Residence Life - Hesston College

The Student Life staff seeks to serve students and to provide a living situation where their basic needs are met and where they are challenged to live responsibly with others. The living units are called nests. Thirty to 60 people live in a nest. These students share a common bathroom and lounge area. The group is led by a team of student leaders called Lark Leaders and consisting of a community assistant (CA), ministry assistant (MA) and wellness assistant (WA). The residence life experience is enhanced when living with a diverse group of students from a variety of geographical locations, ethnicities, cultures and extracurricular groups. Therefore, every effort is made to create a nest that is made up of first-year through senior students from a variety of backgrounds.

The Hesston College campus community welcomes all students regardless of race, religion, gender, perceived gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, citizenship status, age, ancestry, color, marital or family status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran or military discharge status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law in employment or admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities. Hesston College is, by design, a diverse campus with persons from across the United States and around the world. The community celebrates this diversity and realizes that differences require each individual to seek understanding and integrity in relationships.

Administration

The Student Life staff is responsible for managing campus housing life and activities. The vice president of Student Life coordinates all campus housing policies and provides supervision and training to the Student Life staff and student leaders.

The resident directors (RDs) are adult staff who live in separate apartments in the residence halls. Each RD supervises a group of CAs. The RD responds to student needs, provides leadership in campus housing, is available for counseling and conflict resolution and is involved in campus life as a mentor and role model for students. The RD responds to emergencies and assists the vice president of Student Life with campus security. In addition, Assistant Resident Directors (ARDs) also live on campus and assist the RDs in fulfilling their duties.

The CA is a sophomore, junior or senior student. Each CA is chosen to provide leadership for a nest. The CA is available to help students move in and get acquainted with other students and the college. CAs serve as a communication link between students and RDs; help organize educational, social and recreational events and assist in enforcement of college student policies.

Housing Policy

Hesston College is a residential college and students living together on campus contribute to an important part of the Hesston Experience. All full-time single students without children, 22 years of age or younger, are required to live in college-owned housing and participate in the meal plan, unless living at home with parent(s). Exceptions may be made if one or more of the following conditions apply:

Student is living with a legal guardian that is not a parent.
Student has earned an associate degree or 60 credit hours earned post high school.
Student requires specialized care due to a documented disability or health condition requiring alternate living arrangements.
The student is participating in a college sponsored, full-time internship (only during the applicable semester)

All full-time students 22 and younger who wish to request a waiver should complete necessary forms on the Student Life tab on my.Hesston.edu under Resident Life. Students are responsible to contact the financial aid office to learn how living off campus will impact financial aid packages, even if the decision to move off campus is made mid-year. Requests will be considered by the housing committee and a decision will be delivered within seven business days. All decisions are final and are not open to appeal. Students who are not in compliance with residential requirements above will be charged and held responsible to pay the room and board rate of the current semester.

Housing Facilities

Campus housing options at Hesston College include:

Erb Hall: all rooms and halls have carpet and air conditioning. Each nest has access to a microwave and sink. The approximate room size is 12′ x 15′.
Kauffman Court: rooms and halls have carpeted floors and air conditioning. Each mod has access to a microwave and sink. Approximate room size is 11′ x 13′.
Kauffman Court Apartments: six apartments with four or five 11′ x 13′ bedrooms, common living room and kitchen area with basic furnishings and utensils. Available to junior and senior students who apply as a group. If the applying group doesn’t fill the apartment, remaining spots may be filled by Student Life.

Each residence hall room is furnished with the following items for each student: bed, mattress, dresser, mirror, desk, chair, desk lamp, bulletin board, blinds and wireless access to the campus network.

Hesston College, along with the state fire code, enforces the following restrictions:

Beds: Twin XL bunk beds are provided. Hanging beds and waterbeds are not permitted. No elevated surfaces or decks are permitted. Beds may not be constructed by using any furniture such as desks, shelves, chests or built-in units for structural support. Furniture attached to the walls may not be removed.
Dorm/Room: The following electrical appliances may be used in dorm rooms: stereos, lamps (halogen lamps are not permitted because they are potential fire hazards), clocks, single-serve Keurig-type coffee makers, TVs, personal computers and small refrigerators (contents are subject to inspection at any time). Refrigerators larger than 4.5 cubic feet, freezers, real Christmas trees and propane are not permitted.

Each Erb Hall floor and Kauffman Court B side nest is equipped with a microwave. State fire code prohibits the use of the following items in mods and dorm rooms:

personal microwave ovens
electric grills
deep fryers or air fryers
toasters
toaster ovens
electric space heaters
popcorn poppers
hot plates or burners (including traditional coffee makers)
water heaters/electric kettles
crock pots
rice cookers
candles/wax warmers
ceiling fans or other similar items

In addition, cooking, food preparation and appliances are not allowed in nests and dorm rooms. Cooking, food preparation and appliances are allowed in Kauffman Court apartments but only in the kitchen.

Check In/Check Out Process

Students are checked into rooms and issued keys by a Student Life staff member. Upon move out, the student must complete a check out process and return the room key. Fines will be assessed for missing keys or furniture, damages, not cleaning the room or if not present for check out. See fine list in Expectations for Community Life.

Dorm Policies

Each student is responsible for their room and shares the responsibility for the nest in which they live.

Resident students must observe and respect the following housing policies:

Students may not move any furniture out of their rooms or build structures such as bunk beds.
Students may not move furniture, plants or any other school property from lounges or from other areas of campus outside of their designated location.
When moving the furniture within their rooms, students should lift the furniture rather than sliding it. Carrying the furniture protects its legs and preserves the floor coverings.
Students may not make repairs or alterations to any wiring (electrical, phone, etc.) or any Hesston College property. The Campus Facilities department maintains all facilities and takes responsibility for necessary changes.
Painting of the rooms is not permitted.
Students may hang pictures with Command Strips which are available in the Bookstore. Students are responsible to remove the hangers at the end of the year. Students may not use duct tape or drive nails on any permanent surfaces.
The Student Life office will charge any damage beyond normal wear done to the room during the school year to the student(s) who resided in that room. Students should immediately report any room damage to their CA or RD and make a formal request to service@hesston.edu. If another person damages their room, the damage becomes the student’s responsibility.
All nest members are responsible for activity in the general living area. The nest is responsible to pay for any damages or to identify the individual(s) responsible.
Christmas lights and nest decorations may not hang from hallway ceilings due to state fire code. Student Life may approve, with specific directions, holiday lights and decorations in shared nest areas during a holiday season.
Students must keep dorm hallways and janitor closets clear of all beds, boxes, bikes, trash, wood and other items.
If a student voluntarily withdraws from all classes, they will have 48 hours to move out of the dorm and check out with an RD unless a longer period is approved by the vp of Student Life.
Light sensors must not be tampered with in any way.
LED strip lights are not allowed.

Trash disposal

Each student is responsible for regularly disposing of their trash in the dumpsters which are located in the parking lots of Erb Hall and Kauffman Court. No common trash receptacles are to be placed in common areas. Nests will be fined $50 for trash left anywhere but the outdoor dumpsters unless specific individuals can be identified in which to charge. Sustainability and accountability are at the core of this policy.

Cleaning

Nest restrooms will be cleaned one time per week, so cleaning up after each use is expected. On-campus apartments will have cleaning products available in each unit and will be cleaned by the apartment residents. During breaks, college staff will enter rooms to check for such things as secure windows, thermostat settings and trash disposal and they will empty refrigerators of perishable or spoiled food. Rooms and nest lounges requiring trash disposal will incur a cleaning fee of $50. Cleaning fees are not eligible for appeal.

Wellness Checks

Wellness checks will be performed weekly by the RDs and vp of student life in the common areas in each nest. If a nest is deemed not clean, a $50 fine will be assessed to the nest. Fines may double each week until the issue has been resolved, up to $200 per week. Each separate issue will restart at the baseline of a $50 fine.

Damages

Students are responsible for any damages to their dorm rooms and common areas of each nest. Nest walk-throughs will occur each semester to inform CAs of any nest damages. By the end of each semester, CAs may report specific individuals to charge or charges will be divided among nestmates and charged to individual student accounts.

Grills

For students who wish to use a barbecue grill to prepare food: the grill pan that contains the charcoal or gas heating element must not be in contact with the ground. If a student borrows a grill from athletics, that grill can be used immediately next to Yost Center. Grilling is only allowed in the following designated areas: Kauffman Court–patio around the lounge, Erb Hall–on the concrete slab south of Bontrager Student Center, on the sidewalk south of the Bookstore, on the second floor patio or at the end of the ramp near Erb central and west.

Guests in student housing (dorms and apartments)

Students wishing to have same gender overnight guests in student housing must obtain permission from Student Life staff. Guests may be asked to leave immediately if permission was not granted. Guests may stay overnight for up to three nights without charge. A $20 per night fee is charged to guests staying more than three nights. Stays of more than three nights per semester must be approved by vice president of student life. Guests must abide by all residence hall regulations. A guest failing to comply with regulations will be asked to leave. Students are responsible for the actions of the guests they bring to campus.

Health Forms

It is required by Hesston College and sanctioned by the Kansas State Health Department that all students prove that they have received certain immunizations before they attend classes. This requirement helps our campus be a safer environment.

an updated tetanus/diptheria/pertussis (TDAP) within the past ten years
two doses of measles/mumps/rubella (or MMR) vaccine after first birthday
Meningococcal vaccine required for on-campus students only
a negative TB skin test screening form
history of chicken pox (varicella) is recommended.
Although not required, a flu vaccine will be highly encouraged for all students. An on-campus clinic will be promoted so all students will have an opportunity to get the influenza vaccine.
There are additional requirements for nursing and aviation students.

Failure to complete the health form by September 1 will result in a $150 fine. If the health form is not complete by fall break, an additional $150 will be assessed. Students will not be allowed to return for classes or campus housing unless the health form is completed. For new students in the spring, failure to complete the health form by February 1 will result in a $150 fine. If the health form is not complete by spring break, an additional $150 fine will be assessed.

Inspection of rooms/property

Hesston College respects the privacy of individuals and wants all students, faculty and staff to feel welcome on campus. However, as a private institution of higher learning, Hesston College reserves the right to search student living areas and other areas of campus as needed to protect the interests of the college and safety of the community. Authorized personnel may enter student rooms or other areas of campus in cases of emergencies where danger to life, safety, health or property is reasonably feared. Personnel may also search student rooms or other areas of campus when there is reasonable cause to believe that Hesston College standards or public laws have been or are being violated. Student permission is not necessary for such search procedures. Areas subject to room/property checks and room/property searches include, but are not limited to, student living spaces, rooms and apartments on campus, lockers and other areas on Hesston College’s campus.

Personal property

Students are responsible for the safe keeping of their property. No reimbursement from the college can be expected from the loss or damage of such property. This includes items stored in basement storage rooms and left in college laundry areas. Rooms should be locked at all times. The college recommends property insurance through a homeowner’s policy or a company specializing in student contents insurance.

Police working dog visits

In an effort to curtail the possession and use of illegal substances on campus, the college partners with local law enforcement to bring specially trained dogs onto campus for unannounced parking lot sweeps. These sweeps will be performed by handlers and canines trained and certified in the detection of illegal drugs/narcotics. Student Life staff will contact any students whose vehicles cause the dogs to alert their handling officers. This provides probable cause to believe that illegal drugs/narcotics are present in that area and searches will be conducted of the vehicles and, as necessary, dorm rooms. Upon discovery of suspected illegal drugs/narcotics, persons who are determined to be in violation of State or Federal law and/or college rules and regulations will face college disciplinary actions and possible arrest. In the event a search occurs and no evidence of a violation was found, the incident will be documented and monitored. All students are expected to comply with Student Life administration and any officers on scene with any lawful requests.

Propping Doors

In order to maintain a safe environment within our residence halls, students are expected to not prop open interior or exterior doors due to the risk of animals or uninvited guests accessing our dormitories. Students who violate this will be subject to fines.

Returning to dormitories after hospital stay policy

in order for a student to return to campus housing after a hospitalization, Hesston College requires documentation from a medical professional that includes a discharge plan and recommendation to return to a residence hall environment.

Room changes

Room changes are discouraged once classes have started. All room changes must be approved by the RD. A $50 fee per student is charged for all room changes except under extenuating circumstances that are approved by the vice president of Student Life. Mediation initiated by the student Lark Leaders/RD is the first step in dealing with any roommate conflicts. The vice president of student life will only consider room change requests after mediation is completed or under special circumstances. Upon successful room change requests both parties will moved to new rooms if available.

Single room

Returning students may apply with the Student Life office for a single room. Seniors (as determined by the registrar) may have a single room at no additional cost. Juniors are eligible for a single room at an additional cost of $1,000 per semester and sophomores for an additional cost of $2,000 per semester. Seniors and juniors will be given priority. Single rooms are not guaranteed and approval may be revoked subject to room availability and limits on the number of single rooms per nest. Applications will require approval from the party responsible for making payments on the account.

Substance Use

Hesston College prohibits the possession or use, processing, distributing, manufacturing, selling or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs by any student, faculty or staff person anywhere on campus or at college functions.

The college may hold any and all students in the presence of alcohol to the same standard, and all students involved may face sanctions. An example of this would be that all students at a “party” or “social gathering” where prohibited substances or behaviors are present could be subject to the same sanctions.

Alcohol containers and/or drug paraphernalia including beer cans, bottles, bottle caps and/or shot glass collections are prohibited on campus.

Campus Community Standards

Hesston College is committed to the education and empowerment of students to be successful during their time at the college. Therefore, the college has adopted a set of Campus Community Standards to maintain a healthy living and learning environment. With the life and teachings of Jesus as a framework, these standards outline a vision of community where each member has a direct impact on others. Therefore, everyone must clearly understand and agree to follow these standards and expectations. These standards and expectations are guided by the following principles:

This is a place where we aspire to be welcoming, so that individuals can be who they are without fear of rejection or prejudice.
This is a place where health and wellness is valued and leads to a successful living and learning environment.
This is a place where campus safety and security are a priority.

Campus Community Standards and Expectations:

Interact with others by following the Community Expectations for Living Together (outlined earlier in this document).
Respect the dignity and diversity of others. Whether in seriousness or in jest, any form of harassment, intimidation, threat, name-calling, racial or other prejudice, intentionally or unintentionally lessening a person’s worth, whether through actions, spoken, written or implied, is not acceptable.
Respect the rights and property of others and use campus and community facilities responsibly and expect to pay for any repair and damage resulting from misuse.
Engage in responsible relationships that are not coercive, exploitative, abusive or promiscuous in nature and support healthy sexual relationships.
Be honest in lifestyle choices, community life and interaction with others, including academic assignments (see academic integrity policy in course catalog).
Adhere to all city, state and federal codes/laws. Violation of a code/law will also be considered a violation of campus standards.
Use only designated areas for smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco. Use of tobacco products is strongly discouraged and is prohibited in other areas of campus.
Abstain from the use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs and the possession of related containers and/or paraphernalia. This includes the misuse and illegal distribution of prescription drugs.
Support the nonuse of alcohol on campus and discourage the misuse of alcohol at any time. Misuse refers to underage drinking and/or drinking in excess. Students who are over 21 are neither allowed to drink on campus nor enter campus disruptively in a drunken state. Providing alcohol to someone under 21 years of age is a serious offense in the state of Kansas. Remaining in the presence of persons who are consuming alcohol on campus may be considered a violation. A drug or alcohol screen can be required if there is cause to suspect a student is illegally using alcohol or drugs. The student is responsible to pay for the screen if they test positive.

NOTE on Self-Reporting for Alcohol and Other Drugs: Student health and safety is Hesston College’s primary concern. Therefore, individuals who voluntarily self-report consumption or potential misuse of alcohol and other drugs with the intention of getting help, will not face disciplinary action under the confines of the drug and alcohol policy. In cases of self-reporting, a member of the student life team will meet with the student to determine the best educational and/or recovery options available for the student, if needed. This may potentially apply to other policy violations as well.

Violations with the potential of suspension and/or expulsion from the college:

In keeping with the principle that this is a place where campus safety and security are a priority, the following violations can carry the potential of suspension or expulsion from the college.

Possession or use of fireworks, guns of any kind (including toy guns and guns shooting water beads) or explosives of any kind on campus
Tampering with fire safety alarms or equipment
Tampering with or obstructing campus security cameras
Deliberate destruction of property or theft
Threats, intimidation or violent action toward others, expressed through action, inaction, verbally or in jest.
Failure to comply with Hesston College policy or discipline requirements (e.g. not completing community accountability and support (CAS) sanctions in the required timeline, disregarding mandatory meetings, etc.).

Community Accountability and Support

Student life staff attempt to be in an active relationship with students as they make life choices and experience consequences. We encourage, support, confront, and guide students through processes with the goal being that relationships and community may be restored. We strive to act with integrity and truth, with care for all involved. When a policy is violated, the Student Life Council (SLC) and Student Development Council (SDC) become involved in the conduct process.

The SLC is made up of student life staff (resident directors, campus counselor or campus pastors (unless a conflict of interest is present)) which reviews student issues that appear to be first-time incidents or clear violations of policy. The SLC has the option to render Community Accountability and Support (CAS), issue fines, refer students to community supports (e.g. classes, mentors, counseling, etc.), or refer the student to the SDC.

The SDC and the vice president of student life address violations of campus community standards. The SDC consists of one faculty representative, one staff representative and student representatives. Faculty, staff, and student representatives will be affirmed to their appointment by the Hesston College Student Government Association (HCSGA). SDC response to violations may include CAS, additional fines, referrals to community supports, suspension or dismissal. The vice president of student life may at their discretion offer an option to address violations directly with the student.

Community Accountability and Support (CAS) means:

The student is held to a higher level of accountability by regularly meeting with an assigned student life team member.
Parents or guardians (students under 21 with FERPA permission), academic dean and coaches are notified that the student is on CAS.
The student may be required to pay a fine, attend counseling, participate in activities to repair the harm done, complete assigned learning activities or engage with other forms of accountability (e.g. AA or Celebrate Recovery.)

Community accountability and support (CAS) is what other colleges refer to as conduct probation. When students transferring to other colleges ask for a housing reference from the student life office, any questions regarding disciplinary probation will be answered according to whether students have been on CAS during their time at Hesston.

CAS is for the remainder of the semester unless otherwise specified. If the student commits another violation while a student at Hesston College, the SDC or the vice president of student life may suspend or dismiss the student.

Suspension means:

A student is sent off campus for a specified period of time. Arrangements are made through the vice president of student life. Students are responsible to be in conversation with instructors regarding coursework and assignments.

Dismissal means:

A student is dismissed from the college. At the time of dismissal, the college will specify if/when the student may reapply to Hesston College. If not otherwise stated, dismissal is for the remainder of the academic year. Arrangements are made through the vice president of student life. In accordance with previous policies, students will have 48 hours to check out with a resident director and move out of the dorms, unless otherwise approved for a longer period by the vice president of student life.

Appeals:

Appeals for a SLC decision must be typed, printed and submitted to the vice president of student life within 48 hours of notification of any decision and should include the offense committed, the disciplines assigned and complete reasons for the basis of the appeal. The vice president will review the appeal request to determine if the appeal should be granted. If the appeal is granted, the vice president will review all documents, interview persons involved as needed and either overturn or uphold the decision of the SLC. All appeal decisions are final.

Appeals for a SDC decision must be typed, printed and submitted to the vice president of student life within 48 hours of notification of any decision and should include the offense committed, the disciplines assigned and complete reasons for the basis of the appeal. The vice president will forward the appeal to the vice president of academics to review the appeal request to determine if the appeal should be granted. If the appeal is granted, the vice president of academics will review all documents, interview persons involved as needed and either overturn or uphold the decision of the SDC. All appeal decisions are final.

Grounds for appeals:

The decision is unreasonably disproportionate to the infraction (including consideration of the student’s prior offenses or willingness to cooperate in the disciplinary process).
Policies and procedures relating to student or academic issues were not followed that affected the student’s right to receive a fair decision.
The disciplinary decision was not supported by evidence.
New evidence has become available since the initial hearing that would have significantly altered its results.

Expectations for Community Life*:

The Student Life team is committed to providing a campus living environment that respects the needs of individuals for adequate rest, study time and personal privacy, and that also respects the rights of campus neighbors and the broader Hesston community. Members of the campus living environment are expected to build a dorming community of trust and respect by demonstrating the following actions:

Observe quiet hours which are posted in each nest designating the times when students are asked to be quiet enough that they can not be heard by people two doors down the hall. Quiet hours are in effect Sunday night through Thursday from midnight to 7:30 a.m. and Friday night to Saturday from 2 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Courtesy hours are in effect at the college 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that all music, conversation, TV volumes and all other noises should be respectful of others.
Observe Community Hours which are posted in each nest designating the times when it is permitted for opposite gender students to visit each other’s residences. After hours, dorm rooms and nests should only be used by those who live in those spaces. These hours are in place to promote safety, privacy, rest and to allow all students to create boundaries in their living spaces with which they are comfortable.
Students are to use public restrooms when visiting an opposite gender nest.
For safety reasons, students are to live in the dorm room assigned to them. Hesston College dorm spaces have been approved by the fire marshall for an occupancy of no more than two residents per room.
Avoid decorating rooms or nests with inappropriate or offensive items which promote alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs, are sexually explicit or are racist in nature. Examples of such items include: cans, bottles, posters and symbols (e.g. Confederate flag).
Refrain from wearing clothing that advertises or promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, sexually inappropriate behaviors, violence or behavior undermining the mission of Hesston College.
Due to allergies of residents and potential damage to facilities, pets are not permitted in campus housing with the exception of tropical fish in an approved aquarium not to exceed 10 gallons. Students will have 24 hours to remove the pet from campus. After this point, resident directors will remove the pet and locate a suitable home. (Process for service and emotional support animal approval appears in the policy section of the online student handbook.)

*Responses to Expectations for Community Life violations will vary and may include financial penalty, removal of the violation or other penalties as appropriate for the situation. Repeat offenses of community expectations could lead resident directors to requiring community accountability and support.

Student Compliance
Each student’s attendance indicates that they understand and agree to uphold these standards during this academic year. While these standards may not represent an individual’s conviction or preference, each person must abide by these standards while attending Hesston College.

Fines

Failure to adhere to residence policies may result in a fine and the amounts listed serve as a starting point and may be higher as necessary. Fines serve as a disincentive. Damage to college or personal property will also incur fees for cost of repair or replacement. Fines will be given for the following:

Riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, rollerblades, etc., or motor vehicles inside college facilities. . . . .$25
Water play inside a building. . . . .$25
Animals/pets in dorms. . . . .$50 per day
Being on the roof of any building on campus or Hesston Mennonite Church. . . . .$50
Accessing locked college facilities. . . . .$100
Propping locked doors. . . . .$100
Burning candles or incense, open flame, candle/wax warmers or appliances violating fire code (see dorm/room under Housing Facilities). . . . .$50
Failing to evacuate building or follow directions during a fire alarm or emergency drill. . . . .$200
Driving on campus sidewalks or grounds (reserved for authorized persons only). . . . .$100
Tampering with vending machines. . . . .$50
Tampering with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, exit signs, setting off fire alarms (including door alarm) or tampering with light sensors. . . . .disciplinary action and up to $200
Tampering with or obstructing campus security camera. . . . .$100
Community hours/quiet hours violation. . . . .$50
Having or moving unauthorized school property outside designated area. . . . .$25
Sticking LED strip lights to surfaces in room or nest LED strips may only be hung by hooks or Command Strips. . . . .$30
Removing window screens. . . . .$25
Failure to check out of a room. . . . .$100
Remaining in the dorms after they are closed. . . . .$100
Failure to clean a room at check out or for safety checks, checking out at an incorrect time or not ready to check out at appointed time . . . . .$50
Key replacement. . . . .$25
Explosive devices or fireworks. . . . .disciplinary action and $200
Smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco on campus (except in designated areas). . . . .$50
Using, possessing or being in the presence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs. . . . .disciplinary action and $200, Second offense – $400
Providing alcohol for underage student(s). . . . .disciplinary action and $350
Failure to provide health form. . . . .up to $300 per semester
Special situation (fine determined by Student Development Council (SDC), vice president of student life or RD). . . . . TBD

When a fine is levied, the student receives a notice from the resident directors. The Student Life office handles all fines. Fines may be doubled for each repeat violation.

All other disciplinary actions resulting in more than a fine will go before the RD Council or Student Development Council (SDC).

Emergency Policies and Procedures

Fire: Posters and other flammable materials should be placed with discretion. The college prohibits all types of burning in its residence facilities. This includes, but is not limited to the burning of candles, oil lamps, incense and smoking. All campus housing is equipped with fire extinguishers, fire alarms and smoke detectors. State Law requires that everyone vacate the building when the alarm sounds. Anyone who refuses to leave will be fined $200. Tampering with fire protection equipment (alarms, extinguishers and smoke detectors) is a federal offense and may result in a $200 fine and suspension or dismissal from school. See additional information in the Policies section of this handbook.
Tornado: The City of Hesston sounds a continuous alarm blast in the case of a tornado warning. All students are to leave their rooms and go to the nearest designated shelter. Windows must be avoided because of the danger of flying glass. Every Monday morning at 10 a.m. if the weather is clear, the Hesston siren sounds a practice tornado alarm.
Violent Intruder: A violent intruder on college property involves one or more individuals intent on causing physical harm and/or death to students, faculty and staff. Hesston College has approved the following ALICE policies and procedures to protect the campus community. This is not a sequential model and provides options based on the immediate and ongoing situation. Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.

Alert – Initial awareness of an event. This could be the sound of gunfire, screams, loud noises, text, phone call, etc. Students may be notified by RDs, the Blackboard Connect notification system via phones and email.
Lockdown – Individuals may be faced with a situation that does not allow for them to evacuate. A lockdown may be their best option. This is an active lockdown. Lock and barricade the door with anything available.
Inform – Pass on real information. Location, what is going on, description of the assailants. Dial 911 when it is safe to do so.
Counter – There are many ways to counter without fighting or using violence. Distractions such as yelling as you move or throwing things at the intruder’s face can disrupt their focus. Consider countering if the intruder comes into the room before you can barricade the door, or if the barricade is breached. Always remember that countering is defensive and not offensive; it’s a last resort.
Evacuate – Look for safe routes away from the danger. Focus on movement and distance. Make yourself a difficult target: stay low; move quickly; use cover; don’t run in a straight line.

The college will conduct emergency drills for all of the above, however, all students may not get to drill each part of ALICE.

Hesston College Missing Persons Policy

If a resident student has not been seen on campus for more than 24 hours and an acquaintance does not know where the student may be, the vice president of student life should be notified.

Students under the age of 18 will have their parents notified if they are determined missing for more than 24 hours. Law enforcement will be notified for any student missing for more than 24 hours.

If a student has been seen in the company of an individual(s) indicating that he/she may be in danger, the Hesston Police Department should be notified by calling 911 (or 9-911 on a campus phone).

Students may designate a confidential contact person on their Emergency Information form as a contact if the student is deemed missing. At the college’s discretion, in addition to a confidential contact, the college reserves the right to contact a parent and/or guardian.

Sex Discrimination and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct Policy

See policies section of this handbook or hesston.edu/titleix or visit Whitney Douglas, Title IX coordinator, for more information.

Residence Hall Closings

Residence halls are closed for Christmas break, spring break and summer break. Students are responsible for their own housing arrangements during these times. If you are found in the dorms after closing, you will be immediately removed from campus and fined $100.

2024-25 Handbook