Montana Tech Residence Hall Handbook

Montana Tech

Residence Hall Handbook

- Office of Residence Life –

Office of Residence Life Information

Troy Franklin (406) 496-4500

Director of Residence Life

Madeline Thomas (406) 496-4425

Administrative Associate

Quinn Cassidy (406) 496-4425

Residence Life Coordinator

Resident Assistant On-Duty Phone (406) 594-7649

Prospector Hall Centennial Hall

1301 West Park Street 1225 West Broadway Street

Butte, MT 59701 Butte, MT 59701

Desk: (406) 496-4238 Desk: (406) 496-4540

Living Learning Center

1440 West Park Street Butte, MT 59701

Desk: (406) 496-4427

Residence Hall Guidelines

All residence hall students must abide by the rules and regulations of Montana Tech as

listed in all official bulletins (catalogs) and the Student Handbook. The Residence Hall

contract extends and further defines campus policies and regulations in respect to the

residence halls.

Each student is expected to be fully acquainted with all published policies, rules,

and regulations of the college and will be held responsible for compliance with

them as well as for penalties and sanctions that accrue for any violations.

Unfortunately, some students will choose not to comply with common standards.

Violations of campus and hall policies will carry a variety of sanctions including fines for

damages, community service, probation, and in extreme cases of willful misconduct,

cancellation of the Room and Board contract.

Expectations

The college considers cultivation of self-discipline to be of paramount importance in the

student’s educational process and essential to development as a responsible citizen. In

accordance, Montana Tech expects students to maintain standards of personal conduct

that are in harmony with the educational mission of the institution and to act in a manner

that reflects credit upon the college.

Furthermore, Montana Tech reserves the right to enforce expectations of community

interactions and personal behavior. This is essential to build a healthy learning

environment that benefits all who reside here. Finally, it is expected that each student

be aware of and responsible for their surroundings and behavior. Burden of

responsibility lies with every individual.

You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the rules and regulations pertaining to

the residence halls and the university. Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in

your expulsion from the housing system and the university. Sanctions for misconduct

may be imposed following an administrative hearing with a member of the Residence

Life staff or with the Dean of Students.

Rights and Responsibilities

You have specific rights and responsibilities as a member of the Montana Tech campus

community. These include the:

Right to a safe and secure living environment. You have a right to a secure and

safe physical and social environment.

Responsibility for a safe environment. You have the responsibility to report

unsafe conditions or dangerous behavior to an RA or to the Office of Residence Life.

Right to be free from fear, intimidation, and physical or emotional harm. You

have the right to feel safe from all harm. Report any threatening behavior to an RA or

the Office

of Residence Life.

Right to an environment free from illegal drugs. You have the right to an

environment free from the presence and use of illegal drugs. Illegal drug use or

possession can be confidentially reported to an RA or to the Office of Residence Life.

Right and responsibility to socially appropriate behavior. You have the right to

the enforcement of social norms, such as reasonably quiet and socially appropriate

behavior. You are responsible for your own behavior and for setting personal boundaries

for unacceptable behaviors by others.

Right to an optimum learning and social environment. You have the right to an

interesting, healthy, social, and intellectual environment.

Right to a clean living environment.

Right to petition for redress of grievances.

Residence Hall Policies

Alcohol

Prospector and Centennial Halls

The college prohibits alcoholic beverages in Prospector and Centennial Halls for all

students. Alcohol is prohibited in all student rooms and public areas including but not

limited to: lobbies, lounges, hallways, restrooms, and exterior areas such as parking lots

and lawns. In addition, students are also prohibited from possessing and displaying

alcohol-related paraphernalia, including empty bottles or cans that contained alcohol at

any point in time. Due to the zero-tolerance alcohol policy in Prospector and Centennial

Halls, anyone in a room where alcohol is present will be cited with an alcohol violation

even if he/she is not consuming alcohol.

Living Learning Center

In the Living Learning Center (LLC), alcoholic beverages are allowed in student rooms

only for students 21 years of age and older. Alcohol is prohibited in public areas

including but not limited to: lobbies, lounges, hallways, restrooms, and exterior areas

such as parking lots and lawns. At no time can there be open possession or

consumption of alcohol while individual(s) under the age of 21 are present in any

student’s room. Individual rooms or suites with open doors are considered public areas.

An open container is defined as any container of alcohol with a broken seal. Regardless

of age, if a resident or roommate does not wish to have alcoholic beverages in their

room, that wish should be observed.

Kegs of beer and mini-kegs are prohibited as well as any apparatus used for the rapid

consumption of alcohol.

In order to maintain Montana Tech’s community standards, the college will uphold and

enforce the expectation of responsible consumption of alcohol as well as responsible

behavior while doing so. Any student who returns to the residence halls in a disruptive

manner and is suspected to have been in consumption of alcohol will be cited for

misbehavior and may face sanctions. Alcohol violations will result in the confiscation

and disposal of all alcohol and may result in sanctions that include removal from the

residence halls for repeated offenses.

