Beckwith HallExpectations and Procedures
BACK-UP POLICY
Beckwith Hall currently hires Personal Assistants (PA) to perform the Activities of Daily Living Skills (ADL’s) that the residents with disabilities who reside within Beckwith are not able to perform for themselves. This position is divided into two categories. One of the categories of the Beckwith PAs is to perform individual care for the residents of Beckwith requiring assistance with their ADLs. These PAs are hired by the residents with disability. These PAs work under the immediate supervision of the resident in which they are assisting, and are globally supervised by the Associate Director of Beckwith Hall.
The second category of the Beckwith PA is to perform regularly scheduled "on-call" hours within Beckwith Hall. These positions are directly supervised by the Associate Director of Beckwith Hall. This category is divided into three positions; Floater/Night Clerk and Meal Assistant shifts. Each of these shifts is coordinated by Beckwith staff.
Policy: In the event that a Personal Assistant does not report to work at Beckwith during their scheduled time the Beckwith Hall administration is ultimately responsible for assuring that the resident care/assistance is not compromised. Assuring that the care/assistance is not compromised is determined through the following steps:
1. Personal Assistants are instructed, both verbally and in writing, that they are only allotted one unexcused absence before dismissal. Unexcused absence is defined as a missed shift or work time where PA did not contact Beckwith Management or the resident and did not secure a replacement.
2. Personal Assistants are instructed, both verbally and in writing, that they must secure a replacement for their scheduled shifts in the event of an absence. Floaters/Night Clerks/Meal Assistants are instructed to contact Beckwith management 2 hours before their shift if they have an emergency and are unable to fill their shift.
In the event of an absence the following applies:
I. Individual resident:
A. The resident is informed that they are to contact the Administrative team to inform them that the PA is not present.
B. The resident should first attempt to contact their back-up PA’s to determine if they can cover this absence.
C. The resident should inform Beckwith Staff as to the results of the back-up search.
If the resident has no back-up or can not contact a back-up PA, the resident and the Staff member will attempt to contact other PA’s who have stated an interest in providing back-up services.
E. If none of these PA’s are able to work for the resident, the resident will have the floater and/or night clerk assist them for that shift to cover the immediate need. At this point, or at the beginning of the next work day, the resident will be given a list of names to call to fill this shift on a more permanent basis if needed.
- The PA is a Floater, Night Clerk or Meal Assistant.
In the event that the scheduled employee found a replacement/substitute a yellow substitute form is to be filled out prior to the shift and both employees are to sign it and post it on the bulletin board above the floater desk.
A. Floater / Night Clerk
1. At the beginning of each floater shift, the person starting the shift is required to obtain the pager/phone pouch and any
resident information from the person who works the shift before them. If a person does not show up for check-in, the floater is required to contact the member of the Beckwith Administrative
staff.
2. A member of the Beckwith Administrative staff is required to fill the position until a replacement person is secured.
3. The Beckwith Administrative staff person is required to attempt to contact the floater who was scheduled to work to determine why
they have not reported for duty.
4. If the floater who was scheduled to fill the shift is unavailable the Staff member is to attempt to contact other Floaters from the "Floater Back-up List".
5. The Staff member is required to document all efforts in regards to attempts to secure replacement.
6. If the Night Clerk is absent, the floater who is working the shift prior to the Night Clerk shift (6-12), is required to contact the Resident Advisor on-duty.
7. The Resident Advisor is required to fill the Night Clerk shift until a Night Clerk reports for duty.
- Meal Assistant
In the event that the scheduled employee found a replacement/substitute a yellow substitute form is to be filled out prior to the shift and both employees are to sign it and post it on the bulletin board in the dining hall next to the sign in log. .
If the Beckwith population reaches above 10 residents requiring assistance there should be at least three people hired to feed lunch and dinner; other Meal Assistants should be hired based on resident need.
1. In the event that a feeder is absent the floater who is working during the particular meal will serve as a back-up.
2. If the floater is not available either the RA or the Director on-duty will cover the feeder shift.
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DISCIPLINE POLICIES
STAFF ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT BECKWITH HALL POLICIES
One of the most difficult challenges you will face as a staff member is learning to incorporate your responsibility for policy enforcement into the other aspects of your position. It is more enjoyable to think about being a friend or someone who provides assistance in an emergency. It is seldom enjoyable to think about being a disciplinarian who must confront residents for violating policies. The experience of staff members suggests that the degree to which you learn to effectively enforce policies will contribute directly to your overall effectiveness as a staff member.
