Residential A-Z Guide

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: These lockout hours differ from the Locked Out of Your Room entry under L (RA on duty listed for 7–9 p.m. only; Campus Police during summer sessions 4:30–7 p.m.). Which hours are correct? 

A

Access to Your Room/Apartment

Residence Life staff may enter a student's room or apartment to maintain conditions of health, safety, inventory control, and enforcement of university residence hall regulations.

Staff may search a room and seize evidence when strong probable cause leads Residence Life staff to believe that university policies or state laws are being violated.

• Residents do not need to be present or give permission for the search.
• Staff are not required to disclose the scope of their search.

Alcohol

The use or possession of any alcoholic beverage (including powdered alcohol) or public intoxication on university-owned or controlled property is prohibited. So is violating any local ordinance or state or federal law concerning alcoholic beverages, on or off campus, or violating the terms of Austin Peay State University's Drug-Free Policy Statement.

Empty alcoholic beverage containers, either on your person or in a university-owned room or apartment, are a violation. Alcoholic beverage containers and bottle caps are not permitted as room decorations.

Animals

Animals are not permitted in university housing, with the exception of fish aquariums, approved service animals, and emotional support animals.

• Fish aquariums may be used only for fish and must not exceed 20 gallons.
• For an emotional support animal, contact the Office of Student Access Services and Housing.

Antennas

Television and stereo antennas, including satellite dishes, cannot be installed outside your room or apartment.

Appliances and Equipment

Prohibited appliances include, but are not limited to:

• Window air conditioners
• Camping stoves
• Candles (lit or unlit) and candle warmers
• Ceiling fans
• Sun lamps
• Electric blankets
• Grills (gas or charcoal)
• Halogen lamps
• Toasters and toaster ovens
• Wireless routers
• Lava lamps
• Dehumidifiers
• Space heaters (non-ceramic)
• Gas appliances and tools

B

Bicycles

You may store a bicycle in your room or apartment as long as it does not restrict free entry or exit. It's best to store bikes on the racks near your hall or apartment.

Bicycles may not be stored in stairwells, hallways, or other common areas, and may not be chained to exterior handrails, light poles, trees, or similar objects. Bikes not claimed by May commencement are donated to the local Salvation Army.

Bomb Threat

All bomb threats will be considered real.

• Do not tamper with or hold suspicious packages, boxes, or other containers that may hold explosive devices. Keep the area clear and contact Campus Police immediately.
• Evacuate the building immediately. Return only when official university personnel tell you to.
• Do not pull the fire alarm in case of a bomb threat.

C

Campus Network

Students get free wireless network and internet access in their rooms and apartments. The network port in your room is red or orange, and you must use an Ethernet cord to connect a computer to it.

Wireless routers are not permitted. To connect a game console, streaming device, or printer, see Device Registration near the end of this guide.

For help, visit the GovsTech Help Desk in the Morgan University Center (MUC), email govstech@apsu.edu, or call 931-221-4357 (HELP).

Visit the Office of Information Technology

Candles

Candles (lit or unlit) and candle warmers are not allowed in the residence halls or apartments, including as decorations. This includes used and new candles.

Car Repair

Residents may not perform any type of car maintenance in residence hall or apartment parking areas.

Check-In and Checkout Procedures

Check-in: Before you arrive, a member of the Residence Life staff inspects and inventories your room or apartment and records the condition of any university furniture or equipment. At check-in, you will receive a key to your room.

• Review the condition of each item in your room. You are responsible for any damage that occurs after you check in.
• You are responsible for the accuracy of all information on the check-in/out form (if available).
• Keep your own record of the room's condition when you move in.

Check-in times: Official check-in times are posted in your housing portal. All check-ins take place in the lobby of your assigned hall or apartment area unless otherwise indicated.

Early check-in: Early check-in requests must be coordinated with the director of residence life or the assistant director of residence life by appropriate Austin Peay faculty or staff only (for example, Athletics, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs).

Late check-in: If you send a written request, the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services will hold your assignment for a period of time after the official check-in period ends. If you don't notify the office, you'll be listed as a "no-show" at check-in.

No-show: Residence hall assignments are held until 5 p.m. the evening before the first day of classes. If you have not notified the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services about a late check-in, you forfeit the reserved space. If you don't claim your reserved assignment for spring semester, all personal items will be removed, inventoried, and stored at your expense for up to 30 days. Items not claimed by then are discarded.

Checkout: Before you check out, remove all personal belongings from the room, bathroom, and kitchen, and restore the room or apartment to its original check-in condition.

• Throw away all trash properly.
• Remove all personalization.
• Sweep and mop the floors.
• Clean the bathroom and, if you have one, the kitchen appliances.

Set up a cleaning schedule with your roommates to avoid shared charges for cleaning and restoration.

Express checkout: Express checkout lets you check out any time during the year. Follow the instructions on the express checkout envelopes in your residence hall lobby, seal the envelope, and drop it in the express checkout box in your hall or apartment lobby.

• By using express checkout, you give up the right to appeal any charges assessed by a staff member.
• All guidelines for refund and forfeiture of housing prepayment apply to express checkout.
• Express checkout without an approved contract release does not relieve you of your housing costs and responsibilities. Until a release is submitted and approved, you are still responsible for the cost of your room or apartment.

