public Safety.
As a common courtesy to other users, students are asked to place their food, dishes, utensils, etc., in the
provided receptacles when leaving the dining facility. These rules apply to all outside seating areas as well.
- 57 -
College Park Apartments and Village Residents:
Students in the apartments may shop at the local grocery stores and cook their own meals in the kitchen
facilities provided in their apartment. Although it is not mandatory for apartment residents to purchase a
Dining Plan, it is encouraged. Apartment residents may sign up for a Dining Plan by e-mailing
mealplan@ramapo.edu from their Ramapo e-mail account or purchase Ramapo Dollars directly from Dining
Services. Please refer to the main Office of Residence Life website for specific dates for the opportunity to
update meal plans.
Late Night Dining:
Late Night Dining allows students to enjoy lighter fare such as pizza, pasta, ice cream, made to order deli
sandwiches, quick service foods, fruit and assorted beverages at the Birch Tree Inn from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.,
seven days a week. Students may access “late night” as part of their Dining Plan or with Flex, Ramapo
Dollars or cash.
Boxed Meals:
Students who are ill or disabled and cannot get to one of the dining facilities can also make arrangements
for a boxed meal by calling Dining Services at the number listed above. In such cases, a friend or roommate
can pick up the meal for them, using the student’s I.D. along with a note of explanation. Advance notice of
such a need is appreciated and will better ensure prompt service.
Special Diets:
Dining Services can accommodate most special diets. Vegetarian and Vegan interests are kept in mind as
menus are developed. There is a specific process for making special requests for medical, religious, cultural
or other reasons. Students with such requests should inquire at the Dining Services Office, located across
from the Atrium dining room.
- 58 -
FIRE SAFETY
The College has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY in connection with any infractions of the Fire Safety Policies and Procedures!
Note: This information is also available on the Environmental Health & Safety website at:
http://www.ramapo.edu/ehs/fire-safety/?faq=open
I. INTRODUCTION
Fire Safety has always been and continues to be a high priority at Ramapo College. We continue to assess what more can be done to:
- As s ure a Fire S a fe Environm e nt
- Ra is e our Fire P re pa re dne s s a nd P re ve ntion
- Re ne w the Fire Safety Instructions and Fire Evacuation Procedures
- Upda te Ava ila ble Tra ining a nd Inform a tion
The fire safety information contained within and referenced throughout this document is intended to Inform, Educate and Train our
students and employees about:
- Our Fire S a fe Ca m pus Environm e nt
- Fire P re pa re dne s s a nd P re ve ntion
- Fire S a fe ty Ins tructions including Fire Eva cua tion P roce dure s
- Ava ila ble Tra ining a nd Inform a tion including re com m e nde d We b S ite s
- Re m e die s for Non Com plia nce – Discipline, Penalties and Fines
All students and employees are required to read this information. Students and employees should discuss this information with their
associates. In the event of a fire or emergency, Fire Safety Awareness will help save lives!
II. FIRE SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Ramapo College is committed to maintaining the most fire safe environment for our students and employees. We do this in a number of
ways.
A. Resources
We work in partnership with our resources on campus, with the emergency responders of Mahwah Township; including Police, Fire, the
Director of Emergency Management, and with the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety-State Fire Marshal’s Office.
1. Public Safety responds to all trouble signals, pre-alarms and all fire alarms.
2. The Mahwah Police Department responds to all fire alarms.
3. The Mahwah Fire Department is required to respond to all fire alarms.
4. The College Fire Marshal responds to all fire alarms during his scheduled hours and anytime when his
presence is requested during emergencies.
5. All New Jersey State Colleges and Universities are required to report all fires and explosions on Campus
to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the State Fire Marshal or his representative, at his discretion, sends
a representative to investigate.
6. Professional housing staff members periodically visit each student’s room, not only to inspect for safety
related concerns but to connect with students and inquire as to their overall residential experience.
7. The College Fire Marshal periodically visit each building on Campus, not only to inspect for safety related
concerns but to connect with students and employees and inquire as to their overall fire safety
experience.
8. A representative of the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office accompanied by the College Fire Marshal
conducts an annual unannounced inspection of each building on Campus. All violations are documented
and promptly submitted through the appropriate channels for abatement. Generally speaking, almost all
violations are abated within the required 30 days. Fortunately fire violations that may present an
immediate danger to health and safety are an exceptional event at Ramapo College. However, any
violation of that nature is addressed immediately with a primary focus on the health and safety of our
students and employees.
