Housing FAQ's
Can I break my housing contract?
Generally, no. Contracts are binding for the entire academic year. Specific terms for terminating a contract are actually listed in the contract.
Do the halls close during the breaks?
No, all halls are open for breaks. There is no charge to stay over fall break, thanksgiving break, Spring Break and the Spring Term break. Students may stay over wither break with pre-approval. There is a fee for staying over winter break.
How should I have my mail addressed?
There is no mail service in the Residence halls. Students may rent a post office post at the Hiram post office for $20.00 a year.
Can I bring my pet?
Animals that make excessive noise or create unpleasant or unsanitary conditions will not be permitted. Small animals such as gerbils and guinea pigs that are confined to small cages are acceptable. Ferrets, cats, dogs, snakes, spiders, birds, or rabbits of any size are not permitted. Pets are not permitted to roam freely inside or outside residence hall rooms. Fish aquariums must be no larger than 20 gallons. All pets must be registered through your Residential Education staff. Residential Education reserves the right to require the removal of any animal if there are problems associated with it, or limit the number of animals a resident can have in their room.
How do I apply for phone service?
Long distance telephone service will be provided by an outside vendor. This will make it possible for you to call long distance from your room at discounted direct dial rates. An application and information brochure will be mailed directly to you from the company.
Can I use my computer to access the internet from my residence hall room?
Every residence hall room is equipped with two network connections with full Internet access. Contact Information Services for information regarding the equipment required to connect to the networks. For more information, go to Dray computer webpage at http://tss.hiram.edu.
Can I get an internet e-mail account?
Sure! Internet e-mail accounts are provided to all Hiram students at no cost. For more information, go to Dray computer webpage at http://tss.hiram.edu.
How can I find out about campus policies?
All campus disciplinary policies and procedures are outlined in the policy book available to all students as well as on-line, at Hiram's website, home.hiram.edu. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with its contents.
Do I need to be on a meal plan?
Yes. All residents must be on one of the four traditional meal plans provided.
Why is there so little difference in the price between the 10, 14, and 19 meal plans?
The prices of the meal plans include fixed costs (equipment, utilities, and personnel) and a "missed meal factor." The more plans offered, the less likely a person is to miss meals. Dining Services serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily Monday - Friday. They also provide brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. The meal plan options are:
- 19 meals per week in either dining hall or the Alternative, including $300 per year in Board Allowance;
- 14 meals per week in either dining hall or the Alternative, including $204 per year in Board Allowance;
- 10 meals per week in either dining hall or the Alternative, including $90 per year in Board Allowance.
The Board Allowance is an account in addition to a student's core meal program in the dining halls and the alternative. The Board Allowance can be used for purchases at Kasey's Food Court and Squire Hill Restaurant. The Food Court sells just about everything a hungry college student could want! There is a great selection consisting of pizza, burgers, sodas, snacks, salsa, chips, ice cream, salads, candy, pastries, etc. Freshly made gourmet coffees, espresso, cappuccino, and lattes are also available. Squire Hill is a full-service restaurant that offers a pleasant change of pace for students, faculty, and guests of the college. Money not used at the end of the year is forfeited. For more information, visit http://home.hiram.edu/www/dining/.
What is board allowance?
This is money that can be used in a declining balance account in order to purchase items in the Kasey's Food Court and Squire Hill Restaurant or to bring a guest in to the dining hall. Express Dollars expire at the end of the academic year. For more information go to http://home.hiram.edu/www/dining/.
Are any provisions made for students with special dietary needs?
Dining Service does offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. If you have other specific dietary needs, please visit the Dining Service Office located in the Kennedy Center, to speak with a representative.
The Stone Soup Cooperative is an additional option for students. The Cooperative serves vegetarian and vegan options. Members of the Cooperative are responsible for the entire operation. They serve lunch and dinner daily. In addition, the kitchen is available to members 24 hours a day. Interested parties can inquire about membership by calling 330-569-5184.
What is a student I.D. card?
Your student I.D. card is your lifeline because it is used as your meal card and to access a variety of facilities and services on campus (library, intramural programs, recreation facilities, sports equipment, Student Union elections, check cashing, etc.) The non-transferable photo I.D. card, which is issued at Orientation, is used to identify you as a member of our campus community. You must have your I.D. in your possession at all times. If lost, a $15 replacement fee will be assessed.
Is a damage deposit required?