Withdrawal from the university: Schedule a checkout with your hall or apartment staff during regular RA sitting hours (7–9 p.m.) with at least 24 hours' notice, or complete an express checkout.

Late checkout fee: A $50 fee applies to any checkout processed after the end of the announced checkout period.

Improper checkout fee: A $50 fee applies to any student who does not complete a proper checkout.

Graduating students: Graduating students may stay in the halls until 10 a.m. the morning after graduation. This gives graduating seniors extra time to pack and complete a proper checkout. Specific dates are announced at the end of each semester in housing publications.

Children

Children under 16 are not allowed to stay overnight or live in the residence halls or apartments. Because of liability concerns and Department of Human Services guidelines for proper supervision, residents may not use their assigned room or apartment as a babysitting location.

Code of Conduct

Any resident who intentionally commits, attempts to commit, incites, or helps others commit any act of misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action. Failing to report for a disciplinary hearing may result in additional disciplinary charges.

The APSU Student Handbook covers your rights, due process, and the disciplinary process in more detail.

Read the APSU Student Handbook

Cohabitation

Cohabitation is not permitted in university residence halls or apartments. Cohabitation means physically living in another resident's room or apartment on a semi-permanent basis, usually associated with a sexual or personal relationship. Cohabitation and excessive visitation violate roommates' rights to reasonable privacy and the pursuit of academic goals.

All residents are assigned a specific hall and room, and are expected to live in their assigned room and keep their belongings there. You may move your belongings into another room only as part of an approved room or hall transfer.

Common Space

Common space is space in a room or apartment that is shared by all assigned residents. All residents assigned to the room or apartment are responsible for items found in, or damage to, the common space.

Contract Release Request (Housing)

Your housing contract is for the full academic year. You can cancel it only under certain documented circumstances.

1. Complete a Contract Release Request form online or pick one up at the Housing office in Miller Hall.
2. Deliver the completed form and all supporting documentation to Miller Hall, Room 121, or email it to housing@apsu.edu. Only requests with supporting documentation will be reviewed.
3. You'll get a decision at your APSU email within 10 business days of submitting a completed request.

Go to Housing Online Forms

Cooking

You may use a microwave oven if it does not exceed 1,000 watts and is plugged into a power strip with a circuit breaker.

Other types of cooking are not permitted in residence hall rooms, except in Hand Village, Two Rivers, Emerald Hill, and Meacham Apartments. Food and grease forced down bathroom sinks clog plumbing and can cause pest control problems.

Cooking is allowed in designated areas in each hall that have a stove, oven, and microwave. Please clean the kitchen area after use and dispose of your trash properly. Continued problems with the cleanliness of common areas will be addressed judicially.

Crisis Intervention

Trained and caring staff members can help students experiencing a temporary emotional crisis or psychological needs. Residence hall staff are here to help, and we encourage students to connect with local resources and community agencies for ongoing support.

To provide timely and quality assistance, residence hall staff must follow standard procedures whenever a student alludes to or engages in self-destructive or disruptive behaviors. These include, but are not limited to, remarks about suicide, threats of suicide, and suicidal gestures or attempts. Hall staff will report all situations in which potential suicide may be a factor so that arrangements for psychiatric consultation can be made.

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: This entry names no place to get help. Should it list Counseling Services at Boyd Health and Counseling Center and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, with phone numbers?

Custodians

Custodians clean hallways, public lounge areas, community kitchens, vending areas, and laundry facilities. Residents are responsible for cleaning their own room or apartment, supplying their own cleaning materials, and disposing of their garbage properly.

D

Damages and Damage Charges

Each resident is responsible for their assigned room or apartment and its contents. The Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services budget makes no provision for replacing or repairing equipment damaged by student negligence or malicious behavior.

• If damage or a need for cleaning in your room or apartment can't be traced to one person, the charge is divided equally among all residents of the room or apartment.
• If damage occurs in public or community areas and the person responsible can't be identified, the repair cost may be divided evenly among residents of that hall or floor.

Damage Charge Appeals

All appeals about housing contracts, housing billing, private rooms, damage, or other housing matters must be emailed to the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services at housing@apsu.edu. Appeals must be filed within 10 business days of the date the office emailed you.

Dining Services

All residents of halls and apartments must participate in a meal plan. Residents of Emerald Hill and Two Rivers Apartments who are classified as sophomores or higher are not required to have a meal plan. Details are in your Meal Plan Agreement, available on the Housing website or at the Housing office in Miller Hall.

See Govs Dining Locations and Hours

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: The meal plan exemption is worded three ways: here (Emerald Hill and Two Rivers, sophomores and up), under Meal Plans (all Two Rivers and Emerald Hills residents), and in the license agreement (those halls, excluding freshmen). Which wording is correct? Please also send the Meal Plan Agreement link.

Discipline Process

The Residence Life staff are committed to a safe and comfortable environment for all students. When a student violates a policy designed to protect the safety and comfort of others, the student is held responsible through the discipline process. The process is designed to be fair, to uphold students' rights, and to be as educational as possible. It usually begins with an incident report.

Incident reports: Hall staff use incident reports to document incidents in the halls and apartments, usually policy or regulation violations, and to communicate the facts to Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services staff. Documenting each incident makes sure the appropriate action is taken. Incident reports can also document a theft or unusual happenings in the hall or apartment so hall staff stay informed.