Please be advised that any alcohol incident in or around the residence halls may

result in the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department being contacted.

In addition to any legal consequences, residents may face the following

sanctions:

First Offense - $50 fine and alcohol education courses

Second Offense - $100 fine and educational/community service

Third Offense - $200 fine and mandatory meeting with a Montana Tech counselor or

the Dean of Students. Removal from the halls is possible.

Bathrooms

Entry into Gender-Specific Common Bathrooms

Prospector and Centennial Halls have common-area bathrooms designated by

gender. A resident should only use a common-area bathroom designated for their

gender to respect the personal rights of others. Residents should direct/escort their

guests to the bathroom facilities designated for the guest’s gender

Beds

All residence halls have university-issued beds. Your bed may be bunked, but it must be

returned to its original position when you check out of your room. You are advised not to

put your bed in front of the heating register as this obstructs proper heating in your

room. Bed mattresses are regularly and routinely replaced. If you feel your mattress is

due for replacement, contact your Resident Assistant or the Office of Residence Life.

Bicycles

Bicycles may be locked in the racks provided in front of each residence hall. Please do

not chain bikes to trees or park them in front of residence hall entrances or exits.

There are no covered or weather-protected storage areas where bikes may be stored.

The university is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged bikes.

Any bikes remaining after the residence halls close each spring will be considered

abandoned and will be removed.

Bikes may also be stored in your room pending discussion and agreement between all

occupants of the room. Bikes are never to be ridden in the halls.

No motorized bikes can be stored inside the residence halls or at bike racks.

Motorcycles and ATVs may be parked in residence hall parking lots with the appropriate

parking decal.

Building Access & Safety

Building Access

Residence-hall outside doors are locked at all times (with the exception of the front door

of Prospector Hall, which is open during business hours to allow access to the Office of

Residence Life). Residents will use their Digger Cards to enter the residence halls. Lost

Digger Cards must be reported and replaced at the Digger Card Center in the SUB.

Assisting others’ entry into a building or space they would not otherwise have access to

is prohibited and will lead to serious disciplinary action including potential eviction from

the residence halls. Do not prop open or otherwise obstruct the normal operation of any

entry or security door in the residence halls. Propped doors put the residents’ safety,

privacy, and property at risk. A door is considered propped when any student provides

entry without a key or proper access or uses an object to prevent the closing of the

door.

Students are prohibited from entering restricted access areas in non-emergency

situations without prior permission from a university-staff member. Restricted access

areas may include, but are not limited to: front desk areas, residence hall roofs, storage

rooms, and fire escape stairwells.

Building Keys

A room key and mailbox key are issued to each resident upon check-in. A lost room key

will result in a lock change for the security and safety of residents. The following

charges for lost keys will be assessed to the student’s account:

Room Key: $77.50 (Lock change & replacement keys)

Mailbox Key: $ 10.00

Suite Key: Charges will vary based on the number of lock changes required

Lockout Keys

Residents who have locked themselves out of their room can pick up a spare key to

their room from their residence hall’s front desk. Lockout keys must be returned

immediately (within five minutes). Any lockout key not returned by the end of the day

may result in the room having the lock changed and the student being charged.

Students who are habitually locked out of their room (three or more times) will be

charged a fee for unlocking their door.

Campus Crime

While our campus is relatively safe, students are advised to safeguard themselves

and their property. Keeping your room door locked at all times, not propping open

exterior doors, walking in groups, and similar activities will help protect you from

crime. No campus can be entirely safe, so you must protect yourself and your

belongings.

For emergencies on campus, call 911. If you become the target of a crime, please

report the incident immediately to your RA or to the Office of Residence Life. You

can contact campus security by dialing (406) 496-4357 (HELP). City police may also

need to be contacted.

Check-in

All residents are responsible for reviewing and filling out the Room Condition Form

(RCF) when taking possession of a new room. The RCF lists current damages and the

condition of the room before residents moved in. Residents are given a copy of the RCF

and are asked to review it and add additional damages (if found). If any additions are

added to the copy, that form will need to be turned-in to the RA of the floor within 48

hours of the resident’s taking possession of the room. The new information will then be

added to the master copy that is kept in the Office of Residence Life. Any damage not

cited on this form will be the responsibility of the resident upon checkout.

Checkout

At the conclusion of each semester, information will be provided to students about

checkout procedures. You must do the following prior to leaving if moving out of your

room:

1. Clean and remove all personal belongings from the room

2. Have your RA perform a final checkout

3. Return your keys

4. Sign the Room Condition Form and checkout slip which verify the condition of

your room and any charges due for damage

24-hour notice must be given to an RA or the Office of Residence Life prior to checkout.

Cleanliness

It is the responsibility of all roommates to help keep their room clean. Students should

keep their respective sides of the room in a fashion that suits their tastes without

infringing upon their roommate’s rights. Students are expected to practice appropriate

personal hygiene and to maintain an environment within their room and community

which is sanitary.