Begin by clearly and confidently teaching your residents policies and expectations. Respond to them in a firm, consistent, and fair manner and you will earn their respect. If you are overly authoritarian, unreasonably lenient or apologetic, or inconsistent and show favoritism, then the opposite end result will occur. Start out right at the beginning of the year and it will work for you all year long.
Beckwith Hall policies are established to protect the rights, needs, and interests of students and the University. Some policies are based on law; others are derived from the Code on Campus Affairs and Handbook of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students and the Beckwith Handbook. Students must understand that living in a residence hall involves observing limits which would not be necessary if they were living by themselves. As staff, we must:
1. Know all policies which affect students living in our residence hall.
2. Understand and support the rationale for each policy.
3. Work for change through appropriate staff channels to modify Beckwith Hall policies.
All Beckwith staff shares the responsibility for enforcing policies regardless of where within the hall they are in at the time a violation occurs. It is recognized that Resident Advisors play a key role in accomplishing the following responsibilities:
1. Staff is expected to teach students the residence hall policies which they are expected to observe. This includes communicating the policy and its rationale.
2. Staff is expected to show, by the example of their own behavior, an understanding of and adherence to all residence hall policies.
3. Staff is expected to confront students who are in violation of residence hall policy and ensure that appropriate action is taken. Depending on the nature of the particular violation, this action may involve any one or a combination of the following:
A. Discussion with the Resident Advisor
B. Initial interview with the Director
C. Referral to appropriate persons or agencies
D. Verbal warning
E. Hearing with the Judicial Commission
F. Hearing with the Director of DRES
G. Hearing with the Senate Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct
H. Involvement with University Police
ACTIONS TAKEN
Resident Advisor - discussion, clarification of community norms, explanation and rationale for policy.
Director - no further-action, initial interview, discussion, administrative hall reprimand, restitution, behavioral contract, educational/service project, referral to Director of DRES or Judicial Commission, recommendation for contract termination or room change
Director of DRES - All sanctions available to the Director. Also, recommended contract termination, residence hall probation, and recommended reprimand not of record, fines, reprimand of record, referral to Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct, encumber for disciplinary purposes
Judicial Commission - finding of innocent, drop the case, drop charges, counseling, behavioral contract, educational/service projects, verbal warning, administrative hall reprimand, residence hall probation, fines, reprimand not of record, reprimand of record, rehearing by a higher disciplinary agency; recommendation for room change, recommendation for contract termination, conduct probation, or suspension
Senate Subcommittee on Student Discipline - finding of innocent, drop the case, drop charges, action not of record (counseling, warning, reprimand), reprimand of record, conduct probation, suspension, dismissal, deferral of admission or readmission.
The Director of DRES has been charged with the responsibility of overseeing the disciplinary process in Beckwith Hall. The Director of DRES is kept informed of all incidents, even if it is handled by staff at the hall level.
In many cases, an initial interview with hall staff does not prove to be effective or sufficient. In these cases, students may be referred to the Judicial Commission, Director of DRES, or Senate Subcommittee. Beckwith has a high commitment to providing students with the opportunity for peer review.
Membership of the Judicial Commission is composed of representatives elected or appointed in each UIUC residence hall. The quorum needed for hearing any case is set at five members including the chair.
The Judicial Commissions meet at regularly scheduled times and places to hear cases and/or to receive training throughout the academic year. If you are aware of students who would like to serve on a Judicial Commission, make recommendations to your supervisor or hall government.
The following pages define many University and Beckwith Hall policies. You will find a statement of the policy, supporting rationale, and guidelines for staff response in dealing with violations of the policy. This section provides a basis for orientation and training. Questions regarding the interpretation of these policies should be referred to your supervisor.
ALCOHOL
POLICY:
No one under 21 may store, possess or consume alcoholic beverages on any property under the control of the University of Illinois.
Persons 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their room or the privacy of a room of another 21 year old. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in public areas. Alcoholic beverage containers may not exceed one gallon or four litters in size.