If you are named in an incident report, you may be asked to talk with a judicial officer of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services or a Student Affairs judicial officer. If you are found responsible for violating a policy or regulation, you will be subject to formal or informal disciplinary action.

Informal discipline: Informal action is for minor, first-time violations. It involves a one-on-one conference with a Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services staff member and creates an informal discipline file that stays on record for one to three years.

• The purpose is to hold students accountable and give them an educational conversation with a university staff member.
• In the meeting, you'll be advised of your rights as an Austin Peay student and given the chance to explain, in your own words, what happened.
• Students found responsible may be issued a disciplinary warning form, required to attend an educational workshop, issued a letter of reprimand, referred for formal discipline, or any combination of these.

Formal discipline: Formal action is for repeat offenses, multiple charges, or major policy infractions. A student charged with formal discipline can choose to be heard by the University Hearing Board or by the associate director of Housing. If found responsible, a student may receive sanctions ranging from educational counseling to housing contract termination. See the Student Handbook for more on disciplinary rules and the Code of Student Conduct.

Drugs

Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and drug paraphernalia. Students found responsible for possessing either will be subject to disciplinary action and possible suspension from housing.

E

Earthquakes

If an earthquake affects the Austin Peay campus:

• If you are indoors, stay there. Move quickly to a safe spot in the room, such as under a strong desk or table, or along an interior wall, to protect yourself from falling objects and stay near the room's structural strong points. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, or heavy appliances.
• If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.
• If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees, where falling objects are unlikely to hit you.
• If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees, and large signs. Stay in your car.

Electric Scooters

Riding electric scooters inside residence halls is prohibited. Violations may result in disciplinary action and charges for any damage caused. See Scooters under S for the full policy.

Emergency Assistance

If you need emergency assistance, contact Campus Police at 911. Emergencies that need immediate help include assault or attempted assault, fire, health-related emergencies, and theft.

Emergency Transportation

Residence Life staff members are not permitted to transport students who need medical assistance. Call Campus Police at 911 if you need help.

Energy Management/Sustainability

Your housing rates are tied directly to the cost of the services you use. Conserving energy saves the university money and helps the environment.

• Turn off lights, sound systems, TVs, and radios when you aren't using them.
• Keep the thermostat no higher than 68–70°F in cold weather and no lower than 75°F in hot weather.
• Take shorter showers, and turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
• Turn off or unplug appliances and power strips when they aren't in use.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Use LED light bulbs.

Enrollment

Students living in university housing must be enrolled for the semester in which they live in the residence halls or apartments.

F

Fire Drills

Residence hall staff plan and conduct fire drills each semester so residents know the proper evacuation procedures for a real fire. All residents must participate. Failing to participate will result in disciplinary action.

Fire Safety

Fire extinguishers are on each floor of the residence halls, in Hand Village Apartments, in Meacham Apartments, and in residence hall kitchen areas. They are for fire safety only. Tampering with fire safety equipment will result in the cost of recharging the extinguisher, suspension from university housing, and other disciplinary action.

Fire safety tips:

• If there is smoke in your room, stay low to the floor.
• Before passing through any door, feel it. If it is hot, do not open it.
• Before opening a door, brace yourself against it and open it slightly. If heat or smoke is present, close the door and stay in the room.
• If you can proceed, evacuate the building promptly and safely.
• If you are trapped and can't leave the room, open the window and hang an object from it to attract a firefighter's attention.
• Do not try to jump from the window. If there is a phone in your room, call 911, say you are trapped, and give your room number and specific location.
• If you can leave the room, close all doors behind you.
• Go to the nearest exit or stairwell. If it is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, use another exit.
• If all exits from a floor are blocked, go back to your room, open the windows, wave something out the window, and shout for help.
• After evacuating, move away from the building and stand clear, since emergency vehicles will be maneuvering around it. Follow the directions of fire, police, and hall personnel.

Fireworks

The transport, possession, manufacture, use, sale, or distribution of fireworks, ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids, and all other hazardous materials is not permitted on university property.

Freshman Residency Requirement (Under Age 21)

All single students under 21 who are not living with a parent or legal guardian must live in university housing while classified as freshmen. Freshmen under 21 who decide not to live on campus must complete a Residency Exemption Form before the first day of classes. The form is under Forms and Contracts on the Housing website.

Go to Housing Online Forms

Furnishings

Each suite and apartment has beds, desks, chairs, window coverings, a waste can, and a shower curtain. You provide your own pillows, linens, and study lamps.

• You may not remove university furnishings or equipment from your room or apartment unless Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services approves it for special needs (for example, mobility needs).
• University furnishings may not be stored on balconies or placed in walkways outside your room or apartment.
• Furnishings from common areas (kitchens, lobbies, study rooms) may not be used in individual rooms.

You are responsible for inspecting the condition of your room or apartment when you move in and out, and for any damage to university furnishings and equipment.

G

GovsTech

The GovsTech Help Desk is the first point of contact for computing, networking, hardware, software, PC, and printer problems. GovsTech staff help students, faculty, and staff with computing and networking problems, work with the Office of Information Technology and other technical groups to resolve complex problems, issue computer accounts, and prepare documentation and informational materials.

The GovsTech Help Desk is in the Morgan University Center (MUC) lobby. Call 931-221-4357 or email govstech@apsu.edu.

