Additional Housing, and Dining Services

Family and Graduate Housing Handbook

FOREWORD
Welcome to Washington State University and your new home in University Apartments.  The staff of the Housing Services works to provide you with a comfortable, safe and convenient apartment while attending the University.

We want you to have as much freedom as possible in your personal life, while assuring a satisfactory and comfortable life for the entire community.  To ensure this, we ask that you keep in mind the rights and privileges of other residents.  Since this is a long-term housing community providing homes for many students for years to come, the University must see that its interests concerning the property and reputation of its units are respected.  The operation and management of the community depends on the cooperation of its residents.  Because the University wants to maintain good will and keep its relationship with residents at the highest possible level, we welcome ideas directed toward the betterment of the community.

Communication plays an important role in establishing positive relationships.  Therefore, we will keep you informed on all matters affecting the welfare of the community.  When we find it necessary to make changes in policy or regulations, we will notify you.  Ordinarily, we will post notices on bulletin boards and in public areas.  Depending on the nature of the subject matter, we may deliver or mail letters to individual residents.

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APARTMENT COORDINATORS
To better facilitate communication and programming, Housing Services staffs each apartment complex with an Apartment Coordinator.  The coordinator acts as liaison between the residents and Housing Services in matters affecting the livability and use of the facilities and is responsible for the general welfare of the families living in the complex.  The coordinator assists the residents and Housing Services in preventing unauthorized, illegal, or improper use of the facilities.

Coordinators are also responsible for planning a variety of community building events throughout the year, such as barbecues, holiday celebrations, and other activities depending on the needs of the community.

Residents of university–operated apartments should feel free at any time to contact the Apartment Coordinator living in their area with concerns and questions regarding physical facilities, community living, and student services offered by WSU.

Complex	Apt.	Phone
Chief Joseph	C-5	335-7787
Chinook (south) p-z	P-70	335-2148
Chinook (north) a-n	D-22	335-2506
Columbia	C-9	335-2286
Kamiak	E-2	335-2749
Nez Perce	C-9	335-2145
Steptoe (East)	M-101	335-3074
Steptoe (West)	S-103	335-7734
Terrace	407	335-7652
Valley Crest	B-9	335-2179
Yakama	646	333-8159

• Young children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

• Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult on the playground or while outdoors.

• Toys your child brings into the play area must not be dangerous to children.

• Children should not climb on trees, roofs, dumpsters, etc.

• Threatening actions, inappropriate language, and fighting are not acceptable.

• Children should not play in or on autos, roadways, or parking lots.

• Pools, for reason of safety, all types of outdoor wading/swimming pools must be drained if not attended by an adult at all times.

• Please be sure that your children pick up toys and park bikes in appropriate areas.

• Please be aware of the noise levels produced by your children.  Remember that others may be trying to sleep, relax, or study.

• Do not allow your children to play outside past 9 p.m.

Apartment packages for rent:

• Package I – Living/Dining
  • Price: $22.00 per month
  • Includes: sofa, occasional chair, end table, dining table/four chairs, table lamp
    
• Package II – Master Bedroom
  • Price: $14.00 per month
  • Includes: double or queen mattress/box spring/frame, six drawer dresser chest, desk/chair, night stand, bookcase
    
• Package III – Second/Third Bedroom
  • Price: $9.00 each bedroom per month
  • Includes: 1 or 2 single bed mattress (es)/frame(s), night stand, 1-six drawer or 2-three drawer dresser chest(s)
    
• Optional Furniture Delivery:
  (Removal charge waived if furniture rented for 3 months or more.)
  • Furniture Delivery/Pickup: $75.00

Alternatives to Violence   Business:  332-0552   Crisis/Emergency:  332-4357
Alternatives to Violence (ATV) serve victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in Whitman and Latah Counties.  Advocates are available 24 hours a day to help victims.  Services are confidential and free.  ATV provides a safe shelter for persons who are unable to live in their own homes due to threat of violence or sexual assault.  If you or a friend needs us, we'll be there.
Child Care Resource and Referral     335-7625
Child Care Resource and Referral provides referrals to child care services in Pullman, including family day care, center care, nursery and after-school programs, and other services relating to children and families. The goal of the services is to help families locate the services and programs that best meet the needs of their children. The service is free of charge. For information about how to assess your child care needs, and then how to go about finding that care, please visit or call our office.
Crisis Line     332-1505
When you need to talk call (332-1505).  The crisis line offers 24-hours crisis service for callers who need to talk as well as a consultation and referral service that connects callers with appropriate university and community agencies.
Counseling Services     335-4511
Counseling Services offers students the opportunity to explore many areas of concern -- personal, social, educational, substance abuse -- with a professional counselor.  A variety of personal growth opportunities are available; these include counseling and support groups, psychological testing, and presentations and workshops that address academic, interpersonal and social issues.  Crisis consultation is available on a 24-hour basis.  The counseling process is confidential.
Office of University Ombudsman     335-1195
The University Ombudsman is an independent, impartial observer appointed to help resolve problems that may arise in a large, bureaucratic organization like the University.  Students, staff, or faculty members may contact the Ombudsman's Office for confidential assistance with a problem or a grievance, or with suggestions about how to make WSU procedures more equitable and sensitive to individual needs.  The Ombudsman's Office is especially helpful with problems that have not been resolved through normal channels.  The Ombudsman does not replace University appeal procedures but functions as a source of information and help concerning rules, regulations, and procedures of the University.
Re-Entry Program     335-1464
The Re-Entry Program assists students who have been away from an educational setting by providing information, referrals, and other assistance.  Our goal is to help students meet the challenge of their multiple roles of student, spouse, parent, employee, etc.
Student Health Services     Emergency: 335-3575     Business: 335-3575
The services of physicians and nurses are available for primary care of illnesses and injuries.  Women's clinic, Wart clinic, and Psychiatric consultation are also available.
Call for an appointment Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday morning sick call 8 - 12 am.
WSU Police     Business: 335-8548     Emergency: 911
The WSU Police Department provides all police functions for the University.  In addition, it serves as a visitor information center, conducts crime prevention discussions, and provides fingerprinting for employment applications and retrieval of keys locked inside vehicles.

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HOURS OF HOUSING OFFICES

Housing Services personnel maintain the grounds in all University Housing areas. Do not use the grounds in such a way as to cause damage. All residents are responsible for keeping all trash picked up within the complex.

Family apartments are primarily living spaces and may not be conducive to studying for some people. You may find it easier to study in the libraries or other designated areas on campus.

Residents are encouraged to monitor both the level of noise and the time of day when creating noise.

If you experience what you consider to be unreasonable noise from a neighbor, please talk to them personally. If the noise problem continues, you may wish to ask the Apartment Coordinator to help. The Coordinator will assess the noise, and, if necessary, speak to the resident.

If the Coordinator is unable to help you and your neighbor reach a solution, the matter will be taken to the Assistant Director of Residence Life for further action. Noise problems of an unresolved or severe nature may result in the termination of the rental agreement.

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PARKING PERMITS AND/OR LOTS
For current information, please visit the Family and Graduate Apartment Rental Agreement parking section on our Web site:

Lots
Parking space normally exists near your apartment complex for one car; however, availability is not guaranteed.  In some complexes space is available for a second car, small trailers, boats, and RV's in overflow parking areas.

Permits
You must apply for parking decals from the Apartment Coordinator each fall and throughout the year on an as-needed basis.  Decals are valid for one academic year.  To receive a decal, you must provide a current vehicle registration indicating that the vehicle belongs to either you or your parents.  The decal does not replace the commuter decal required for on-campus parking and authorizes parking only in the lot or lots serving the complex where you live. Renewal decals must be obtained each year prior to the first day of classes in the fall semester.

Mopeds, motorcycles and cars without appropriate decals parked in residential lots will be ticketed by campus security.  This serves to relieve congestion by discouraging the parking of unauthorized vehicles.

Visitor parking permits for apartment area lots are available from your Apartment Coordinator.

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PEST CONTROL
WSU reserves the right to treat your apartment if the University Environmental Health Department has determined that a problem requiring treatment exists within a building or complex.

Preparations for Cockroach Treatment

• Floors must be washed.

• Stoves and refrigerators must be pulled out and cleaned under and behind.  Leave appliances out.

• Empty ALL items from ALL kitchen and bathroom cabinets, cupboards, drawers, etc. and CLEAN surfaces. Pull and leave drawers completely out.

• Cover dishes and food items with a sheet or newspaper.

• Cover fish tanks.

• Move furniture and other items away from baseboards (approx. one foot).

• Leave all windows closed

Treatment of Premises

• Authorized pest control materials are applied to cabinets, drawers, baseboards, behind appliances, etc.

• Premises are fogged.

Re–Entry into Premises

• Tenants must be out of premises for at least two hours after treatment is completed.

• Open windows to air premises out.

• Wash counter tops off.

• DO NOT return dishes and food items to cabinets, drawers, etc. until completely dry.  The applied materials will not come off surfaces after drying. Line bottom of cabinets and drawers with shelf liner or newspaper.

• DO NOT wash cabinets, drawers, etc. after treatment.

Frozen Pipes
Do not turn the heat off.  Sufficient heat must be maintained through the night and during periods of absence to prevent the interior temperature from dropping below 55°F.

During winter months, it may be helpful to leave your bathroom door open and to open all cupboard doors under the sink so heat can circulate under the pipes.

If pipes freeze due to your negligence, the necessary thawing and repair costs will be charged to you.

ALL RESIDENTS – IMPORTANT! – Cold Weather Precautions:

If you leave your apartment for more than one day during the cold season, notify Housing Services Maintenance (335–1541) or your Apartment Coordinator so that an occasional check of your unit can be made.  Such inspections protect both you and the University and are in accordance with the terms of the rental agreement.

If Housing Services is not informed of your absence and severe weather damage occurs to your empty unit, you will be held solely responsible and will be charged for any necessary repairs.

Repairs
The resident must pay for costs of opening and repairing plumbing and other repairs that arise due to clogging or stoppage by any material, substance or object placed in the plumbing.

• Portable space heaters are not permitted.

• Heat producing appliances such as lamps, grow lights, or sun lamps, should not be operated in confined spaces or in close proximity to combustible material.

• Electric cooking equipment such as hot plates and coffee pots must be placed on a non–combustible surface.

• Do not burn candles near combustible material.  When using candles, keep a close watch on them.

• All exits, hallways, doorways, stairways, landings, and walkways must be kept free of obstructions or impediments to quick exit at all times.  This includes aisles in storage rooms.  The University reserves the right to remove items that create a hazard.

• Apartments must be kept free from accumulation of rubbish and unwanted items.

• Keep areas near electrical baseboard heaters (Nez Perce and Columbia) clear of combustible materials at all times.

• All ashtrays must be noncombustible.  Do not use wastebaskets as ashtrays.

• Kitchen vent hoods, filters, ovens, and burners must be cleaned regularly and kept free of grease buildup.

• Park vehicles no closer than 15 feet from a fire hydrant.

• Keep electrical cords maintained in good condition.

• Do not use extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring.  Do not run extension cords through walls, ceilings, floors, doorways, or windows.  Extension cords should not be compressed, coiled, or constitute a tripping hazard.

• Multiple outlet devices that plug directly into outlets are not permitted.

• Extension cords must be no less than 16 gauge.  Extension cords used with grounded electrical systems must have three–wire, three–prong, ground protection.

• Electrical wires or fixtures must not be altered or modified.

• Electrical faceplates must be replaced if damaged or missing.

• Electrical breaker or fuse panels must be readily accessible and clearly marked. If they are not marked, notify Housing Services Maintenance.

• Test the operation of each battery-powered smoke detector to ensure performance, and change batteries when necessary.

• Holiday decorations must be fireproofed or non-combustible.

• quiet study areas away from the University apartments,

• space for academically-related programs of residents, and

• recreational space for residents.

• Residents of University apartments must sponsor any activity.

• Use of University facilities must not obstruct or disrupt educational activities or freedom of movement or other lawful activities on the University campus (WAC 504–20–010).

• University facilities may not be used by groups, including informal groups, which discriminate in their membership or limit participation in activities on the basis of sex, race, color or national origin.

• The Constitution of the State of Washington prohibits free use of state facilities for religious worship, exercise, or instruction.

• Recreation centers may be reserved for political campaigning by or for candidates who have filed for public office when sponsored by a resident who is a member of a recognized student organization.

• Residents of University apartments may use recreation centers based on the following priorities:

  • A resident may reserve a center for himself or herself and other residents.

  • The Housing Services staff may reserve a center for residents or staff.

  • A resident may reserve a center for himself or herself and for a group of non–residents.

• Groups wishing to use the facility on a consecutive basis must wait until after the first session to sign up for the third session, and after the second for the fourth, etc.

• Any request for a Friday or Saturday evening must follow specific party procedures.  These guidelines can be obtained from Housing Services or from the Apartment Coordinator with whom you make your party reservation.

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How to Make a Reservation
Reservations for meetings or parties are made with the apartment coordinator for the apartment complex in which the recreation center is located.  Chief Joseph coordinator can be reached at 335-7787, Chinook’s at 335-2148, and Nez Perce’s at 335-2145.

Reservations can be made two weeks in advance.

A $100 refundable damage deposit will be charged at the time the reservation is made.

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Recreation Center Use Regulations
Following are the rules and regulations for the use of the Recreation Centers at the Chief Joseph, Chinook, and Nez Perce apartment complexes:

• Individuals who reserve the Recreation Center are financially responsible for damage or loss of WSU property that occurs during their use of the facility. 

• After using the facilities, clean as follows:

  • Vacuum the carpet and all furniture

  • Return furniture to its original place

  • Wipe counters and tables clean

  • Return rest rooms to a clean and orderly condition

  • Remove trash to the outdoor containers

  • Pick up litter from the grounds around the building

• Individuals who reserve the Recreation Center are responsible to see that the premises are secure when the function is over.  Close drapes and/or blinds, turn off lights, lock windows and doors and be sure the heat is set at 60°F.
  
• Neither WSU nor Housing Services is responsible for loss or theft of any personal property of those using the Recreation Centers.

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Party Procedures
People holding parties in recreation facilities must follow these procedures.  If alcohol is to be served or allowed, please note the additional guidelines on the following page.

• Functions held on evenings that precede regularly scheduled class days must follow special rules as outlined by the Apartment Coordinator.  No parties may be held during the period of time that begins with the Sunday preceding Closed Week and ends with the last day of Finals week.

• All parties must be registered and have specific approval three days in advance from the Apartment Coordinator of the complex.

• All parties must end by 12:30 a.m.

• The maximum number of guests is 75.

• Person(s) signing the party form must be present during the duration of the party.

• The Apartment Coordinator in the area in which the party is being held will terminate the party immediately if there are any violations of rules or if the party is disruptive.

• Any unusual incident that may occur such as personal injury, severe illness, fighting, etc., must be reported to the Apartment Coordinator with a follow–up copy to the Housing Manager in writing by persons supervising the function.  Time, situation, circumstances, names and addresses of persons involved must be included in the report.  (This is for the protection of those signing the party registration form.)

• Damages or clean-up charges will be deducted from the required $100 damage deposit.  Damages or clean-up charges in excess of $100 will be charged to the sponsor.

• The sponsor will be responsible for monitoring noise and keeping it at a reasonable level.

• The sponsor is responsible for the actions of all the guests on the premises.

• Both the police and an Apartment Coordinator will stop by during the course of the night to monitor the party.

• The sponsor must pay for the entire function.  This may be through the individual’s money or by collecting funds from members or guests in advance. (The sale of alcohol is prohibited within Housing Services facilities.)  No charge may be collected at the door for any reason.

Additional guidelines to follow where alcohol is served or allowed:

• Alcohol is defined to include beer, wine and spirits.

• Washington State law prohibits persons who are serving alcoholic beverages in the capacity of a bartender from serving persons who are intoxicated.  In situations where alcohol is served to a person who is already intoxicated and that person subsequently injures himself or herself or another person as a result of his or her intoxication, it is possible that the persons serving the alcohol to the person could be held responsible.  Bartenders should know how to handle persons who become intoxicated.  Party organizers have the responsibility for behavior at the party and should be asked to intervene in cases where problems of intoxication arise.

• Names of individuals invited must be provided as a part of the party registration.

• Parties may not be publicized except by personal invitation to people known by the party sponsor.

• The sponsor is responsible for insuring that alcohol is not made available to minors, that minors do not consume alcohol, and that alcohol is not carried from the building.

• Because University policy follows State law, violations of these procedures or disruptive conduct resulting from the use of alcohol may be dealt with by civil authorities, University authorities, or both.  Individuals at the function as well as the sponsor will be held responsible for their actions.