It is every student’s responsibility to help maintain cleanliness in public areas. Students

are responsible for the cleanliness of the area outside their room. Vandalism and

messes requiring extra cleanup will be charged to those responsible.

Computer Direct Connect Agreement

All residents will adhere to a computer direct connect agreement. Students may lose

network access if the terms of this agreement are not met.

The agreement reads as follows:

I understand my use of this connection to the Campus computers will adhere to all

University policies regarding computer use. Failure to adhere to these policies will

result in my access being immediately denied and may subject my files and

transmissions to search and examination by system administrators or employees as

required to protect users and the integrity of computer systems.

I further understand that:

Fraudulent use or misuse of services is a crime under state and federal law.

Criminal proceedings and/or disciplinary action under the Montana Tech Campus

Codes of Integrity and Conduct as delineated in the Montana Tech Community

Expectations Program may be taken against me.

I will be disconnected from the network if I use an IP address, computer name, or port

that is not assigned to me.

Unauthorized entry or modification of any computer system and its contents is a

violation of state and federal law.

The network is a shared resource and interference with the use of the network by others

is not permitted. This includes applications that use unusually high portions of

bandwidth for extended periods of time or causes someone else’s computer on the

network to malfunction.

I must not use the network connection to run a business or organization for profit or

non-profit.

I must not monitor data on the network by means of any monitoring or ‘sniffer’ software.

I must not provide a pass-through site to other campus hosts or provide remote login

(e.g., telnet access) on my computer for others.

I must not add network devices such as hubs, switches, or any wireless equipment to

ports nor modify or extend any network line, unless approval from Network Services is

given.

Students must comply with connection of service terms. In particular:

Refrain from offering network services on your computer (i.e., configuring your computer

as a server and offering such services as file, telnet, ftp, DNS, WINS, DHCP, Web,

News feeds, etc.). Offering network service on a connected computer is not approved –

this includes peer-to-peer sharing such as Kazaa, E-donkey, BitTorrent, and Gnutella,

as well as cryptocurrency mining.

You must not run security programs or utilities revealing vulnerabilities or any

information traversing our network.

Read and understand all of the Montana Tech, UM-wide, and System-wide computer

use and networking policies. Please refer to Client Portal Policies (teamdynamix.com)

(https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1921/Portal/Home/?ID=50c69288-6fa0-473b-

a01f-5aba979bb1ba)

Follow-up monitoring on our part may ensue to validate compliance.

*Failure to adhere to the direct connect computer agreement may result in disciplinary

actions by the Office of Residence Life or other officials on campus.

Cooking and Appliances

All residence halls have a designated kitchen for resident use. For fire safety and

sanitary reasons, cooking is restricted in all other areas.

Residents may not use or possess the following appliances/items:

• Air conditioners

• Air Fryers

• Space heaters

• Hot Plates

• Electric Frying Pans

• Toasters or Toaster Ovens

• Grills or Griddles

• Microwaves which exceed 900 watts

• Lava Lamps

• Halogen Lamps

• Extension Cords without an internal circuit breaker.

• Crock Pots or Instant Pots

Damage/Reservation Deposit

A $100 reservation deposit is required of each resident to process their housing

application and to secure a room assignment. This reservation deposit becomes a

damage deposit when the resident takes occupancy of their room. This money will be

refunded by the Business Office after checkout if no damage fees are assessed.

Refunds will be sent to the resident’s home address. If a student will be returning to on-

campus housing the following academic year, the deposit will roll over until the student

moves out of campus housing.

The Office of Residence Life is a non-profit enterprise. Rental rates are set at a level

that cover expenses and do not include a “damages factor.” For this reason, we are

assertive about recovering damages that occur in and around the residence halls.

Students must use the premises and furnishings of Montana Tech in a careful and

proper manner. Students are responsible for damage and loss.

Dart Boards

Dartboards and darts are not allowed in student rooms because of the potential for

bodily harm and physical damage to the residence halls.

Decorations

Residents are free to display posters and other decorations inside their room. Live

Christmas trees and excessive lights or other potential electrical hazards are not

permitted. Decorations are limited to a resident’s individual room and should not extend

into the hallways or to the building’s exterior. Charges will be assessed for damages to

walls from tape, nails, tacks, staples, or screws.

Due to potential fire hazard, no items may be hung from the ceiling or from any light

fixtures.

Dining Services and Dining Hall Behavior

All residents are required to have a meal plan as a part of the room and board contract.

Meal plans are accessed with the resident’s Digger Card. Meal plans are non-

transferrable. Students who attempt to share their meal plan or Digger Card will face

disciplinary action. Students may use their own Digger Card to purchase meals for

guests.

Students are expected to abide by standards in accordance with the Student Code of

Conduct while in the dining hall.

Special Menu Needs

Montana Tech’s Dining Service Director will work with any student who has special

dietary needs due to food allergies or other intolerances. The director will determine

with the student which foods are available and will prepare these items with the

cooperation and direction of the student.