Grievances

If you have a grievance against a Residence Life staff member:

1. First, if appropriate, discuss it with the staff member.
2. If you can't resolve it, file a written appeal with the associate director of Residence Life.
3. If it still isn't resolved, file a written appeal with the director of Housing, Residence Life and Dining, followed by the vice president for Student Affairs, and then the president of the university.

H

Hall/Floor Meetings

Your RA or RHD holds hall meetings at the beginning of each semester and periodically during the semester. Attendance is mandatory, and you are responsible for all information discussed. Hall meetings are also a chance to share concerns and ideas about residence life with your RA, RHD, and neighbors.

Hazing

Hazing is not permitted in or around residence halls or apartments. The full description of hazing is part of the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook.

Read the APSU Hazing Policy

Health and Safety

Residents of each room are responsible for their room or apartment, including cleanliness, general housekeeping, and general appearance. Residence Life staff conduct periodic inspections to make sure living areas meet health and safety standards.

• Failing to keep a clean environment may result in a cleaning charge.
• A second failure due to an unclean bathroom or shower will result in a $50 cleaning fee and disciplinary action.
• To keep insects from becoming a problem, don't store perishable items in open containers.
• Keep your room, apartment, and adjoining bathroom clean, and take trash to the outside dumpsters.
• Each resident is given a trash can, which should stay in their room or apartment.

Confiscated items: Housing staff will immediately remove illegal substances and items that are a health and safety violation and a violation of university policy. You'll receive a confiscation report listing everything removed. Some confiscated items may be claimed after a complete and proper checkout of your hall or apartment. Items not claimed within 30 days after you move out will be disposed of or donated.

Items that will be confiscated and not returned include, but are not limited to:

• Alcoholic beverage containers and caps
• Incense, potpourri burners, and related paraphernalia
• Other miscellaneous illegal items

Items that will be turned over to Campus Police include:

• Drugs or other illegal substances or paraphernalia
• Fireworks and weapons
• Traffic and safety regulation signs
• Beer kegs and taps

Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations are limited to the inside of student rooms and apartments and to specified areas.

• UL-approved holiday lights may be hung in windows following Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services and Campus Police guidelines.
• Live trees and candles are not permitted in university housing because of the risk of fire.
• Remove holiday decorations before you leave for winter break.

Housing Contract

Every Austin Peay student who signs up for housing is signed to a 10-month contract to live on campus in the residence halls. To end the contract for the academic year, or for the term if you are coming in for spring only, send a written request to the Housing office or email housing@apsu.edu no later than the first day of move-in, unless otherwise stated.

See Contract Release Request (Housing) under C for releases after move-in.

Read the Housing License Agreement (PDF)

I

Immunization

All freshmen must provide proof of a meningitis vaccine to Boyd Health Services in the Ard Building before move-in. If your meningitis vaccine is more than five years old, you must also submit proof of a booster.

Upload an official copy of your immunization records showing the required vaccines and dates, or a Certificate of Immunization completed by your health care provider, to the APSU housing portal.

Download the Certificate of Immunization

Incense

Burning incense and all incense paraphernalia are not allowed in the residence halls, because the odor may bother others and incense is a fire hazard.

Inclement Weather Plan

Please cooperate with residence hall staff during a tornado watch or warning.

• A watch is the first alert from the National Weather Service. It names an area and a period of time when tornado probabilities are expected to be dangerously high.
• A warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in the area or detected by radar.

Wait for an "all clear" from your residence hall director (RHD), resident assistant (RA), or Campus Police before returning to your room. See Tornado Procedures under T for where to take shelter.

The Residence Halls Inclement Weather Plan lists safe zones and procedures for weather emergencies.

Read the Residence Halls Inclement Weather Plan

Insurance

You are responsible for protecting your personal property. We encourage students to get renters insurance, possibly through their parents' homeowners insurance policy.

L

Laundry Machines

Each university-operated housing facility has a laundry room with free washers and dryers for housing students only. To check machine availability from your phone, see Laundry App near the end of this guide.

Living and Learning Communities

Living and Learning Communities (LLCs) help residents bridge the gap between academics and campus living. Staff in each community plan events that fit residents' interests and academic demands. Communities include communication, fine arts, living green, transfer student, and health and wellness.

Explore Living and Learning Communities

Locked Out of Your Room

If you're locked out of your room or apartment, check out a loaner key from the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services in Miller Hall, Room 121.

• Loaner keys are available weekdays 8 a.m.–7 p.m. during the academic year and weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. during the summer.
• You have 30 minutes to return the key. Failing to return it will result in a re-core charge.
• In the evening, contact the RA on duty in your hall lobby from 7–9 p.m. using the duty phone number posted in your hall.
• For emergencies on weekends and during summer sessions, contact Campus Police at 931-221-7786 from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (weekends) or 4:30–7 p.m. (summer sessions).

Lofts

Building lofts, including using individual bed risers, is not permitted. All beds must sit directly on the floor.

Lost Keys

Report a lost key to the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services immediately. Not reporting it puts your security, and the security of others, at risk.

The cost of replacing a lost key, re-keying the lock core, and issuing new keys to your roommates is nonrefundable. The charge is billed through Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services and paid at the cashier window in Ellington.

The APSU ID card you use to enter your building can be replaced for a charge through University Facilities in the Morgan University Center, Room 207.

