Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System
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Residential Living FAQsWhether you are a prospective or current student, we expect you to have many questions. Here are a list of some frequently asked quentions that you may want answered. Simply click on a question to receive your answer.
There are many more questions you may have. Speak to an RA or call us in the office. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. If the person you speak with does not know, he/she will find someone who does. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Applying for housing is easy. Simply click here or visit us in the Lobo Village Community Building to complete an application. (Back to top) What is the difference between a residence hall and a dorm? The two are often used interchangeably but the term dorm actually means a place to sleep. A residence hall on the other hand refers to a community of students living and learning together with shared experiences through social programming, education, and friendship in a home-away-from-home atmosphere. (Back to top) Based on the information you provide on the 'roommate matching form' you will be paired with someone with many of the same traits. Therefore is is important that you as the student complete your own paperwork and be honest. The Director spends a great deal of time in the summer pairing roommates and making housing assignments. At Sul Ross we continue to make these assignments by hand while many other universities have chosen to buy computer programs to do all the work. We are committed to connecting with each student on a personal level. Thus, when we meet you for the first time you may be surprised at how much we already know about you. (Back to top) What if I don't like my roommate? Oftentimes students feel making a switch is the only answer but it is not. If you have problems with your roommate try to work them out. You will learn a lot more about people in doing such and you may actually find that you and your roommate can become quite good friends. Your RA will assist you in strengthening your relationship. If it truly cannot work out you must contact the professional staff in the office and request a roommate change. (Back to top) Can I switch rooms during the year? If you meet or know someone that you would like to live with during the year, contact the Residential Living Office or an RA. If there is an empty room available you can both move in together. Each of you may have to physically move, however. The office will not force one abandoned roommate to move in with the other so one of you can keep your room. That is unfair will not be authorized. (Back to top) Single rooms in the residence halls are not available at this time. Consolidation of single rooms will occur during the first 2 weeks of each semester and during the year as needed. The only single rooms granted will be by pure chance if there is a lone person left after consolidation ends. (Back to top) Can I live off-campus as a first-year student? Sul Ross State has a 2-year residency requirement thus most first-year students live on-campus. There are few exceptions. Click here to learn more about the residency requirement. (Back to top) What is an RA? How can I become one? A resident assistant is a paraprofessional member of the Residential Living staff. He/She is a student leader that has been trained to help you in many different ways. Some of the RA duties include:
If you are interested in becoming an RA, visit the office and ask for an application. You may also speak to your current RA about the job and any vacancies. RAs are compensated with a free room, a monthly stipend, and a free meal plan. (Back to top) Is there wireless access in the Lobo Villages? Currently there is no wireless access in or around the residential complex. Wireless clouds currently exist only at the library and the University Center. Students are prohibted from using a wireless router in their rooms/apartments. Contact the Office of Information Technology for more information. (Back to top) Do the rooms/apartments have cable? Yes. Each room/apartment and floor lounge has cable. HBO/Cinemax are also provided in the channel package. Click here for the channel listing. (Back to top) How do I get telephone service? If you require telephone service in your residence hall room, contact the Office of Residential Living. If you require telephone service in your apartment contact AT&T/SBC at 1-800-464-7928. (Back to top) Can I stay in the halls over Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks? Yes. Students who are unable to go home during breaks must contact the Office of Residential Living. There is a minimal fee of $120/wk since the breaks are not included in term charges. Students may however leave their belongings in their rooms over the breaks. (Back to top) The beds in the residence halls, efficiency apartments, and children's room in the family apartments are X-Long twin beds. These beds are also 3 feet from the ground, allowing ample storage space. The master suite beds in the family apartments are queen size. (Back to top) Currently we do not allow students to build or bring loft beds into the units. (Back to top) Can I nail things to the wall? Students are not permitted to nail objects or pictures to the wall. We encourage the use of painters tape, putty, or 3M brand adhesive. You may want to stop by the office to pick up some free 3M tape (limited supply only). There will be a $5/hole fine assessed for each nail hole if found. (Back to top) Because of the potential problems that individual painting causes, students are not permitted to paint their rooms. Painting your room will be considered a damage and you will be charged accordingly. (Back to top) What do i do if something breaks or if the room needs repairs? Please submit maintenance requests to your RA as soon as the problem is detected. The RA will have a work order submitted on your behalf to the Physical Plant. Your work order will then be placed in the appropriate shops queue. Please allow 2-3 days for your maintenance request to be completed. (Back to top) If something in my room gets stolen, when can I expect reimbursement? The Office of Residential Living and the University claim no responsiblity for personal items that are stolen, lost or damaged. This includes items lost due to natural disasters, fires, and human desruction. We encourage all residents to purchase renter's insurance. The best defense against stolen property is to keep your room locked at all times, even if you are right acorss the hall. (Back to top) Candles are prohibited items under the Fire Safety Policy. All students sign a Fire Safety Agreement at check-in. Candles, insense, and oil lamps will be confiscated and students will be charged with a fire safety violation. (Back to top) Is storage offered during the summer break? Storage is not available on campus over the summer break. Students are also not allowed to store items in the room they will occupy in the fall due to summer camp and conference groups that occupy the halls. There are several storage businesses in town that offer affordable storage for Sul Ross students. (Back to top) There is a University policy against pets that extends to all University properties including the Lobo Village complex. Fish are included in the "no pets" policy. If students are found to have pets in their rooms, Animal Control will be contacted and the pet will be surrendered. The student will also pay a fine and any extermination/fumigation charges will be the student's responsibility as well. (Back to top) Where can I have packages mailed? All on-campus residents must have a PO box in the campus mail center. The mail center only accepts USPS packages. Students receiving FedEx, DHL, or UPS packages may have them sent to the Community Building. A sample address follows: Your Name Students will be notified if a package arrives at the office. Some packages may also be delivered to Central Receiving at the Physical Plant. (Back to top) Is a meal plan really required? All students living in the residence halls must have a meal plan. (Back to top) How do I report noisy neighbors? If you are having problems with noise in your community, contact the individual(s) first. If this does not help, contact a resident assistant. (Back to top) Who can I talk to if I'm feeling lonely or homesick? Homesickness and lonliness are not uncommon for college students. Your RA has been trained to help you through these times. For more serious cases the Counseling & Advising Center employs 3 licensed professional counselors. (Back to top) |