When the consumption of alcoholic beverages results in disruptive activities, persons may be referred to the appropriate disciplinary authority.
RATIONALE:
Staff members must be concerned about individual and group use or abuse of alcohol which is detrimental to the physical, social or academic well being of the students involved, or violates the rights of others.
Many of the situations which require staff response are related to policy violation or behaviors associated with alcohol abuse (noise, damage, injury, etc.). Policies and guidelines are designed to encourage intelligent and responsible use of alcoholic beverages by those of legal age.
Student behavior is expected to be in compliance with state law and University policy.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Staff who witness violations of state law or University policy concerning possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages respond by terminating the activity and by ensuring appropriate counseling, education, and/or disciplinary follow-up. Your supervisor and other staff will assist as necessary in response to situations where student cooperation is not immediately received. All witnessed violations must be reported in writing on an incident report form. You are encouraged to give input to your supervisor regarding appropriate follow-up response.
Staff who suspect or hear about violations of state law or University regulation in connection with the use of alcoholic beverages should contact the students identified to check out the accuracy of such information and to clarify residence hall-policy with them. Since the information may be erroneous, disciplinary action may not be appropriate. Discussion of the issues and possible consequences with the students involved is an important method used to educate students and prevent future violations.
Staff responds to student complaints concerning behavior associated with the use of alcoholic beverages (noise, damages, general disturbances, etc.).
Staff consults with their supervisor about students whose use of alcohol has developed a behavior pattern which appears to be detrimental to their own physical, social, or academic well being. If unable to successfully deal with the concern, staff should make an appropriate referral.
Where a situation is unclear, staff contacts their supervisor for interpretation of the policy and determination of staff response.
BICYCLES
POLICY:
Bicycles may not be brought into or stored inside the residence halls. They may be parked only in designated bicycle lots and may not be parked near entrances or sidewalks.
RATIONALE:
Bicycles are restricted to outside approved bicycle parking areas because of the potential danger they cause if parked elsewhere, especially if inside a building or near a building entrance. During a fire, health, or other life-safety emergency, it is imperative that all hallways and entrances be clear for emergency staff, equipment, and vehicles.
Bicycles are restricted because of the chance that someone may be injured by the riding, transporting, or parking of bicycles indoors. Bicycle paint is toxic when burned.
STAFF RESPONSE:
If a bicycle is found anywhere inside the building, staff identify the owner, have the owner remove it, explain the regulation to the violator, and file an incident report. If staff
cannot identify the owner, they should call their supervisor. If a bicycle is parked so as to endanger the safety of others (in hallways or stairwells, or partially blocking fire doors or other exits) the supervisor will arrange to have it removed by University Police.
If a bicycle is found in a student room or public area, the owner should be informed (in person or by note-attached to the bicycle) of the policy and appropriate parking. If the bicycle has not been moved after 24 hours, the supervisor will arrange for the University Police to remove it.
DAMAGES TO UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
POLICY:
Students are liable for any damage which they cause to University property and agree to pay for any replacement or restoration costs.
Floor residents are liable for damages above normal wear and tear to public areas on their particular floor when the damages cannot be assigned as the responsibility of an identified person or persons.
Students are expected to assist staff and floor officers by accepting responsibility which they have for damage to University property and/or to identify those students who are responsible for such damages.
If students feel they are being unjustly billed for floor damages, or that the charges are excessive, they may appeal the charges.
RATIONALE:
Students are expected to accept responsibility for their behavior and to accept the consequences of their behavior when it involves payment for damages caused.
Damage to University property represents a large and often unrecoverable operational cost. When individual students do not pay for damages for which they are responsible, the costs of restoration and replacement are ultimately paid for by all residents. This leads to increased housing rates which must be paid by all students whether or not they were responsible for damages.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Staff files incident reports on all damages, whether or not those responsible have been identified. Any intentional or accidental damage should be documented.
Staff is responsible for encouraging the gathering of information needed to determine responsibility for damages. This should be done by the resident advisors as soon as possible. Evidence supporting damage charges must be documented in writing to the supervisor as soon as they are notified of the damage.
The supervisor is responsible for approving all damage charges made to students and will consult with the building service and maintenance staff to confirm the charges.
