| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Academic Support in the Residence Hall |
| Is it hard to study in the residence halls? |
There are quiet hours in every residence hall that begin at 9 p.m. and end at 7 a.m. during weekdays. Residents are expected to be courteous and respectful of their neighbors at all times. There are study spaces available in each residence hall as well. You can find where they are located in your hall description. |
| Which halls offer tutoring and when? |
Tutoring takes place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. in the following locations:
South Campus:
Steeb Hall
Smith Hall
Park Hall
Stradley Hall
Siebert Hall
Bradley Hall;
West Campus:
Morrill Tower;
North Campus:
Scott House
Nosker House
Houck House ;
Tutoring is offered in Math, Chemistry and Physics.
|
| ATI Housing (all topics) |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What should I bring to ATI campus? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. |
| Computers |
| Are students required to bring computers to OSU? |
Having a personal computer at Ohio State is not required. However, regardless of your major you will need to have access to a computer. There are many computer labs available to you across campus. For example, some faculty members use the Web to present tutorials and resources for classes, and many more consult with students outside class through e-mail. At the very least, computers with word processing software can simplify homework assignments. |
| Are there direct hookups in each dorm room for computers? |
Yes. All the halls are wired with a high-speed direct computer connection to the Internet and OSU's computing network through ResNet. |
| Do the residence halls have computer labs? |
There are several computer labs located in the residence halls (Morrill, Taylor, Baker, Mack, Royer and Jones). Also, University Technology Services has several public computing sites. For a list of locations, visit the Public Computing Sites Home Page. The UTS public computing site in 590 Baker Systems Engineering is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| How do I activate my e-mail account? |
Your OSU account can be activated online at: http://8help.osu.edu/34124.html and then select Activate OSU Internet Username. You will need your social security number. |
| What is needed to connect to ResNet? |
Besides the hardware requirements (see What kind of computer should I bring?), you must have an OSU username and password. Your OSU account can be activated online at the:Units Web site and then select Get OSU Internet Username. You will need your social security number.
You will also need a network cable and NIC (Network Interface Card) to use ResNet. A limited number of cables are available at your hall desk or they can be purchased at the University Bookstore Computer Center located in the Tuttle Parking Garage.
A NIC is a card that is installed in your computer that allows an Ethernet connection. If you own a laptop, you will need a PC Card NIC. Below is a list of recommended NICS. NICS can be purchased from the University Bookstore Computer Center or others such as MicroCenter. A NIC must be NE2000 compatible to work with ResNet. The price of a NIC is generally between $35-$100; laptop NICs are more expensive than desktop NICs.
NetGear FA310TX (Desktop machine)
Intel PCI Pro100+ (Desktop machine)
NetGear FA410TX (Laptop)
Accton EtherPair EN226-1 (Laptop)
|
| What is ResNet? |
ResNet (short for Residential Network) is a direct Ethernet connection in a residence hall room. The connection allows a student to connect to OSU's network and the Internet at much higher speeds than traditional modem connections. Each room has enough connections for every student, and does not require the use of a phone line. For complete ResNet information, go to http://www.resnet.ohio-state.edu/
|
| What is the cost of ResNet? |
There is no extra fee for ResNet. |
| What kind of computer should I bring? |
Choosing a computer is a personal decision based on your needs and your financial situation. If you already know your major area of study, you might want to check with that college or department to see if they have a preference. The computer you bring should be capable of running ResNet if you will be living in a residence hall. ResNet hardware requirements are listed below.
Windows
Pentium-class PC
Windows 95 or 98 (Windows 3.11 is not supported)
8 MB RAM
23 MB free storage space
Network Interface Card and cable
Macintosh
PowerPC or iMac
MacOS 7.5.5 or later
8 MB RAM
23 MB free storage space
Network Interface Card (or built-in 10BaseT Ethernet port) and cable
UNIX (Linux, FreeBSD)
Minimum 486 processor
8MB RAM
RJ-45 10BaseT Network Interface Card and Cable |
| Where do I go for help with general computing questions? |
Call the UTS Support Center at 614-688-HELP. |
| Where do I go for help with ResNet problems? |
First, check to make sure you have the following:
A NIC properly installed
Proper software installed
OSU Internet username and password
A network cable plugged into the proper jack
Double-check the settings on your machines
If you still have problems call the ResNet Support Center at 614-292-5700. |
| Who is able to use ResNet? |
Any OSU student living in a residence hall can connect to the ResNet service. All residence halls are wired with one port per pillow; study rooms and temporary housing areas are also wired. |
| Family Housing |
| Access |
The Ohio State University respects and is committed to the protection of the resident's right to privacy, as well as safety and security of all residents. However, a designated university official has the right to enter any apartment in Buckeye Village when deemed necessary. Reasonable effort will be made to give 24-hour written notice to each resident before the service or inspection is performed.
Designated university officials include, but are not limited to, university police, Family Housing staff, housekeeping and/or maintenance personnel, pest control, and other persons authorized by the university to inspect for damages or cleanness or provide other services necessary.
A designated university official may conduct a search of any apartment in accordance with the law when any illegal activity is suspected which interferes with the normal operation of the university, or if there is a violation of health and safety regulations. The management of Buckeye Village has the discretion of entering an apartment if there is ant concern for the well-being of any Buckeye Village resident or guest.
Once a year a health and safety inspection as well as pest control treatment will be conducted in each apartment. You will be notified one week in advance. |
| Activity Fee |
Buckeye Village assesses a $3 activity fee to every family at the beginning of each academic quarter. This activity fee is collected at 350 Morrill Tower along with the rent payment of the quarter, but is an additional charge. It is used for Buckeye Village sponsored activities, such as parties, children's activities, or educational programs which are for the benefit of all residents. All unpaid activity will be deducted from the deposit when a resident moves out of Buckeye Village. |
| Alcohol |
The Ohio State University, the Office of Residence and Dining Halls, and the Office of Housing Services must comply fully with all federal state, and municipal regulations regarding the sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Within these limitations, the decision to drink is a personal one. However, as in all other instances, residents are responsible for their behavior and for respecting the rights of other residents. Use of alcohol does not limit this responsibility. |
| Alterations |
To prevent damage to the apartments, alteration or permanent installations to the building or rooms cannot be made without prior written consent of the manger. Such alterations include installation of paneling, wallpaper, corkboards, screen doors, satellite dishes, etc. |
| Apartment Safety |
Buckeye Village is fortunate to have a very low rate of crime. The following precautions will help maintain a safe environment for you and your family.
- Try to keep your doors locked when you are in the apartment.
- Whenever you leave your apartment, make sure that all windows are closed and locked. Lock the door with the dead bolt when you leave.
- Before you go to bed at night, close and lock all windows, especially in rooms other than the bedroom (for example, in the living room and kitchen). Make sure your door is locked with the dead bolt.
- When you go away for a few days (weekends or vacations), notify Campus Police at 29202121. (Campus Police will check on your apartment from the outside during your absence.)
- Close all drapes in your apartment before leaving for a few days.
- Immediately report to Campus Police (292-2121) any time you observe a suspicious-looking person in the Buckeye Village area.