M

Maintenance

Report problems in your room or apartment, and problems you notice in public areas, directly to the Physical Plant from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Submit a work order online or call 931-221-7424. In an emergency, contact Campus Police at the non-emergency number, 931-221-7786.

Submit a Work Order

The Physical Plant prioritizes and schedules maintenance requests, and most repairs are completed within three working days. Every effort is made to respect your privacy, but when you report a maintenance need in your room or apartment, you authorize Physical Plant staff to enter from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For the status of a repair request, contact the Physical Plant.

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: Physical Plant hours are 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. here and 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in Who to Call. Which is correct?

Meal Plans

All residents of APSU housing, except Two Rivers and Emerald Hill residents, must have a meal plan for both semesters.

Compare Govs Dining Meal Plan Options

Microwaves

You may have a microwave if it does not exceed 1,000 watts. It must also be plugged into a power strip with a circuit breaker, except when it's used in an apartment kitchen.

If your microwave exceeds 1,000 watts or isn't on an approved power strip with a circuit breaker, you'll have 24 hours to correct it. If it isn't corrected within 24 hours, residence hall staff will confiscate the microwave.

Motorcycles/Mopeds

Mopeds and motorcycles may not be stored close to a residence hall or apartment. Park motorcycles in the parking lots.

Multi-Plugs

Multi-plugs are not allowed.

Musical Instruments

Out of consideration for your neighbors, playing musical instruments in the residence halls is not permitted. Practice rooms are available in the Music/Mass Communication Building.

N

Noise

Quiet hours and courtesy hours set standards for noise so residents can study, sleep, and have privacy.

• Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week. During quiet hours, all noise must stay inside individual rooms and apartments at a level that doesn't disturb other residents.
• 24-hour quiet hours during final exams begin at 6 p.m., 48 hours before the first day of exams, and continue until after the last exam.
• Courtesy hours are in effect at all other times. Noise must stay at a level appropriate for residence hall and apartment living and not disruptive to others.

This policy covers activities in rooms and apartments and outside near the halls and apartments. It's always best to try to resolve a noise problem directly first. Residence Life staff can help if you need them.

Non-Enrolled Students

Residents must be enrolled as students to live in university housing. Students who are not enrolled will have two business days to register. A student who doesn't register for classes will have 48 hours to move out of their room or apartment.

O

One Card Access

Your Austin Peay ID card gives you access to your residence hall, dining services, and other areas on campus. Unauthorized use, possession, or duplication of a card is prohibited by university policy. If you lose your card, go to the information desk in the University Center for a replacement.

Open Flames

Items that need flammable liquids or an open flame to work, or that produce heat (for example, Bunsen burners, candles, alcohol burners, and incense), are not allowed in residents' rooms or apartments.

Outdoor Activities (in Unauthorized Areas)

The following activities are prohibited inside the halls, within 100 feet of the buildings, or in their parking lots, because of possible damage and noise:

• Bouncing basketballs
• Throwing flying discs
• Skateboarding
• Throwing darts
• Roller blading
• Golfing
• Using archery equipment
• Water-related sports and similar games (water balloon fights, snowball fights)
• Playing catch

Other games that threaten resident safety or facilities are also prohibited.

P

Parking

Parking is available for each residence hall in designated areas. If you are approved for a hall or apartment transfer, you must also transfer your parking registration.

Parking Registration

APSU uses license plate recognition to identify vehicles parked on campus. All vehicles parked on campus must be registered in the Austin Peay Parking Portal.

• Your username is your APSU credentials without @apsu.edu or @my.apsu.edu/@students.apsu.edu.
• If you aren't affiliated with the university, create a login through the Guest Login link.
• Logging in may take up to one minute.

Register Your Vehicle in the Austin Peay Parking Portal

For parking questions, contact Campus Police in the Shasteen Building at 931-221-7786 or email parking@apsu.edu. Avoid leaving valuables in your car.

Personal Safety and Campus Blue Light Phones

Campus Blue Light Phones: Know where the emergency phones are around campus. Push the red emergency button. A blue light will flash, and the phone will automatically dial Campus Police.

I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency): Save an emergency contact in your cell phone under the name "I.C.E." so emergency personnel can reach them if you need help.

Personal safety tips:

• Walk in groups or call Campus Police. Don't walk alone after dark.
• Keep identification on you at all times.
• Park and walk in well-lit areas.
• Know where the Blue Light emergency call boxes are.
• Stay alert. Avoid talking on your phone or using electronic devices when walking alone.
• Secure personal property and avoid displaying valuables.
• Tell someone you trust if you plan to leave campus or if your schedule will be different from usual.
• Report all suspicious activity to Campus Police.

Residence hall safety tips:

• Lock your door at all times, especially when you go to sleep.
• Report lost keys immediately. Don't loan your ID or keys to anyone.
• Secure valuables and medications at all times.
• Know where the fire alarms and extinguishers are, and know the exits and evacuation procedures.
• Escort your guests at all times, and don't let strangers into the residence halls.
• Report all suspicious activity to your RA or Campus Police.

Pest Control

Report pest problems to the Physical Plant at 931-221-7424. Rooms and apartments are sprayed for pests as problems are reported.

P.O. Boxes

Students who live in campus housing are assigned a campus P.O. box. Your P.O. box number, mailing address, combination, and instructions are under the Personal tab in AP OneStop.

Log In to AP OneStop

Posting

Each residence hall has a bulletin board marked "General Campus Posting Only" for campus events and other information.