There is an initial housing deposit of $100.00. We do charge student accounts for damages incurred throughout the semester. This sometimes includes charges for common area damage when the person responsible is not known.
May I bring my hunting weapon to college?
No. The College prohibits firearms or weapons (including martial art weapons and paintball guns) of any kind on campus.
What is furnished in my room?
Each student room is furnished with a bed, mattress, chest of drawers, wardrobe or closet, desk, desk chair, per resident. A memo board is also provided outside of each room. Because this is provided, please do not bring one for your door. Dry erase markers will need to be provided by you.
Can I bring or build a loft?
Booth, Bowler, 1, 3, and 4 Peckham, and 1, 3, and 4 Dean, have loftable furniture, so lofts do not need to be built. You may build lofts in Centennial, Miller, Whitcomb, Henry, Agler, New Quad, 2 Peckham and 2 Dean. All lofts must be freestanding and stable. JCU releases itself of all responsibility for injuries or damage caused by a poorly constructed loft or any furniture not provided by the University.
May I bring my TV, VCR, personal computer, microwave, stereo, etc.?
You may have all of these items, but they must meet the necessary guidelines listed below. No cooking appliances, with the exception of a small microwave are permitted. We strongly encourage the use of short, surge protector, heavy-duty extension cords with built in circuit breakers for those items that draw a high level of electricity (TV, VCR, stereo, computer, and microwave). Regular extension cords may not be used in the halls. Regular extension cords may not be used in the halls. Restrictions exist for fire safety reasons.
You may have one small, compact microwave per room/suite. The microwave can be no larger than 1 cubic foot and 700-900 watts and must be U/L approved. It must be used on a power a power strip with a circuit breaker.
Television sets must be self-contained units. The installation of satellite dishes is not permitted.
Individual refrigerators are permitted for private use in residence hall rooms; however, it must not exceed the following specifications and provisions:
| Capacity: | 3 cubic feet |
| Power: | 117 volt, 60 cycle AC, 45 watts, 1.5 amp (running) |
| Compressor: | hermetically sealed, self-lubricating |
| Outside Dimensions: | 3'3" high, 18" wide, 21" deep |
Where can I do my laundry?
Each residence hall is equipped with washer and dryer machines usually located in the basement. The cost is $.75/washer and $.75 for 1 hour of drying time. Change machines are available as well.
What size sheets do I need?
Our residence hall rooms contain extra-long twin beds which require special linens to comfortably fit the mattresses. We have arranged to provide the opportunity to conveniently purchase these extra-long linens. You will receive a letter and order form in the mail this summer that describes the products and special value packages that are available. Make sure you order by the deadline to ensure that you will receive your linens at home before you depart for campus. For more details or to place an order, please call 1-800-957-4338 or check out the website www.rhl.org/hir.
Are window screens provided?
Window screens are provided for all windows in all rooms.
What size are the windows?
Window dimensions are as follows:
| 1 Agler | 42" x 53" |
| 2 & 3 Agler | 45" x 53" |
| Booth | 50" x 47" |
| Bowler | 30" x 88" |
| Ground Centennial | 36" x 33" |
| 1 & 2 Centennial | 50" x 47" |
| Dean | 48" x 54" |
| Gray | 48" x 54" |
| Henry | 93" x 49" |
| Miller | 93" x 49" |
| New Quad | 54" x 53" |
| Peckham | 48" x 54" |
| Whitcomb | 93" x 49" |
How can I find out the dimensions of my room so I can purchase an area rug?
Room sizes do vary. Approximate sizes are:
| Agler | 8'10" x 15'6" |
| Booth | 11'8" x 13'3" |
| Room 241 (L-shaped) | 7'2" x 13'4" x 4'7" |
| Room 145 | 16' x 21'10" |
| Centennial | 11'7" x 13'2" |
| Room 233 | 15'10" x 22'9" |
| Room 235 | 16'4" x 25'4" |
| Room 237 | 7'7" x 25'4" |
| Room 239 | 15'10" x 22'9" |
| Dean | 11'3" x 14' |
| Rooms 172, 272, 372, 472 | 10'7" x 10'7" |
| Gray (2) | 15'7" x 9' |
| Henry | 11'7" x 14' |
| Miller | 11'6" x 13'10" |
| Peckham | 11'4" x 14' |
| Whitcomb | 11'5" x 13'5" |
| Bowler & New Quad | Room dimensions vary by room, please contact Residential Education for specific dimensions |
What is Hiram's visitation policy?