As specified in the Damage Policy, appropriate individuals will be informed as soon as possible of the amount to be charged for damages.
PRACTICAL JOKES AND PRANKS
POLICY:
Behavior which leads to actual or potential harassment, accident, injury, or damage to University property or personal possessions is not permitted. Activities which create circumstances requiring additional cleaning or maintenance of residence hall facilities
is not permitted.
Students who engage in practical jokes and pranks violate policy and will be expected to assume responsibility for their behavior. This may include the replacement or restoration of any University property or personal possessions which are damaged as a result of the activity. Students will be charged for repair, replacement, or cleaning costs. Disciplinary action may be taken.
RATIONALE:
Students are expected to control and moderate their behavior by evaluating the effect of their behavior on other students and physical facilities.
Practical jokes and pranks may lead to unintended negative consequences. Damage to property as well as injury to students occurs as a result of seemingly harmless practical jokes/pranks such as water fights. Once activity of this nature begins, it can continue or escalate until out of control. It often stops only when an unfortunate incident occurs. Practical jokes and pranks can increase the noise level and disturb non-involved residents.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Resident Advisors should influence the planning of activities in a manner which will avoid the occurrence of practical jokes and pranks. Challenges among individuals and
groups should be in the form of athletic events, games, contests, and other constructive activities.
Staff should bring pranks and practical jokes to a stop as quickly as possible. If student cooperation is not immediately received, your supervisor or on-duty professional staff should be contacted for assistance.
When responding to practical jokes and pranks, staff should identify the students involved to ensure that clean up is completed and to provide information about damaged property. Documentation on an Incident Report is required.
COMPLIANCE AND INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
POLICY:
Residence hall students are expected to behave consistent with the educational objectives and priorities of the University. Respect for the rights of others and their needs for study and rest must receive priority. Staff is responsible for helping create an atmosphere conducive to study, rest, enjoyment, and learning how to live responsibly with other individuals. Students are expected to respond appropriately to reasonable requests from
staff members or from other residents concerning behavior which disrupts this atmosphere.
RATIONALE:
Students are expected to control their behavior as it effects others. Priorities must be established which promote an environment of social responsibility and academic achievement. Each student is expected to respond to requests when their behavior is disruptive or in violation of policies or expectations.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Residence hall staff has the responsibility of teaching students how to live cooperatively and responsibly in a group living situation. This involves teaching students how to be considerate of the needs and respectful of the rights of those who live around them.
To accomplish this objective, staff expects students to honor their requests for appropriate behavior change. Staff who fails to receive this cooperation from students should contact their supervisor. The supervisor will assist in dealing with the immediate situation and will determine the need for disciplinary action.
ESCORT AND VISITATION
POLICY:
Members of the opposite sex are not permitted to remain at Beckwith as overnight guest. Guests may visit student rooms during hours determined by the residents of the room. Guests must be escorted to and from living areas. Residents assume responsibility for their guests.
RATIONALE:
The rights of floor members must be respected. Beckwith Hall facilities are designated for use by residents and their guests. Beckwith Hall security is jeopardized when unauthorized persons gain access to the facilities.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Staff is expected to respond to student complaints concerning the abuse of the visitation policy. Staff must confront violations of the visitation or escort policy, discuss the policy with the student involved, and request an appropriate change in behavior. If this approach fails, the student should be referred to the Director for appropriate disciplinary action.
Unescorted guests or other strangers in the building should be asked to leave. If such persons refuse to comply with this request, the on-duty staff or University police should be contacted for assistance.
MARIJUANA AND OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
POLICY:
The Senate Committee on Student Discipline recognizes the importance and danger to the student of any violation of laws on marijuana and controlled substances. It emphasizes the grave seriousness of those violations involving manufacturing, processing, distributing, or selling marijuana or controlled substances, particularly within the University community, and expects the disciplinary system to deal with these violations in an appropriately serious manner. It also recognizes that, although use or possession of marijuana or controlled substances is a violation of the law, such a violation may be less serious than the manufacturing, processing, distributing, or selling of marijuana or controlled substances, and the committee expects the disciplinary system to deal with these violations also in an appropriate manner.