• To post information, individuals and groups must get permission from the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services.
• All postings must follow the posting rules set by the Office of University Facilities.
• Postings without approval, or posted improperly, will be removed immediately, and Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services may file disciplinary charges against the individual or organization.

Room or apartment signs and other decorations may not be displayed in windows or on the inside or outside of the residence hall or apartment. Banners may be allowed with special permission. No door decorations, stickers, signs, or other adhesive material may be placed on the inside or outside of any residence hall or apartment complex.

Power Strips

Appliances and other electronic devices used inside a room or apartment must be plugged into a UL-approved power strip with a built-in circuit breaker.

Private Rooms

Private rooms are available on a limited basis and only by request. You can apply for a private room only through the myAPHousing Portal at the beginning of each semester. Instructions are sent to your APSU email. See Room Changes under R for more information.

When you're assigned to a single-occupancy room, you are automatically charged the private room rate until you ask to move or don't reapply for the room. The private room guarantee is a non-prorated, nonrefundable fee that guarantees no other resident will be assigned to your room or apartment bedroom during the current semester.

Public Areas

Public areas in the residence halls and apartments are for the use and enjoyment of all residents. If you want to host a private social event, arrange to use another campus facility. The grounds outside the residence halls may not be used for private social events.

R

Reapplication

Applications to return to the residence halls for the next academic year, and applications for summer school housing, are available during the reapplication period in the spring. All current residents receive information about the reapplication period in advance at their APSU student email. It's your responsibility to follow the directions from the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services to secure housing for the next academic year.

Recycling

Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services supports reducing waste and recycling all reusable materials in its facilities. Recyclable items include aluminum cans, paper, and some types of plastic containers.

Refrigerators

You may bring your own refrigerator if it does not exceed 5 cubic feet. It must also be plugged into a power strip with a circuit breaker, except when it's used in an apartment kitchen.

If your refrigerator exceeds 5 cubic feet or isn't on an approved power strip with a circuit breaker, you'll have 24 hours to correct it. If it isn't corrected within 24 hours, residence hall staff will confiscate the refrigerator.

Release of Private Information

Private information is not released to students or other interested parties without prior written consent from the person it belongs to. To authorize release of your private information to specific people, complete the FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) form. Directory information (telephone numbers and P.O. boxes) is considered public information.

Residence Life Staff

Each residence hall is supervised by a trained residence hall director (RHD) and area coordinator (AC). RHDs and ACs coordinate the administrative and community activities of their hall, and their offices are in the residence halls.

The staff member you'll work with most is your resident assistant (RA). Your RA is trained for the position, lives on or near your floor, and can help with all aspects of residence hall or apartment living. RAs are also a source of information about Austin Peay. They make sure community living standards are kept and work with residents to plan informative and enjoyable activities.

Restricted Areas

Areas in and around the residence halls that are off limits to students include, but are not limited to, roofs, ledges, mechanical rooms, and crawl spaces.

Room Changes

You'll have several opportunities to move from your current room to another room in the same residence hall, or to another hall or apartment. All room and hall changes must be approved by the appropriate housing staff before you move. Moving without approval will result in an improper checkout charge and disciplinary action.

Request a room change through the myAPHousing Portal (available in Onestop) at the beginning of each semester. Instructions are sent to your APSU email.

Room Change After Mediation

Learning to live with differences is an important part of college life, but sometimes needs and personalities are too different. You may also form friendships that make you want to change rooms or suitemates. Outside of authorized room change periods, roommates must try a roommate mediation meeting before a move can be considered.

Room Personalization

Posters, pictures, and decorations can add a touch of home to your room or apartment. You can also bring decorative lamps, throw pillows, plants, other personal items, and personal furniture. Talk with your roommates about personalizing your room before you start.

Make sure nothing you hang leaves holes or causes damage. Every room and apartment is painted on a regular basis. To personalize your space, you may not:

• Use wallpaper or contact paper
• Paint any part of your room or apartment, or university furniture or equipment
• Use nails or screws to hang items
• Decorate in a way that causes damage when the decorations are removed
• Use wall coverings that cover 50% or more of a wall, such as fish netting, posters, or tapestries
• Hang anything from ceiling light fixtures, over radiators or electrical outlets, or from sprinklers or smoke detectors
• Apply LED light strips to any walls or furniture

Adhesive materials (such as Command Strips) are permitted, but you'll be charged for any damage they cause.

Remove all personalization at the end of each academic year, or any time you won't be returning. If you don't follow these guidelines, you'll be given 48 hours to correct the violation, and charges will apply.

S

Scooters

You may not ride e-scooters, one-wheels, hoverboards, or other electronic personal transportation devices (unless associated with an accommodation) inside residential facilities.

• You may walk these devices into the building to store them in your room.
• You may not charge any of these devices inside residential facilities.
• When riding scooters on campus, follow the mandatory dismount zones to protect pedestrians.

Failing to follow this policy will result in a referral through the conduct process.

Security

For your protection and the security of your belongings, don't leave your room or apartment unlocked when no one is there, and don't sleep with your door open or unlocked. Have Campus Police identify large valuable items (for example, stereos, TVs, and computers) through Project ID.