B. Fire Protection Systems
All residence apartments are equipped with fire sprinkler, fire alarm, smoke and fire detection, fire extinguisher and ,where required,
carbon monoxide detection systems. In addition, all other buildings on Campus contain the required fire safety systems. Specifically, our
systems include smoke detectors, heat sensor technology, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, standpipes and
alarm bells. The entire fire detection and suppression system is hard wired. This means that when triggered, the alarm rings at Public
Safety and is transmitted, within the prescribed time specified by the fire code, to the Mahwah Township Police Headquarters Dispatch
who immediately dispatches the Mahwah Township Police and Fire Departments.
In addition to the fire systems mentioned above, the College has a network of fire hydrants, fire department connections and valves that
must be available at all times in order to supply or assist in supplying water flow to the fire suppression systems.
All fire systems are maintained in accordance with the requirements of the New Jersey Fire Code; one of the strictest fire codes in the
United States.
The fire alarm systems are monitored 24/7 at our Proprietary Central Station located in Public Safety.
Fire protection systems are maintained by a fire systems company under contract with the College and permitted by the Division of Fire
Safety.
Those systems are inspected annually by a representative of the State Fire Marshal’s Office from the Division of Fire Safety.
1. Smoke Detectors are the first line of fire defense! They are triggered by airborne particles in case of
smoke from fire. Smoke detectors save lives by providing early warning and allowing for timely
evacuation.
- 59 -
2. Heat Detectors include pre-set temperature thresholds that sense heat from burning substances and
activate the fire alarm when the threshold is met; thus activating the fire alarm as the signal to
immediately evacuate the building.
3. Carbon Monoxide Detectors are placed primarily as needed in the residence halls. They monitor carbon
monoxide levels near devices using fossil fuels (such as laundry room dryers and hot water heaters).
Carbon Monoxide detectors also save lives by allowing for early warning and timely evacuation.
4. Sprinklers are another line of defense. Sprinklers also include pre-set temperature thresholds that
sense heat from burning substances and burst the sprinkler head’s sensor bubble when the threshold is
met. At the onset of water flow through the sprinkler head; the fire alarm signal sounds thus signaling to
occupants to immediately evacuate the building. Sprinklers protect property by suppressing a fire quickly.
When activated, a single sprinkler head can release up to 50 gallons of water per minute into the room or
space that it protects.
Ramapo College is 100% compliant with the New Jersey Fire Code requiring that all resident facilities/College and University
Dorms be protected by fire sprinklers! It is our sincerest hope that the systems we have in place need never be used. Our policies
and procedures reflect that desire and are based on our collaborative partnership among College, Mahwah Township, New Jersey
State, and Federal Fire Safety Officials.
III. FIRE PREPAREDNESS AND PREVENTION INFORMATION
Fire preparedness and prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
A. The following are some of, but are not limited to, a number of preparedness and prevention measures in place at
Ramapo College:
1. In 2004, the College hired a Fire Marshal. Dennis Harrington is available to assist students and employees with any fire safety
questions or concerns that may arise. He can be reached at dharring@ramapo.edu or through Public Safety after regular business
hours.
2. The College Fire Marshal in collaboration with the College Administration, Residence Life and Public Safety conducts Four (4) Fire
Drills per calendar year in Residence Halls and Apartments/Dorms and Two (2) fire drills in each of the remainder of the buildings on
Campus.
3. Public Safety responds each and every time the system notifies them of any type of pre, trouble or full fire alarm.
4. Monthly inspections of fire extinguishers at all locations are conducted by Facilities Personnel.
5. As prescribed by the State of New Jersey Fire Laws (Fire Code), the battery-powered smoke detectors are scheduled to be tested
monthly by Facilities Personnel.
6. A contractor, permitted by the NJ Division of Fire Safety, inspects fire suppression and detection systems annually; and on an as
needed basis. Any deficiencies found during the inspections and testing of the fire detection, suppression and alarm systems are
repaired in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Code.
7. The New Jersey Fire Law requires that a building is immediately evacuated whenever the fire alarm sounds.
B. What are your Preparedness and Prevention responsibilities?
DO:
1. Report any information regarding intentionally set false alarm to a residence life staff member
immediately; or should you wish anonymity, you can communicate to Campus Public Safety through the
Silent Witness program. Intentionally set false alarms are prohibited by law!
2. Avoid inadvertently activating the fire alarm by not using products or any other items that are prohibited in
the Residence Halls. Refer to the Prohibited Items List in Section VI, f.
3. In the event an unwanted FIRE, smoke condition or odor of smoke or explosion (including fireworks)
occurs on Campus, the student or employee shall immediately report such condition to Campus Public
Safety at extension 6666 (201.684.6666); Public Safety shall immediately report the incident to the
Mahwah Police Dispatch or you may dial 911 (9-911 from Campus telephones) after contacting Public
Safety.
4. Contact Facilities at x7660 immediately after a fire extinguisher is used, so that a replacement
extinguisher can be installed as quickly as possible.
5. Report any suspected malfunctions of fire safety devices and equipment to a residence hall staff member
or to Campus Public Safety at x6666.
6. Know exactly where the nearest exit is located. You should count the number of doors between your
setting and the nearest exit so that you can find the exit even if your visibility is impaired by smoke and
fire. Always be aware of an alternate exit, in the event that your primary exit is blocked.
- 60 -
7. With your associates, prepare an emergency escape route to use in case of a fire in the building. Know at
least two (2) ways out of the building.
8. Have your keys (room and vehicle), Ramapo College ID, any prescription drugs, cell phone and wallet or
purse ready to "Grab and Go".
9. Treat every fire alarm as the real thing. Exit the building immediately!
10. Learn STOP, DROP, and ROLL. If your clothing should catch fire, don't run. STOP DROP and ROLL.
You should stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, to protect your face
and lungs and roll over to smother the flames.
11. Where applicable, check your kitchen to ensure that your stove and oven are off and any electric coffee
or teapot is unplugged before you leave the area.
12. Keep all doorways and windows leading to fire escapes completely clear at all times. A minimum of 36”
clearance to exits shall be maintained at all times.
13. Report to Facilities any obstructions or accumulations of rubbish in the hallways, stairwells, or other
means of egress. Continuous obstructions should also be reported to the College Fire Marshal.
DO NOT:
1. Tamper in any way with any fire suppression, detection and any other fire safety equipment. Fire
equipment includes but is not limited to fire: extinguishers pull stations, bells, smoke detectors, and heat
detectors, hydrants including attachments, hoses/standpipe cabinets, sprinklers and sprinkler pipes and
alarm panels. Tampering with any fire suppression, detection and any other fire safety equipment is
prohibited by the Fire Code.
Tampering in this context includes, but is not limited to:
a. Covering with any products, including food products, clothing, hats, shower caps or
materials of any kind.
b. Disconnecting or altering the equipment
c. Hanging of any item from equipment or from an area that blocks or interferes with
equipment
d. Bagging the equipment
e. Applying anything at all to equipment
f. The unintended use of the equipment
2. Deliberately cause a fire alarm, falsely report a fire, set a fire (including campfires) anywhere on
campus, possess and use fireworks and other explosive devices, vandalize any fire system or misuse any
piece of fire equipment. These are all acts that are violations of the Fire Code and will be referred to the
appropriate College officials for adjudication and will result disciplinary action, fines and may result in
expulsion from the College. Furthermore, violators may also be subject to prosecution to the full extent of
the law.
3. Go in search of your keys, ID, any prescription drugs, cell phone and wallet or purse or any other
possessions when the fire alarm rings. Keep these items readily accessible in case of an emergency and
fire alarm.
4. Smoke inside any College buildings or vehicles or within 25 feet of any building.
5. Leave cooking unattended. "WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT!"
6. Attempt to put out a fire once it begins to quickly spread. Individuals who attempt to put a fire out should
make sure they have a clear path of retreat from the area. In the event that you find yourself in a situation
when the use of a fire extinguisher becomes vital to your safety, remember PASS, or Pull the pin, Aim at
the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep across the flame.
7. Overload electrical outlets. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Do not repair with
electrical tape.
8. Use extension cords for any reason. Use only power strips with circuit- breakers. Do not plug power strips
into each other.
9. Place anything over electrical panel/circuit breaker boxes (maintain a minimum 30" clearance around
electrical panels and circuit breaker boxes).
- 61 -
10. Place anything over fire detection devices, fire sprinkler heads or lamps.
11. Wrap or hang anything around or from sprinkler piping.
12. Block any exit ways with curtains, netting, or beads; including separations between bedrooms and
hallways and entry areas.
13. Suspend any materials from any ceilings.
14. Block exits with furniture or other items.
15. Prevent doors from opening to a 90-degree angle.
16. Prop fire doors open with any object or place an object to prevent fire doors from closing.
17. Hang banners or other decorative materials that are not flame resistant (do not meet the flame
propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701). Decorative materials that flame resistant have to be
documented and certified by the manufacturer in an approved manner; and are limited to 10% of the
aggregate area of walls and ceilings.
18. Run wires across the floor, ceiling or in front of room door.
19. Wrap fire doors in decorative paper, such as holiday or birthday wrapping paper. Doors to offices,
classrooms, apartments, bedrooms, kitchens etc. are fire doors.
20. Leave any item in the hallway outside of a room or area door.
21. Leave hair care appliances with heating elements (e.g. flat irons, curling irons) unattended.
22. Use in excess aerosol spray products. Aerosol products are prohibited in Pine and Linden Halls.
23. Hang mirrors from exit doors.
C. WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT
Unattended cooking incidents are the leading cause of fire alarms and fires on college campuses across the country. Unattended
cooking is also one of the leading causes of fire alarms at Ramapo College. For these reasons, a special Fire Prevention for cooking
section follows.
“Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat”
1. Stand by your pan
I stay in the kitchen when you are cooking food.
II If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
III Check the food regularly and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on.
2. Micro-Manage your Microwave
I follow the cooking direction provided on the packaging.
II Avoid over cooking and possible smoke or fire; double check the cooking time that you set.
III If the product begins to smoke or catches fire, keep the microwave door closed and unplug or set
the circuit breaker to "Off".
3. Keep it clean
I keep anything that can catch fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags,
food packaging, towels or curtains—away from your stove top.
II Clean up food and grease from burners, stovetops and microwave ovens.
4. For Your Safety
I Wear short or close fitting sleeves.
II Loose clothing is more likely to catch fire during cooking.
D. In Case of a Stove or Oven Fire
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1. Call Campus Public Safety x6666 immediately so that the fire department can be notified. You may call 9911 after calling Public Safety.
2. Turn off the heat. Slide a pan lid over flames to smother a grease or oil fire; and then leave the lid in place
until the pan cools. It is not recommended that you try to carry the pan outside.
3. Extinguish grease fires with the fire extinguisher provided or use baking soda. Never use water or flour on
grease fires.
4. Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire. If you are not placed in
danger, turn off the breaker for electrical stoves.
5. A fire extinguisher is provided in every kitchen. Make sure that the fire extinguisher remains in the
designated location, on the holder in the kitchen area.
6. Remember PASS when operating the fire extinguisher. (Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze
the handle and Sweep across the flame)
7. Notify Campus Public Safety at extension 6666 or Facilities at x7660 anytime the extinguisher is used.
IV. FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
A. If a fire should occur:
1. ACTIVATE the closest fire alarm system; pull stations are usually located next to an exit or stairwell door.
Alert others to the danger; but avoid putting yourself in danger.
2. GET OUT of the building and STAY OUT!
3. CLOSE the doors as you leave to stop the spread of the fire.
4. PROCEED to the Assembly Evacuation Area. Residence Life Staff for students and Emergency
Coordinators for employees will show you to the location of your Assembly Evacuation Area sign.
5. NOTIFY Campus Public Safety at extension 6666; then you may dial 9-911. You or someone you
designate should make the telephone call from a safe location as quickly as possible. Once you have
given the dispatcher the information related to the emergency, wait until the dispatcher hangs up before
you hang up because the dispatcher may need more information.
6. DO NOT GO BACK into the building or try to save your possessions.
Clothes, books and papers can be replaced - YOU CAN’T!
B. Fire Evacuation Procedures - When You Can Leave Your Locality
1. Identify, before an emergency, the location of the two exits nearest to your locality. Do not assume your
usual exit is closest, safest or available during a fire or other emergency.
2. When the fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. Feel the exit doors and doorknobs with the
back of your hand. If they are not hot, open the doors slightly to check the hallway for flames and/or
smoke. If smoke and/or fire are present, crawl low to the floor. If the smoke is heavy, grab a wet towel or
similar object and place it over your face (nose and mouth) and take short breaths through your nose.
3. Use the stairwells; DO NOT use the elevators!
4. Warn associates by knocking on doors on your way to the nearest exit. Assist any person in immediate
danger to safety, if it can be accomplished without risk to you.
5. Wear climate friendly clothing and flat non-slip feet ware (shoes, boots etc.).
6. Bring with you your vehicle keys, Ramapo College ID, any prescription drugs, cell phone and wallet or
purse. If you have to begin to search for these items, do not do so; leave without them. Avoid placing
yourself in danger! Reminder, keep a "Grab and Go" bag that should include those items.
7. Close and leave the door unlocked if feasible. This will help to confine the smoke and fire to a smaller area
and allow emergency response teams accessibility to conduct search and rescue when necessary.
8. Avoid exiting the building through the front main lobby doors, use the side or rear exits of the building. This
should help to avoid any collisions of exiting occupants with entering emergency responders.
9. Proceed to the designated Assembly Evacuation Area for the location that you are exiting.
10. Under normal conditions, you are expected to evacuate from any facility in less than 3 minutes.
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11. DO NOT re-enter the building until instructed to do so by Fire, Police, Campus Public Safety or Residence
Life Staff.
Visit this site: IGot2Kno.org for College fire survival information
C. When You Can Not Leave Your Locality
1. Call Campus Public Safety and then 9-911 and advise the dispatcher of your location; do not hang up until
the dispatcher tells you to.
2. Close the door to your room; the door can help hold back dangerous heat and smoke.
3. Take a wet towel. Place it over your face (nose and mouth) if the smoke is heavy and catch short breaths
through your nose.
4. Stay low where air is fresher.
5. From within your locality, check for smoke around the door cracks.
6. Seal air ducts and any other openings where smoke may enter using wet pieces of cloth.
7. Stay close to the windows, holding a wet cloth to your face. Do not open the windows except to alert rescue
personnel by hanging a white sheet or cloth out the window to signal your location.
8. Exit your locality only if you can safely do so.
D. Fire Evacuations: Persons with Disabilities
It is very important that the appropriate College personnel at the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) know of any students and
employees with disabilities that limit their mobility, whether temporary or permanent. Attempting to carry immobilized persons is
discouraged.
If an alarm is activated, the following procedures should be followed at all times:
1. Accompanied by a partner, permanently immobilized persons who must rely on crutches, wheelchairs or
walkers for transport and who are not on the ground floor of any building should proceed into the stairwell
and wait on the landing until additional help can be summoned.
2. Blind but mobile persons should be guided through any rush of traffic and then promptly assisted to the
nearest exit.
3. Deaf but mobile persons, who may be unaware of the need to evacuate, should be calmly advised of the
situation and guided to the nearest available exit.
4. Temporarily immobilized persons, including people wearing casts and/or using canes or crutches, should be
assisted, depending on their maneuverability.
5. They should proceed into the stairwell and wait on the landing until additional help can be summoned. When
necessary, use the Emergency Phone to call for assistance and to report the location of person(s) in need
of rescue.
6. Emergency phones that automatically connect you to Public Safety are located in the Core rescue areas in
the Academic Areas and in the elevator lobbies on each floor in other buildings. Provide the Public Safety
Officer with your location (i.e. Core 3, floor 2). You may also call 9-911 and report your location to the
Mahwah Police Dispatch; do not hang up until the Public Safety or Police Dispatch Officer tells you to.
7. Persons with disabilities, who are unable to easily communicate, should seek assistance from an associate
to convey his or her location to Public Safety, the Mahwah Police or Fire Department.
The fire department or other emergency responders should arrive to help complete the evacuation.
V. FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Why is education and training so important?
Campus fire safety education and training is vital to helping prevent the loss of life and injury on Campus.
Education and training are also components of the recently-passed campus fire safety provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity
Act (HEAO). Colleges and Universities throughout the Unites States are required to report to the Department of Education how much
fire safety education they are providing.
A. The foremost Fire Safety means for education and training specific to Ramapo College are the following:
1. The Guide to Community Living
2. The Student Handbook
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3. The Emergency Response Planning Website
4. Environmental Health & Safety–Fire Safety websites
5. Fire Safety presentations provided by our Ramapo College Fire Marshal.
6. Fire Safety training provided by the Bergen County Fire Academy in coordination with the Ramapo
College Fire Marshal
B. In addition, all students are required to participate in the Campus Fire Safety training and information available at
http://www.igot2kno.org/. Tools such as igot2kno will help with campus fire safety programs.
C. The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA Public Law 110-315) signed into law by President George H. Bush on August 14, 2008
and effective July 1, 2010 requires institutions with on campus student housing facilities to provide the following information to enrolled
students and current employees. The following information is specific to Ramapo College.
· Fire Safety Comprehensive Version
· HEOA Fire Log
· HEOA Fire Drills Information
· HEOA Fire Safety Systems in On Campus Student Housing
· HEOA Open Flame Policy
· HEOA Education and Training for Students and Employees
· HEOA Evacuation Policy and Procedures for Students and Employees
· HEOA Reporting Fires
· HEOA Plans for Future Improvements in Fire Safety
· HEOA Smoking Policy
For additional Fire Safety Training Programs the following Information Links are recommended.
· Division of Community Affairs-Division of Fire Safety
· NFPA
· Campus Firewatch
· Evacuation What All Should Know
· Consumer Product Safety Commissions (Product recalls)
· Excellent Fire Safety Information|
· Fire Extinguisher Use Explained
· Training Site for New Jersey's Division of Fire Safety
· United States Fire Administration
· Firehouse Magazine
· Fire Engineering Magazine
· Children's Fire Safety Web site
Students and employees should direct any Fire Safety related questions to Dennis Harrington, Ramapo College Fire Marshal at
dharring@ramapo.edu
VI. REMEDIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
A. STUDENT DISCIPLINE/JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
The College expects that students and guests will abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Guide to Community Living, the
Student Handbook, the New Jersey Fire Code and other publications. Students and guests who fail to comply with the College’s and/or
the New Jersey State Fire Safety regulations will be held accountable, sanctioned and/or arrested and fined. The Office of Judicial
Affairs is responsible for coordinating and adjudicating all College policy violations by students and their guests.
1. SANCTIONS
It is important that students and/or guests do not inadvertently set off the fire alarms. The devices are very sensitive. False alarms not
only endanger the life and safety of all residents; but also the life and safety of the campus community, the Mahwah Police and
Volunteer Fire Department responders and residents of the Mahwah Township community.
a. Inadvertently setting off a fire alarm (due to unattended cooking)
1st offense - $150.00 fine & attendance at a fire safety education class
2nd offe ns e - $300.00 fine & Residence Probation & possibly moved to a non-cooking facility
3rd offe ns e – Removal from housing
b. Inadvertently setting off a fire alarm (due to non-cooking related issues, i.e. blow drying hair right
under the heat sensor, spraying aerosol into air, hot showers)
10 hours com m unity re s titution & a tte nda nce a t a fire s a fe ty e duca tion cla s s .
c. Tampering with fire alarm equipment:
1s t offe ns e - $500.00 fine & attendance at a fire safety education class
2nd offe ns e – College Judicial Review Board
d. False Alarms
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Anyone found guilty of a fa ls e a la rm will be re fe rre d to the Colle ge 's J udicia l Affa irs Office a nd a ls o
may be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law!
e. Fire Alarms and Failure to immediately evacuate from the building including failure to evacuate after
warning and/or failure to evacuate at all.
A $100.00 fine
f. Prohibited Items and Actions
When it comes to fire safety, certain items and actions can compromise the safety of all within our community. Therefore, such items
and actions are prohibited. If uncertain about a particular item or action, you are encouraged to bring such item(s) to or discuss plans
that may compromise fire safety with your Resident Director who may refer you to Dennis Harrington, the College Fire Marshal. He can
be contacted at dharring@ramapo.edu.
2. CONFISCATION POLICY
In the course of conducting unannounced Health and Safety Inspections, responding to Incidents by Public Safety and/ or Fire Safety
Inspections, Residence Life professional staff members, Public Safety Officers, the College Fire Marshal or the State Fire Inspector can
confiscate any prohibited items found. Confiscated items that are illegal are subject to the laws applicable to the illegal item.
Ramapo College in cooperation with local, state and federal fire safety officials, reserves the right to amend this listing at any time.
STUDENTS SHOULD REVIEW THE LIST AND USE GOOD JUDGMENT ABOUT THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT ARE PROHIBITED
IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS.
The College reserves the right to change anything contained within the prohibited items list. Notice of changes will be
provided to residents in their campus mailboxes or via official Ramapo College e-mail. A room, suite, or apartment
may be subject to inspection with or without notice at any time.
B. EMPLOYEES AND GUESTS
The College expects that employees and guests will abide by the College’s Policies and Procedures and the
New Jersey Fire Code. Notice of changes to the list applicable to employees will be provided via official
Ramapo College e-mail. Any violations of the College’s Policy and Procedures by employees and guests
shall be administered in accordance with the applicable disciplinary policies and procedures in conjunction
with the Department of Human Resources and other appropriate person(s).
EMERGENCY EGRESS DOORS
Residents are not permitted to enter or exit through the emergency egress doors and/or fire doors unless
there is an emergency or fire alarm. Entering/exiting through the trash room door located in the back of both
Bischoff and Mackin Halls is prohibited. Students are only permitted to enter residence halls through
front/main entrance where the ID card reader is located. Residents found entering or exiting as described in
this section may be fined and may face judicial action.
CANDLE AND INCENSE POLICY and PROCEDURES
Policy: Flameless candles or incense (electric or battery operated) shall be the only acceptable method of lighted candles in all
buildings on campus. Open flame candles and incense are not permitted in any campus building except for religious purposes only at
the Salameno Spiritual Center. Candle warmers are considered hot plates and are prohibited.
The policy will be enforced by the State of New Jersey Fire Marshal for applicable provisions of the New Jersey State Fire Code and by
the College Fire Marshal, Office of Public Safety and Office of Residence Life for applicable provisions of the College’s Policy.
A violation of the applicable provisions of the New Jersey State Fire Code will be issued by the State Fire Marshal via “Notice of
Violation and Order to Correct” usually within 30 days to make corrections; then by penalties for violations that are not corrected with the
time specified.
Any violations of the College’s Policy by students will be administered through Judicial Affairs. Violations by faculty and staff shall be
administered in accordance with the College’s disciplinary policies and procedures in conjunction with the Department of Human
Resources.
Exceptions:
Events, ceremonies and other functions held outdoors on campus or the Salameno Spiritual Center that includes the use of flame
lighted candles shall be acceptable provided the following precautions are followed:
•
Only “dripless” candles are used
•
Drop protectors/guards must be attached to all hand held candles
•
Hand held candles shall not be passed from one person to another
•
The participants shall keep a minimum of three feet distance between one another and thirty feet from College buildings and
structures; enough distance to avoid burns to individuals and to avoid accidental fires in College buildings and structures.
•
Candles will be extinguished before exiting the candlelight service.
•
Suitable fireproof receptacles for extinguishment and disposal of the candles after the event shall be provided by the event
organizer. An example of a suitable receptacle is a five gallon pail half full of water; or sufficient water to extinguish the
candles.
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Prohibited Items List
During Health and Safety Inspections any prohibited items found will be confiscated. Confiscated items are
not returned to residents. Residents will not be compensated for confiscated prohibited items.
Aerosol Products
• Aerosol Products used in excess may activate the fire alarm system
• Aerosol Products are Prohibited Pine and Linden Halls **
Ammunitions
Animals
• Other than Pet Fish in fish tanks not exceeding 10 gallons**
• Other than approved & documented Service Pets
Appliances
• Grills *
• Personal Barbecues
• Hot Plates * (Including candle and mug warmers)
• Microwaves in addition to the College provided Microwaves. Additional microwaves are permitted in
College Park Apartments (CPA) only. **
• Open Coil Types *
• Refrigerators in addition to the College provided Refrigerators or Micro Fridges. **
• Rice Cookers *
• Skillets *
• Space heaters unless provided by Facilities Office in emergency situations
• Toasters and Toaster Ovens *
• Window Air-Conditioning units not approved by the College
• Appliances with exposed heating elements (examples: toasters, toaster ovens, coffee makers with hot
plates) A general test of this rule is: if the element(s) that produce the heat to warm the product are
exposed and are hot to the touch, the appliance is prohibited. For example: A Mr. Coffee where the pot
rests is an exposed heating element.
o exceptions: Irons, Curling Irons
Candles
• Candles manufactured to produce flames are prohibited in residence facilities and apartments.
However, flameless battery operated imitation candles are permitted.
Decorations
• Hanging anything on or from a fire sprinkler heads, fire sprinkler pipes, or smoke detector.
• Hanging of anything from the ceiling
Decorative Materials
• Hang banners or other decorative materials that are not flame resistant (do not meet the flame
propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701).
• Decorative materials that are flame resistant have to be documented and certified by the manufacturer
in an approved manner; and are limited to 10% of the aggregate area of walls and ceilings.
• Decorative materials/wall coverings (photos, most posters, certificates, proclamations, etc.) that are
0.025 inch or less in thickness are permitted. However, they should not completely cover the walls or
ceilings or be located close to any heat source. This practice will decrease the chance of a large fire
caused by a covered wall and the coverings coming into contact with any heat source such as lights,
receptacles, and any other heat source.
Egress
• Failure to maintain a minimum 36” clearance in the path of egress
• Obstructing and/or locking exit doors
• Propping open fire and smoke doors with wedges and other objects
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Explosives Of any kind including Fireworks
Extension Cords and Multiple Plug Adapters
• Extension cords and any devices that overload electrical receptacles (more than three appliances per
outlet or multiple plug/cube adapters). You need to use power strips with circuit breakers that
automatically shut off when overloaded. This is not an exhaustive list of all the different cube/multiple
plug adapters.
• Please be aware that power strips may not be “piggy-backed” or used as one plugged into another.
• Any multipronged surge protector is prohibited, even if it has a reset button or a UL listing
• Anything including cube and multi-plug adaptors that cover the entire outlet is a greater risk due to
heat and overload
• Recalled Schneider Electric APC Surge Protectors
Fire Alarms
• Deliberately causing false fire alarms
• Failure to evacuate during a Fire Drill
Fire Equipment
• Breaking a sprinkler head
• Covering or disabling smoke detectors or any other fire devices
• Removing smoke detectors or covers
• Tampering with or damaging fire exit lights and/or pull stations
• Tampering with, or damaging fire extinguisher(s) or sprinkler control valves
Flames and Open Flame Devices except in labs and other permitted areas or as otherwise approved in the Hot
Work Policy.
Flammable Liquids
• All flammable liquids including gasoline, thinners, chemicals, unless stored in an approved nonflammable cabinet only in permitted areas. Flammable liquids are prohibited in On Campus student
housing facilities!
Items powered by Flammable Liquids or other fossil fuels; items such as mopeds, motorcycles, golf carts or
similar vehicles
• Also see Sterno Fuel Use Policy
Fog Machines Any products including dry ice that produce mist, fog, smoke or simulated smoke conditions.
Furniture
• Furniture that meets California Tech. Bulletin 133 is acceptable if approved by the College.
• Upholstered furniture, padded, cushioned or beanbag chairs not certified by documentation from the
manufacturer as flame retardant.
• Waterbeds **
Hookahs - See Smoking
• The presence and/or use of Hookahs and e-cigarettes in any on campus student housing facilities.
Immersion Coils
Incendiary Devices
• Fireworks See Fireworks
• Sparklers
Incense
• Paraphernalia and similar items.
• Potpourri burners
Lighting
• Dimmers, Ceiling Fans, or any other devices that replace, add to, or interfere with any building fixture.
• Halogen Lamps and Sun Lamps You may have lighting that operates on incandescent light bulbs or
fluorescent light bulbs.
• Holiday Lights and/or String Lights, including LED Lights. Battery Operated Lights are permitted.
• Oil Lamps
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Recalled products (click the item to view more information about the recall on the consumer product website)
• Wwo models of the 5-Light Multicolored Floor Lamps, model numbers E230863 and GX6409 are
prohibited.
• Trinsoinc 15-, 20-, 22-, and 25-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs with the model numbers TS-EN
15W/SP, TS-EN 20W/SP, TS-CFL 22WB or TS-EN 25W/SP printed on the base of the bulb.
• Legrand Wiremold Power Strips
• Schneider Electric APC Surge Protectors
Mischief
• Physical activities such as hockey, ball throwing/bouncing, skateboarding, frisbee, etc. that take place
near fire suppression and alarm systems
Parking
• Blocking Fire Department Connections
• In any Designated Fire Zones
• Within 10 feet of a Fire Hydrant
Smoking see Hookahs
• indoors, outdoors, on roofs, patios, balconies within 25 feet of any building
• including the presence and/or use of Hookahs in any on campus student housing facilities
Sterno
• Used for other than warming foods and in areas that is not protected by a fire sprinkler system.
Prohibited in Residence Halls and apartments: unless otherwise stated in the Sterno Fuel Use Policy.
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
• Inside or outside of residence halls **
Vegetation
• All live trees, wreaths, etc.
Weapons
• Knives, Rifles, Handguns, Paintball Guns
• Weapons of any kind even though they are presumed to be solely decorative or collectible.
• Weapons that are props used for stage productions in the Campus Theaters are permitted in those
theaters but not in other areas of the Campus.
* Unless in areas with approved and fire protected kitchens
**Indicates items that are prohibited in traditional style residence buildings (Bischoff, Laurel, Linden, Mackin
Overlook, Pine). However, the apartment residences with full kitchens, such as those in the College Park
Apartments and the Village are permitted to have cooking appliances. All other items are prohibited
throughout the Campus unless otherwise indicated.
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Pertinent information for residents in Housing
Office of Judicial Affairs and location of Student Code of Conduct
http://www.ramapo.edu/students/judicial/
Information Technology Services
http://www.ramapo.edu/facultystaff/its/resnet.html
Dining Services
http://ramapodining.com/
Residence Life
http://www.ramapo.edu/reslife/
Bursar’s Office
http://www.ramapo.edu/bursar/
Center for Health and Counseling Services
http://www.ramapo.edu/students/chc/index.html
Public Safety
http://www.ramapo.edu/publicsafety/
Environmental Health and Safety
http://www.ramapo.edu/ehs/fire-safety/?faq=open
Shuttle Schedules
www.ramapo.edu/about/shuttlebus
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