Discipline Process

In the event that a student is found to be in violation of a university or residence hall

policy, that individual will be documented according to the documentation process set-

forth by the Office of Residence Life. Following documentation, the named individual(s)

will receive a letter or email informing them of the necessary process and actions to be

taken.

Drugs

The United States and the state of Montana have adopted comprehensive laws

concerning the production, possession, sale, and use of drugs. Students must

comply with state laws, federal drug laws, and all amendments thereof. The

possession, use, sale, or distribution of narcotics or dangerous drugs, as defined by

state and federal laws, may result in dismissal from the college. Student employees

must also become acquainted with the Drug-Free Workplace Policy through their

supervisor or the Human Resources office.

Needles or syringes used for any legitimate medical need (such as diabetes) should be

declared to a Residence Life staff member. This is to ensure all residents’ safety,

health, and well-being.

Violations of the drug policy in the halls will result in the Butte Police Department being

contacted, and residents will face all legal consequences thereof.

Medical and Recreational Marijuana

Possession or use of marijuana in any amount by any person is prohibited by Montana

Tech. Although Montana state law allows adults age 21 and older to possess marijuana

for personal use, federal law prohibits marijuana possession and use of any kind. The

university receives federal funds; therefore, members of the university community must

adhere to federal laws pertaining to possession and use of marijuana. Marijuana

obtained for medicinal purposes cannot be stored or used on Montana Tech property.

Emergency Procedures

Policies

After the beginning of each semester, information will be presented to all residents

reminding them of the university’s fire-safety policies and evacuation procedures.

Residents are expected to be aware of these policies and procedures to ensure their

safety and the safety of fellow students.

Evacuation Locations

• Prospector Hall – 1

Centennial Hall, 2

Leonard Field

• Centennial Hall – 1

Prospector Hall, 2

Leonard Field

• LLC – 1

HPER, 2

Behind HPER

Evacuation Procedures

1. Close the room door and windows and leave the building by the nearest exit. You

may endanger the lives of both yourself and others if you do not exit the building

as quickly and carefully as possible.

2. Do not use elevators during evacuation. Use the stairwells to evacuate.

3. If you smell smoke while in your room, first feel the door and doorknob to

determine if heat is present. If it is not, place a towel over your mouth and open

the door. If you see smoke, crawl to the nearest exit (heat and smoke rise, and

you are safer closer to the floor).

4. When you feel the door, if heat is present, do not open the door. Put a towel

over your mouth and under the door, open the window, hang a piece of white

cloth out the window, and then close the window. The cloth will let fire fighters

know where to find you. Unless you live on the first floor, you should not

jump out of the window. Never break the window, as this will draw smoke into

the room. If you need to remain in your room during a fire, you should call 911.

5. If you will need assistance during a fire alarm, you should speak with Residence

Life staff when you check in to setup arrangements for emergency personnel.

6. You will be notified when it is safe to re-enter the building by a university staff

member.

7. If any student intentionally disregards the fire evacuation process, they may face

disciplinary action through the conduct process.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are scheduled in the residence halls at least once each semester to test the

fire safety equipment and to familiarize residents with evacuation procedures. During

fire drills, residents are expected to follow all directions and to maintain a mature

attitude. All students must proceed to the designated gathering area and remain there

until directed to return to the residence halls.

Electronic Monitoring

All outside doors and certain public access areas within the residence halls are

monitored using electronic devices such as video cameras and door access readers.

This monitoring is for the protection and safety of all residents and Montana Tech

property.

Any violation recorded on the cameras will be considered for administrative action

through the conduct system and/or legal action through local law enforcement.

Tampering with security cameras will result in serious disciplinary action, which could

result in eviction from university housing or suspension from Montana Tech.

Emergency Contacts

Each resident is required to fill out an emergency contact form listing contact

information in case of an emergency and any medical conditions. This information will

be filled out when applying for housing.

Fire Equipment

Residents must not tamper with fire safety equipment or devices. Misuse and abuse of

this equipment can cause the loss of life and property. Students may face disciplinary

and/or legal consequences if they tamper with fire-safety equipment or sound a false

alarm. In serious cases, termination of the housing contract will also occur.

Fire-alarm pull stations are located in each hallway near an exit. All wing doors are to be

kept closed except for routine entering and exiting unless they can be held open by a

magnetic lock connected to the fire-notification system.

Fire Sprinklers

Sprinkler systems are installed in all three residence halls. Tampering with or

vandalizing the sprinkler system will result in the student being held responsible for all

damages caused to the system along with any damages to state or personal property.

Fire Safety

Candles/Incense

Due to potential fire danger, the use and/or possession of candles, incense, and other

items causing noxious odors through open flame are prohibited in the residence halls.

The possession of these items is subject to disciplinary action.