Security measures in residential facilities include:

• Rave Security Alert (AP Alert): Your student email is automatically registered with Rave Mobile Safety. To get alerts on your phone, go to www.getrave.com, type APSU as your school, log in with single sign-on, and add your mobile number in your settings.
• One Card Access: See One Card Access under O.
• Door alarms: When set, these doors may not be used to enter or exit the residence hall except in an emergency.
• Safety awareness programs: Programs that teach residents crime prevention strategies.
• LiveSafe: A safety app you can download from Google Play or the App Store.

Sign Up for Rave Emergency Alerts

Smoking

Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in all residence halls and apartments, including lounges, laundry rooms, and vending areas. Smoking is permitted in designated parking areas only.

Solicitation

To protect students from fraud, sectarian promulgation, or interruption of their studies, and to make sure university property isn't used for monetary gain, door-to-door soliciting, sectarian promulgation, and political propaganda are prohibited in the residence halls. The exception is the common lounges, with prior approval from the associate director of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services.

Fundraising in university housing is limited to official residence life organizations and approved university organizations, and only in housing common areas (inside or next to lounges). Submit a fundraising approval form to the associate director of Housing/Residence Life two weeks in advance. The form is available from the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services.

Sprinklers

Sprinklers are located throughout the residence halls in student rooms, corridors, and public areas for your safety.

• Do not remove or tamper with the sprinkler head or any part of the system.
• Do not hang anything from a sprinkler head or any other part of the fire suppression equipment, including the pipes.
• Keep 18 inches of clearance around sprinkler heads, and keep heat sources away from them.
• Avoid hitting sprinkler heads when moving items into, out of, or around a room.
• Do not play sports or horseplay that could cause anything to strike a sprinkler head anywhere in the hall. Balls, flying discs, and other items that can damage a sprinkler head may not be thrown in rooms, hallways, or other public areas.
• Report any damaged or missing sprinkler heads or other damaged parts.

Damage caused by residents will be billed to their student accounts.

Statement on Asbestos

Austin Peay is committed to providing a safe, clean, and healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff. To meet this goal, the university has an ongoing program of campus beautification and renovation of existing structures, including removal of all asbestos and other hazardous materials. Air quality is tested periodically to determine whether there is a health risk. The university will continue to monitor the situation and plan renovations.

Streaming Channels and Devices

You can bring internet-based streaming devices such as a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or smart TV. To prevent buffering, we recommend a wired connection: connect an Ethernet cable from the device to the Ethernet port in your wall.

To connect wirelessly, your TV must be an approved device. See Device Registration near the end of this guide for how to register a device and check whether it's approved. For more help, call the GovsTech Help Desk at 931-221-4357.

Surveys

All surveys conducted in Austin Peay State University housing must be approved in advance by the director of Residence Life. Surveys are limited to assessments of the quality of residence life, specific issues affecting campus life, university-sponsored surveys, and official U.S. government business (for example, the census).

T

Thermostat

In residential facilities with central air conditioning and heating, set thermostats between 68 and 82 degrees. This keeps cooling systems from freezing up in warm weather and conserves energy during peak winter months.

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: This range (68–82°F) differs from Energy Management/Sustainability (68–70°F in cold weather, no lower than 75°F in hot weather). Should both stay as written, or should one change?

Tornado Procedures

Please cooperate with residence hall staff during a tornado watch or warning.

• A watch is the first alert from the National Weather Service. It names an area and a period of time when tornado probabilities are expected to be dangerously high.
• A warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in the area or detected by radar.

During a tornado warning:

• A basement offers the best protection. If there is no basement, go to a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.
• Stay away from windows.
• Get under heavy furniture.
• In multi-story buildings, move to the lowest level or center areas, away from windows.

Wait for an "all clear" from your residence hall director (RHD), resident assistant (RA), or Campus Police before returning to your room. The Residence Halls Inclement Weather Plan (under I) lists safe zones for each hall.

U

Unclaimed Items at Checkout

The residence hall director (RHD) decides the value of each item left behind.

• Items worth $50 or more are tagged with information such as location, time, and date, and turned in to the Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services office. Central office staff will email the resident about the items. The owner has 10 business days from notification to claim them, and will be charged a storage fee. Items not claimed within 10 business days are disposed of appropriately.
• Items worth $49 or less are disposed of immediately by residence hall staff, who are instructed not to keep these items for any reason.

University Closing

If the university is closing, it will be posted on the APSU website. Students who have registered for Rave Guardian Alert through APSU will receive a text message or email.

V

Vacating University Housing

Residents of the halls and apartments will be given 48 hours to move out for any of these reasons:

• Voluntary cancellation of the housing license agreement
• Suspension from university housing
• Loss of student status
• Nonpayment of registration fees, housing fees, or other charges
• Withdrawal from the university

Vending Machines

Soda, water, and snack machines are in all residence hall lobbies or laundry areas, except in Hand Village Apartments. Report problems or request refunds through Auxiliary Services at 931-221-6164. When your refund is ready, you'll get a notice in your campus post office box, and it's your responsibility to pick it up.

Visitation and Guest Guidelines

Visitation guidelines protect the privacy and security of students living in the residence halls and apartments. Visitation means regulated access to student rooms and other gender-exclusive areas of a residence hall by guests of the opposite sex. A guest is anyone who is not the assigned occupant of a room, floor, or residence hall.

• You must escort your guests through all parts of the residence hall, whatever the guest's sex, and you're responsible for your guests' actions at all times.
• Guests bringing a vehicle to campus need a visitor parking permit. Request one from Parking at parking@apsu.edu.

