Taft College Residence Hall Handbook

 

WEST KERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OCCUPANCY

Welcome to Taft College!  We are pleased you have joined our educational community and hope that the time you spend here is rewarding both personally and educationally.  This handbook is provided to assist you while you reside in a TC residence hall.  The primary duties of staff members are to look after the safety and well-being of the resident students.  You should contact the person on duty if you have a question, problem, or emergency.

Please be aware of the regulations in this handbook and those of Taft College.  Remember, it is important in any group-living situation to respect the rights of others and to also accept responsibility for your own actions.

Application Process

  1. Apply to Taft College and enroll in a minimum of 12 units.
  2. Complete and submit the online “Residence Hall Application”. (See below)
  3. Pay your $150 security deposit at the Cashier Counter in the Administration Building or call 661-763-7713.
  4. Students will be placed on a waiting list once the Residence Hall Supervisor receives a completed dorm application and confirmation of payment and enrollment.

*This does not guarantee a dorm room.  Your deposit will be returned if you are not accepted into the dorms. 

**ALL RETURNING DORM STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE A NEW DORM APPLICATION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR (FALL SEMESTER) AND HAVE A DEPOSIT ON FILE TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST.

Admittance

  1. If accepted into the Residence Halls, students will receive an email confirmation.
  2. Once the student receives confirmation, they can contact the Resident Hall Supervisor to make an appointment to check into the Residence Hall.
  3. All students will be required to upload a copy of a current, valid, government issued ID (with a photo).
  4. See the cashier to pay fees or make an appointment for a payment plan. (Required for all dorm students regardless of financial aid status unless a payment is made in full for the entire semester).

Clearance (At end of Fall and Spring Semester)

  1. Obtain a “TC Clearance Card” from the Residence Hall Supervisor.
  2. Complete the information and obtain the required signatures. Students are required to obtain signatur es from the Athletic equipment technician  (for student -athletes only) , Cafeteria, College Bookstore, and Cashier before they leave.  Failure to do so will result in a $50 improper checkout fee.
  3. Return the TC Clearance Card along with the room key to the Residence Hall Supervisor. Ash Street Dorm, and CIL Dorm key cards will be replaced for a $10 fee.  Cougar Dorm keys will be replaced for a $60 fee and key cards for $10.
  4. Your room will be checked, and charges will be assessed if there is damage to the room and/or furnishings or if the room is not clean. The Residence Hall Supervisor will sign the card.
  5. Return your mailbox key to the Cashier’s Office. 

Checking in and out

  1. Check -in hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m (appointments are preferred) .  Prior arrangements  must be made if a resident plans to arrive before 8:00 am, after 5:00 pm, or during the weekend.  Check -in for the fall semester begins on the Wednesday prior to the first day of classes. Last day for fall check out is the Sunday after finals week.
  2.   Check -in for the spring semes begins on the Wednesday prior to the first day of the semester.   Final checkout is the Sunday after graduation/last week of school. (absolutely no exceptions without the approval of the Residence Hall Supervisor ).

*****ADVANCE CHECK-IN WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE RESIDENCE HALL SUPERVISOR*****

Parking Permit

Students bringing a vehicle to campus are required to obtain a  campus parking permit from the Cashier’s  Office. Parking permits are free and will be used to help security and residence hall staff identify vehicles in the Residence Halls parking lot.

Residence Hall Orientation

At the beginning of the academic year, residents will meet staff and go over all rules and regulations.  Students will also be added to the Residence Halls canvas page where they will have access to additional training material.

Rooms

Each room is equipped with a bed, desk, chair, mattress, and storage space for clothing and personal belongings.  Furniture is not to be moved from a room without the permission of the Residence Hall Supervisor. 

Residents are expected to cooperate with college employees in the care and maintenance of the resident halls. Roommates are equally responsible for the room and furnishings and are expected to keep the room clean. 

The College recognizes the right of privacy of all residents but reserves the right for authorized personnel to enter student rooms for security, management, maintenance, health, and/or safety reasons.  Residents will be notified in advance, if possible. 

Room Assignment 

Assignment to a room is made after acceptance for admission to the College  and the Residence Hall  and is subject to the space available.  The Residence Hall Supervisor or designee will assign a room and issue a key. The College reserves the right to change or cancel assignments in the interest of order, health, safety, and/or discipline. A resident who wishes to have a change in room assignment must have the approval of the Residence Hall Supervisor.  The resident requesting the change is generally the one who moves.  Room transfers are based on student need, the availability of space, and the date of the request. 

Items to Bring

Residents should bring a bedspread, blanket(s), pillow, laundry bag, study lamp, alarm clock, towels, bathroom items, and bed linens  (twin) .  Residents might want to bring a rug, iron, radio, stereo, television, and/or room decorations. 

Room Check 

Residence Hall staff will inspect your room bi -weekly  and during breaks. 

Repair 

Rooms will be repaired and maintained by College personnel.  Report repairs online in Canvas or by reporting the repair to Residence Hall staff. 

Laundry Room 

The laundry room is furnished with coin -operated washers and dryers.  Do not leave your clothes unattended. 

Taft College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  The use of the laundry room is a privilege that can be revoked.  Please report problems with washers & dryers to Residence Hall staff.  Work orders for laundry equipment is through a third- party agency. 

Charges 

Upon arrival , you are required to pay the Residence Hall  Room & Board fee of $3,849 per semester for the Cougar/Ash Street Dorms as listed in the Residence Hall contract to the Cashier in the Administration Building . If you are unable to pay the full amount due, the College requires a payment plan.  This includes students with financial aid.  A $25 non-refundable administrative fee is required by the Cashier’s Office to be placed on a payment plan.

Students with outstanding charges will have a “hold” placed on all academic and financial records, which will negatively impact a student’s ability to re -enroll or transfer. 

Security Deposit 

A $150 security deposit must accompany the “Residence Hall Application” form. 

Room Key 

There is a $10 charge for a lost key card to all dorms in the Residence Halls, and a $60 charge for a lost Cougar dorm room key. 

Responsibility for Damage, Loss, and/or Alteration

A resident’s signature on the check -in form establishes acceptance of the condition of the room and contents atthe time of occupancy, and therefore, becomes the standard for the condition of the room and contents at check out.  The resident agrees to be l iable for damage or other loss incurred to the building, room, furniture, and equipment that is not the result of ordinary wear and tear.  Rooms found to be altered will be brought back to the original condition by College personnel and the cost will be charged to the resident responsible.  If the responsible resident cannot be determined, all room occupants will be charged. 

Refunds 

Refunds will be made under the following conditions: 

  1. the student is not admitted to the College;
  2. the student is not assigned a room;
  3. the student cancels the reservation in writing prior to the first day of the semester or the intercession;
  4. circumstances beyond the control of the student that are acceptable to the Residence Hall Supervisor and the Vice President of Student Services.

The $150 security deposit will be returned if the clearance procedure is followed , and there are no outstanding bills.  If there are fees owed, the security deposit will be applied towards those fees .

RESIDENT LIABILITY 

The College assumes no responsibility for the theft, destruction, or loss of money, valuables, or personnel property belonging to or in the custody of residents. This includes residence hall  rooms and automobiles, both of which should be locked at all times. This also includes time when they are not in residence.  Residents are encouraged to carry personal property insurance and comprehensive auto insurance. 

Services

  1. The mailroom is located in the cafeteria.
  2. The snack bar is located in the cafeteria.
  3. A laundry room is located at each residence hall site.
  4. A television set is located in each residence hall lobby.
  5. A game room is located at each residence hall site.
  6. Computers are available in the library.

 

Mailboxes

Personal student mailboxes are located in the  Student Center .  Students with a personal mailbox may use their assigned mailbox as their mailing address.

Mailing Address

  • TAFT COLLEGE 
  • MAILBOX #
  • 29 COUGAR COURT 
  • TAFT, CA  93268- 2317 

Internet Service

Taft College campus and residence halls offer free wireless internet.  Internet should be used for school related purposed.  The limited bandwidth may not allow for additional use of internet services for gaming or other non-related school activities.

Residence Hall Staff & Campus Security

Residence Hall Supervisor, Angelo Cutrona  

  • Office (661) 763- 7832 
  • Work Cell  (661) 428- 4032

Evening Security     

  • Office   (661) 763- 7774 
  • Cell  (661) 747- 3258 

Dir. Campus Safety/Security

  • Office   (661) 763- 7872 
  • Cell  (661) 748- 3101 

Night Administrator     

  • Cell  (661) 865- 8855 

RESIDENT REGULATIONS 

Residents are expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable and considerate manner observing College and residence hall rules and showing respect for the rights of others .  The College has the right to discipline students for off campus behavior considered detrimental to the college’s interests regardless of whether or not legal action has been taken.  Law enforcement agencies have the right to investigate cases where local, state, and/or federal law(s) may have been broken.  

RESIDENT RIGHTS

Each resident has the following rights: 

  1. the right of personal privacy in one’s room;
  2. the right to study without unreasonable distractions;
  3. the right to sleep without undue disturbances;
  4. the right to live in a clean environment;
  5. the right to host guests, as defined by the visitation rule;
  6. the right to be free of physical or emotional harm;
  7. the right to be free from sexual harassment;
  8. the right to have full access to one’s room;
  9. the right to enjoy living areas that are kept safe , clean , and secure.

RULES AND POLICIES 

  1. Quiet Hours

    • Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 10:00 a.m.

    • Guidelines for behavior during this time include but are not limited to the following: a radio, stereo, TV , computer games, or conversations  should not be heard outside the room.

    • Also, the right of a roommate or neighbor to study or to sleep has priority over another resident’s right to entertain. 

Visitation

Visitation is defined as the privilege of having another residence hall student, a significant other/friend, or a non- resident of the residence hall  in your room.  Visitation is allowed on a restricted basis.  No person under 18 years of age, except a TC Residence Hall resident, is allowed in the Residence Hall area unless the Residence Hall Supervisor grants permission. 

  • Visitation begins each morning at 10:00 a.m. 
  • Visitation ends Sunday through Thursday evenings at 11:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday evenings at 1:00 a.m. the next morning.
  • Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests. 
  • Guests will adhere to College rules and regulations and will be told to leave the residence hall site if they are found to be in violation.
  • A continual and/or majorproblem may result in a guest being restricted from a residence hall site.
  1. Overnight Guests – Will not be allowed.
  2. Health and Safety
    • Alcoholic beverage containers , drug paraphernalia , and related materials are not allowed .
    • Smoking and other tobacco products are prohibited in the room , lobby, and laundry areas .
    • Cooking appliances (hot plate, wok, frying pan, etc.) are not allowed except for a microwave oven, small refrigerator, coffee pot, and/or blender.
    • Pets or other animals are not allowed.
    • Flammable liquids are not allowed in the room.
    • Extension cords are not allowed in the room.
    • Candles, incense, etc., are not allowed in the room.
    • Tampering with fire alarms , heaters, smoke detectors, and/or fire -fighting equipment is not permitted.
    • Trash must be picked up in laundry and lounge areas.
    • Rooms must be kept clean to prevent problems with insects and pests.

5. Room Alteration 

The alteration and/or movement of furniture, fixtures, and/or other property without permission from the Residence Hall Supervisor and Vice President  of Student Services are not permitted.  Certain fixtures arerequired by state and local fire codes.  Removal of these is strictly prohibited.  Painting or writing on walls or furniture is not allowed.  Tape or nails are not allowed on the walls.  The use of thumbtacks is permitted for posters. 

  1. Games

Footballs, baseballs, baseball bats, softballs, softball bats, golf balls, golf clubs, soccer balls, and volleyballsare not to be thrown, hit, or swung in the residence hall area at any time.  Severe injury could result.  Damage may also occur to the residen ce halls.  Replacement costs will be the responsibility of  the students violating the rules. 

RESIDENCE HALL VIOLATIONS 

Violations of regulations that result in disciplinary action include but are not limited to the following: 

  1. failure to comply with quiet hour, visitation, health and safety, room alterations, and/or game rules as definedabove 
  2. failure to comply with the directions of or to identify oneself when requested to do so by College officials acting in the performance of their duties
  3. admission of unauthorized guest to a room
  4. illegal gambling
  5. obscene posters or those advertising alcohol or drugs
  6. removal of dishes, silverware, drinking glasses, etc. from the c afeteria without prior approval
  7. unauthorized or i llegal use of campus telephones
  8. unauthorized entry to or use of College supplies, equipment, and facilities and/or unauthorized possession, use, or sal e of keys to College facilities
  9. physical abuse, harassment, a threat to another person, or conduct or expression that is disorderly, disruptive, lewd, indecent, loud, or obscene
  10. theft of or damage to property of the College, of a member of the Col lege community, or of a visitor
  11. possession or use of fireworks, dangerous chemicals, and poisons on distri ct-owned or controlled property
  12. storing, keeping, or being in possession of any weapon which could cause bodily harm. This includes but is not limited to  guns (hand, rifle, shot, sawed off, BB, pellet, air powered, etc.) , ammunition, knives, martial arts devices, and/or any other devic e which could cause bodily harm
  13. possession, use, distribution, and/or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and/or dangerous drugs on district -owned or controlled property or at college- sponsored events
  14. conduct in the community that is detrimental to college interests