Fire Exits / Exiting Through Windows

It is in violation of fire code to use designated fire exits during any other instance than

that of an emergency. Any individual seen using a fire exit improperly will be assessed a

$50 fine. Individuals may also be fined for passing through windows.

Some Prospector Hall windows are tagged to ensure that window screens are not

removed or tampered with. If a resident’s window screen tag is found to be broken, a

$25 charge will be assessed.

Fire Reporting

If there is a fire in the residence halls, the following university staff members should be

notified: your Resident Assistant, the Assistant Director of Residence Life, the Dean of

Students, and the Director of Environmental Safety and Health.

Furnishings

All residence hall rooms are furnished with:

Single bed Closet (Prospector & LLC)

Mirror Dresser (Prospector & LLC)

Mattress Wardrobe (Centennial)

Desk & Chair Sink (Centennial)

Wastebasket

Note: Mattresses measure 36”x 80”. Most stores label these as “super twin” or “extra-

long/ XL”.

College-owned furniture provided to residents may not be removed from a room at any

time. Residents will be responsible for any missing furniture at check-out.

Furniture in lounges and other common areas may not be removed or placed in any

student’s room.

Guests and Visitation

Overnight guests may stay, with the permission of all roommates and/or suitemates, for

a maximum of seven (7) days (cumulatively) per semester. Residents having visitors for

more than seven (7) days may be subject to disciplinary action and be charged a

daily room rate until the guest leaves.

All guests under the age of 18 must be checked in through the front desk of the building

they will be staying in at the time of arrival. If an underage guest is involved in a conduct

violation this will likely result in a call to a parent/guardian and local authorities. Failure

to check in an underage guest may result in loss of overnight guest privileges.

Escort Policy

To ensure a safe and threat-free living environment, residents are expected to escort

their guests at all times while in the residence halls. Moreover, all residents are

responsible for the behavior of their guests. Any guest who is not escorted by their host

resident or who is being disruptive to the community will be asked to leave the

residence halls. Any charges or discipline issues that may ensue are the responsibility

of the Montana Tech resident.

Harassment

Behavior that offends the dignity of anyone may lead to disciplinary action. Included in

this behavior are religious, ethnic, sexist, sexual orientation, or racial slurs as well as

unwanted physical advances or intimidation. All such incidents should be reported to the

Office or Residence Life or to an RA. Be advised that incidents of harassment may

result in severe disciplinary action.

Internet

Wired/Wireless information

Montana Tech Information Technology provides residents living in the Living and

Learning Center, Centennial Hall and Prospector Hall with high speed

connectivity via Wireless Access Points and a wired network jack. Please refer to

Computer Direct Connect Agreement for acceptable use.

Guest Wireless Setup Instructions

Connect to MTGuest if you are a guest to the Montana Tech campus. You will be

prompted to enter your email address when you first open your web browser. Please

connect to Eduroam if you have a Montana Tech username and password.

Secure Wireless Setup Instructions

Faculty / Staff / Students – Connect to Eduroam using your username and password.

To use the secure networks, you MUST meet the following requirements:

+ An IEEE 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless Networking card capable of supporting WPA2

authentication. TLS 1.0 or TLS 1.1 versions are not supported. Check with the

manufacturer of your device to make sure you have the latest wireless drivers

installed.

+ A valid Student, Faculty or Staff Account with Montana Tech.

If you need help connecting your device please visit - Service - Issue with my Wireless

/ Wi... (teamdynamix.com)

https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1921/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=33834

We would like to provide you with some information so that our wireless services are

optimized for all residents.

1. Residents are not allowed to plug in or operate their own Wireless Router

or Access Point to our wired network infrastructure. The additional

wireless signals are interfering with the provided wireless networks

(MTGuest, Eduroam, and MTDorms) and hindering performance for all.

2. We recommend that you connect to Eduroam. You will need to provide

your mtech username and password to logon to Eduroam.

Antivirus

Montana Tech Information Technology recommends that you have antivirus protection

installed on your machine.

Kitchen

Each residence hall has kitchen facilities with a stove, a sink, and a microwave available

for student use. Pots, pans, and other cooking supplies and utensils are available for

checkout at each hall’s front desk. Residents are expected to clean up after themselves

when they are finished cooking, and food storage is not allowed in public kitchens.

Repeated abuse and vandalism of kitchen facilities will not be tolerated and may result

in restricted access.

Laundry

Washers and dryers are located in laundry rooms found either in a central location or on

individual floors of the hall, depending on the building. Laundry facilities are designated

for on-campus residents only. Providing access to laundry facilities to unauthorized

individuals is not permitted.

Students found jamming, forcing, overloading or otherwise vandalizing laundry

machines will face disciplinary action.

Students are encouraged to do laundry in their own hall as to not burden another hall’s

facilities.

The university is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of clothing left in the

machines or in the laundry rooms. It is suggested that students develop the habit

of checking their clothing frequently while it is in the laundry. Clothing left in the

laundry areas for more than three days will be removed by custodial staff to help

maintain a clean and sanitary environment.