- If you are involved in any incident (burglary, attempted burglary, assault, etc.), call the Campus Police emergency number (911). Also, please be sure to notify the Village office (292-6561) of the incident as soon as possible.
The emergency number 911 is to be used for fire, police, or medical emergency only. We also have emergency boxes with blue lights for immediate contact with a 911 operator. (If you dial 911 by accident or if a child activates an emergency light, please wait for an emergency operator and explain the situation). |
| Apartment Transfers |
A request to transfer to another apartment is approved in relationship to a change in family circumstance. Residents who live in one-bedroom apartment and are expecting a child must transfer to a two-bedroom apartment. A "Request for Transfer" form should be completed at the Village office as soon as possible. Normally there is a wait before an apartment becomes available. The Buckeye Village manager can ask you to transfer to another apartment for renovation purposes or other unusual circumstances. At least 30-day notice will be given. If you transfer apartments there is a $50 transfer fee. |
| Appliances |
Both safety and conservation of energy are important considerations in Buckeye Village. To promote a safe environment, all appliances used in residents' room must be approved by Underwriter's Laboratory, a non-profit safety, testing, and certification organization. (A safety label will be visible somewhere on the product.) No additional air conditioners or full window fans can be installed. Residents using humidifiers must not set the humidity level too high as this promotes the growth of mildew. |
| Bathroom Fans |
The bathroom fan must be kept connected in order to properly ventilate the bathroom. To avoid the fan noise at night when the bathroom light is turned on, you may want to install a night light in the bathroom. There is a $25 charge if you disconnect this fan. |
| Bicycles |
Bicycles should be parked in the bicycle racks provided in each court. Resident MAY NOT chain bicycles in breezeways, balconies, or to trees. Chaining bicycles to balconies presents safety hazards and blocks access to apartments should emergency equipment be needed. Bicycles chained to balconies, breezeways, and trees will be removes by work crews without notice. Residents in two-bedroom apartments with concrete back patios may keep bikes in this area, providing the apartment entrance is not blocked. |
| Buckeye Village Telephone List |
- Buckeye Village Office - (614) 292-6561
- Buckeye Village Recreation Center - 4-1228
- Buckeye Village Fax - (614) 688-3087
- Emergency Maintenance (after office hours) - (614) 292-4357
- Police/Fire Emergency - 911
- Campus Police Non-Emergency - (614) 292-2121
- UNITS Telephone Services - (614) 292-8648
- Housing Services - (350 Morrill Tower) (614) 292-8266
|
| Cable Television |
All apartments are wired for cable television. If you wish to subscribe for this service or receive more information, contact the University Telephone Service (UNITS) at 292-8648. If you subscribe, your monthly charge will appear on your telephone bill. The procedure for this is to:
- Come to the office to fill a maintenance request allowing UNITS to enter your apartment.
- Mail the application card or take it to the UNITS office.
No other television service may be used. This includes satellite dishes. |
| Children's Safety |
Since Buckeye Village is a community of families, we have a large number of children. It is the responsibility of parents to closely supervise their children in order to ensure their safety. However, since we are a community, everyone at Buckeye Village must be mindful and watchful of all Village children. The following guidelines have been developed to advise parents of the proper levels of supervision to ensure the safety of children in the Village:
- Under no circumstances should children under the age of 12 years be left alone in Buckeye Village. This may be considered child neglect by the State of Ohio. If this comes to our attention, we will try to contact you, and if we are unable, we will have to notify Franklin County Children's Services. If a child should get hurt, there would be no parent to contact to respond to the emergency, and no one except a parent of legal guardian can authorize medical care for a child.
- Please instruct your children about where they are allowed to play outside. Parents should make sure that children play in areas where they are easily seen by parents and other caregivers.
- If children leave the backyard area, they should ask their parents if they could play elsewhere, such as the playground. Parents and caregivers should know were children are playing at all times.
- At no time should children play in the court parking lots, near Defiance Drive, garbage areas, or the laundry building. These areas are serious safety hazards and children must not be allowed near them. Also, mailboxes are the property of the U.S. Postal Service; children should not play with or on them or tamper with them in any way.
- Children should NOT ride bicycles on Defiance Drive unless they are experienced cyclists. Generally, young children should ride bicycles on the sidewalk and NOT in the street. Defiance Drive often has very heavy traffic. If you have specific questions regarding state and local laws as they pertain to bicycling, please contact the Buckeye Village office or Campus Police.
- bounce balls, or skate on the porch of the recreation center nor may they play in the recreation center unless accompanied by an adult. This is for the safety of the children and other residents. At no time should children under 12 be in the recreation center without a parent, guardian, or caregiver. Children should also know their name and address in case of emergency.
- Children under six years of age should not be allowed to go to the playground by themselves. Parents or caregivers should be at the playground to supervise children directly.
- Children over six years of age who are playing at the playground should be checked on by parents or their caregiver periodically (at least once every half hour). Please do NOT leave children unattended at the playground.
- Children will NOT be given keys to apartments by the office staff. If parents will not be at home, they must make sure that they make arrangements for children to stay with a friend and neighbor.
- It is important to note that the recreation center is not a licensed childcare operation. We do not allow children under the age of 12 at the recreation center or on the basketball courts unless accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 who has assumed responsibility for the child.
- If any policies are unclear to you or for more information about children's policies, please ask the Buckeye Village office or recreation center staff.
|
| Clotheslines |
Outdoor clotheslines are provided behind the laundry building for resident use. No other clotheslines of any kind, including drying racks, may be used. Balconies, trees, bushes, chairs, shopping carts, etc., should NEVER be used under any circumstances to dry clothes. |
| Damages |
Residents of each apartment will complete an apartment inventory upon arrival. Please return this inventory within 48 hours. Every attempt is made to promptly repair and replace damaged items once they are reported to the staff at the Buckeye Village office. Completing the apartment inventory as accurately s possible is extremely important since determination of damages to the apartment will be based on the inventory. For example, residents will be individually charged for damages found in the apartment upon move-out if the need for repair is not indicated on the move-in apartment inventory. The charges are based upon the cost of repair or replacement as necessary to restore the facility to its approximate original condition. Residents are also accountable for any damages caused by equipment or appliances in their possession. Typical charges include but are not limited to: markings on walls, cooking grease on range hood and/or range, mildew damage in the bathroom, and unwashed windows. It is expected that residents who observe damage being done to a public area such as the recreation building, playgrounds, or laundry facility will notify Village staff immediately. Failure to inform staff can be viewed as complicity and may result in shared financial charges or liability. |
| Door Locks |
For the safety of your family, only the entrance door to each apartment has a lock. No bathroom doors or bedroom doors have locks. (Children tend to be fascinated with locks and often lock themselves into rooms!) |
| Drugs |
The Ohio State University, the Office of Residence and Dining Halls, and the Office of Housing Services must comply fully with all federal state, and municipal regulations regarding the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, and/or possession of drugs or controlled substances. The misuse of drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal) shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the individual for consequences of their behavior. More importantly, the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, and/or possession of drugs or controlled substances in violation of federal, state, or Columbus municipal laws are prohibited by the university, and are not permitted in Buckeye Village. Residents are expected to report the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, and/or possession of illegal substances in Buckeye Village to the manager. |
| Fire Safety Warning System |
The Early Detection and Warning System for fire safety has been installed in your apartment. It is important for you to understand how this smoke detector system works.
Purpose:
Smoke or other combustion particles of sufficient concentration will initiate the alarm in your apartment to alert you and your family.
Response:
If there is a fire in your apartment:
- Evacuate immediately.
- Report emergency to Fire-Emergency at telephone number 911.
If there us no fire in your apartment
- Stop the alarm by fanning a newspaper near the detector. This will clear the detector of small particles which triggered the alarm.
Suggestion:
Always use your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking. Check the kitchen exhaust fan to make sure it is operating properly. If not, call maintenance at 292-6561.
Also, if you wish to have smoke detector checked, please notify the Buckeye Village Office. We check alarms annually during our health and safety inspection. Any questions you have should be addressed to the Buckeye Village manager. |
| Firearms and Weapons |
The possession and/or use of any type of firearms or other weapon is not permitted in or around Buckeye Village. This includes, but is not limited to, bows and arrows, darts, knives, martial arts implements, and guns of any type. Discovery of possession and/or use of any weapon or firearm will be grounds for immediate eviction. |
| Fireworks |
For obvious safety reasons, the use and/or possession of fireworks or explosive devices of any type is not permitted in or around Buckeye Village. |
| Gardening |
Residents are not permitted to plant anything in the areas around the apartments. Landscaping crews will remove any unauthorized plantings without notice to the resident. Residents who wish to plant flower or vegetable gardens must do so in the Buckeye Village Community Garden. Garden plots are available each spring to residents on a first-served basis. The plots are located on the west side of the Village immediately in front of the OSU Child Care Center.
Generally, the garden opens in May. There is a deposit for the plot as well as required community service and the autumn clearing of the garden.
The activities of the garden and rules governing it are organized with the help of the garden committee. Any Buckeye Village resident may participate on the committee. |
| Grounds Keeping |
The grounds around the Village can be an added benefit to those who live here if they are kept attractive and safe. You can assist grounds-keeping personnel by keeping balconies, sidewalks, and areas in front and in back of your apartment neat and free of clutter.
Please do not chain bikes to trees or lean heavy objects against trees or shrubs. The weight of these objects can damage the plants. Items that are found in shrub beds will be removed without notice to prevent damage to the shrubbery. All posters, on the bulletin boards located at the Village office, laundry, or recreation hall, not on trees, mailboxes or buildings. Anything posted in these areas will be removed. |
| Keys |
At check-in, residents are given three apartment keys and two mailbox keys. If a key should be lost, the resident will be charged for a complete lock change to ensure safety and security. If the Buckeye Village Office is open, residents are permitted to check out a loaner to open the apartment.
When the office is closed, residents who have locked themselves out should contact the Student Life service desk at 292-4357 (292-HELP) for assistance. A $25 after-hours lockout charge will be placed on the resident's account.
It is a violation of state status and university regulation to duplicate a key to any door. |
| Laundry Facilities |
The laundry facilities provided in Buckeye Village are operated by both coin tokens and/or a BUCK-ID card. Both are available in the laundry. Each token has the value of a quarter (.25) and may be purchased in $1 and $5 amounts. If you find a machine inoperable, contact the office immediately at 292-6561.
The laundry equipment is intended for use by Buckeye Village residents only. Please do not prop doors open. If ventilation is needed, the windows may be lifted, but not the screens. For security reasons, please close and lock the windows when you leave. |
| Lease terms and Conditions |
As a resident of family housing, it is your responsibility to read, understand, and abide by the lease terms and conditions, which you signed prior to move-in. Should you have any questions concerning your lease or the policies and procedures outlined in this guidebook, please contact the Village manager.
Our priority is to house students enrolled in degree-granting programs; however, post-doctoral scholars are welcome to apply as well. Only students enrolled in a degree-granting program and making "active academic progress" may reside in Buckeye Village. Your vacate date is based upon your graduation date unless otherwise negotiated with the manager. |
| Liability/Renter's Insurance |
Residents are responsible for the security of their personal property and Dining Halls, and the Office of Housing Services assume no responsibility for theft, loss, damage, or destruction of personal belongings in or on destruction properties (including laundry machines in the Village laundry facility). University insurance does not cover loss or damage to your personal belongings die to flooding, fire, or theft. Residents should therefore provide for their own risk coverage by purchasing an apartment-type insurance policy. Also, automobile liability insurance is mandatory in the state of Ohio. |
| Mail |
Upon check-in, each apartment is assigned one mailbox in a postal station. Also located at the postal stations are large parcel bins. If you receive a package, the mail carrier will leave a key in your mailbox to open the parcel bin. After retrieving your package, please leave the key inside the parcel bin and shut the door, which locks automatically.
U.S. mail is delivered directly to postal stations located in each court. Please do not use the Village office address, as we are not able to accept mail or delivers of any kind.
Although Buckeye Village is part of the university, the campus mail service is not able to deliver pieces of university mail to home address. Please advise campus personnel that personal correspondence must be mailed through U.S. mail and not through the university mail system.
Unwanted bulk-rate mail should be disposed of with your trash. Do not leave unwanted mail in your mailbox areas, as it is likely to be blown around the grounds. Please empty your mailbox daily to reduce any difficulty in fitting new mail into your box. |
| Maintenance |
Buckeye Village has a department of skilled maintenance personnel to do repair work in the Village. For Maintenance problems in your apartment, call the Buckeye Village Office at 292-6561, all week long between 8am and 12 midnight. If your maintenance problem is not an emergency the maintenance department will generally respond within two business days. If your maintenance problem is an emergency (such as plumbing, heating or appliance problems), maintenance will respond as quickly as possible that same day.
After 12am only emergency maintenance problems should be reported. An emergency problem is one that absolutely cannot wait until the next workday to be repaired. The following is a list of typical emergency problem:
- No heat
- No water
- Major water leak or water overflow
- No electricity or serious electricity problem
- Door lock problems
- Refrigerator not working
In each of the above instances, you should call the Student Life Service Desk at 292-HELP (292-4357). The service desk will contact a maintenance worker to come to Buckeye Village. Be sure to give your name, address, telephone number, and the nature of the maintenance problem.
For non-emergency maintenance problems, call the Village office during normal business hours.
Because no maintenance staffs stays on the premises during evening hours or weekends, they must drive in from their homes. If after two or three hours no one has responded, call the Student Life Service Desk at 2-5700. Again, if the problem is not an emergency, the maintenance worker will wait until the next working day to respond. |
| Office Hours |
The Buckeye Village Office is open all week (Sunday through Saturday) from 8am until Midnight. |
| Parking |
All motorized vehicles owned or operated by Buckeye Village residents must be registered in the Buckeye Village office and must display the Buckeye Village hang tag. Each family may keep no more than two cars in the Village. Both cars must be currently licensed and operable, as well as display current license plates. We encourage all residents to have sufficient automobile and renter's insurance to cover unforeseen situations. The following are violations of both Buckeye Village and university traffic and parking regulations. Towing by Shamrock Towing Company may occur for the following:
- Vehicles parked in a handicapped parking zone
- Vehicles parked in fire lanes or by fire hydrants
- Vehicles double-parked (vehicles parked behind another vehicle)
- Vehicles parked in areas which are not designated as parking spaces (e.g., along curbs, beside garbage areas, on the lawns)
- Vehicles parked in other residents' parking spaces
- Resident vehicles parked in visitor's spaces
- Vehicles parked for longer than designated times in area with time limits
All residents are expected to park their cars in their assigned space, NOT in space assigned to other residents or in visitor designated parking spaces.