Therefore, illegal possession, use, distribution, or manufacturing of marijuana or controlled substances by University students raises the question of a student's fitness
to continue at the University of Illinois. University disciplinary action may be initiated for any of the following alleged violations:
1. Illegal possession or use of marijuana or controlled substances.
2. Illegal distribution or sale of marijuana or controlled substances.
3. Illegal making, manufacturing, or processing of marijuana or controlled substances.
RATIONALE:
Student behavior in residence hall buildings and grounds must be in compliance with federal, state, and city laws and ordinances. It is important to point out that, in comparison with laws governing the use of alcoholic beverages, there are no legal age provisions connected with the use of marijuana, narcotics, or other controlled substances. All use of these substances, except when prescribed by a physician, is illegal. Beckwith Hall staff must be concerned about the potentially detrimental effects of drug use or abuse upon the physical, social, and academic well-being of student.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Staff who witness violations of laws concerning drugs respond to the student(s) involved and terminate the illegal activity. Staff requests the student(s) to dispose of the substance in the presence of staff. Assistance from other staff should be requested in situations where student cooperation is not immediately received. Staff must submit an Incident Report for all violations, and may recommend to the supervisor appropriate follow-up.
Staff that suspect or hear about violations of laws pertaining to drugs are responsible for contacting the student(s) identified to determine the accuracy of the information and clarify related laws and University policies if necessary. While this contact may not necessitate disciplinary action, it is important for accomplishing our goal to educate students and prevent further violations.
Staff must respond to student complaints concerning the use of drugs (suitemates' concerns about illegal activity in their rooms, residents complaining about the odor, etc.).
Staff is expected to respond to drug use situations with appropriate medical or counseling referrals where the developing behavior pattern may be detrimental to the student's physical, social or academic well-being.
Where a situation is unclear, staff are expected to contact their supervisor for assistance in the interpretation of policies concerning drugs and the determination of specific staff
response.
DINING ROOM BEHAVIOR
POLICY:
Food service is provided for the individual resident who is paying for board or receiving board in exchange for their services to Beckwith. Food Service privileges are non-transferable. Guests eating in Beckwith Halls must have a guest meal ticket which can be purchased from the Director, Associate Director, or the Resident Advisors.
Students are not permitted to remove food or food service property from the dining room, unless pre-approved by the Director. All food served must be consumed in the dining room. Exceptions can be made by the Director for medical conditions. All trays, glasses, dishes and silverware must be returned to the cafeteria and left in the return window.
Pranks, practical jokes, food fights, and other disruptive behavior are prohibited in the dining rooms.
RATIONALE:
Food service is intended only for current residents and guests who have purchased guest meal tickets.
In order to control the Cost of operation, students are not allowed to remove food or property from the dining room. "Food fights" involve a waste of food and often lead to unnecessary cleaning costs and damage to University property. In extreme cases they can lead to injury of those involved.
STAFF RESPONSE:
All Food Service and Beckwith staff are responsible for the general supervision of student behavior in the dining room. Staff responds to violations of the above stated policies by stopping inappropriate behavior and identifying the students involved. Incident Reports should be completed for all violations.
Students participating in a "food fight" should be immediately confronted, identified and asked to clean up any mess which has been caused. An Incident Report should follow with the names of as many involved as possible. Those identified will be held responsible for the incident.
The Director will take responsibility for follow-up with students involved in "food fights". This follow-up may include consultation with the Food Production Manager and/or Housekeepers for assistance in determining the appropriate charges (if any) for clean-up and damages. Disciplinary action will be taken.
ENTERING A STUDENT'S ROOM
POLICY:
Members of the University community have the same rights of privacy as other citizens and surrender none of those rights by becoming members of the academic community. These rights of privacy extend to residence Hall living.
When the University seeks access to an office assigned or living quarters leased to an individual to determine compliance with provisions of applicable multiple dwelling unit laws, ordinances, and regulations, or for improvement or repairs, the occupant
shall be notified of such action not less than twenty-four hours in advance. There may be entry without notice in emergencies where imminent danger to life, safety, health, or property is reasonably feared and for custodial service.
The University may not conduct or permit a search of an office assigned or living quarters leased to an individual except in response to a properly executed search warrant or to a police officer "in hot pursuit". Only professional or graduate staff can approve room entries other than those noted in this paragraph.