Visitation is always open in Hand Village, Meacham, Emerald Hill, and Two Rivers. Visitation does not allow overnight guests of the opposite sex or cohabitation (see Cohabitation under C).

In all other residence halls, guests may not be in stairwells, balcony areas, walkways, or hallways after visitation hours. Escorted guests may stay in common areas such as lobbies outside visitation hours.

Residents who violate this policy will be referred to the Office of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services for disciplinary action. Unescorted guests, and guests found in gender-exclusive spaces outside visitation hours, will be documented, and disciplinary action will be taken.

Overnight guests:

• You may have one overnight guest of the same gender at a time.
• Overnight guests may not stay more than two nights in a seven-day period.
• If you have an assigned roommate, they must approve all guests.
• Overnight guests who are not registered and are found by Residence Life staff will be documented and referred to the disciplinary process.
• You are responsible for your guest's actions at all times and must respect the needs and rights of your roommates and suitemates.

W

Water Intrusion

To reduce the chance of mold, mildew, or other fungal growth, keep your space clean, use appropriate climate control, and take other steps to prevent moisture buildup.

• Report any sign of a water leak or excessive moisture in your room, a storage room, or a common area immediately.
• Report any sign of mold or mildew-like growth in your room or your AC/heating unit.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds and other water-filled furniture are not permitted.

Web Camera Policy

It is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct to knowingly spy on, observe, or otherwise view (using a webcam, video camera, digital camera, or similar equipment), photograph, or cause to be photographed any person in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without that person's consent.

It is also a violation to:

• Recklessly or maliciously interfere with or damage computer or network resources, computer data files, or other information
• Engage in or attempt to engage in a denial of service
• Use university resources to illegally distribute copyrighted material
• Fail to comply with laws, license agreements, and contracts governing network, software, and hardware use
• Use university computing resources for authorized commercial purposes or personal gain

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: The printed guide repeats two of these items word for word; the repeat has been removed. The last item says "authorized commercial purposes." Should that be "unauthorized"?

Windows

• Don't hang decorations, signs, or anything else between the window and the blind, or directly on the window (inside or out).
• Don't store, throw, or pass items from any residence hall or apartment window.
• Keep windows closed when the heating or cooling system is running.
• For security, keep windows locked and curtains or blinds closed when no one is home.
• Windows may not be used as an entrance.

Report any damage to windows or window locks to the Physical Plant at (931) 221-7424 immediately.

Winter Break

Winter break starts Dec. 12, 2024, and ends Jan. 16, 2025. You don't have to leave your fall assignment over the break if you're returning for spring.

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: These winter break dates are from 2024–25. Please send the 2026–27 dates.

Withdrawal from the University

To officially withdraw, drop all your courses using the form in AP OneStop.

All students withdrawing from the university during the fall, spring, or summer semester must also complete a Contract Release Request Form. It's on the Housing website under Forms and Contracts, or you can pick up a paper copy at the Housing office in Miller Hall, Room 121.

Once your request is approved, remove all your belongings and complete a proper checkout with your residence hall staff. If you don't check out, you may continue to be charged for the room or apartment assigned to you.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not allowed in university housing:

• Extension cords without a surge protector
• Candles and incense
• Waterbeds
• Microwaves over 1,000 watts
• Halogen lamps
• Electric blankets
• Refrigerators larger than 5 cubic feet
• Dartboards
• Large stereos or amplified instruments
• Space heaters
• Firearms, hunting knives, and martial arts equipment
• Pets
• Alcohol and alcohol-themed items or paraphernalia
• Airsoft and paintball guns
• Hoverboards (not permitted anywhere on campus)

DEPARTMENT REVIEW: This list says hoverboards are not permitted anywhere on campus, but the Scooters entry says residents may walk hoverboards into the building and store them in their rooms. Which is correct?

The What to Bring page has the full list of prohibited items and a recommended packing list.

See What to Bring to Campus Housing

Laundry App

Use the Speed Queen app from Caldwell & Gregory to see which washers and dryers are available, check how much time is left on a cycle, and get notifications when your laundry is done.

1. Download the Speed Queen app.
2. Create an account.
3. Add your location using the location pin APSU01.
4. Find your laundry room and get started.

Download the Speed Queen App for iOS

Download the Speed Queen App for Android

If a machine needs service or you have questions, contact Caldwell & Gregory at 800-927-9274 or service@caldwellandgregory.com.

Device Registration

Any student living in an APSU residence hall can register up to five personal devices, such as game consoles, Apple TV, Roku, Fire Stick, and printers, to the APSU-ResDevices network. Once registered, your devices can connect to the APSU-ResDevices Wi-Fi network. You can do this yourself, with no help needed from the Office of Information Technology.

You must use a computer to log in to the APSU-ResDevices Self Registration Portal.

Learn How to Register a Device with APSU-ResDevices

For more help, visit the GovsTech Help Desk in the MUC lobby, email govstech@apsu.edu, or call 931-221-4357 (HELP).

Housing License Agreement

The Housing License Agreement is your contract for living in university housing. It covers the agreement period, how the agreement can be ended, payment of rent, refund policies, use of facilities, university liability, and the meal plan requirement.

Read the Housing License Agreement (PDF)

Non-Discrimination Statement

Austin Peay State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU.