Home > Life at IHCC > Housing > Residence Life Handbook

Residence Life Handbook

2022-23 Residence Life Handbook

Welcome to Campus Life at Indian Hills Community College. You are now a member of the Residence Hall community. Residence Hall living has many exciting facets, the most significant of which may be your personal growth and experiences. The people you meet here and the relationships you build while in the residence hall will become an important part of your life.

The guidelines in this handbook have been established to ensure the rights and privileges of each member of the residence hall community. Those mutual considerations that must be made when living in a residence hall will help to promote a healthy and comfortable environment for everyone.

If you have any questions relating to this handbook or the living conditions in the halls, please feel free to discuss the situation with your Resident Assistant or Residence Hall Supervisor. If they cannot answer your questions, contact Erica Ashbacher, the Director of Student Life.

This handbook will serve as your guide to the services, facilities, policies, and procedures of the halls. It is important  that you read it and become familiar with its contents. 

 

Table of Contents

Staff and Personnel 

Services

Facilities

Policies and Procedures

Non-Discrimination Policy and Disability Services

Service & Emotional Support Animal Policy

Sexual & Gender Based Misconduct Policy

Student Conduct Code

Fire & Safety Report

Emergency Evacuations

 

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this handbook. However, due to the dynamic nature of community colleges, it is to be understood that any item in this publication is subject to change by proper administrative procedure. Students will be notified in writing (sent to their student email account) of any changes/updates of this policy. We encourage students to check their student email daily.  

Staff and Personnel:

CUSTODIAL/MAINTENANCE STAFF: The residence hall common bathrooms and guest bathrooms, hallways, lounges, and public areas are cleaned regularly by the custodial staff. They put forth a continuous effort to maintain the cleanliness of the residence hall. Your cooperation in helping keep these areas clean will be greatly appreciated. If you notice an area in need of maintenance repairs, please notify one of the residence hall staff members so they can inform the maintenance staff. Upon responding to a work order, custodial/maintenance staff cannot schedule individual appointments. Therefore, staff may address a facility concern when students are not present. Staff will always knock and announce their presence at least three times before entering a student’s dwelling. We will do our best to update the person who submitted the work order/request.   

Remember, it’s your residence hall. It is up to the residence hall community to keep the building clean. Be respectful of the staff and other students in the building. 

RESIDENCE HALL STAFF: The Residence Hall Supervisors and the student Resident Assistants (RAs) comprise the residence hall staff. The Residence Hall Supervisor is responsible for the overall operation of the residence hall and is assisted by the Resident Assistants. Their roles include advising students, answering questions about college and residence hall policies, organizing community bonding opportunities within the residence hall, and helping students who may have academic difficulties or may be experiencing personal problems. The Resident Assistant duty schedule is posted near the RA’s office located in each residence hall. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY STAFF: A safety and security officer is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are there to assist students in emergency situations, as well as to enforce laws, college policy and regulations, and provide a safe environment for you. To reach security on the Ottumwa Main campus call the SECURITY CELL PHONE NUMBER 641- 683-5300 or EXT. 5300 IF YOU ARE CALLING FROM YOUR RESIDENCE HALL PHONE. If there is an emergency at the Centerville Campus, please call 911 or locate your hall supervisor.  

Services:

FOOD SERVICES: Meal plans are required with each residence hall contract. Students on the Ottumwa campus may choose from 3 meal plans designed to provide a wide variety of dining options.  They are: 
Hills Plan 4

$1,170.00/year ($390.00/term)

- includes $0.00 Hill$

Warrior Plan 

(minimum meal plan required)

 9 $2,820.00/year
($940.00/term)

-includes $75.00 Hill$
Maroon Plan 12 $3,645.00/year
($1,215.00/term)

-includes $100.00 Hill$
Gold Plan 18   $5,040.00/year
($1,680.00/term)

-includes $125.00 Hill$

 


Centerville Meal Plan Options:
The Barn Plan 18 $3,945.00/year
($1,315.00/term)
The Barn Lite Plan 12 $3,000.00/year
($1,000.00/term)

 

Meals are provided on a “meals per week” system. The meals per week run Monday-Sunday. Meals do not carry over each week and remaining meals are forfeited at the end of each term. Residents are required to pay a minimum of $1,200 towards their balance due, by each mid-term date (this includes financial aid). Residents who neglect to pay the minimum amount will be subject to a suspension of their meal plan. Meal plans will be reinstated once the $1,200 minimum is paid. 

Meal plan locations and serving hours are: 

HILLS KITCHEN - Ottumwa Campus, Main

Breakfast

Monday through Thursday

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Lunch

Monday through Thursday

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Friday through Sunday

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Dinner

Monday through Thursday

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Dinner

Friday & Saturday

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Dinner

Sunday

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.


AIRPORT CAFÉ - North Campus

Breakfast

Monday through Thursday

6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch

Monday through Thursday

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday,  6:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.


WARRIOR JUNCTION - Ottumwa Campus, Main

New Self-Service hours will be announced at a later date.


THE COFFEE SHOP - Main Campus

Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday,  7:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

 

CENTERVILLE STUDENT UNION (THE BARN) - Centerville Campus

Breakfast

Monday through Thursday

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast

Friday through Sunday

Closed

Lunch

Monday through Thursday

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Friday through Sunday

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Dinner

Monday through Thursday

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dinner

Friday through Sunday

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

A meal plan change can be made within the first 8 days of each term. Those changes must be made in writing to the Housing Office. Those changes can be emailed to [email protected]. No changes will be accepted beyond the following dates for each term.

Term                          Meal Plan Change Deadline

Fall 2022                  September 13, 2022

Winter 2022            December 2, 2022

Spring 2023             March 8, 2023

Summer 2023         June 13, 2023

A resident who chooses to leave the residence halls within the first 8 days of the term will have the remainder of their meal plan monies prorated and will then be refunded the difference. That refund will be applied to their student account, if they choose. Anyone leaving after the 8th day of the term will be charged the full amount for room and board. If a student breaks their housing contract, they will have a Violation of Housing Agreement (VOHA) fee placed on their account. VOHA is $600.00. More information on VOHA can be found in a few sections below.  

For additional information on dining at IHCC or to change meal plans, contact the housing department:

Trustee Hall, 1st Floor, Student Development Department 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 641-683-5304 

STUDENT ID’S: Every student at IHCC is required to have a student ID. It is extremely important for residents to obtain their student ID as soon as they arrive on campus. Current student IDs must be presented at each meal. Students will be expected to pay for their meals if they do not show their ID card. You are not allowed to give another student your ID to purchase meals. If you lose or have your ID stolen, you will need to get a replacement ID as soon as possible. The first issue of an ID is free for all students. If your ID is lost or stolen, new IDs can be purchased in the library (Ottumwa campus) or the bookstore (Centerville Campus) for $10.00.  If you are a new student who needs an ID card, you can go to the Bennett Student Services building (Ottumwa Campus), the library (Ottumwa Campus) or the bookstore (Centerville Campus). 

LOST AND FOUND: The lost and found service for the institution is in the library (Ottumwa and Centerville Campus). If a student loses something in the residence hall it will be turned into the Student Development Department, located on the 1st floor of Trustee Hall. Items can be picked up during normal business hours (Monday-Thursday; 7:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.) We request that you turn in all found articles to the Student Development Department.  