Liability

Neither Montana Tech nor its officers, agents, or employees are liable for the loss, theft,

disappearance, damage, or destruction of any property belonging to, used by, or in the

custody of any student, no matter where such property may be normally kept, used, or

stored.

Maintenance and Repair

If something in a resident’s room needs repair, they should inform their RA or the Office

of Residence Life who will contact the Physical Plant on their behalf. All work orders

must be processed through the Office of Residence Life.

Residents are not permitted to paint their room or make their own repairs. Damage

charges may be assessed any unapproved room painting or modifications.

Missing Student Notification

Students residing on-campus who are missing for more than 24 hours should be

reported to the Assistant Director of Residence Life, Assistant Dean/Director of Campus

Life and the Dean of Students. Students living on-campus have the option to register a

confidential contact person to be notified in the case that the student is determined to be

missing. Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers in furtherance of

a missing person investigation may have access to this information. Local law

enforcement and campus security will be notified if a student is missing regardless if the

student has registered a contact person. Parents or guardians will be notified if a

student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated.

If a student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours, the following

procedures will be followed:

• Notify the student’s contact person and/or local law enforcement.

• Check the student’s room and visit with roommate and/or friends on the floor.

• Search public areas on campus and identify last card-reader door entry.

• Issue an ID picture to assist in identifying the missing student.

• Contact known friends, family, or faculty members for last sighting or additional

contact information.

• Access vehicle registration information for vehicle location.

• Look up email logs for last login to Montana Tech network system.

Any indication of foul play will be immediately forwarded to local law enforcement.

Noise and Disruption

Games

Residents may not play games such as frisbee, football, golf, hockey, hacky sack, etc.,

in any rooms, hallways, or other common areas. Riding bikes and skating indoors are

also not permitted.

Paintball and Airsoft guns, as well as any ammunition thereof, are strictly prohibited.

Additionally, we are not equipped as a gymnasium, so activities such as basketball

dribbling, racquetball, boxing, and wrestling should be done at the HPER facility and not

in the residence halls.

General Noise / Courtesy Hours

Residence Life is committed to providing a living atmosphere conducive to academic success. Noise

of any kind is the most common obstacle to providing this environment. Students should comply with

each other’s requests for quiet whenever their behavior or the behavior of their guests is such that it

creates a disturbance. Students must realize that they are obligated to extend this courtesy

whenever requested to do so.

Quiet Hours

The residence halls maintain a standard period of quiet hours when all sounds including

stereos, televisions, and voices must be at a volume low enough to be inaudible in

adjoining rooms or hallways. Quiet hours are:

• Weeknights (Sunday-Thursday): 8 pm to 8 am

• Weekends (Friday & Saturday: 10 pm to 10 am

Finals-Week 24-Hour Quiet Hours

During finals Week, all residents are required to adhere to 24-hour quiet hours to allow

fellow students to study and sleep at any time. Violation of 24-hour quiet hours may lead

to immediate dismissal from the residence Halls for the remainder of finals week.

Parking

Parking areas for residents are located near each hall. Resident vehicles should be

clearly marked with a university parking permit, available for purchase from the

Business Office.

Residents are encouraged not to store valuables in their vehicles. The university will not

be held liable for any theft or damages to students’ vehicles.

LLC residents are required to move their vehicles to the library parking on lot on

mornings of home football games.

Pets and Assistive Animals

Pets

Only fish, other totally aquatic species (snails, sea monkeys, etc.), and approved

assistive animals are allowed in the residence halls. Aquariums must not be more than

10 gallons. If you own a fish, be responsible when cleaning your fish tank. Do NOT put

any fish bowl items down a toilet, sink, or water fountain. You are responsible for

the care of any animals during school breaks, so plan accordingly.

Assistive Animals

A certified assistive animal is permitted for a resident with approved medical

documentation through the Office of Disability Services and Residence Life. Owners of

approved assistive animals must adhere to the Guidelines for Emotional

Support/Service Animals to ensure their animal does not violate their obligation to the

Student Housing contract.

Specifically, owners should be mindful of the animal’s potential influence on other

residents and on the property of Montana Tech. Please note that failure to adhere to the

Guidelines for Emotional Support/Service Animals may result in the animal and/or

resident being removed from the residence halls.

Any pet violation or violation of the assistive animal contract may result in the resident

being charged for disinfecting the room or other damages incurred. 

Posting Policy

Any student or student organizations that would like to post signs in the residence halls

must receive approval from the Office of Residence Life. Signs posted without approval

are subject to removal. Signs should not be posted on glass surfaces including lobby

entrance/exit doors or windows.

Resident Assistant (RA)

Each floor is staffed by a Resident Assistant (RA), an upper- class student who is

responsible for the floor and its residents. RAs are primarily concerned with the welfare

of the students on their floors. They help enforce hall and college policies and

disseminate campus information.

The first-person students should see when they have a question or problem is their RA.

If an RA is unable to help, they will make referrals to an appropriate college staff

member.

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a recognized student government organization, the

students’ voice in the residence halls, and a fun way to be involved and to get to know

one’s neighbors better. RHA serves as a unified body for all residents on campus and is

a wonderful way to voice concerns and opinions about the residence halls. Ask any

member of Residence Life for more information on getting involved!

Room Assignments

Priority for room assignments for incoming and transfer students is determined by the

date of receipt of the reservation deposit and completed housing application. Mutual

requests for roommates and special-living arrangements are honored whenever

possible. As indicated in contract stipulations, no housing refunds are given if the

contract is cancelled mid-semester.

Room Changes

Residents who wish to move into a vacant space in a room must be granted permission

from the Office of Residence Life. Moving into a room without written approval and

direction of Residence Life is a violation of policy that may result in disciplinary action

and/or fines.

Room Vacancies

When a space in a room becomes vacant after a student moves out, residents still in the

room must keep that space unoccupied in case other residents are assigned to that

space. The room must have half of all of the furnishings and space available for a new

student to move in at any time. Residents are encouraged to keep the space clean to

help create a positive roommate dynamic with any new residents.

If space is available in a room, the Office of Residence Life may assign a new resident

at any time without prior notification to the remaining student(s). Residence Life staff will

attempt to notify students in advance that they are receiving a new roommate.

Students receiving new roommates must not create or maintain an unwelcoming,

hostile, or intimidating environment with the intent to drive out a roommate. Behavior of

this nature will be seen as a conduct matter and may resulting in disciplinary sanctions.

Room-Condition Forms (RCFs)

New residents will be asked to review and complete a Room-Condition Form (RCF) to

protect them from being held responsible for damages that existed prior to their

occupancy. Residents are advised to be specific when filling out this form. An RA will

review the condition of the room against the RCF while performing a check-out, and any

damages not listed on the RCF (beyond normal “wear and tear”) will be charged to the

resident.

Room Entry

Montana Tech is committed to respecting students’ right to privacy; however, there are

times when it is necessary to enter residents’ rooms to perform maintenance or when a

suspected emergency exists.

Residents’ rooms will be entered only in accordance with state law, which includes

written notices in all cases that are not deemed emergencies – the belief that the

occupant or the facility may be in imminent danger.

Staff members should knock but do not need to receive verbal permission to enter if the

danger is of sufficient magnitude.

Reasons for Entry

1. When there is an emergency that requires entry, such as:

1. An imminent threat of damage to the room, building and/or its occupants,

including but not limited to: fire, smoke, fire bombs, flooding, steam leaks,

smoke detector alarm, lack of heat, too much heat, electrical malfunction,

unauthorized entry by trespasser

2. A credible report from a roommate, friend, family member or university

official that the occupant is missing under circumstances that create

reasonable cause to believe the student may be in danger or require

assistance

3. A call for help from persons in the room.

2. To check the facilities for safety and maintenance and to assure security of the

rooms during Winter Break and Spring Break.

3. In response to building evacuations (including fire and other safety drills), to

determine that the residents have exited the building. Failure to exit during a

building evacuation, including drills, will result in disciplinary action.

4. When an alarm, radio or stereo or other sound emitting device is left on creating

disturbance and/or concern that the occupant may need help.

5. Weapons, explosives or combustibles have been reported to be in the room.

6. At such other times a specific prior written notice is provided.

Before any entry, except in emergencies or fire evacuation, the staff member will knock

on the door and identify themselves before entry. Students may not physically or

visually obstruct, block, restrict or deny a Residence Life staff member or other

university official from entering their room.

Scheduled University Breaks

All residence halls are closed during scheduled break periods including Winter and

Spring Breaks. Housing is not provided during these times unless individual

permission is granted. Any resident who wishes to stay during this time must make

special arrangements with the Office of Residence Life. There is an additional charge

for housing if it is permitted. Services normally offered on-campus may not be available

during break periods.

Residence Life staff will conduct room checks during Winter, and Spring breaks to

ensure windows are closed, room temperature is appropriate, and no facilities issues

will occur during break times.

Services

Front Desks

Each residence hall has a front desk located in its lobby that offers a number of services

to residents. Many supplies are offered for use or check-out including items such as

office supplies, vacuums, irons, and cleaning supplies, board games, bed-bunking tools,

and more.

Mail

Resident mailboxes are located in the lobby of each hall next to the front desk. Mail can

be obtained by residents through their mailboxes only and never by the desk worker on

shift. This is a federal law upheld by our employees. Residents will be notified by email

of any packages they receive, and packages may be picked up at the front desk of the

resident’s hall.

When residents move out of the residence halls, it is their responsibility to fill out a

change of address form with the United States Postal Service and update their address

with any people or companies who might be sending them mail. Regular mail will not be

forwarded.

The mailing address for Prospector Hall is:

Student’s Name

1301 West Park Street, Room # ____

Butte, MT 59701

The mailing address for Centennial Hall is:

Student’s Name

1225 West Broadway Street, Room # ____

Butte, MT 59701

The mailing address for the LLC:

Student’s Name

1440 West Park Street, Room # ____

Butte, MT 59701

Notice that “Montana Tech” is not used in the address. Any resident mail with “Montana

Tech” in the address may be delayed one to three days before delivery to the residence

hall.

Refrigerator Rentals

The Office of Residence Life has a supply of refrigerators in various sizes which are

available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis. The following cost of rental will be

billed directly to the student’s account.

Small refrigerator: $20 / semester

Medium refrigerator: $30 / semester

Large refrigerator: $40 / semester

Students may bring their own refrigerator with a maximum capacity of 4.5 cubic feet and

if it requires no more than 120 volts and two amperes of electricity.

Storage

There is limited storage available for residents in each hall for long-term storage items

(luggage, storage totes, etc.) during the academic year. Residents should contact the

Office of Residence Life to check in or check out belongings as storage areas are

always locked for security reasons. Any student belongings being stored must be

tagged with the student’s name, school address, and date of storage. Items not

removed by the end of the academic year will be removed and disposed. Personal

property is stored at the risk of the owner, and MT Tech will not take responsibility for

stolen or damaged items.

Signs

Signs which are the property of the federal, state, or local government, or which belong

to the university, may not be posted in student rooms. Sign theft is illegal. Residents

who are found in possession of such sign will be reported to the proper authorities. If

students are found to be in possession of a local business sign, they will be reported to

the business concerned and/or the local police.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

The use of all tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless

tobacco, e-cigarettes, etc.) by students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors, and contractors

is prohibited on all properties owned or leased by Montana Tech.

Residents who are found using tobacco in or around the residence halls will be

cited and will face disciplinary sanctions. For more information, please see the

official Montana Tech Tobacco and Nicotine Use Policy.

Solicitation and Sales

Soliciting is strictly prohibited in the residence halls. Door-to-door solicitation is also

prohibited and should be reported to a Residence Life staff member.

Residents are not permitted to operate any form of business or for-profit activities in the

residence halls.

Termination of Contract by the University

The university may terminate a housing contract and take possession of any residence

hall room at any time for severe violation of any of the provisions stated herein or as a

consequence of disciplinary action.

Disciplinary termination may require the offending party to move out of the hall within 24

hours of notification.

The housing contract is cancelled if a student’s enrollment is terminated. No refunds of

housing fees are allowed.

Weapons / Firearms / Explosives

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, “weapon” is defined as any instrument, article, or

substance that is designed, used, or likely to be used to cause bodily harm and/or

property damage. Weapons include, but are not limited to the following: firearms

(including rifles, shotguns, and handguns), knives with blades four inches or longer,

explosives, swords, nunchakus, throwing stars, other martial arts weapons, crossbows,

compound bows, recurve bows, long bows, pepper spray (except for personal safety

devices), BB guns, paintball guns, ammunition, and non-functioning replicas which

could be confused with actual firearms or weapons.

Policy

No person may carry or possess a weapon, regardless of any concealed-weapons

permits, in the residence halls unless they are licensed peace officer working in the

course and scope of their duty.

Any student found in possession of a weapon in their room will face immediate eviction.

Transportation of unloaded firearms or bows between the parking area and the firearm

storage area is permitted by this policy.

The possession and/or storage of fireworks, gasoline, or any form of explosive device or

fuel is strictly prohibited.

Weapons Storage

Any students wishing to store firearms or bows in the residence halls for off-campus

hunting and/or recreational target practicing must contact the Office of Residence Life to

Contact Campus Security (406) 496-4357 to schedule a time to check-in or check-out a

weapon. Security must be notified at least 24-hours in advance to guarantee we can

accommodate your request.

Any firearm or bow in storage must be unloaded with an approved gun lock in place.

Residence Life can provide free gun locks upon request. Firearms and bows must be

fully contained in a case or container during transportation to and from the Centennial

Hall firearm/bow storage area.

Ammunition and arrows are not allowed in any student rooms but may be stored in the

firearm/bow storage area. All student firearms must remain unloaded while they are on-

campus.

The intent of this policy is to allow students living in the residence halls the ability to

store and use firearms/bows for hunting and/or recreational target practicing. The Office

of Residence Life may deny storage for items that do not meet this intent.

Windows and Screens

Windows and ledges should be kept free at all times. Residents may not hang or attach

items to any window or ledge. Throwing objects from or at windows is strictly prohibited

and will result in disciplinary action.

Windows may not be used as entrances or exits except in the case of a fire or other

emergency.

Removal of screens is prohibited. If a resident is found to have purposefully removed a

screen, they may be charged for screen replacement and/or reinstallation.

Some window screens are equipped with tags to ensure that screens are not opened

except in the case of an emergency. Any resident found with a missing screen tag at

checkout will be assessed a $25 fee.