Visitation is open. The halls are open until 7pm Sunday through Thursday, and 8 pm on Friday and Saturday. Guest should be escorted at all times.
Do I have a curfew?
No. As an adult, you are expected to make decisions for yourself, including when to come home to your room.
How are the residence halls staffed?
The eleven halls, divided into three areas, are under the supervision of Resident Directors (RDs). Henry, Whitcomb, Bowler, Miller make up one area, with two resident directors. Booth and Centennial are another, and Peckham, Dean, Grey, Agler, New Quad make up the third. Each RD manages the day-to-day operations which include monitoring Housekeeping and Facilities, supervising the Resident Assistant (RA) staff, handling conduct situations, and promoting social and educational programming for the area. These RDs are professional staff members selected and trained to deliver all of the above services to Hiram resident students.
In addition to the RD supervision, you will have the most contact with the RAs. These RAs are responsible for a designated section of a floor. We select and train campus leaders to serve as counselor, administrator, disciplinarian, community builder, role model, and friend. They are there for you, so get to know them.
Does the college provide personal property insurance?
Hiram's property insurance covers Hiram's physical buildings and furniture we provide. Insurance for your personal property is NOT included. This type of coverage commonly falls under your family's homeowner's policy. Check with agent to be sure. We strongly encourage you to obtain "Renter's Insurance" if you are not covered under a home policy.
What is the alcohol policy?
Students who are 21 years of age may consume alcohol in the confines of the private rooms of residence halls. Kegs, beer balls, and common source containers are strictly prohibited. No open containers, carriers, or cups of alcohol are permitted in any lounge or public area of the residence halls. You will be held responsible for your personal behavior, as well as that of your guests. This includes being in the presence of alcohol if you are underage.
May I cash checks on campus?
Yes, at the Bookstore located in the Kennedy Center. You must present your student I.D. There is am ATM from Middlefield bank located in the Kennedy center as well.
May I bring my car to college?
All students are permitted to register motor vehicles to park on campus. A valid Hiram College Parking permit is required to park on campus. Hiram College has made arrangements with The Permit Store to offer parking permits for the 2004-2005 academic year. Go to http://www.thepermitstore.com and type Hiram College as your location. Permits are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fees for the entire academic year are:
| Full Time Students | $45.00 |
| Commuter Students | $10.00 |
| Special Temporary Permit | $5.00 |
Students are required to register their vehicle for every academic year. Students are required to register each vehicle that you drive and park on campus. Student permits are to be displayed on the lower corner of the passenger side of the rear windshield.
Guests and visitors of Hiram College students are required to register their vehicles with the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Office if they are going to park on campus. These vehicles must park in the lots designated for student parking.
Is public transportation provided in Hiram?
Portage County has a bus service Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority. More information can be found at www.partaonline.org.
What health services are provided on campus?
The Julia Church Health Center is located next to the Fisher all-faith chapel. Registered nurses staff the facility during daytime hours. A local physician cooperates with Hiram in maintaining a schedule of appointments. They also make off-campus referrals. Health services include many types of blood tests, throat cultures, mono spots, GYN clinic, allergy injections, continual care for students with eating disorders, and the loaning of crutches, heating pads, and ice packs. All students must come to Hiram with a dependent insurance card. Parents or guardians may obtain this card by calling the phone number on the back of their insurance card. The insurance company will send this card to your student. The Health Center is the location to return all student immunization records. For more information, visit the Health Services website.
What counseling services are provided on campus?
The College Counseling Center has a professional counselor. Whether you are having difficulty adjusting to college life, or you just want to talk with someone confidentially, she is ready to assist you. The Counseling Center is located in Julia Church Health Center. For more information, visit the Health Services website.
What do I do if I was awarded student employment?
If you are seeking student employment, you can attend the Job Fair in early September. This will take place in the Kennedy Center Ball Room in order to find a place to work on campus. You also can visit the On Campus Employment webpage at http://sjc.hiram.edu/.
How can I get involved in campus life right away?
There are a plethora of organizations to get involved with through the Office of Campus Involvement; however, one easy way to get involved at Hiram is to join the Residence Hall Association. RHA members plan activities and address important issues for residence hall students. Getting involved in RHA is a great way to continue the leadership involvement you've previously had or to begin developing your skills. See your RA or RD for information. Also, you can check out the Campus Involvement webpage at http://www.hiram.edu/oci/.