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Frequently Asked Questions

 You've got questions; we've got answers!  Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page!

We've received lots of questions over the years from students, parents, and other family members - some that you probably have too.  We have provided this page for your information.  Should you have a question that is not on this list, feel free to contact your Community Adviser (CA), Assistant Residence Director (ARD), or Area Coordinator (AC).  You can also contact the Office of Residential Life at 309-794-2686 or 1-800-798-8100 ext. 2686.

We have divided up the questions into the following categories for your convenience.

Housing Application, Contract, Selection, and Assignment
Move-in and Move-out
On-campus Living

Housing Application, Contract, Selection, and Assignment

Is there a housing requirement?
Am I required to have a meal plan?
How do I apply for housing?
What are my housing options?
When will new students received their housing assignments?
I've been placed in "Temporary Housing". What does this mean?
When do returning students select rooms?  How do they do that?
How do I request a roommate?
What if I need special accommodations for health-related or other reasons?
What if I want to live with my parents and commute to Augustana? What are the advantages and disadvantages to commuting?
What is Augustana's commuter policy?
What is the cost to live on campus?
Can I cancel my contract early?

Is there a housing requirement?

Augustana is a residential campus with a three-year residency requirement. The college places a high value on the time spent living on-campus and considers residential living to be an important part of the educational experience. All full-time students are required to live on campus with the following exceptions:

  • Students entering their fourth year of college life
  • Students age 22 or older by September 1st of the current academic year
  • Students who have been granted commuter status by the Office of Residential Life
  • Students who have received written permission to reside off-campus by the Office of Residential Life, the Student Policy Committee (SPC), or the Dean of Student Services

Once an assignment is secured, students are contracted for the academic year. Special exceptions may be sought by contacting the Office of Residential Life at (309) 794-2686.

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Am I required to have a meal plan?

If you reside in a traditional residence hall, the answer is yes. First- and second-year students are allocated a full meal plan; third-year students have the option of decreasing theirs to a three-quarter meal plan. 

Due to the availability of full-service kitchens, TLA residents are not required to purchase a meal plan; however, several plans are available for those who are interested in this service.

If you have further questions regarding meal plans, we advise you to contact the Augustana Food Service Office at (309) 794-7250 or visit their website.

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How do I apply for housing?

New students should electronically submit a Housing Preference Form once they receive instructions from Admissions to do so. This information is typically sent via the US Postal Service in early May. Please do not submit a form before this time.

Current students request housing each spring. Housing selection information will be e-mailed to all current students in mid-March. Additional housing selection information is available on our Housing Selection page.

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What are my housing options?

Most first- and second-year students reside in a traditional residence hall setting. Students may then opt to reside in one of the college's Transitional Living Areas (TLAs) during their third year which offers a higher degree of independence. For specific housing options, please visit our Residence Halls and TLA pages.

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When will new students receive their housing assignments?

New students will receive an email from the Office of Residential Life with their housing assignment and roommate contact information in late July. If you do not recieve your assignment information, please contact the Office of Residential Life at (309) 794-2686.

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I've been placed in "Temporary Housing". What does this mean?

Temporary housing placements are common at colleges and universities around the country as initial demand for residential beds often exceeds availability. Please refer to our Temporary Housing Brochure for more information.

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When do returning students select rooms?  How do they do that?

Students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors for the upcoming academic year will select rooms during the spring term. Students select residence hall or house rooms according to randomly-assigned lottery numbers sorted by class. Housing selection dates are listed on our Housing Selection page.

Detailed information regarding housing selection and off-campus release will be sent to all students via campus mail and email during week two of spring term. This information will also be available on the housing page of our website. It is your responsibility to be thoroughly familiar with the campus housing selection procedures by attending scheduled information sessions and contacting Residential Life staff prior to room selection.

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How do I request a roommate?

New students simply have to request each other on their Housing Preference Form (available to new students in early May). As long as the request is mutual, your requested placement is guaranteed.