There are two exceptions at Beckwith. The disabled students' rooms are cleaned on a daily basis by the housekeeper and maintenance person. If a student is concerned about housekeeping entering the room, the student can make arrangements with housekeeping so that they can clean, and remove dirty linens at a time that the student is in the room.
The second exception is when prospective students are given tours of Beckwith. Beckwith management reserves the right to show a students room briefly when giving a tour. Management will use a student’s room that is open and will enter with the prospective student for a brief look around the room and bathroom. Management will never look through the personal belongings of the residents, nor will they allow a prospective student to enter a room unescorted.
RATIONALE:
The University recognizes that students attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and living in Beckwith Hall enjoy rights to privacy and freedom from unreasonable entry and search. At the same time, the University has a legitimate obligation to protect University, and student property. When entry or search of a Beckwith Hall room is deemed necessary, only professional or graduate staff may determine the best method to proceed.
STAFF RESPONSE:
If possible, a student room will not be entered unless staff is accompanied by the student, or the student's authorized representative.
In emergencies which threaten the health or life safety of students (such as fires, violent behavior, serious illness, injury, etc.), our first concern must be for the welfare of the
individuals involved. Under these circumstances, a student room may be entered by a staff member.
In situations not involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students (i.e. continuous phone ringing, alarm clock, etc.), permission must be obtained from a professional staff member.
After the student's room has been entered and the situation has been resolved a Room Entry Report Form must be written. If not at home when the room was entered, residents of the room should be notified in writing as soon as possible about the room entry and its purpose.
POSSESSION OF WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES. AND FIREARMS
POLICY:
Illinois Revised Statute, Ch. 38, s 21-6, "Criminal Code 1961," makes it a crime to possess or store on property "supported in whole or in part with State funds or Federal funds administered or granted through State agencies" any weapon "without prior
written permission from the Chief Security Officer for such land or building." Under this Statute, weapon is defined as including "pistol, revolver, rifle, spring gun, shotgun, or any other firearms, bludgeon, black-jack, slingshot, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, dirk, billy, switchblade knife, stiletto, any bomb, bombshell, grenade, bottle or other container containing an explosive or noxious substance, or any other deadly or dangerous weapon or instrument of like character." The University considers souvenirs and weapons which have been rendered permanently inoperative to fall within this law.
For the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Statute, the Chief Security Officer for the Urbana-Champaign campus and all properties administered under the auspices of the Urbana-Champaign campus has issued a statement of regulations and procedures. Inquiries about the weapons policy should be directed to the Chief Security Officer.
Before written permission is granted the registration procedure outlined by the Chief Security Officer must be completed. The weapon must be shown to the Chief Security Officer's designee (the University Police) and described in detail in the written permit issued.
Permission will not be granted to possess or store any weapon where possession would be in violation of the laws of the State of Illinois or the regulations of the University of Illinois. Generally, permission will not be granted to possess or store any bludgeon, black-jack, slingshot, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, dirk, billy, switchblades, stiletto, any bomb, bombshell, grenade, bottle or other container containing an explosive or noxious substance.
Permission generally will not be granted to possess or store any firearm in any residence hall, classroom building, or recreation facility of the University (except the Armory).
Authorized weapons must be registered at the Public Safety Building, 1110 W. Springfield, Urbana, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Registration shall include the name, campus address, social security number, and State of Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Number of the possessor of the weapon and the serial number and description of the weapon. The registrant must present his/her Firearm Owner's Identification Card and the weapon at registration. Prior permission is not required for necessary travel for this purpose.
RATIONALE:
Explosives (including firecrackers), firearms, and weapons are not permitted in residence hall buildings or any residence hall grounds in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students and to avoid damages to University property.
STAFF RESPONSE:
When witnessing any violation of this policy, staff are expected to confront the situation, or contact University police if the situation is threatening or dangerous. An Incident Report must be written for each violation.
Staff who suspect or hear about students keeping explosives, firearms, or other weapons in Beckwith Hall, must respond to the students identified to determine the accuracy of the
information and ensure that the policy is being observed.
UNAUTHORIZED USE, ABUSE, OR INTERFERENCE WITH FIRE PROTECTION FIRE FIGHTING PERSONNEL OR WARNING DEVICES
POLICY:
The unauthorized use, abuse, or interference with fire protection equipment, fire fighting personnel, or warning devices may result in death, injury or substantial property damage. It is critically important that all fire protection equipment be in its place and in proper working condition if the safety and welfare of the members of the University community are to be assured.
It is a violation of Illinois Criminal Law to willfully or maliciously cut, injure, damage, tamper with, or destroy any fire hydrant, fire hose, fire engine, or other public or private fire fighting equipment or any apparatus pertaining to such equipment or fire fighting personnel, or to intentionally open any fire hydrant without proper authorization. It is a violation of Illinois Criminal Law to knowingly, without authorization, damage any property supported in whole or in part with State funds or Federal funds administered or granted through a State agency. Other Illinois laws may also relate to the unauthorized use, abuse or interference with fire protection equipment or warning devices.
RATIONALE:
Fire safety equipment exists for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of students and the protection of University property. When fire safety equipment and/or warning devices are non-existent or inoperable, the consequences are serious and can be tragic.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Staff witnessing a violation of this policy confront the situation, identify the student(s) involved, and write an Incident Report.
The supervisor will consult with the Director of DRES to determine appropriate legal and disciplinary action.
NOISE/QUIET AND COURTESY HOURS
POLICY:
Each area is expected (by voting) to establish times during the day or night when "quiet hours" must be observed in order to maintain an environment which is conducive to study, rest, and sleep.
Outside these designated "quiet hours", "courtesy hours" are to be in effect. During courtesy hours it is not necessary to maintain the level of quiet required during "quiet hours", but all students are expected to respond appropriately to any other student or staff member who requests that the level of noise be reduced. Each area establishes guidelines for observing quiet hours and courtesy hours (e.g., stereo should not be audible outside a closed room door, etc.).
In a group living environment, students need to be considerate and flexible enough to ensure that the rights of other are protected.
Noise is a problem that causes great student concern. Its control enhances an environment which fosters academic success and community living.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Inform students of the quiet/courtesy hours policy and inform students that they share the responsibility for controlling noise and for confronting noise violations.
Inform students of the effect of noise on community living, and to advise students of the procedures to take when dealing with noise violations.
Assist students in confronting noise violations if the students' own attempts have been unsuccessful.
Talk with students who repeatedly violate quiet hours and clarify expectations with them. If the behavior continues, an Incident Report must be filled out for all future violations.
PETS
POLICY:
Pets are not permitted within a University-owned or leased building, including Beckwith Hall. While the above policy states "no pets", exceptions are made in residence halls for tropical fish and registered assistance dogs.
RATIONALE:
Public health and sanitation guidelines dictate that pets cannot be permitted in Beckwith Hall. Animals create odors, noise, damages, and adverse reactions from other students.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Resident Advisors are responsible for confronting students who are in violation of the pet policy and requesting that they remove the pet from the hall. Students will be given 24 hours to find another home for their pets. Any incidents of pets in the building should be documented on an Incident Report.
Students should be informed that they will be liable for the costs of cleanup, damages, or other related charges.
If the student fails to cooperate or repeats this violation, the supervisor should be notified and disciplinary action should be taken.
COMPUTER LAB
POLICY:
Food and/or drink is not permitted in the lab. The Beckwith Hall computer lab is open 24 hours.
The first priority for computer lab use is given to Beckwith residents with disabilities. Able-bodied student residents may use the lab only in the event that it does not inconvenience students with disabilities. Non-residents are not to use the lab unless they are working with a resident with a disability on a specific project. Beckwith Hall staff members are afforded the use of the computer lab for work related activities in accordance with the aforementioned priorities.
Use of computers for games or other non-school related activity is prohibited if it interferes with another student who is doing class work. Those doing class work have first priority, and may ask anyone who is gaming to leave the lab.
Any computer left unattended for 15 minutes is considered open for use by any authorized person wishing to use the lab. Programs may be closed, and personal items may be removed from the desk area.
A standard set of word processing, spreadsheet, and network access applications are available on each lab computer.