Minor infractions ( violations #1-5) are generally handled according to the following three -step process (the process may vary depending on the circumstances): 

1) A warning for the first offense,

2) probation for the second, and

3) dismissal from the residen ce halls for the third. 

Major infractions ( violations #6-14) will normally result in either probation or dismissal. Probation will normally include (required counseling, workshop or course attendance).   The College reserves the right to confiscate items  listed under Health and Safety  or any other item being used inappropriately to violate the rights of residents. 

NOTE:   All room occupants (residents) will be considered guilty of a violation if no one claims responsibility or the infraction.  In cases involving alcohol and drug abuse, all individuals in the room will be considered guilty of the relevant violation. 

CONSENT TO TEST FOR DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 

Residents give their consent to be teste d for alcohol and drug use  in situations involving reasonable suspicion. 

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS 

  1. A resident must be enrolled in 12 units Fall and Spring semester and earn a semester G.P.A. of 2.0.
  2. Residents must participate in the Food Service Program.
  3. Residents may live in the residen ce halls for a maximum of four semesters.

**The above may be appealed to the Vice President  of Student Services.

STATUS OF RESIDENCE HALL CONTRACT 

Students who fail to meet the minimum standards as described above will be subject to probation or dismissal. 

The College may terminate the contract and take possession of a room at any time for violations that result in disciplinary action by giving not less than one day ’s written notice to the resident.  If the resident is not available to receive the notice, it will be posted on the door of the resident’s room. The return of a resident to the residence hall will depend on an individual evaluation conducted at the end of each semester or intercession by the Residence Hall Supervisor and the Vice President  of Student Services. 

FOOD SERVICE – MEALS AND DAYS OF SERVICE 

The cafeteria is open for 3 meals  per day Monday- Friday and 2 meals  per day on Saturday and Sunday.  Changes in this routine will be posted.  Cafeteria hours for Monday – Friday are: breakfast 7 a.m . – 8:30 a .m.; lunch, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m .; and dinner, 5 p.m . – 6:30 p.m.  EXCEPTION:  Friday dinner is 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m . and weekend breakfast hours are 9 a .m. – 10 a.m. with dinner at 3 p.m.  - 4:00 p.m.  Food services are not provided during the designated Winter Break (four weeks) and Spring Break ( one week). Students may contact  the Cougar Support Center for additional assistance during this time  (661) 763 -7812 or (661) -763-7887. 

FOOD SERVICE - GENERAL RULES 

  1. Appropriate language is appreciated. Use of profanity could be grounds for suspension of cafeteria privileges.
  2. Appropriate attire is expected. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times in the cafeteria.
  3. Second portions will be served to those asking for them. It is necessary to go through the line again for second servings – you cannot crowd through the line to pass your plate across to the food service staff. Please do not waste food.
  4. Eating in the service line is not allowed.
  5. Smoking is prohibited in the dining area at all times.
  6. The cashier will oversee the meal swiping cards. Do not sign for anyone else. Swipe your card before you get your meal, not after.
  7. A student cannot use his/her meal plan to purchase anyone’s meal but their own.
  8. When a student finishes a meal, the area should be cleaned and the tray should be taken to the counter. Each student is expected to bus his or her tray.
  9. No food or drink is served after serving hours without prior arrangement.
  10. Residence hall students who are ill will be served meals in their room on disposable plastic plates with plasticutensils. Prior staff arrangement will be needed.
  11. Food is allowed on the patio area. If you take a tray out, please bring it back.
  12. No student is to enter the service area or kitchen unless working.

Minor Infractions:   Violations 1 & 2 are generally handled in the following 3 step process;

1) a warning for the first offense,

2) probation for the second offense, and

3) loss of cafeteria privileges for the third offense. 

Major Infractions:  Violations 3 -10 will normally result in either probation or loss of cafeteria privileges. 

 

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