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What if I need special accommodations for health-related or other reasons?

Your first step is to contact Kelly Giovanine at the Office of Residential Life (309-794-2686) to determine the best plan for you.

Dr. Evelyn Campbell, Dean of Students, coordinates the provision of accommodations for students with mental, sensory or physical impairments. Students desiring accomodations should make an appointment with her to address their special needs. She can be reached at (309) 794-7533.

A brochure entitled Augusta College Building Access, available in the Dean of Students Office, identifies the buildings with strobe lights, fire alarms, handicapped entrances and restrooms, Braille signs and fire refuges. Students needing additional accomodations should confer with the Dean of Students regarding any special needs or accommodations and emergency evacuation procedures.

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What if I want to live with my parents and commute to Augustana? What are the advantages and disadvantages to commuting?

Living on campus offers a connection to the campus community that is challenging to establish when one resides off-campus. On-campus life also fosters independence and offers opportunities for personal development beyond the classroom. However, there are various reasons why students choose to commute and, providing they fall under the guidelines set forth in the following question, are free to do so.

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What is Augustana's commuter policy?

Commuters must reside at their parent's residence; any commuter found violating this policy will be charged for housing, and possible meal costs, retroactively.

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What is the cost to live on campus?

Information about room costs can be found on our Room Costs page.

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Can I cancel my contract early?

A student's housing contract covers the full academic year, so generally speaking, the answer to this question is no. However, there are some exceptions, which include: graduation, withdrawal, exceptional situations as determined by the Student Policy Committee (SPC), marriage, or childbirth.

If you wish to petition the Student Policy Committee for a special exception, your first step is to contact the Assistant Dean of Students, Mark Anderson, at (309) 794-7502.

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Move-in and Move-out

What is included in the room/apartment?
What items should I bring to campus?
Can I bring my own refrigerator? Are leased refrigerators available?
Can I bring my own air conditioner?
What should I leave at home?
When can I check-in? Where do I check-in?
How can I plan ahead to make move-in day go smoothly?

What is included in the room/apartment?

Every bedroom area, regardless of whether it's located in a residence hall or house, is furnished with a fully loftable bed, desk, desk chair, and chest with three drawers. The rooms generally also have ivory-colored vertical blinds and overhead florescent lighting.

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What items should I bring to campus?

New students should pack light to provide flexibility. We've provided lists of What To Bring and What Not To Bring to campus for your convenience. If you still have questions, please contact the Office of Residential Life at (309) 794-2686.

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Can I bring my own refrigerator? Are leased refrigerators available?

The college doesn't provide refrigerators for lease. Residents may bring their own refrigerators provided they comply with these specifications:

  • Only one refrigerator of 4.3 cubic feet or less per room is permitted.
  • All refrigerators and associated power cords must carry UL approval. Refrigerators must not be self-defrosting nor self-illuminating.
  • The refrigerator must be placed in open view and where ventilation is not restricted.
  • In TLA housing, refrigerators are restricted to bedroom and kitchen areas only.

Full-sized refrigerators are already provided in most TLA houses and apartments, as well as in the Andreen, Erickson, and Swanson kitchens. 

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Can I bring my own air conditioner?

Air-conditioning units of any kind are not permitted and that includes the new floor models that don't require a window mount. Since Erickson and Swanson are already air-conditioned, students in medical need of it (with proper physician's documentation) are placed there. For those who desire air-conditioning for other reasons, the college can install separate window units providing the windows will support them (typically this cannot be done in Westerlin and there are exceptions even in Andreen and Seminary as well). These college-supplied and serviced units are available for an additional charge of $400 per room per year. Most students can achieve an acceptable comfort level with fans.

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What should I leave at home?

Space heaters, fog machines, halogen lamps, air conditioners, sunlamps, open-coil heaters, immersion coils, deep-fryers, hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, electric skillets, electric woks, pizza ovens, anything with an exposed heating element or burner, large power tools and any other appliance deemed by staff to be hazardous are not permitted. Please refer to our What Not To Bring page for further details.

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When can I check-in? Where do I check-in?

For your convenience, we've provided links to our check-in information for New Students, as well as for Returning Students living in the Residence Halls and our Transitional Living Areas (TLAs).  In general, we encourage first-year students to arrive on opening day unless they have been approved to arrive early by their coach, a faculty member, or a staff member. In turn, returning students should avoid an elective early arrival ($25.00/day charge) on opening day to ease traffic associated issues for our new students.

Early-arriving students will be notified of their check-in date by their coaches or advisors.

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How can I plan ahead to make move-in day go smoothly?

If you are able, try to attend our Open House. This is a service we provide to our new students so that they can see their rooms, consider move-in logistics, ask questions of staff, and perhaps even meet roommates. While this isn't a required visit, about half of our new students take advantage of this event. More details will be available in your housing information email that will arrive in mid-July.

Weather can be your friend or foe at check-in. Typical Quad-Cities weather in mid-August is hot and steamy and sometimes rainy as well, so plan accordingly. Here again, we'll remind you that it's best to pack lightly as a new student as this greatly facilitates the move-in process. Do bring items that will make you feel comfortable and at home, but larger items in particular might be best brought later.

Talk to your roommate and decide who will bring what. This is especially important in regard to your refrigerator and microwave, as only one of each unit is allowed per room.

A few hand trucks (dollies) are available in each residence hall, but for guaranteed usage, consider bringing your own.

Each year we assemble a crew of student volunteers to help with the move-in process in the residence halls. While we can't guarantee assistance, most families will benefit from this service to a certain degree. If you can't locate a volunteer, please inquire at the service desk.

Remember the following:

  • Andreen, Seminary and Westerlin halls are not air-conditioned and have no elevators. 
  • Erickson is air-conditioned, but has no elevators
  • Swanson and Parkander feature air-conditioning and elevators

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On-campus Living

May I stay in my assignment during breaks and recesses?
What should I do if my roommate is not a good fit?
Where do I park?
When do the residence halls and TLAs close?
May I bring a loft for my room?
How do I loft or unloft my bed?
What appliances are permissible?
Where do I receive my mail?
Where are the laundry facilities?
Is there internet access? Is wireless access available?
Should I bring a landline phone?
What if soemthing needs to be fixed in my room?
What are the rules and policies for the residence halls and TLAs?
May I have guests?
May I have pets?
May I have drugs and/or alcohol?
Does the college cover my belongings if they are damaged or stolen?
Are storage options available on campus?
May I use portable storage, such as PODS or SAM?
What kitchen facilities and appliances are available?
Is there a service available for cleaning my room/apartment?
May I use a halogen lamp?
May I smoke in my assignment?
May I burn candles in my room/apartment?
May I grill outside?
Do I have to move out if I am no longer a student at Augustana?
Do I need to bring furniture?
May college furniture be removed so I can use my own?
Am I allowed to store my air soft gun or paintball gun in my room/apartment?
Is cable TV provided?
May I decorate my room?

May I stay in my assignment during breaks and recesses?

Yes, but certain conditions apply.

  • If you have been asked to stay by your coach or a faculty or staff member, you may stay free of charge. Your coach or advisor will furnish rosters with the dates you are cleared to stay. We do recommend that you check with the Office of Residential Life in advance to make sure that your name appears on the list.
  • If you live over 400 miles away (that includes international students) you may stay free of charge, but we do require that you notify the Office of Residential Life by the posted deadline (emailed to students prior to each break).
  • Residents may elect to stay over breaks and recesses for personal reasons. In these cases, advance permission is required by the posted deadline and a $25.00/day charge will be billed.
  • The residence halls remain open for the Thanksgiving and Easter recesses; no special arrangements are necessary. Food service is available, although scaled back.
  • Transitional Living Areas (TLAs) are open for all breaks, although your Area Coordinator must be notified of the dates you plan to be in your house or apartment.

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What should I do if my roommate is not a good fit?

First of all, don't despair. This sometimes happens even when the best of efforts/intentions are spent on grooming a comfortable relationship. If you find yourself in this situation, your first stop should be a visit with your Community Adviser (CA). He or she can help you assess the situation and determine what to do next. Sometimes relationships can be restored and in other cases, they can't. When they can't, professional staff will intervene with advice on how to proceed.

Additional tips and suggestions are available on our Roommates page.

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Where do I park?

Parking lots are located near each residence hall. Lots are restricted to cars with college parking decals. Decal applications are available at the Facilities Services office located in Sorensen Hall (309-794-7278). Students possessing a decal may park only in their designated lot.

Students are expected to observe all parking regulations. Special care should be taken to avoid parking in restricted areas and areas which block access to homes surrounding the campus. Parking tickets will be written for all regulation violations, which include vehicles parking in the fire lanes in the front of each residence hall. Drivers must observe a 15-mph limit in all college parking lots.

Lot designations are listed on campus maps.

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When do the residence halls and TLAs close?

We provide this information in the Important Dates section of our site.

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May I bring a loft for my room?

Since all residence hall rooms are furnished with loftable furnishings, no outside loft kits or hand-crafted lofts are permitted. This is for your safety. Most students find our furnishings to be very versatile. In addition, use of provided bedrails is strongly encouraged when beds are lofted.

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How do I loft or unloft my bed?

The college ordinarily does not provide assistance with the lofting or unlofting of beds. However, in situations where students are experiencing problems, the student can submit a work request and the college may offer assistance. These are considered to be low-priority work requests and are honored only when time and resources permit.

Instructions for placing furnishings in various loft configurations are located at each hall service desk and on the Loft Instructions page.

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What appliances are permissible?

There are so many appliances on the market that it's become impossible to provide a comprehensive list. The general rules are that the appliance should not have an exposed heating element (the one exception to this rule is coffee pots) nor should the entire wattage of the room exceed 8 amps or 1000 watts at any given time. Anything higher than that could blow fuses, inconveniencing an entire floor of residents.

Popular items that students are permitted to bring include coffee pots, small microwaves (800 watts or less), hair dryers, TVs, DVD players, game systems, stereos, electric hair styling equipment (curling irons, flat irons, rollers, etc. - an automatic shut-off feature is required), blenders and irons/steamers.

In the residence halls, hair dryers are to be used in the bathrooms only due to their high wattage. Irons are to be used in each hall's designated ironing rooms.

In TLA housing, residents have more latitude. More sophisticated cooking equipment may be used in the kitchen areas, including toasters, toaster ovens, sandwich/Panini grills, etc. Extreme caution and careful monitoring is necessary as the alarm systems in TLA will activate with even the smallest emissions of smoke.

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Where do I receive my mail?

Mail is not retrieved from or delivered to residence halls or TLAs. The campus mail room is located on the first floor of the College Center (Building #24 on Augustana's Campus Map). Mail should be sent to the college address using this template:

Student's Name
Student's Personal Augustana Mailbox #
639-38th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201

Official correspondence from the Office of Residential Life and most campus offices will be sent via e-mail. Residents are responsible for checking e-mail regularly for personal messages, announcements, and disciplinary correspondence.

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Where are the laundry facilities?

Most machines require special laundry cards that can be purchased for $5.00 at any of the laundry card service centers, located in Westerlin, Swanson Commons and the College Center (by the control desk). Discounted cards are available on opening day by the College Center mail room. Problems with cards or machines should be reported to the Office of Residential Life at (309) 794-2686. Laundry facilities are located as follows:

  • Andreen: Residents of the hall use the basement laundry room; Andreen apartment residents have a small laundry room on their floor.
  • Erickson: One laundry room is located on the second floor between B and C wings; the other is in the basement.
  • Seminary: Small laundry rooms are available on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
  • Swanson: Laundry facilities are located on each floor.
  • Westerlin: Laundry facilities are located on each floor.
  • TLA: Almost all the houses have laundry service with the following exceptions:
    • Ansvar (uses Westerlin J-wing laundry facilities)
    • Bellman (uses Andreen laundry facilities)
    • Gustav (uses Andreen laundry facilities)
    • Milles (uses Westerlin or Erickson laundry facilities)
    • Roslin (uses Andreen laundry facilities)
    • Tyr (uses Swanson laundry facilities)

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Is there internet access? Is wireless access available?

An internet port is available for each resident, and should your cable not conveniently reach the port, different lengths will be available on opening day at cost (an ITS representative will be stationed in each residence hall lobby). Wireless access is available in all public areas of the halls (lounges, basements, etc.). Swanson and Parkander are completely wireless.

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Should I bring a landline phone?

For your safety, it's important that there be at least one landline phone in each room. Until 911 locator service is enhanced, this is the only way to get help directly to your room.  And having a landline phone has its benefits: local calls are free and there's free voicemail service as well.

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What if something needs to be fixed in my room?

This is an easy process!  Check it out on our Work Requests page.

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What are the rules and policies for the residence halls and TLAs?

All rules and policies for the residence halls and TLAs are available online in the housing handbook, Inside Our Halls and Houses.

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May I have guests?

We do allow for guest visits and even overnights -- but because this has high potential to negatively affect roommates and neighbors, there are a number of rules and procedures in place. It is important that you observe the host and guest guidelines below, as failure to do so can result in disciplinary action.

Visitation hours are Sunday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m. Friday through midnight Sunday (24-hour weekends). The Andreen apartments and Transitional Living Areas have 24-hour visitation daily

Host Responsibilities

  • Visits are limited to 48 hours per week.
  • Visits should be discussed with roommate(s) beforehand. If an agreement about the visit cannot be reached, the rights of the non-hosting roommate will prevail.
  • Guests may not occupy a bed without the consent of the person to whom that bed is assigned.
  • Guests should be met at the main entrance and be personally escorted at all times.
  • Non-Augustana guests must register at the hall service desk after 9:00 p.m. A picture ID card is required to confirm identity. A host's ID information will be accepted in lieu of a guest's ID, but a $5 penalty fee will be assessed.
  • Hosts are allowed up to three guests per visit; fifteen maximum in TLA suites, apartments, and houses.
  • Hosts are responsible for ensuring guests are aware of college policies as well as emergency and safety procedures.
  • Hosts assume full responsibility for non-resident student guests' behaviors. When staff intervention is necessary, hosts will pay additional fines (beyond those levied for the infractions themselves) for each guest involved. These fines will be doubled when the guest is unable or unwilling to produce acceptable identification. Visiting privileges for any non-resident guest will be immediately revoked.
  • Children and teenagers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult (21 years or older) at all times. Overnight visits by children/siblings of residents are limited to Family and Siblings' weekends unless prior permission is obtained from a parent or guardian, as well as the Area Coordinator.

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May I have pets?

We know that some of you seriously miss your pets; unfortunately, even well-behaved pets can cause disturbances, health issues, and allergic reactions. With the exception of small fish, pets are not permitted. This even includes pet "visits". Aquariums are limited to one per room and cannot exceed 10 gallons. In the event that a pet is discovered, students will be fined $25 per day until the pet is removed. Any resident in violation of this policy is responsible for providing the Area Coordinator with proof that the pet has been relocated off-campus. Fines will continue to be assessed until proof is established.

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May I have drugs and/or alcohol?

Drugs, except those prescribed by a student's physician, are not permitted. Those violating this rule are subject to major disciplinary action by the college. While alcohol is not permitted in the residence halls, it is allowed with regulation and by residents 21 years or older, in our Transitional Living Area (TLA) housing. Specific rules and policies are as follows:

Alcohol

  • You may not possess, store or consume alcoholic beverages on campus. (Exceptions to this rule are made for residents and guests of Transitional Living Areas who are 21 years old or older and who abide by the restrictions set forth in the next bullet point). Students in locations where alcohol is present will usually be considered in violation of this policy, even if not drinking or in possession of alcoholic beverages when a staff confrontation occurs. Any alcohol found on the premises will be immediately dumped, and related paraphernalia, such as beer bongs, keg tappers, etc., will be confiscated.
  • TLA residents and guests who are 21 years old or older may consume alcoholic beverages on the premises under the following conditions only:
    • They cannot serve minors.
    • They may not consume in a minor's room or invite a minor to their room while consuming.
    • They may consume in public areas (i.e., kitchen, lounge); however, if minors are present and open alcohol containers (both full and empty) exceed the number of individuals of legal age, all present will be considered violators of the alcohol policy.
    • Alcohol may be stored in the authorized resident's room only.
    • Excessive amounts of alcohol (subject to interpretation by Residential Life staff) may not be stored on the premises. A reasonable amount is construed to be one case of beer and one fifth or two pints of hard liquor per authorized resident.
    • No kegs, public access containers or associated paraphernalia, such as beer bongs, keg tappers, beer pong tables or bar set-ups, are permitted.
    • Consumption of alcoholic beverages may not occur outside of the apartment or house. This includes deck areas, hallways and porches.
    • Alcohol containers transported into buildings must be concealed.
    • Swanson Commons and Andreen apartments TLA residents who are of legal age must conceal alcohol containers/packages when transporting them through public areas of the building.
    • TLA residents who are 21 years old or older may serve alcoholic beverages to guests who are of legal age. However, TLA residents who are under 21 years of age may not serve alcoholic beverages to any guests whether such guests are of legal age or not. This also means that guest of underage residents may not independently consume or bring alcoholic beverages onto the premises.
  • Empty alcohol containers will be considered violations of the alcohol policy, as will bars. Evidence of use of distilled spirits may warrant a room search and will result in doubled fines.
  • If student behavior is considered to be out of control due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs to the extent where imminent harm is possible to the student, the residential community, or to college property, the appropriate authorities (i.e. police/paramedics) will be summoned. The student will be held responsible for any bills or tickets that result.

Drugs

  • Augustana complies fully with all federal, state, and municipal regulations regarding the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, distribution and/or possession of drugs or controlled substances. These and associated actions are prohibited. Students involved with the use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications will be immediately referred to the collge judiciary for disciplinary action, and may also be referred to local authorities.
  • Judicial action applies to: 1) anyone present where marijuana or illegal drug use is evident, 2) anyone possessing marijuana or other illegal drugs in her/her assigned room or in other property in his/her control, and 3) anyone who offers or makes arrangements to purchase, sell, accept or provide drugs to another.
  • Residents aware of the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, distribution and/or possession of illegal substances are required to report this information to Residential Life staff or they may be considered an accessory.

Drug Paraphernalia

  • Pipes, dugouts, hookahs, bongs, roach clips, blow tubes and any other items associated with drug use -- whether or not these items are used for that purpose -- will be confiscated upon discovery. In cases where they are found on the scene of a drug policy violation, especially when the police are involved, owners could be ticketed and fined up to $500/item for possession.

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Does the college cover my belongings if they are damaged or stolen?

Augustana is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged. Large sums of money and other valuables should not be kept in student rooms. To protect ordinary possessions, the best safeguard is to always keep your door locked. Keep all doors and windows closed, locked, and ensure window stops are in place when you're not present. Report all lossess to a Residential Life staff member, who will provide assistance in contacting campus security staff. For purposes of insurance claims, it is recommended that a report be filed with the Rock Island Police Department (the college Security staff can assist in this process).

Make sure that you have personal property insurance. Many students' belongings are covered by their parent's homeowner's insurance while enrolled in school. Check with your parents regarding the type of coverage they currently have or may need.

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Are storage options available on campus?

Each residence hall (except Swanson Commons) has a locked storage room for luggage, trunks and other items too large to keep in rooms. TLAs have no formal storage space, except for sophomores who will be moving into the southwest wing of Swanson Commons. More information about storage, including storage dates for the academic year, can be found on our Residence Hall Storage page.

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May I use portable storage, such as PODS or SAM?

Storage is available for those residing in the residence halls (see above question for more information). However, there are storage facilities in the Quad-Cities area for those interested in this option. Storage vendors are scattered all over the Quad-Cities area; some that are fairly close to campus include:

  • U-STORE IT, John Deere Expressway & 41st St., Moline, IL. 309-797-6661.
  • 67 Storage, Rt. 67, Milan, IL. 309-757-7967.
  • Heritage Self Storage, 4200-49th Avenue, Moline, IL. 309-762-3942.
  • Interstate Mini Storage, 4520-27th St., Moline, IL. 309-787-0049.

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What kitchen facilities and appliances are available?

Every house, suite or apartment in TLA has kitchen facilities available, complete with stove, sink, refrigerator, and either table and chairs or countertops with stools (with the exception of House on the Hill, 3rd floor, which has no refrigerator). Additionally, microwaves are provided for residents in the Swanson SW apartments.

Every residence hall has a common kitchen area, complete with stove, sink, and refrigerator; these are located as follows:

  • Andreen: Basement
  • Erickson: Basement
  • Seminary: Third floor lounge (no refrigerator is available)
  • Swanson: Second floor lounge
  • Westerlin: One is located in each floor lounge; however, some, if not all, of these lounges may be used for temporary housing.

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Is there a service available for cleaning my room/apartment?

All residents must clean their own rooms. Those residing in Swanson East and larger TLA houses do receive weekly cleaning service in bathrooms and the TLA houses, kitchens and living rooms as well.

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May I use a halogen lamp?

No. Halogen lamps are not permitted as they have a high potential to cause fires. We recommend compact fluorescent light bulbs as they are safe and gentler on the environment.

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May I smoke in my on-campus assignment?

All residential buildings, as well as all campus buildings, are smoke- and tobacco-free. Use of any tobacco-related products is limited to a full fifteen feet of any campus building. It's expected that cigarette butts and ashes, etc., be properly disposed of in the containers provided. Violators of this policy are subject to fines and other disciplinary actions.

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May I burn candles in my room/apartment?

Candles, open flames and incense are not permitted for safety reasons. The fire in Erickson Residence Center in 1995 was caused by an unattended candle and we definitely don't want to see something that devastating (or worse) happen again. If these flammable items are found in your room, they will be confiscated by staff and placed in storage by your Area Coordinator until you can take them home. Wickless candles for use with candle warmers and LED (battery operated) candles are allowed.

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May I grill outside?

Yes, you may grill outside using the special park grills conveniently located throughout campus. Grills are also available at Lincoln Park.  Individually-owned charcoal and gas grills are not permitted, nor can charcoal and charcoal lighter be stored on or near the premises. Grills and flammable materials found by staff will confiscated and placed in storage by your Area Coordinator until you can take these items home.

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Do I have to move out if I am no longer a student at Augustana?

Residents who withdraw from classes are no longer eligible to reside in campus housing. Check out should occur within one day from the date of withdrawal. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Area Coordinator.

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Do I need to bring furniture?

That depends on your personal preferences. Every residence hall room -- and that includes Transitional Living Area (TLA) bedrooms -- is furnished with a fully-loftable bed, desk, desk chair, three-drawer dresser, and waste/recycling containers. The rooms feature ivory-colored, vertical blinds and fluorescent overhead lighting. Many students choose to bring futons or comfortable chairs, as well as desk and other lamps [no halogen bulbs, please and preferably compact fluorescents (CFLs)].