Residents looking for a particular application should first check the available software. Requests for installation of new software should be directed to the DRES Network Analyst. All requests will be reviewed and if it is decided the software is a useful and affordable addition to the lab, the Network Analyst or Coordinator of Assistive Communication and Information Technology (CACIT) will install the package. Beckwith Hall and DRES will consider software request on an individual basis and are not obligated to honor all requests.
All software on the Beckwith computer lab machines is to be installed and maintained by the DRES Network Analyst, or CACIT. Software installed by others will be deleted.
The Beckwith Hall computer lab offers the use of adaptive technologies in the form of software and devices such as mini keyboards, trackballs, and microphones for its residents. These devices will not be moved or removed from the machine on which they are installed.
Beckwith Lab Computer hardware and printers will not be moved without permission of the Network Analyst and/or CACIT.
A laser printer and recycle bin are provided for the convenience of Beckwith Hall residents. Paper is to be provided by the resident.
RATIONALE:
Beckwith was originally designed to be accessible for students with disabilities; therefore, these students are given first priority with regard to using Beckwith's special facilities and equipment.
The computer lab is specifically set up to assist residents in there educational pursuits, all policies are set to afford those residents requiring computer use for study purposes. To maintain a lab that can be best used by the majority of the residents and to provide consistency in programming and repairs, the lab is maintained by a Network Analyst and residents are asked not to tamper with software or hardware.
Most drinks are slightly acidic and are also fairly good conductors of electricity. Drinks spilled on the computer begin to erode electrical connections, which may cause trouble later. Food crumbs also present a problem in that they encourage scavengers to visit. These may cause short circuits and other havoc inside the machine.
STAFF RESPONSE:
Any non-resident found using this equipment will be asked to leave. The police will be asked to escort individuals from the premises who refuse to comply with this policy. Further penalties may be exercised at the discretion of management and the police. A non-resident working with a disabled resident on a specific project may do so.
Resident Advisors are responsible for confronting students who are in violation of the computer lab policy and requesting that they remove the food from the computer lab. Any incidents of food and/or drink in the computer lab should be documented on an Incident Report.
Students should be informed that they will be liable for the costs of cleanup, damages, or other related charges.
If the student fails to cooperate or repeats this violation, the supervisor should be notified and disciplinary action should be taken.
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DERIVED FROM: UNIVERSITY HOUSING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ISSUED JUNE 1, 1989 BY THE OFFICE OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE
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POLICY FOR DISMISSAL
The Beckwith Hall Personal Assistant is an integral part of the Beckwith system and in the residents lives. If a Personal Assistant shift or work schedule is left unfilled the Beckwith residents care suffers which could affect both their health and their school work. It is therefore important that Beckwith Administrative staff develop the following policy to assure that the P.A.'s shifts are filled.
POLICY:
Acceptance of employment at Beckwith Hall translates into acceptance by the employee of the responsibilities that go with having a job. Failure to uphold any of those responsibilities could result in verbal or written warnings, or dismissal. Violations that are cause for warnings that could be followed by dismissal include, but are not limited to:
- Minor insubordination
- Disrespect for fellow employees and/ or residents
- Use of work time for something other than work
- Unsatisfactory work performance
- Repeated tardiness
- Malicious damage to property
- Indecent behavior, including sexual harassment
- Absenteeism. Absenteeism is not permitted at Beckwith Hall. All employees
must secure replacements in the event that they are unable to cover a scheduled
shift. The Beckwith Management Team must be informed of any change in
scheduled service. An uncovered shift counts as an absence on the part of the
Personal Assistant. Employees will be issued one warning, after an absence
(verbal and written) prior to dismissal. Persons returning to work after being
absent due to medical reasons must have medical permission to return to work.
The acts listed below, if committed by the Personal Assistant, will warrant immediate dismissal from the position and cancellation of all benefits of employment:
- Violation of the University policy, Beckwith regulations, local ordinance, state statue or federal law.
- Refusal to comply with a reasonable request made by the supervisors in the line of expectations expressed or implied in the position descriptions.
- Acts of negligence, incompetence, theft, or abuse which causes reasonable doubt of satisfactory job performance.
- Behavior which can be reasonable considered damaging to the ability of the Division of Rehabilitation Education Services to meet its contractual responsibilities.
Dismissal is by the administrative teams’ discretion and by notification in writing.
Terms of Employment
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