MAIL: All residents receive an individual mailbox with a key lock. Mail will be distributed to your box Monday - Thursday and you will be informed about the arrival of packages by a pink slip in your box. To retrieve the package, you visit the RA office during their posted RA office hours. Please keep in mind that all mail initially arrives at the mail center, not individual buildings. Therefore, a mail carrier may say that your package has been delivered, but the package is in the mail center, not the residence hall. There may be a delay in receiving a package. Do not have refrigerated items sent to the residence hall. If you plan to order large items (ex: furniture, tv, etc.), please stop by the Student Development Department or the Administrative Building in Centerville, before placing your order, so we can discuss delivery options.

Please have your mail addressed to you in the following manner:
Appanoose Hall
Your Name
Appanoose Hall Room #
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501		 Keokuk/Mahaska Hall
Your Name
Keokuk/Mahaska Hall Room #
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501		 Trustee Hall
Your Name
Trustee Hall Room #
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Wapello Hall
Your Name
Wapello Hall Room #
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501		 Oak Hall
Your Name
Oak Hall Room #
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501		 Cooper Creek Hall
Your Name
Room #
721 N. 1st Street
Centerville, IA 52544
Traxler Hall
Your Name
Room #
721 N. 1st Street
Centerville, IA 52544		    

If you receive mail that is not yours, please return the mail to the RA during office hours. Do not open mail that isn’t addressed to you. If you believe that a package is missing, please contact the Student Development Department.  

Residences wishing to send mail can place properly addressed and stamped letters in the Post Office Mailboxes around campus. IHCC does not ship packages.

If you have lost your mailbox key, you can obtain a replacement key by visiting the RA office during the listed office hours. Replacement keys are $25. That amount is added to your student account.  

Upon leaving the residence halls you will be requested to leave a forwarding address with the housing office. Only first-class mail can be forwarded. Mail will be forwarded for one term only following a resident’s departure. 

 


Facilities:                                          

Any time a student uses common spaces within the residence hall (spaces outside of their room/apartment), students are expected to wear appropriate attire: upper garment (ex: shirt), lower garment (ex: shorts), and shoes. Students are not to walk through the residence hall common spaces in only undergarments, only a towel, and/or shirtless.  

BATHROOMS: Apartment-style (Appanoose, Keokuk/Mahaska, Traxler, and Wapello) have bathroom(s) within the apartment. Suite-Style (Wapello) has a bathroom that connects two bedrooms. Residents in these buildings are responsible for providing their own bathroom supplies and cleaning their bathroom. Oak Hall has traditional communal-style bathrooms with two showers, multiple toilets, and two sinks.  Oak residents should use the bathroom in their wing. Guests need to choose a bathroom assigned to their gender. IHCC custodial staff will clean the bathroom and stock it with toilet paper and hand soap. Trustee Hall and Cooper Creek Residence Hall have single-use bathrooms. IHCC custodial staff will clean the bathroom and stock it with toilet paper and hand soap. Only one person can use the bathroom at a time. Some buildings have guest bathrooms in the common areas. If a single-use bathroom is used, only one person can use the bathroom at a time. Students are not to empty their room trash into any public bathroom trashcan. Students who dispose of their trash in other locations (other than the outside dumpster) will receive a conduct referral and possibly a fine. 

LAUNDRY: Washers and dryers are provided in each residence hall free of charge to the students who reside in that building. The machines are easy to operate and may be used at your convenience. If a machine fails to operate, notify the Residence Hall Staff. It will be repaired as soon as possible. Please only use liquid detergent and dryer sheets are permitted. 

Please remove your clothes from the washers and dryers as soon as they are finished. No dyes are to be used in the machines. The college is not responsible for unclaimed laundry. 

LOUNGES: The residence hall lounges have been furnished as common areas for all resident students. This furniture, TV’s, computers, keyboards, etc. may not be removed. If a resident is found with lounge furniture in their room, they will be fined.

PARKING: Residents will have designated parking lots. This arrangement is necessary to avoid parking congestion and help with snow removal in the winter. Parking permits are required and must be purchased at the IHCC Bookstores. Wapello Hall residents must park on the Grandview side of the residence hall. Residents MUST Park in the assigned lots.  

Vehicles parked in “no parking” areas or in lots other than designated residence hall lots will be ticketed or even towed at owner’s expense. 

STUDENT ROOMS: Your room is your home at IHCC. You are encouraged to make use of it, decorate it, and furnish it within the limits of college policies/regulations. You are responsible for keeping your own room clean. Fines may be assessed if there are hygiene concerns as well as trash/clutter. The college furnishes each resident with an extra-long twin bed and mattress, desk and chair, and wardrobe. Apartment-style rooms are additionally provided with a small dinette set, loveseat, chairs, and some units have small refrigerator(s). These items are not to be removed from the residence hall rooms and, in addition, may not be taken apart. Lofts are not allowed, except where they are provided by the college. We request that furnishings attached to the structure of the building also not be removed. It is costly and difficult to reattach them and will only constitute an additional expense for you. Desks may not be stacked or flipped on end and bed frames may not be flipped or turned on the side. Any damage assessed during checkout will result in additional charges. If hanging items on the walls, command strips or blue painters' tape is all that is permitted. Other tape and hanging devices damage the wall/paint.  

WINDOWS: We ask your cooperation in keeping the residence hall windows in peak condition. Do not remove the window screens for any reason. Removal of screens and/or climbing in and out of your window will result in fines. In order to maintain adequate heating and cooling in all residence hall buildings, windows are not allowed to be open. Residents are required to keep the windows always locked securely in place. Windows should be locked whenever students leave their rooms for a night, a weekend, or a vacation. Occupants are responsible for the total cost of replacing screens if they are damaged. Residents will be fined whenever a screen is removed from a window. All residents within the room are responsible for any open windows or damaged windows. 

MICROWAVES AND REFRIGERATORS: Compact refrigerators are allowed in all residence halls as well as microwaves. Please note: Some Ottumwa apartments are supplied with compact refrigerators. Traxler Hall has full size refrigerators. For safety reasons, ground surge protectors should be used, and the units should be well ventilated, not placed in a closet or confined space. Only portable refrigerators up to 4.5 cu. ft. will be approved. If you would like to know if your apartment has a refrigerator, please email [email protected]. 

SMALL APPLIANCES: NOT ALLOWED: Hotplates, toasters, toaster ovens, pressure cookers/Instapots, electric/carving knives or small appliances with an exposed heating element are not allowed.
ALLOWED: Coffee pots, blenders, air fryers, crockpot/rice cooker, electric blankets, and heating pads are allowed; however, they should not be left plugged in when no one is in the room. If you have further questions about appliances not included, please contact the housing department. 

SPACE HEATERS: Space heaters are not allowed in the residence halls. If you have concerns with the temperature of your residence hall room, please contact your residence hall staff.  

DOORS: Pictures and other papers should not be mounted on the outside of the room due to fire codes. Do not write on the doors themselves or a damage assessment will be incurred by the room resident(s). The only material that will be allowed on the exterior of your door are the approved door decks that are provided to you by your Residence Hall Staff. You are not allowed to prop open your residence hall room door. If door propping is seen, the door will be closed by housing staff as well as result in a conduct referral. Propping the door can lead to safety and security risks. This also leads to low battery life on the bluewave box that is used to enter the room. 

RESIDENCE HALL KEYS: A bluewave fob and a mailbox key will be issued to you when you check in to your residence hall. Please make it a habit to always carry your key with you. Do not give your key to anyone, violating this will result in a conduct referral.  If you should lose your key, report it immediately to Residence Life staff or contact the housing office. A replacement key will be made for and you will be assessed a $25.00 fee for each key replacement. An assessment of $50.00 total for both keys (mailbox and bluewave fob). This includes not turning in your keys at the time of your check out. 

TELEPHONES: There is a telephone located in every residence hall on each floor.  The telephones are not located in the residence hall rooms. Those phones can call numbers on campus as well as local numbers. Phones will not call out long distance. 

TELEVISION: Cable T.V. boxes are available for sign-out in the housing department at no cost. If a cable box is not returned it is a $100 fee. If any of the original parts are not returned it will be $20 for each missing piece.

AIR CONDITIONING: Every residence hall has central air conditioning that is controlled and monitored by the maintenance department. As each person’s degree of comfort is different, fans are allowed in the residence halls. The central air conditioning is adjusted as the weather dictates. Windows need to remain closed, or the student may be subject to a fine. In Traxler Hall, students will have control of their temperature (only a preset range), students should be courteous of their other roommates when adjusting the temperature. If you have concerns with the temperature of your space, please contact the on-duty RA. The RA will submit a work order. 

INTERNET ACCESS: Wireless internet access is available in all Residence Halls at no extra cost. Residents must bring their own computer systems as they are not provided by the college. If you experience issues with your internet, please contact the IT department by emailing [email protected]. 

VENDING MACHINES: Drink machines and food machines are in all the residence halls. They’re often found in the lounge areas. If a machine fails to operate properly, notify the staff person on duty.


Policies and Procedures:                                                

ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS: In case of an accident or illness, the resident assistant (RA) on-duty should be notified immediately. If necessary, they will contact professional housing staff who will come to the building/room where assistance is needed. 

The telephone number of the local hospital is:

Ottumwa Regional Health Center
1001 E Pennsylvania Ave.
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone: (641) 684-2300

http://www.ottumwaregionalhealth.com/ 

MercyOne Centerville Medical Center
One St. Joseph's Dr.
Centerville, IA 52544
641-437-4111

https://www.mercyone.org/centerville/ 

 

ABSENCE: Please notify the Director of Student Life of your destination if you are leaving campus for an extended period (more than one week) so that you can be reached in case of an emergency.

VIOLATIONS: Failure to abide by the rules set forth in this handbook will result in disciplinary action by the Residence Hall Supervisor, Director of Student Life, or the Associate Dean of Student Development. The degree of violation, as well as the extent to which infractions also violate civil and criminal law, will determine the degree of disciplinary action. This may range from fines to immediate suspension from both the resident halls and/or the college. Any resident asked to leave the residence halls forfeits visiting privileges in all the residence halls for the remainder of the term. Visiting privileges may be restored pending a meeting with the Director of Student Life.

WARNINGS: In some cases, depending upon the level of infraction, you will receive only one warning before being fined. Examples are quiet hour violation, door propping violation, guest registration violation, etc. 

FINES: Failure to abide by the rules of the residence halls could result in fines starting at a minimum of $25.00. Excessive violations of the rules will result in disciplinary action by the Residence Hall Supervisor, Director of Student Life, or the Associate Dean, Student Development.

DAMAGES: You and your roommate(s) jointly share the responsibility for the condition of your room and its furnishings. Please be as careful as possible so that unnecessary damage charges may be avoided. 

Please report damages or needed repairs to the residence hall staff as quickly as possible. These maintenance requests will be acted upon as soon as possible. 

The use of nails, tape, tacks, glue, and other adhesives is NOT permitted due to the damage they cause to surfaces. Please use only blue painter's tape.  You are responsible for removing the tape from all surfaces before you check out. 

Unless the person causing damage is specifically named, the amount of damage found in your room will be split between you and your roommate(s) and will be billed to each resident in the room. Upon final checkout, damage expenses in excess of the $250 security deposit will be assessed on your student account. Damage occurring in the lounges, common areas, or furniture/equipment missing from those areas will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If we are not able to identify who caused the damage or removed the items, we will charge all residents of the hall where the lounge is located. Damage occurring on a specific wing or floor will be assessed to residents of that wing or floor if the person(s) responsible cannot be identified. 

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

All students must check out by 5 p.m. on the last day of the term. For example, if a student is not living on campus for winter term, the student will need to check out by 5 p.m. on the last day of fall term. If a student drops below full time (8 credit hours per term), the student will have 48 hours to check out of their residence hall room. Failure to follow checkout procedures may result in improper check out fees (beginning at $50). If you are ending your housing agreement early (moving out of the dorms before the end of spring term), at least 24 business hours before your departure, you need to complete the “I am Leaving Housing” form on the housing portal (eRezLife). After receiving that form, Housing will confirm your checkout appointment and send an email with instructions on how to check out. The process for end of spring term checkouts will be sent to all residence's student email.  

If you are checking out before the last day of the term, you need to: 

    • Complete “I am Leaving Housing” form on the housing portal. 
    • Housing will confirm a checkout appointment with you via email. 
    • Pack and remove your belongings.
    • Clean your room/apartment, including dusting, vacuuming/mopping, arranging furniture, making sure all drawers and closets are empty, and cleaning sinks, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the common spaces (living room and kitchenette) close and lock blinds and windows. If you are the last person leaving an apartment, you are responsible for thoroughly cleaning the college fridge. 
    • Check your mailbox.
    • Electronically sign checkout assessment and turn in keys with RA. Failure to turn in keys will result in a fee. 

Failure to remove belongings and check out properly in a timely manner will result in an Improper Check-out fee. Assessments may be added during and after the Check-out process if determined necessary by the Residence Hall Staff and/or Housing office. Charges for damages will be processed within five business days. Students may appeal any checkout fees within two weeks of checkout; after two weeks, fees are final, and appeals will not be accepted. If you have questions about housing fees or would like to appeal a fee, contact the Director of Student Life. 

STUDENT BELONGINGS: When a resident leaves the residence halls, they are expected to remove all their belongings prior to their check-out. Any arrangements made for storage of a student’s belongings may be made with permission and approval from the housing office. If storage is agreed upon, items will be stored for 30 days maximum. If a student leaves the residence halls (improper checkout) and does not take all their belongings, the student will receive an email with a date of when items will need to be picked up (this is also only a 30-day storage hold). Email the Director of Student Life to make storage arrangements. The college is not responsible for loss or damage of items stored.

ROOM AND BOARD PAYMENT: Room and board charges are placed automatically onto the student’s IHCC student account every term. Students have until the 8th day of the term to make any changes to their meal plan. Students can pay their balance on their WebAdvisor at any time. If the student does not pay at least $1,200.00 towards their bill by midterm, the meal plan will be suspended until a payment is made. If the student owes a balance at the end of the term, the student is not allowed to remain in the residence hall until the balance is paid off. Students are required to be FULL TIME (minimum 8 credits per term) while living in the residence halls. 

ROOM DEPOSIT FORFEIT: Students leaving prior to the end of the contracted year (end of Spring Term) will forfeit the deposit and a $600.00 Violation of Housing Agreement (VOHA) fee will be applied to the student account unless it is past the 8th day of the Spring Term. If the student feels as though they should have their VOHA and deposit refunded, they can email the Director of Student Life and ask for appeal information. Emails and/or appeals must be filled out within 14 days of checkout. Contact the housing office for refund dates or changes in address. Please note that if a student has an owed balance upon checking out, the housing deposit will be applied to the student's owed balance and will not be refunded to the student.  

ROOM DEPOSIT REFUNDS: If you are eligible for a deposit refund, deposits shall be refunded to students in the term following their departure from the residences. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing. The deposits will be refunded in the same method that the deposit payment was made. Example- If a credit card was used to make the deposit, that same credit card would be refunded the deposit. Deposit refunds are processed through the business office and not the housing office, so all questions should be directed to the business office. It is also important to change your address in WebAdvisor. Please note that if a student has an owed balance, the housing deposit will be applied to the student's owed balance and will not be refunded to the student.

ROOM AND BOARD REFUND POLICIES: If the student leaves the residence hall during the first 8 business days of the term, room and board fees will be prorated and refunded to the day of departure. Residents who leave the residence halls on the ninth-class day and beyond are entitled to no refund and will be responsible for the cost of the entire term.

VISITING HOURS AND GUESTS:

Residents may entertain friends in their rooms during visiting hours. Those visiting hours are between 10 a.m. and 12 Midnight. Only resident students and registered guests are permitted in the residence hall after 12 Midnight. All other visitors must leave the residence hall, including lounges, at that time. Roommates must agree with guests. Please respect each other's spaces and belongings. 

Students must register their overnight guests via the “Guest Registry” form located on the housing portal (eRezLife). Overnight guests need to be registered if they are present in the building between 12 midnight and 10:00 a.m. For Monday-Thursday night guests, the registry form must be completed at least 48 hours in advance. For weekend (Friday-Sunday nights) guests, the registry form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday before the weekend. The consent of the roommate(s) is required. If the guest is to use the bed of another student, permission from this student must be obtained and presented to the Residence Hall Supervisor in advance. A resident is allowed 6 overnight stays per month. Longer stays must be approved by the Residence Hall Supervisor and the guest will be charged $50.00 per night. A resident must obtain permission from the Residence Hall Supervisor if they wish to house more than one overnight guest. 

Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests. Guests are expected to observe the same college and residence hall policies as the residents. Therefore, the fines/damages of the guests will be assessed to the residence hall student. In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that the residence hall staff can identify all students, including those who have guests. That is why it is very important that students fill out the registry for their guests, so we know who is in the building in the event of an emergency.  

Residents will be assessed $50.00 for each unregistered guest per night.   

HOUSING: Students must be enrolled in an approved IHCC program and carry a minimum of 8 credit hours per term as well as be in good academic and conduct standing at the College. Those students not meeting the minimum criteria must meet with the Director of Student Life prior to the start of term or class schedule change to determine continued residency.

LOCKOUTS: If a student gets locked out of their room and/or the key is not present the student should call their building RA. The RA will let the students into their room and track their lockout in our housing software. Students are given two lockouts with no penalty. Any other lockout after the second lockout will result in a $25.00 charge per lockout within a term. After the fifth lockout, the student is referred for conduct. 

PETS: Pets and other animals are not permitted in the residence hall. Fish in small aquariums (less than 10 gallons) are permitted. Please see the link below if you have a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal or visit our website to learn more https://www.indianhills.edu/success/disabilityservices.php 

QUIET HOURS: Certain times during the day and evening have been set aside as “Quiet Hours” to allow for study, sleep, etc. Residents are expected to keep noise to an absolute minimum during these times. The schedule for quiet hours is 10:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. The enforcement of quiet hours is the responsibility of each resident. If the activities of other residents annoy you, inform them of the problem and request that they moderate their activities. If that does not result in a satisfactory solution, then call the on-duty RA phone, and the residence hall staff will be there to assist. 

EXCESSIVE NOISE IS PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES: Musical instruments should not be played in rooms. Doors should be closed if stereos, radios, or television sets are in use. The volume should be low enough so as not to interfere with the study or sleep of other residents. If a student does not adhere to this policy, they may be asked to remove the device from the room or campus. The residence hall staff may also confiscate the device until the student can take the device off campus.

PERSONAL HYGIENE: In order to establish a healthy living environment that promotes wellness and safety, students need to maintain a proper level of personal hygiene. Resident’s personal hygiene and room must be kept at an appropriate level at all times. Staff members make periodic inspections of rooms to ensure sanitary conditions. In order to avoid unnecessary pest problems, students are required to tend to all personal trash in a timely manner. All personal trash is to be taken to the appropriate designated disposal site. Dumpsters are in each Residence Hall parking lot. Trash is not to be disposed of in the bathrooms. Trash and left-over food cannot be left in the rooms/apartments, hallways, bathrooms, or lobbies. Bedding should be washed often. It is recommended that clothes be stored; lavatory, mirror, and faucet cleaned; floor and the rest of the room neat. Failure to comply with cleanliness standards may result in disciplinary action. Residents are prohibited from acts of misconduct that endanger the health, hygiene, or safety of other residents or students. This includes proper disposal of bodily fluids (i.e., spit, urine, vomit, feces, feminine products, etc.). Students are provided a mattress cover when they move into the residence hall room. That mattress cover needs to remain on the bed until the student moves off campus. If you notice any pests, please notify an RA so we can get the issue resolved as quickly as possible. 

RESIDENCE HALL SECURITY: For security purposes, all exterior doors to the residence halls are locked, except for Trustee Hall. Trustee Hall’s front doors will be open during normal business hours as well as half day on Saturday’s due to the Testing Center hours. Your bluewave key will allow you to have access to your building, residence hall room, and (in some buildings) the laundry room. Doors should not be propped open and should be shut completely. There will be a fine assessed to the student if a resident is found propping interior or exterior doors.  

USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS: Indian Hills Community College is committed to providing a tobacco-free environment for our staff, students, constituents, and visitors to our campuses. The use of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vapes, etc. is prohibited on college property, including in its buildings, college owned vehicles, outdoor areas, or any vehicle located on college grounds. If a student is caught with any tobacco product and is under the legal age of 21 (Iowa Code) there will be additional sanctions. This policy is consistent with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act.

INCENSE:  The burning of incense is prohibited in all IHCC halls.

CANDLES: Candles with burnt wicks are not allowed (candles that have been used). New candles are used for decorative purposes and may not be used with candle warmers. The residence hall staff will confiscate candles that have been burned if found in the room.

CANDLE WARMERS: Due to the damage of spilled candle wax, candle warmers are not allowed in the residence halls.

ROOM CHANGES: While we hope all new roommates will eventually become good friends, we realize this doesn't always happen. If, after trying to work out differences, you and your roommate still find that you don't like living together, you have the option of filling out the room change request form.  Room change requests will not be reviewed until after the second week of the term. You must remain in your original room and roommate assignment during the first two weeks of each term. If a room change is approved by the Director of Student Life, housing will create a timeline for the move. Residents may request room change if the student's balance is paid in full. There is a $50 room change fee that will be added to the students account if their room change request is approved. At the end of the initial two weeks and during the remainder of the term, students desiring room or roommate changes, or hall changes should fill out the “Room Change Request” form on eRezLife. The College reserves the right to make all final decisions concerning room assignments.

ROOM CONSOLIDATION: Rooms with multiple beds (any room style except for singles) are to be occupied at full capacity. In the case where one of the registered occupants vacates the room, the remaining resident(s) agrees to accept an assigned roommate or move to another room. This consolidation agreement is a part of the housing contract. Students will receive more information when this process begins. 

SOLICITING: Door to door soliciting is prohibited in the halls, except with permission of the Residence Hall Supervisor. This policy is enforced to protect you by preventing the presence of unreliable and illegal peddlers. Please report any solicitors to the Residence Hall Supervisor immediately.

RESIDENCE HALL CLOSINGS: Housing at Indian Hills is available year-round. Only residents whose balances are paid in full as well as prior arrangements made with the housing office two weeks prior to official college breaks, will be allowed to stay during the college break. Additional charges will apply for staying during official college breaks as the cost of staying over a break is not included in the initial cost of room/board. The cost to stay on campus during the break weeks is $175.00. Winter Break is $325.00 due to this break being two weeks long. Residents who do not stay during breaks may leave their belongings in their residence hall room during breaks; however, the college is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Residents who do not stay for break will turn in their room key during their “break sign out” appointment and will not have access to their residence hall building or their room.

THEFT: The door to your residence hall room should be shut (and latched) completely before leaving the room. We also discourage the keeping of large sums of money or valuables in your room. IHCC is not responsible for personal property which has been lost, stolen, or damaged. If a theft occurs, report it to the residence hall staff or call security immediately.

VIOLENCE/THREATS OF VIOLENCE: Acts of violence, threats, or threatening behavior against employees, students, visitors, guests, or other individuals by anyone on college property will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, harassment, assault, battery, stalking, or conduct that causes a person to believe that he or she is under a threat of death or serious bodily injury. All threats of violence will be viewed with the assumption that they will be carried out and will be dealt with appropriately. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal, arrest, and/or prosecution. Immediate threats should be reported to Security (641) 683-5300 and your Residence Hall Supervisor.

WEAPONS: The possession of weapons, concealed or otherwise, on college property or at any college sponsored activity is prohibited, except when required for an approved college course. “Weapons” are defined as any instrument or weapon that is specifically designed, made, or adopted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death, including, but not limited to clubs, firearms, handguns, BB guns, paintball guns, airsoft guns, knives, explosives (e.g., fireworks), crossbows, bows and arrows, throwing stars, tasers, and knuckles. This includes objects that simulate or replicate weapons. Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal, arrest, and/or prosecution. Immediate threats should be reported to Security (641) 683-5300 and your Residence Hall Supervisor.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICIES: Indian Hills prohibits the possession or use of illegal drugs and alcohol on or around its property at any time, except for those areas licensed under the laws of the state of Iowa. Areas where the use is prohibited include residence halls, student campus activities, classrooms, school parking lots, roadways, leisure activity areas, and all offices or work areas considered college property. Any violation of this policy may result in prosecution under Iowa law when applicable, as well as disciplinary action by the college deemed appropriate within the policies of conduct prescribed and approved by the Board of Trustees.  

This policy addresses alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicants. The purpose of this policy is to clarify the rules regarding possession, consumption and distribution of intoxicants within institutionally owned or operated buildings, property and grounds including administrative, instructional and research facilities; the policy applies to all IHCC employees, students and visitors. This policy supplements Iowa Administrative Code Section 68113.17(2). In all instances this policy will be construed to comply with federal and state law. 


A.  Jurisdiction of the Student Conduct Code

The Student Conduct Code will apply to conduct that occurs on college premises, at college-sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct, including, but not limited to, activities on college partners’ premises, that adversely affects the college community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Each student will be responsible for their conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Student Conduct Code applies to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. Student Code of Conduct can be found on our website. https://catalog.indianhills.edu/content.php?catoid=58&navoid=3481#Student_Conduct  

B.  Conduct—Rules and Regulations

Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following offenses is subject to the full range of disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article IV in the Student Code of Conduct including but not limited to monetary fines, warning, counseling, probation, suspension, or expulsion:

  1. Manufacturing, selling, distribution, use, or possession of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law or possession of a device (drug paraphernalia) used to ingest or inhale an illegal drug or narcotic 
  2. Manufacturing, selling, distribution, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by college regulations), or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age. 

For additional information regarding the definition of the above-mentioned disciplinary sanctions and specific processes as outlined in Article IV in the Student Code of Conduct please reference the following link. https://catalog.indianhills.edu/content.php?catoid=58&navoid=3481#Student_Conduct   

No empty alcohol containers are allowed in the residence halls! This includes, but is not limited to, decorative bottles, shot glasses, and cans. 

Intervention: Indian Hills Community College has several options available for students and staff members who need to address alcohol and other drug abuse issues. The college works with local community health organizations to provide counseling for students. Students may be referred to the Counseling and Prevention Resource Center (CPRC) for additional support and resources. Additional resources for alcohol and drug abuse are listed in the IHCC Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Education and Awareness: Indian Hills provides quality educational programs for its students and staff about drugs, alcohol, and sexual violence. Guest lectures, video presentations, and seminars are held to provide information to our college community about such areas as peer pressure resistance, health concerns, rehabilitation, and awareness. When applicable, instructors provide educational information concerning drugs and alcohol within the academic environment. These areas may include health, physical education, human service, and behavioral science offerings. Indian Hills Community College recognizes that use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse may lead to severe health risks.

COMMITMENT TO A DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT: Indian Hills Community College is committed to providing a drug free environment for all students. In support of this effort, the college holds membership and affiliation with these organizations:

Iowa Safety Council, Will Rogers Institute, Presidents Drug and Alcohol Free Colleges, and the Department of Education’s Drug Free Schools and Campuses (The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 – Public Law 101-226).


Non-Discrimination Policy: It is the policy of Indian Hills Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (employment), sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential parental, family, or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C §§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). 

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Alix McPherson, Associate Dean, Student Development, 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501, (641) 683-5155, [email protected] (students, faculty and staff); Noel Gorden, Executive Dean, Centerville Campus and Learning Services, 683-5174, [email protected] (students with disabilities); Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone number (312) 730-1560, fax (312) 730- 1576, [email protected]

Read the full policy here




Accessibility

Please provide the Housing Office with medical documentation and notice of any accessibility needs.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation(s) or special services should contact the Disability Services for assistance. Services are available to students who need classroom accommodations, interpreters, and/or specialized equipment, and housing accommodations. 

Students enrolling in credit programs who are requesting accommodations must document their disability by providing a written statement signed by a school counselor, physician, psychologist or other health care professional. Statements must include: (a) a description of the disability, (b) a statement of how the disability prohibits one or more major life activities and is a barrier to the student’s full participation in the program, and (c) a description of the specific accommodations to be provided.  (Requested accommodation(s) must be related to the individual’s specific disability). All requests for accommodation(s) should be made prior to enrollment. 

Please visit our website to learn more about Disability Services.  https://www.indianhills.edu/success/disabilityservices.php 

Disability Services, Ottumwa
Location: Pothoven Academic Success Center, Arts and Science Building (Efner Hall)
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone:  (800)726-2585, ext.5749


Service & Emotional Support Animal Policy:     

In general animals are not allowed in any buildings on campus. However, Indian Hills Community College is committed to ensuring that all its students have equal access to educational programs and facilities. 

SERVICE ANIMALS

Service animals are dogs, or other animals defined by federal or state law, trained to do work or perform tasks specifically related to an individual’s disability. These tasks may include, but are not limited to, pulling a wheelchair, fetching dropped items and/or providing stability for a person who has difficulty walking. Service animals, as well as those in training, may accompany the individual with disabilities or a person training the animal into public facilities and accommodations to which the public is invited. This includes, but is not limited to, academic buildings, administrative offices, and residence halls. The service animal must be under control, housebroken and not provide a direct threat to others. The handler is responsible for supervising and caring for the service animal. This includes toileting, feeding, grooming and veterinary care.  

Voluntary Registration: Federal and State law do not require individuals to register their service animal with the college. If you would like to voluntarily register your service animal, please contact the Disability Services Office at [email protected].

For more information about the Service Animal Policy, please click here. 

Emotional Support Animal:

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is defined as an animal that is necessary for the individual to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. There must be a relationship, or nexus, between the individual’s disability and the assistance the animal provides. 

Emotional Support animals are prescribed to an individual with a disability by a healthcare or mental health professional. Emotional Support animals are an integral part of a person’s treatment process to assist in alleviating the symptoms of an individual’s disability. 

Emotional Support Animals are not Service Animals and do not always accompany an individual. Therefore, Emotional Support Animals are only permitted in the individual’s assigned residential room and outdoor spaces, if appropriate, under the proper handling. These animals are not permitted in other campus buildings. When the animal is transported outside the private residence area it must be in an animal carrier, on a leash or harness, and always controlled. 


To place a request for an Emotional Support Animal, a student must contact Disability Services and complete the necessary steps. Click here to review the ESA policy and required documentation.

Once an ESA is approved through disability services, the student is required to meet with the Director of Student Life to review the owner’s responsibilities and guidelines for having an Emotional Support Animal on campus. The student will also need to complete the Animals in Residence Hall Agreement form. The animal will not be approved to come to campus until the student has completed the above items.  

An Emotional Support Animal should not be brought to campus until approval has been granted and the meeting with the offices of Housing and Disability Services has taken place. 

Upon approval of an Emotional Support Animal, Residential Hall Staff will be notified (if applicable). 

Students with medical conditions that are affected by animals are asked to contact the housing department if they have a health or safety concern about exposure to an animal. The College will make arrangements to accommodate individuals with such medical conditions. 

Care of the ESA:

The care of the ESA is the sole responsibility of the student. The student will

  • Provide appropriate restraint, control and supervision of the animal at all times.  
  • Provide the animal with appropriate care, including food, water, shelter, health care and humane treatment.  
  • Clean up and dispose of all animal waste (both indoors and outdoors) in a timely and effective manner.  
  • Not allow odor, noise, damage, or other behavior of the animal that disturbs others or damages college grounds, facilities or property.  
  • Keep the animal in a kennel, cage, or confined when leaving the room. 
  • Not leave the animal alone for a time period in excess of six consecutive hours per 24 hours.  

Any exceptions to this must be approved through IHCC Student Housing. Failure to abide by the ESA policy may result in a written warning, fine, or the removal of the ESA from on-campus housing.  

PROTOCOL FOR MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY WHICH INCLUDE FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMAL and EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS:

  • They are to allow Service Animals to accompany their owner at all times and in all places on campus, unless predetermined exclusions have been made by the College. 
  • They are not to ask for details about the owner’s disability or need for the Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal.  This is confidential and considered a private matter. 
  • A Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal is not to be touched/pet unless the owner has given their permission. 
  • A Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal is not to be fed by anyone other than its owner. 
  • The animal is not to be deliberately frightened, startled or intentionally separated from its owner. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY: At Indian Hills Community College, having a safe campus is a cooperative effort of students, staff, faculty, visitors and professionals. Indian Hills’ security is staffed 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and spearheads the effort to maintain a safe and secure environment. The Safety and Security department works closely with the Ottumwa Police Department and Centerville Police Department to accomplish this mission. The Safety and Security department also works closely with the Ottumwa and Centerville Fire Departments regarding fire protection and safety. The college strives to maintain an open, secure campus that all can enjoy and benefit from. Safety and Security officers assist with problems of any type and can be contacted by calling (641) 683-5300. Students can also call 911, in the event of an emergency or fire. 

Sexual & Gender Based Misconduct Policy:                     

Statement of Purpose and Values

Indian Hills Community College is dedicated to providing a learning, living, and working environment that is free from sexual assault and discrimination. We are committed to ensuring a safe campus climate for all of our students and the entire College community. We promote fundamental rights, advance individual and institutional integrity, and uphold the vital aims of Title IX.

 Indian Hills Community College prohibits sexual and gender-based misconduct in any form, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking, intimate partner violence (domestic violence and dating violence), and retaliation, all as defined in Section VIIof This Policy. The College will respond to reports of sexual and gender-based misconduct in accordance with This Policy.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Subsequent guidance from the Office for Civil Rights clarified that educational institutions should regard sexual harassment, including all forms of sexual violence, as a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Educational institutions, including Indian Hills, have trained Title IX Coordinators, adopted Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policies, and expanded prevention and education efforts on campus.

 

Read the full policy here

 

TITLE IX: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” 

MISSING PERSONS POLICIES: In the event that a residence hall resident has been reported missing, the following steps and procedures will be followed:

  • All available avenues of attempt will be made to locate the resident in questions. Make immediate contact to Campus Security at (641) 683-5300. 
  • Campus Security, Associate Dean of Student Development, and the Director of Student Life will be immediately notified in the event a student is determined missing(Indian Hills administrators will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately.)
  • Campus security will notify the student’s designated emergency contact if the student is determined missing. 
  • Campus Security is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian of a student under the age of 18, who is not emancipated, no later than 24 hours after the student is determined missing. 
  • Campus Security will immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency if a student who has been determined missing for more than 24 hours but did not designate an emergency contact or is an emancipated individual under the age of 18. 

All residence hall residents were required to provide an emergency contact number at the time of application. If none was made at that time or if a resident wishes to change their emergency contact information, please contact the Housing office. All change requests are kept confidential. 

SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY: Indian Hills Community College guarantees its students the right of privacy on its campus. However, the college reserves the right to enter rooms without advance notice for the following purposes:

  1. To make maintenance repairs.
  2. To conduct a safety inspection. A safety inspection may not be conducted for disciplinary purposes.
  3. When there is reasonable suspicion to believe a danger to life, health, safety, or property exists.
  4. When there is reasonable suspicion residence hall rules are being violated.

All residents should note when police conduct a search, they must meet the probable cause standard. However, school officials are held to a lower standard: reasonable suspicion. Two considerations are relevant in determining the reasonableness of a search. First, the search must be justified initially by reasonable suspicion. Second, the scope and conduct of the search must be reasonably related to the circumstances that give rise to the search, and school officials must consider the student’s age, sex, and the nature of the offense.


Student Conduct Code:                                  

PREAMBLE

Indian Hills Community College is an academic community built on the principles of mutual respect, integrity, and honesty. The college strives to provide a community wherein individuals have the right to express their opinions and ideas, to assemble peacefully, and to associate freely in a manner that does not interfere with the rights of others and is in the confines of intellectual honesty. In order to thrive as an educational institution, the college has adopted this Student Conduct Code ("Student Code") to promote and preserve its educational mission for the benefit of all who are invited to be a part of the community.

PURPOSE

It is in the best interest of the college and all those who are students or who may desire to become students at the college that the disciplinary procedure be defined. This document prescribes procedures to be followed in disciplinary cases in order that cases may be handled in a timely manner while serving the interests of the college community and safeguarding the rights of all students. Administrative responsibility for the establishment and enforcement of policies governing non-academic student conduct and disciplinary action has been delegated by the Indian Hills Community College President to the Executive Dean of Student Services. The Executive Dean has, in turn, delegated considerable authority for the establishment of rules and handling of violations to the Student Discipline Administrator and the Director of Housing and other bodies as designated in this policy.
Read the full policy here.

 INFORMATION SYSTEMS ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY:

Information systems are provided for the use of Indian Hills Community College students, faculty, and staff in support of the programs of the college. Access to the information systems is a privilege that is granted by the college. This privilege comes with a responsibility to respect the rights of other users and the rights of the college. This policy is designed to guide students, faculty, and staff in the acceptable use of computer and information systems and networks provided by IHCC. Ethical and legal standards that apply to information technology resources derive directly from standards of common sense and common courtesy that apply to the use of any shared resource. The purpose of these guidelines is to specify user responsibilities and to promote the ethical, legal, and secure use of information systems resources for the protection of all members of the IHCC community. The college extends membership in this community to its students with the stipulation that they be good citizens, and that they contribute to creating and maintaining an open community of responsible users. 

Agreement to Comply with Policy: All users of IHCC’s information systems agree to comply with the policies stated, as well as any additional guidelines established by the college for each individual information system. By use of the college information systems, users agree to comply with these and any other college policies.

Purpose of College Information Systems Resources: Indian Hills Community College information systems exist to provide a variety of services to the college community in support of instructional, research, and college business. The guidelines are intended to improve the information system services offered and provide these services in a cost-effective manner.

Academic Freedom: Consistent with other college policies, this policy is intended to respect the rights and obligations of academic freedom. As with all college resources, the IHCC community is encouraged to make innovative and creative use of information technologies in support of education and college services. Access to information representing a multitude of views on all issues should be allowed for the interest, information and enlightenment of the IHCC community.

Copyright and Non-Discrimination: The college policy recognizes that the purpose of copyright is to protect the rights of creators of intellectual property and to prevent the unauthorized use or sale of works available in the private sector. Also consistent with other college policies, an individual’s right of access to computer materials should not be denied or abridged because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Cautionary Statement: The college cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them. Those who make use of electronic communications are warned that they may come across or be recipients of material they find offensive. Those who use e-mail and/or make information about themselves available on the Internet should be forewarned that the college cannot protect them from invasions of privacy and other possible dangers that could result from the individual’s distribution of personal information.

Consideration for Others: The information system, computing and network facilities of the college are limited and should be used wisely and carefully with consideration for the needs of others and the public nature of the college. Computers and network systems offer powerful tools for communication among members of the community and of communities outside the college. When used appropriately, these tools can enhance dialog and communications. When used inappropriately, however, these tools can infringe on the beliefs or rights of others, or the public purpose for which they were created.

Responsibilities of Users of IHCC Information Systems: The following examples, though not covering every situation, specify some of the responsibilities that accompany computer use at IHCC and/or on networks to which IHCC is connected. Use of IHCC’s information systems implies consent with these policies.

  1. Access to information systems resources shall be authorized at a level to perform the educational or job function required by an individual. 
  2. IHCC computing and network resources are to be used for college related communication, instruction, services, enrichment, dissemination of academic information, and administrative activities.
  3. College computing facilities are a public resource and may not be used for personal profit. IHCC prohibits the use of college information systems to solicit or proselytize others for commercial ventures, religion or political causes, outside organizations or other non-work-related concerns. 
  4. Users are expected to respect the rights of other users; for example, users shall not engage in private or public behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for other users. Users shall not intentionally develop or use programs that harass other users, infiltrate a computer or system and/or damage or alter the hardware or software components of a computer or system.
  5. Users may not encroach on others’ use of information systems Such activities would include typing up computer resources for game playing or other trivial applications; sending frivolous or excessive messages, including chain letters, junk mail or unsolicited advertising, or other types of broadcast messages, locally or over the Internet; intentionally introducing any computer viruses or other rogue programs to the IHCC system causing physical or functional damage to systems. To respect the shared nature of computing resources users shall not engage in deliberately wasteful practices, such as printing large amounts of unnecessary documents. 
  6. Users are responsible for using software and electronic materials in accordance with copyright and licensing restrictions and applicable college policies. IHCC equipment and software may not be used to violate copyright or the terms of any license agreement. 
  7. Users may not attempt to modify or crash the college system or network facilities. Users may not attempt to break into the accounts of other users at IHCC or on the Internet. 
  8. Students of IHCC and guests of IHCC may not install software on any college computer. Faculty and staff may not install software on the college network. Installations on the network are the responsibility of the IHCC networking Department. 
  9. Users must remember that information distributed through the college’s networking facilities is a form of publishing. For example, anything generated at IHCC that is available on the Internet represents IHCC and not just an Even with disclaimers, the college is represented by its students, faculty and staff, and appropriate language, behavior and style is warranted. 

Administration and Implementation: The information systems, facilities, equipment and accounts are owned and operated by IHCC. The college reserves all rights to the technological resources it owns and operates. IHCC may terminate any user’s access and service to the information systems without notice. Communication and projects carried on by IHCC staff through college resources are assumed to be business and professional matters. The college reserves the right to examine all computer files, phone mail or e-mail if it becomes necessary for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. To enforce its policies regarding harassment and the safety of individuals. 
  2. To prevent the posting of proprietary software or electronic copies   of electronic texts or images in disregard of copyright restrictions or contractual obligations. 
  3. To safeguard the integrity of computers, networks, and data either at the college or elsewhere. 
  4. To protect the college against liability.

The college may restrict the use of its computers and network systems for electronic communications when faced with evidence of violation of college policies, or federal or local laws. The college reserves the right to limit access to its networks through college-owned or other computers, and to remove/limit access to material posted on IHCC-owned computers. 

All users are expected to conduct themselves consistent with these responsibilities and all other applicable college policies. Abuse of information systems privileges will subject the user to disciplinary action, as established by the applicable policies and procedures of the college, up to and including expulsion from the college. When appropriate, temporary restrictive actions will be taken by system or network administrators pending further disciplinary action and the loss of information systems privileges may result. 

IHCC and users recognize that all members of the community college are bound by federal and local laws relating to civil rights, harassment, copyright, security and other statutes relevant to electronic media. This policy does not preclude enforcement under the laws and regulations of the United States of America or the State of Iowa. 

 


Fire and Safety Report:                            

Indian Hills Community College has established fire safety policies in order to ensure the safety of our residence hall residents. Evacuation procedures have been set in place for each residence hall and are posted within the residence hall and are listed below. Each resident is asked to familiarize themselves with their route in the event of a fire emergency. Mandatory supervised fire evacuation drills are held in each residence hall once per term. All residents are asked to participate fully in these drills in order to ensure the timely evacuations of our residence hall buildings and the safety of our residents. 

Each residence hall building is equipped with adequate fire safety systems, including fire detectors in each residence hall room in all buildings and hallway sprinklers in Trustee and Oak Halls. The fire detectors are checked every term to make sure they are in good working condition. The fire safety systems are checked at least once per year by appropriate fire personnel. 

The residence hall staff is trained yearly in fire safety policies and evacuation procedures. Fire safety policies and evacuation procedures are included in each residence hall orientation. 

Residents must follow the guidelines set forth within this handbook regarding portable electric appliances, smoking, and the use of open flames within the residence hall buildings. Failure to do so will result in residence hall fines and/or expulsion from the residence halls based upon the severity of the violation. 

Statistics relating to the number of fires, cause of each fire, the number of fire-related injuries that require hospitalization, the number of fire related deaths, and the value of property damage caused by a fire are logged by the Director of Safety and Security for each residence hall. These statistics are reported to the Department of Education by calendar year in accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). Hard copies of that report may be obtained from the Safety and Security Office upon request. 

Statistics: 

0 fires in the 2021-22 school year

0 fire-related injuries

0 fire-related deaths

0 property damage due to fires

Emergency Evacuations:

FIRE PROCEDURES: The threat of fire is always a danger in the residence hall. Fire drills will be conducted periodically to help acquaint residents with proper procedures.  In case of fire:

  1. Pull the Fire Alarm
  2. Evacuate the Residence Hall
  3. Call 911
  4. Call Security 641-683-5300
  5. Notify the RA’s by calling the RA number. The RA will then notify the Residence Hall Supervisor

If a fire alarm sounds, follow these procedures:

  1. Proceed quickly, but cautiously to the assigned stairway exit
  2. Gather at designated rally point out of the residence hall building
  3. Return to the residence hall only after the building has been totally evacuated and permission has been granted by Safety and Security officer or fire department official.

 

EXIT ROUTES:

Appanoose Hall:   
Rooms 101-104: Use the north exit and proceed north to the green lawn on the back side of the Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 107-115: Use the north exit and proceed north to the green lawn on the back side of the Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 201-207: Use the north exit and proceed north to the green lawn on the back side of the Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 208-215: Use the south stairwell, exit to the west, and proceed around the building to the green lawn on the back side of Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 301-307: Use the north stairwell, exit to the west, and proceed around the building to the green lawn on the back side of Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 308-315: Use the south stairwell, exit to the west, and proceed around the building to the green lawn on the back side of Trustee Hall parking lot. 

Keokuk/Mahaska Hall:
Rooms 102-122: Use the lounge exit and then proceed to the Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 123-129: Use the far east exit and then proceed to the Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 201-205: Use the north stairwell exit and then proceed to the Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 209-214: Use the center stairwell and exit through the lounge, then proceed to the Trustee Hall parking lot.
Rooms 217-222: Use the far east stairwell exit and then proceed to the Trustee Hall parking lot.

Wapello Hall:
Rooms 101-114:Use the exit doors towards the Appanoose parking lot and proceed to the north side of the parking lot. Meet in the grassy area in front of Appanoose Hall.
Rooms 120-132: Use the exit doors towards the Appanoose parking lot and proceed to the north side of the parking lot. Meet in the grassy area in front of Appanoose Hall.
Rooms 139-140: Use the exit doors towards the Appanoose parking lot and proceed to the north side of the parking lot. Meet in the grassy area in front of Appanoose Hall.
Rooms 201-221: Use the exit doors towards the Appanoose parking lot and proceed to the north side of the parking lot. Meet in the grassy area in front of Appanoose Hall.
Rooms 222-240: Use the exit doors towards the Appanoose parking lot and proceed to the north side of the parking lot. Meet in the grassy area in front of Appanoose Hall.

Trustee Hall:
Rooms 213-228, 313-328, 413-428, and 513-528:Use the west stairway exit. Exit the building using the west fire exit on the first floor or the main south entrance door. Proceed to the green lawn on the east side of Trustee Hall (in between Trustee and Bennett Building).
Rooms 233-248, 303-348, 403-448, and 503-548: Use the east stairway exit. Exit the building using the fire exit on the first floor or the main south entrance door. Proceed to the green lawn on the east side of Trustee Hall (in between Trustee and Bennett Building).

Oak Hall:
Rooms  100-115,  116-131,  207-215, 223-231, 307-315, 323-331, 407-415, 423-431:Use the closest stairwell and exit the building. Proceed to the closest rally point. Either the Oak parking lot or the Bennett parking lot.
Rooms  200-206,  216-221,  300-306, 316-321, 400-406, 416-421: Use the closest stairwell and exit the building. Proceed to the closest rally point. Either the Oak parking lot or the Bennett parking lot.

Cooper Creek Residence Hall:
Rooms 101-114: Use the south hallway exit and proceed to the gathering area located across the parking lot by the baseball field fence.
Rooms 201-214: Use the South Lobby exit and proceed to the gathering area located across the parking lot by the baseball field fence.
Rooms 301-314: Use the North Lobby exit and proceed to the gathering area located across the parking lot by the baseball field fence.

Traxler Hall Residence Hall:
Rooms 101-106: Use the closest exit to exit building. Proceed across the parking lot/road and gather by the greenhouse.
Rooms 201-207: Use the closest exit to the exit building. Proceed across the parking lot/road and gather by the greenhouse.

If possible, use a fire extinguisher to help contain the fire.

WARNING! USE EXTREME CAUTION! DO NOT PUT YOUR SAFETY IN JEOPARDY! Property can be replaced, but not your life.

  1. A small, non-electrical blaze can be extinguished with a fire extinguisher located on each floor or with a pail of water. 
  2. Extinguish an electrical fire, such as one caused by a frayed electrical cord, by pulling the cord from the socket and then smothering the fire with a blanket or rug. NEVER use water on electrical 
  3. Your Residence Hall Supervisor will instruct you as to the proper use and handling of the fire 

NOTE: The fire extinguishing equipment is there for everyone’s safety and protection. THE TAMPERING WITH OR MISUSE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS OR THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND PROSECUTION UNDER STATE LAW.


SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURE: In the event of a tornado warning or other severe weather conditions:

Keokuk/Mahaska Hall will be instructed to take shelter in the first-floor hallways away from windows and doors.  
Wapello Hall - 1st floor residents should take shelter at the end of the hallway where there are no windows. The 2nd floor residents should exit their rooms, but remain on the 2nd floor in the interior hallway away from windows.  
Appanoose Hall should take shelter in the bottom floor hall leading from the center exit.  
Trustee Hall should take shelter on the basement floor hallways and stay away from exterior windows and doors. 
Oak Hall should take shelter in the first-floor hallways away from windows and doors. 
Cooper Creek Hall will be instructed to take shelter in the hallways away from windows and doors. 
Traxler Hall will be instructed to take shelter in the hallways away from windows and doors.