We advise new students to hold off on buying the elective items until after the school-year begins. This way, you'll have a better idea of exactly what you want and, if you must move, it's a whole lot easier to do so with fewer possessions.

TLA kitchens are furnished with a stove, refrigerator, sink, and either table and chairs or countertops with stools. Microwave ovens are available in the Swanson Southwest Apartments.

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May college furniture be removed so I can use my own?

College furnishings cannot be stored elsewhere in the building. Many students have found creative ways to re-purpose these items and incorporate them into their room arrangements. Some students have also elected to remove them from the building and return them at the end of the academic year. While we won't stop anyone from doing this, please be advised that if the furnishings are damaged as a result or not returned to the room (and fully assembled) upon the date of your check-out, the full replacement cost will be billed as there is an immediate need for those beds for summer housing purposes.

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Am I allowed to store my air soft gun or paintball gun in my room/apartment?

While one might consider an air-soft or paintball gun as an innocuous, recreational toy, both of these items can cause damage and injury. They, like other weapons, are not permitted and if found in your possession could result in serious judicial action. If you are a member of the Paintball Club, we suggest that you contact the campus Security Office for storage info.

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Is cable TV provided?

Mediacom expanded basic cable TV service is available in every student room at no additional charge. Other entertainment packages are not available at this time. Students will need to bring their own coaxial cable to connect to cable TV service. Problems with cable service should be reported to the Office of Residential Life at 794-2686.

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May I decorate my room?

You are encouraged to think of your room as home. However, please be considerate of roommate(s) in your manner of personalizing space and in the size and number of personal belongings you bring to campus. Your belongings cannot endanger resident safety nor restrict reasonable freedom of movement. Any modifications to the room must be temporary, and fixed items--such as closet or interior doors and overhead lighting--may not be removed.

To avoid damage assessments, make sure that you restore the room to the same or better condition before check out.

You may post material on or directly outside your room door and windows provided that the posted material is deemed by your Area Coordinator to be appropriate to the mission and image of Augustana (i.e., nothing pornographic, racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise discriminating or impinging upon the dignity of others; no alcohol beverage sings; no empty alcohol containers, and no tobacco paraphernalia). College staff reserves the right to remove offensive postings and materials.

Other regulations to keep in mind:

  • No waterbeds
  • Carpet must not impede full closure of the door closer.
  • Tape, glue, permanent adhesive backing, nails or screws may not be used. (Note: various hooks and hangers sold under the label "Command Adhesive by 3M Company" are easily removable if installed and removed according to instructions (these products, however, cannot be used in Swanson Commons or Parkander Residence Center. Residents in these areas MUST use the cork wall strips that are provided). Free tacks are avilable at the Swanson Commons service desk.
  • Rewiring of rooms or modification of electrical/cable outlets, switches, or fixtures is not permitted.
  • Paneling, wallpaper, borders, or contact paper may not be adhered to walls or college furnishings.

You may decorate your room for holidays provided it is in accordance with the following guidelines:

  • Artificial snow may not be used on windows.
  • Live trees or branches are not permitted.
  • Artificial trees must be fire-resistant.
  • Caution must be exercised when using lights on metallic trees, window or bed frames due to the potential for electric shock.
  • Decorative lights must be unplugged or turned off when the resident is not present and should not be hung near combustible materials.
  • Materials used to decorate doors must be fire-resistant

As you can see, there are a lot of policies; all are in place for the welfare of our residents and/or buildings. If you have further questions, please ask any residential life staff member or contact the Office of Residential Life at (309) 794-2686.

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What if I have other questions that are not answered here?

If you have other questions, please contact your Community Advisor (CA), Assistant Residence Director (ARD) or Area Coordinator (AC).  You can find their information on our Staff page.  You can also contact the Office of Residential Life at 309-794-2686.