Families with two vehicles must park one of their cars in the recreation center lot. All cars in this lot are checked! This is an active parking lot, not a storage lot. Any unlicensed cars will be removed at the owner's expense. In addition to vehicles without current license plates, Buckeye Village reserves the right to remove-without prior notice-vehicles with flat tires and vehicles suspected of being abandoned.
Visitors or guests of residents are not to park in assigned numbered parking spaces. It is the responsibility of each resident to ensure that their visitors park in the visitor parking lot at the recreation center.
For safety reasons, storing motorcycles and mopeds under building overhangs, staircases, or in breezeways is prohibited. Please park such vehicles in parking lots only. Motorbikes not parked in parking lots will be impounded.
Laundry facility parking, which has a two-hour time limit, is reserved only for residents who are doing laundry. This lot is checked hourly by parking staff, who have a resident roster.
Parking staffs are authorized to issue parking violations and warrant towings at any time. Please be considerate to parking staff workers; they are here to meet the needs of all residents.
The current parking policy was initiated by the residents of Buckeye Village. For a copy of the complete parking policy; please stop by the Buckeye Village office. |
| Pest Control |
Each Building at Buckeye Village is professionally treated for insects once each year. Each apartment is treated before a family moves in. In order to maintain a pest-free environment, each resident must comply fully with extermination procedures. Failure to cooperate will result in the assessment of a charge. You will receive specific instructions approximately one week prior to the day of building-wide extermination.
You can help control insects by cleaning your apartment regularly and keeping food stored in containers that can be sealed. You should also report insects to our office as soon as you notice them; this will allow us to respond quickly before a larger problem develops.
A pest control brochure is available in the office. |
| Pets |
Pets, with the exception of goldfish or tropical fish, are not permitted in any apartment at any time. The pets of guests are not allowed on Buckeye Village premises. If any pet (other than goldfish or tropical fish) is found on the apartment. Not livestock of any kind is permitted on Buckeye Village property (chicken, deer, etc.) |
| Policy violations |
Any violation of Buckeye Village policies may result in- but is not limited to- confiscation and /or disposal of items in violation, a letter of warning, and / or eviction. |
| Recreation center |
The recreation is open every day of the week. Hours are Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight. The center houses the Village library, a computer lab with ResNet connections, and meeting space.
The Village library and recreation center are available for resident use, with videos, sports equipment, pool tables, and a ping-pong table. Three IBM PCs are available in the computer lab. To use the facilities, you must be a resident of Buckeye Village and have a valid Ohio State ID.
The recreation center may e reserved for private parties and functions. There is a $20 fee, which much be paid along with a $20 cash deposit at the time the reservation is made. Clubs, groups and organizations that host functions open to all residents of Buckeye Village may obtain a waiver to the $20 fee from the Buckeye Village manager. Reservations must be made at 5 days in advance. The deposits is refundable if the recreation center is left in clean condition with the floor swept and the trash taken out, all policies have been followed, and no damages have occurred. |
| Rent Collection |
Rent payments must be made by the fifth business day of each month at 350 Morrill Tower. Please read the lease terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation concerning rent payments and late penalties.
Deferments: if you experience difficulty making payment s on time, you may make an appointment with the Buckeye Village manager to arrange a deferred payment. In this case, no late fees will be assessed if an appointment is made before the ninth of the month. It is the tenant's responsibility to make appropriate rental payment plans to avoid late fees and/or holds. |
| Sales and Solicitation |
To portent residents' right to privacy, canvassing or solicitation of funds, sale memberships, subscriptions, or the distribution of literature is prohibited unless permission has been granted by the Housing Service Office. This includes door-to-door solicitation, regardless of whether or not the solicitors id current resident, as well as any religious canvassing or proselytizing.
No resident may run a business from his or her apartment. This includes but is not limited to selling Amway, Long Berger, and Avon.
Announcements and publicity items for the bulletin boards must be submitted to the Village manager before posting or distributing. Signs may not be posted on doors, mailboxes, walls, building exteriors, or other areas. |
| Satellite Dishes |
Satellite dishes are not allowed in Buckeye Village. UNITS is the only supplier of television services for the Ohio State University. |
| Shopping Carts |
It is unlawful to remove shopping carts from the shopping center across the street from Buckeye Village. Do not carry groceries and packages from the center to Buckeye Village in these carts. In addition to the risk of legal action, bring shopping carts into the Village are poses a safety hazard for children who may play with the carts. |
| Standard of Quiet |
Buckeye Village is committed to supporting academic achievement as well as family interaction. Occasionally the two goals conflicts when family activities create noise that interferes with study. The successful co existence of these goals is dependent upon all residents being aware of potential conflicts. Outside play should occur away from neighbors' windows and noise levels should be minimized, particularly in the evenings. If noise becomes a problem, you are encouraged to speak directly with your neighbor to find a solution. |
| Storage |
Each resident has an assigned storage area in a building basement and is responsible for securing the storage area his/ her own lock. To prevent unused storage areas from becoming "trash areas," we ask that residents secure their storage area regardless of whether or not it is being used. Each resident may store only in the bin assigned to his or her family. If a storage area is left unsecured and used as a trash area, the resident assigned that storage bin will be responsible for cleaning the area or may be charged for the cost if Buckeye Village personnel clean the storage area. If someone else is occupying your storage area, please contact the Buckeye Village Office.
Do not store combustible or flammable material in the storage area. This presents a serious safety hazard to all who live in the building.
Any items left outside storage areas (in the hallway) will be assumed to be abandoned and will be disposed of by work crews.
For the safety of all residents who use a particularly storage basement, please report any burned-out or non-working light bulbs and in operable doors to the Village Office. Please check your storage area regularly. Valuable are stored at your own risk.
Storage of items outside of apartment is limited to barbecue grills and lawn chairs. All other items including living room furniture, toys, vegetable plants, or items blocking apartment entrances will be removed. Items, which can be stored inside, should be stored in apartments or in the basement storage area. If you have a question about an item, please ask manager.
Basement storage areas are susceptible to flooding. It is your responsibility to protect all stored items. Refer to the "Liblity/ Renter's insurance" section in this guide for information about university liability renter's insurance. |
| Tornadoes |
The spring season brings the highest potential for tornadoes in Ohio. Tornadoes can, however, strike any time, anywhere.
A tornado WATCH means that conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. If a watch is announced, continue normal activities, but be alert for further announcements.
A tornado WARNING indicates that a tornado has actually been sighted in the area. A tornado warning is signaled by a siren that sounds for three minutes followed by several minutes of silence. The same siren sequence will continue until the warning is over.
If the siren sequence sounds, take the following steps:
- Open windows slightly.
- Proceed away from windows and go to the storage basements., the safest and lowest location.
The basement (where your storage area is located) is the safest area, but most importantly, stay away from all windows. Tornado sirens are tested in Columbus at noon on each Wednesday. This is an opportunity to become familiar with the sound of the alarm siren. |
| Trash |
Trash areas are provided in each court parking lot for resident' use. When disposing of garbage, please put trash in the barrels and replace the lid. Never leave garbage sitting outside the barrels. Exposed garbage attracts insects, mice, rats, and other vermin, which present a serious health hazard to everyone. It is vitally important that all residents dispose of their trash properly to ensure everyone's health and safety. If a resident, family member or guest fails to properly dispose of trash on Buckeye Village property, a $25.00 labor fee will be billed to the student' account.
The city of Columbus typically empties the trash barrels in each court once a week. Recycling bins are available in each court. Recycling is not required. Residents who wish to recycle may obtain complete instructions at the Buckeye Village Office. |
| University Telephone |
Buckeye Village residents may arrange for their own telephone service by directly contacting the University Telephone Service (UNITS) at 292-8648. All apartments are wired for telephone service to ensure easy installation. Any questions regarding phone service, installation charges, monthly billing rate, etc., should be directed to UNITS.
The following information may assist you with your telephone service:
If you would like to have your phone number released to others, contact the University Registrar at 292-8500. The Buckeye Village Office is not able to give out any resident phone numbers.
For repair service, contact UNITS at 292-8648 and report your name, address, phone number, and the nature of the problem. You also need to complete a request form in the Village office to authorize the service worker's entry to your apartment.
When you move out of Buckeye Village or transfer to a new apartment, remember to notify UNITS. If you do not contact UNITS prior to moving, you will be charged.
When a telephone receiver is left off the hook for an extended period of time, damage to the equipment can occur. If you prefer not to be disturbed by calls, either turn down the volume on your phone or unplug it from the wall. At no time should you leave the receiver intentionally off the hook. Any telephone left off the hook at 4:30p.m. each day will be "suspended" and temporarily disconnected. If the phone is still off the hook at 8a.m. the next day, the phone will be disconnected. At that time, the repair process explained above will need to be implemented to reinstate service.
Making annoying calls, rewiring, placing attachments, or attaching unauthorized wires or devices on a telephone are prohibited for all residents. |
| Vacate Notice |
To cancel your lease, you must sign the "Intent to Vacate Notice" in the Buckeye Village Office at least 45 days before your intended date of moving out. Graduates must give appropriate notice and set their move out date no more than three days after Commencement unless otherwise negotiated with the manager. Failure to allow for the 45-days vacate notice will result in a financial penalty. |
| Vegetables |
Vegetables may only be grown in the garden- not around apartment- to avoid attracting pests and rodents. |
| Vending Machines/ Refunds |
For your convenience, the Village is equipped with washers, dryers, a pay telephone, and vending machines. It is important that the machines are kept in good working order; therefore, any misuse of these machines is not permitted.
In the rare event that you should lose money in the vending or laundry machines, you can obtain a refund by notifying the staff in the Buckeye Village Office. To receive your refund, fill out a refund form at the Buckeye Village Office. When the company representative of the office, we will receive the refund money or taken(s) and distribute the refunds accordingly. |
| General F.A.Q.s |
| Am I just a number to OSU? |
There’s no doubt that OSU is a big place, but one of our goals is to help each student find their place on campus. A great tool for doing this is to start out by getting involved in something that is important to you (a club or organization, learning community, intramurals, religious organization, etc). Talk to your RA about ways that you can get connected on campus. |
| How can money be added to the BuckID account? |
The Office of Housing Assignments in 350 Morrill Tower and University ID Card Services in 219 Lincoln Tower accept cash, check and credit card deposits. Credit card deposits are also accepted over the phone 614-292-0400 and from the BuckID Web site . Additionally, there are several cash to card deposit stations on campus. |
| How long are the beds? What kind of sheets will I need? |
All the beds in the residence halls are extra long (80 inches long) twin beds. You will need extra long (80") twin bed sheets which are available at retail stores or from the Residence Halls Advisory Council (RHAC). During July, you will receive information at your home address from RHAC offering linen for student rooms. |
| I have always lived in Ohio – Is Columbus any different/better than other Ohio cities? |
Columbus is a great city that has a thriving culture around sports, parks and recreation, the arts, entertainment and museums. You can use the COTA bus system to explore the various cultural events that Columbus has to offer.
Through Explore Columbus students may buy discounted tickets to many different events and exhibitions around the city. The University is sometimes referred to as it's own city, with it's own personality, atmosphere, and even it's own zip code! |
| If I am from out of state, how do I get to the airport/bus depot during breaks? |
The Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) provides convenient transportation on the Columbus Campus. COTA (the Central Ohio Transit Authority) has a special partnership with The Ohio State University to provide unlimited rides on all COTA routes to OSU students at a discounted rate of $9 per quarter (through a mandatory student fee paid with your tuition). Simply present your student BuckID to the bus operator when you board and you ride for free. COTA also provides a shuttle to and from the airport at the beginning and ending of every quarter for students flying into Columbus. |
| Is it hard to meet people with a campus so big? |
Students are given many opportunities to meet new people on campus. Freshmen are anxious to meet each other in their new residence halls and simply leaving your door open for a friendly hello is a good idea. Getting involved in something which interests you is also a great way to meet people with similar interests. |
| Is there housing available on the regional campuses as well as the Columbus campus? |
Yes. We are proud to offer on-campus housing on the ATI, Newark, and Mansfield campuses.
|
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What if I get sick? |
We have a wonderful student health center on campus; full-time students have the option of using this service in the event they don’t feel well. In addition, our campus is situated right next to the OSU Medical Center in case you need more urgent care. Talk to your parents about your health insurance coverage and make sure that you have a copy of your health insurance card when you come to campus. |
| What is a BuckID account? |
It is a discretionary, debit account that enables students to avoid carrying cash around campus. You can simply present your card at various merchants across campus and the amount of your purchase is deducted from the money in your account. For more information on BuckID, visit the BuckID Web site. |
| What should I bring and what is not allowed in the room? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. We encourage students to look for energy efficient products denoted by the Energy Star logo. |
| Housing Options |
| Are all the halls co-ed? |
Yes. Some buildings have certain floors that are all female or all male. Others separate male and female rooms by wings on the same floor. There are also all-male rooms and all-female rooms on the same floor in other residence halls. |
| Are lofts allowed? |
In most buildings on campus we allow lofts. You can order a bedloft at www.bedloft.com. Buildings that already have loftable beds, which do not require you to buy a bedloft are Baker West, Baker East, Stradley, Park, Smith, Siebert, the Worthington/Neil Complex (William H. Hall Complex), Scholars East and West, and Neilwood Gables. Buildings that do not allow lofts are the Ash Houses. If you choose to loft your own bed, please read the loft guidelines in the Residence Hall Handbook by clicking under "Policies, Contracts and Fees." |
| Are residence halls locked? |
At the Ohio State University, campus residence halls are locked 24-hours a day. To gain access, students must use their Buck ID cards to open an outside door by swiping a magnetic card reader. Students living in Lincoln House must swipe their Buck ID to use the elevator after business hours. Students without ID cards may request access by using a foyer telephone to talk with the hall desk staff. Guests should contact their resident host. Hosts should let guests in and escort them to the resident’s room. |
| Are the halls clean? |
Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Housekeeping staff are responsible for cleaning the public areas (hallways, lounges, etc.), public restrooms and bathrooms in clustered rooms. Students with bathroom facilities in their individual rooms or suites are responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms. |
| Are there direct hookups in each dorm room for computers? |
Yes. All the halls are wired with a high-speed direct computer connection to the Internet and OSU's computing network through ResNet. |
| Are there staff members who live in the residence hall? |
Yes, each floor or group of floors has a resident adviser who lives on the floor with the residents. In addition, each hall complex has a full-time professional hall director, assigned to work with students and staff in their respective buildings. |
| Can anyone get into my dorm? |
Anyone who lives in the residence halls can enter any residence hall on campus with their Buck-ID between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. After 9 p.m. a student must be escorted through any residence hall they do not live in by a resident of that hall.
The residence halls are locked to anyone who does not have a Buck-ID. |
| Can anyone live in Stadium Scholarship Housing? |
Anyone can indicate their preference to live in the Stadium Scholarship Dormitory. Priority is given to those students who meet a combination of financial need and high school achievement indicators. All interested students must complete an application expressing their interest. Please stay tuned to the Stadium Scholarship LC page for more details. |
| Can furniture be removed from the room and replaced with my own? |
No. The furniture provided is permanent. The furniture may not be removed even if the number of students in the room changes. |
| Can I bring my bike and where can it be stored? |
Yes. Bikes are permitted on campus. While a few halls have indoor bike storage rooms, most require bikes to be parked outside at the bike racks provided. We encourage students to use two sturdy bike locks in either case. |
| Can I have visitors? |
Absolutely. You should escort your guest at all times, and keep in mind that your guest needs to be respectful of your fellow community members while s/he is visiting. You are also responsible for her/his behavior while s/he is in the residence halls. |
| Can I live with people who come from diverse backgrounds? |
Yes – in fact, one of our goals is to allow you opportunities to learn from those who come from different backgrounds and experiences than what you have experienced. There are a number of resources to allow you to get involved with student groups that focus on the topic of diversity. We offer several opportunities through the Allies for Diversity, I-House, Spanish and MUNDO living-learning programs. Check out the Ohio Union Web site for information about clubs and organizations. |
| Do the residence halls have computer labs? |
There are several computer labs located in the residence halls (Morrill, Taylor, Baker, Mack, Royer and Jones). Also, University Technology Services has several public computing sites. For a list of locations, visit the Public Computing Sites Home Page. The UTS public computing site in 590 Baker Systems Engineering is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| How do I activate my e-mail account? |
Your OSU account can be activated online at: http://8help.osu.edu/34124.html and then select Activate OSU Internet Username. You will need your social security number. |
| How long are the beds? What kind of sheets will I need? |
All the beds in the residence halls are extra long (80 inches long) twin beds. You will need extra long (80") twin bed sheets which are available at retail stores or from the Residence Halls Advisory Council (RHAC). During July, you will receive information at your home address from RHAC offering linen for student rooms. |
| If I move off campus can I move back on later? |
Students are always welcome to return to the residence halls after leaving for a designated period of time. It is important to express your interest in returning to the halls as soon as possible given that space is limited. Please contact Housing Services at 614-292-8266 to request additional information about returning to the halls. |
| Is carpeting provided in student rooms? |
No, carpeting is not provided in the residence hall rooms. Students can purchase an area rug on their own. The Residence Halls Advisory Council sponsors a program through which you can purchase carpeting. Information will be mailed to your home during the summer, or you can contact 614-292-0405 or 614-292-3930 for more information.. The carpet will be available for pickup in convenient locations during the opening of the residence halls. |
| Is there a way to find a cheaper housing arrangement? |
Given the many options available to students living in the residence halls, chances are there is always a cheaper room option that you can select. Rooms without air conditioning and private bathrooms will have a lower contract rate. In addition, triples and quads provide another option can reduce your overall housing cost. Finally, some students may be eligible for scholarship housing (i.e., Stadium Scholarship Dormitory in Scholars East and West and the Alumnae Scholarship Program) where students provide service in the residence halls for a subsidized housing cost. Please feel free to contact the Office of Housing Services to discuss strategies for reducing your cost of housing. |
| Is there anything to do in the dorms? |
Yes! You should talk to your RA about what events are planned in your residence hall. The RA staff and your Hall Council work together to provide lots of opportunities to get to know the rest of the students in your hall, travel within and outside of Columbus and experience all that campus has to offer. If you are interested in getting involved with hall council and planning events, talk to your RA. |
| Is there housing available on the regional campuses as well as the Columbus campus? |
Yes. We are proud to offer on-campus housing on the ATI, Newark, and Mansfield campuses.
|
| Must I be in my residence hall during certain hours? |
There are no set "curfew" hours in the residence halls. Students are expected to assume responsibility for their own schedules. |
| There is a problem with my housing contract. Who do I contact/where do I go to fix it? |
You should contact the Housing Services office at 614-292-8266 or via e-mail immediately. |
| What are the bathrooms like/ How often are they cleaned? |
There are community and private bathrooms. Community bathrooms are cleaned every weekday while private bathrooms are cleaned twice a week (i.e., Morrill & Lincoln) or once a quarter (i.e., north campus residence halls) by housekeeping staff. It is important to respect everyone using your bathroom by treating it as a community space. |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What do I do if I don't like my housing assignment? |
We regret that we are unable to accept requests for change of assignment once assignments are mailed out. We do make a change request process available to students the third week of fall quarter. To change rooms at this time, a resident should contact their hall director. |
| What happens if I lose my room key? |
Lost keys are a serious concern. A lost key not only impacts the safety of the person who lost the key but the safety of roommates, future residents and conference participants. We take our resident's security very seriously. If a lock change is necessary, a $100 replacement fee is assessed. Because this is such a serious matter, no reasoning is likely to excuse you from the $100 charge - and we have heard some creative attempts! |
| What if I lock myself out of my room? |
You may sign for a "loaner" room key at the hall office for a maximum of 20 minutes. If the key is not returned promptly, you will likely have your lock changed and be assessed a cost. |
| What is a resident advisor? |
The resident advisor (RA) is a student who lives in your community and is responsible for helping to provide a safe, educational community. Your RA works with an RA staff team to facilitate an environment that supports you and your community throughout the year. Interested in becoming an RA? Click the “Jobs” link at the top of this page to learn more. |
| What is Academic Year Housing? |
Buildings with Academic Year Housing are open during winter and spring breaks.
Students who are assigned to an academic year hall pay a $100 Academic Year fee Autumn Quarter in addition to their tuition/housing fees. |
| What kinds of pets are permitted? |
Pets are only permitted in the residence halls as guide animals for the physically challenged. Fish, in reasonable numbers, are an exception. |
| What should I bring and what is not allowed in the room? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. We encourage students to look for energy efficient products denoted by the Energy Star logo. |
| What will my room look like? |
Because we offer a number of different housing options across campus, it’s difficult to say what a “typical” room looks like. However, once you receive your housing assignment you can look at a floor plan of your room and see the various features of your residence hall by going to our front page and choosing the room search option. |
| When will I receive my housing assignment? |
Roommate changes or changes to their housing contract will be accepted in writing until July 15. The majority of final housing assignments for the academic year will be sent to your OSU e-mail account the last week of August. This will include the name(s) and address(es) of roommate(s) as well as arrival information and instructions. |
| Where can students do laundry? |
Each residence hall complex is equipped with washers and dryers. Students can use cash or their BuckID account to wash or dry their clothes. |
| Jobs |
| Are certain jobs only for work-study students? |
Yes. Some jobs are only available to students who have been offered Work Study in their FAFSA award letter. Students can review available jobs at http://sfa.osu.edu/jobs. Those only available as Work Study will be indicated. |
| Can I be an OA in any building? |
Yes, if you are a resident of an OSU residence hall, you may apply to be an Office Assistant in any residence hall on campus. |
| How do I find a job on campus? |
Students can review available jobs at http://sfa.osu.edu/jobs. |
| How many hours are normal to work with an average class schedule? |
This depends on many aspects of your college life. The number and difficulty of your class load and the amount of time you spend doing extracurricular activities all may weigh on your time available for a job. An average workload ranges between 8 and 12 hours a week which can be adjusted according to your schedule. |
| What are all the responsibilities of a resident advisor (RA)? |
The RA works with her/his staff team to ensure that the residence halls are a safe, welcoming educational environment. To learn more about the specific job responsibilities of the RA, click on the “Jobs” link at the top of this page. |
| What are the benefits of having a campus job as opposed to an off campus job? |
The Office of University Housing is one of the largest employers of undergraduate students at The Ohio State University. We have found that students who are employed on campus manage their time [and money] better and are more satisfied with their Ohio State experience. The Student Assistant position in the university residence halls is just one of several on-campus job opportunities. The Student Assistant position will provide you with a unique way to experience the campus; and the benefits you receive far exceed your bi-weekly paycheck. |
| What is a resident advisor? |
The resident advisor (RA) is a student who lives in your community and is responsible for helping to provide a safe, educational community. Your RA works with an RA staff team to facilitate an environment that supports you and your community throughout the year. Interested in becoming an RA? Click the “Jobs” link at the top of this page to learn more. |
| Learning Communities |
| Does it cost me more to participate in a Learning Community? |
No – our Learning Communities are offered at no additional cost to you so that every student can take advantage of participating in these communities. |
| How do I know which LC is right for me? |
We offer LCs that are grouped in the following categories: academic programs, cultural programs, honors and scholars programs, and scholarship programs. It’s probably easiest to decide which of these is of most interest to you and consider what type of environment you would like to live in. For example, do you want to live in an environment where programming is planned around the topic of your academic major, or would you rather have program opportunities that are linked around a different focus (such as diversity, service, scholarship housing)? |
| How do I pick a Learning Community? |
Start by checking out our LC section of the Web site to determine which areas are of interest to you. If you have a roommate, discuss with her/him what they prefer. You will need to indicate your choice on the Housing Contract before you return it. |
| Maintenance & Facilities Request |
| Do I need to be there when maintenance comes to my room? |
No. Completing the Online Service Request (http://www.housing.osu.edu/request/) indicates that you are providing your permission for the maintenance and/or housekeeping staff member to enter your room. |
| For what kind of things do I write a service request? |
The typical things that students will write a service request for may include lighting issues in your room, temperature control, a difficult to close door, damaged room items and plumbing issues. Other situations require a more urgent response (e.g., lost room key), and these should be reported to your residence hall office immediately. |
| How long will it take to fix something? |
You will receive a response within 48 hours. If a part needs to be ordered, the repair may take a bit longer. |
| Mansfield Housing (all topics) |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What should I bring to Mansfield campus? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. |
| Newark Housing (all topics) |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What should I bring to Newark campus? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. |
| On Campus Dining |
| Am I required to get a meal plan if I live on campus? |
First-year students are required to have a meal plan when living in the residence halls. Upperclass students may make the decision to accept or decline a meal plan. There are several options which may be viewed under On Campus Dining. |
| Are the dining commons close to the dorms? |
Yes. There are a variety of dining options available to you on each area of campus. Some residence halls are even connected through the basement or an underground tunnel to certain dining commons. You may use your meal plan at any dining commons across campus. |
| Are the dining commons open late? |
There are many late-night options for dining. Please see the Dining Services Web site for the most current hours. |
| Can I eat off campus with my BuckID? |
Yes. A number of vendors near campus accept BUCK-ID as a form of payment. Check the BUCK-ID Web site (https://buckid.osu.edu) to see which restaurants accept this as a form of payment. |
| Can I share meal plans with visitors? |
You can use up to 20% of your swipes to purchase swipes for guests. This means that if you have the Deluxe Plus plan, which provides you 250 swipes for the quarter, you have 50 guest meal swipes. Just tell the cashier that you are using a guest meal and we can take care of the rest. |
| Do missed meals and unused BuckID money carry across quarters? |
Unused BuckID money carries over for students to use the next quarter. The quarterly allotment of meal swipes is available all quarter long, but they do not transfer from quarter to quarter. |
| How do I cancel or change my meal plan? |
You can cancel or change your meal plan to a plan that suits you best during the first weeks of each quarter. To make changes, visit Meal Plan Changes, or contact the Housing Assignments Office at 350 Morrill Tower, call 292-8266. |
| If I change my Dining Plan how will my fees be calculated? |
Fees for a dining plan change will be calculated as follows: 1) Old dining plan: meal plan expenditure charge will be based on the percentage of swipes used prior to meals change. 2) New Dining Plan: 100% of new dining plan fee, as you will receive the full number of swipes for your new dining plan. Please call the Housing Assignments Office at 614-292-8266 if you have any questions before making dining plan changes online. |
| Is it possible to eat in any dining commons on campus? |
Yes. Student's ID cards serve as a meal pass. It can be used in any dining commons on campus including Sprouts, our vegetarian option. Students with the traditional dining plan have limited dining location options. |
| What if I need to add additional swipes to my meal plan |
A student or parent can contact the Housing Office (614) 292-8266 and with a credit card we can add additional swipes to a student's current meal plan. We sell additional swipes in increments of 10 swipes for $70.00. A student can also come into the Housing Office 350 Morrill Tower to purchase the additional swipes paying with cash, check, or credit card. We do not have an online method to add additional meal swipes. A student must have a meal plan in order to add additional meal swipes. |
| What is a meal plan? |
Students purchase a certain number of swipes per quarter. One swipe of their BuckID usually is equivalent to one meal. For more information contact http://www.food.osu.edu/ or call them at 614- 292-8380.
|
| What is the advantage of having a meal plan instead of just making my own food? |
Storage space (for food and cooking utensils) and access to kitchens are not available in all residence halls. The convenience of a meal plan assures you food hot(or cold) and ready when you're hungry. There are a variety of options available through campus dining.
|
| What is the best or most popular meal plan? |
Most male students take the Scarlet Plus plan. Most female students take the Carmen Plus plan. Both plans provide students with a set number of quarterly swipes and $100 in their BuckID account. See more at http://www.food.osu.edu/. |
| Policies, Contracts, and Fees |
| If I change my Dining Plan how will my fees be calculated? |
Fees for a dining plan change will be calculated as follows: 1) Old dining plan: meal plan expenditure charge will be based on the percentage of swipes used prior to meals change. 2) New Dining Plan: 100% of new dining plan fee, as you will receive the full number of swipes for your new dining plan. Please call the Housing Assignments Office at 614-292-8266 if you have any questions before making dining plan changes online. |
| There is a problem with my housing contract. Who do I contact/where do I go to fix it? |
You should contact the Housing Services office at 614-292-8266 or via e-mail immediately. |
| What do I do if I don't like my housing assignment? |
We regret that we are unable to accept requests for change of assignment once assignments are mailed out. We do make a change request process available to students the third week of fall quarter. To change rooms at this time, a resident should contact their hall director. |
| What if I don’t agree with what my hall director decided about my judicial sanction? |
Appeal. Refer to Code on Student Conduct for more information about the appeals process. |
| What if I get in trouble? |
The situation will be documented and a senior staff member will request to meet with you about the situation at a later date. |
| What if my roommate doesn’t follow the roommate agreement? |
Meet with your resident advisor to discuss the situation and potentially renegotiate some of the terms that were previously determined. Students can always request to make different decisions about the contents of this agreement (especially as the year progresses and they get to know each other even better). |
| What is the cost of a residence hall room and meal contract? |
Please see the information included under the "Policies, Contracts and Fees" section of our Web site. |
| Will I be charged for something breaking in my room? |
Yes. Although it depends on the situation, students are responsible for the condition of their room at the point of check-out. Aside from normal wear and tear, it is expected that items are returned in the condition they were found at check-in. |
| Roommates |
| Can I pick my own roommate? |
You can indicate a roommate preference while you are completing your Housing Contract. You will need the other student’s OSU dot.number. |
| How do I tell my current roommate I don’t want to live with him/her next year? |
This can be tough, but it’s important that you talk to your roommate early to discuss your concerns. Talk to your RA about tips on having this conversation. |
| Is it better to live with someone I know? |
Some students come to campus planning to live with someone they already know. This is great, but it is just as important that you learn to communicate openly with her/him. It’s one thing to know someone from your class in high school, it’s an entirely different thing to live in the same room with her/him. Talk openly about your pet peeves, living preferences and study/sleep preferences before you decide.
If you decide to room with someone you know, it is just as important that you complete the Roommate Agreement (your RA will help you do this during fall quarter) and learn to communicate openly with your roommate.
|
| Some Questions to go over with your new roommate |
How should we decorate the room?;
Can we borrow each other’s possessions?;
How often are visitors allowed to come and how long can they stay?;What to bring?
|
| What do I do if I have roommate problems? |
We encourage students to contact their resident advisor or hall director who will attempt to mediate and resolve problems. For Parents: if you need to find out how the situation is being addressed or for additional information, you should contact your student's hall director. The hall desk phone number is indicated on the assignment notification. |
| What if my roommate doesn’t follow the roommate agreement? |
Meet with your resident advisor to discuss the situation and potentially renegotiate some of the terms that were previously determined. Students can always request to make different decisions about the contents of this agreement (especially as the year progresses and they get to know each other even better). |
| Safety |
| Are residence halls locked? |
At the Ohio State University, campus residence halls are locked 24-hours a day. To gain access, students must use their Buck ID cards to open an outside door by swiping a magnetic card reader. Students living in Lincoln House must swipe their Buck ID to use the elevator after business hours. Students without ID cards may request access by using a foyer telephone to talk with the hall desk staff. Guests should contact their resident host. Hosts should let guests in and escort them to the resident’s room. |
| Can anyone get into my dorm? |
Anyone who lives in the residence halls can enter any residence hall on campus with their Buck-ID between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. After 9 p.m. a student must be escorted through any residence hall they do not live in by a resident of that hall.
The residence halls are locked to anyone who does not have a Buck-ID. |
| Can I leave my belongings in the room during break periods? |
Yes. While student rooms are typically accessed for maintenance purposes only, we do encourage students to take expensive property home with them. Clothes and other belongings can be left in student rooms. |
| How can help be contacted in an emergency? |
The University has an internal 911 emergency telephone system. By dialing 911 from any campus phone, including pay telephones which do not require a coin for these calls, direct access to the University Police dispatcher is available 24 hours a day. In addition, there are over 100 emergency "blue light" phones located throughout the campus. Seven "blue light" phones are also located in the immediate off-campus University area. |
| How do I get around campus after dark? |
The Student Escort Service transports students safely to their place of residence between the hours of 7:30 pm to 2:50 am from spring quarter until fall quarter, and from 6:30 pm to 2:50 am during winter quarter. Their number is 2-3322, and it is advisable to call an hour in advance. |
| How safe is the Columbus campus of Ohio State? |
Generally speaking, it is safe. However, this is a large campus located in a major metropolitan area, and it is not immune to the crimes that occur everywhere. If you follow the common sense security precautions used at home and listed here, you will greatly reduce the chance that you will become a crime victim:
- Lock your doors and windows, especially when you are away.
- Do not leave your bookbag unattended.
- Mark your valuables, especially computers and bicycles, and leave un-needed and very valuable items at home.
- Keep a separate record of serial numbers on computers, stereos, and similar items of property.
- Do not leave valuables in open view in your parked vehicle; cover or place in the trunk.
- Use a good quality bicycle lock.
- Follow fire safety regulations and practices.
- After dark, stay on well-lit and well-traveled paths. Walk with a friend.
- Be familiar with the locations of "blue light" emergency phones.
- DO NOT lend your ID card or key to anyone.
- Do not let unauthorized persons into your residence hall; don't let persons "tail gate" through an open door.
- Report suspicious activities to hall staff or University Police.
- Remain sober - alcohol is a factor in many crimes. Intoxicated persons are more vulnerable to robbery, assault and date rape.
For information on the Annual Campus Safety Report go to http://studentlife.osu.edu/safety/.
Safety is the responsibility of us all. Suspicious persons or activity, situations or conditions which present a hazard, and concern about health and safety issues should be brought to the attention of your hall staff and, when appropriate, to the attention of University Police or Student Life Risk Assessment.
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| Is it safe to walk on campus at night? |
Although the campus is well lit and generally safe when walking alone, it is not recommended. Following simple safety precautions, such as planning nighttime library visits with a friend just make sense. Some nearby areas off-campus are less safe to walk alone. |
| Is specialized safety training available? |
Yes, University Police and other campus offices offer many programs. Self-defense, crime prevention literature, theft prevention materials and other programs may provide helpful information. Each hall staff will be able to provide any other guidance you may need or for printed materials by contacting University Police at 614-292-2121. |
| Must I always take my room key with me? |
It is a very good idea and we recommend it. Locking the door to a room and taking the key, even if just going down the hall for a few minutes, are good practices to make habits and the best precaution against theft. |
| Should I record valuables before bringing them to campus? |
Descriptive lists, including serial numbers, are important records for insurance purposes. You may register valuables at our online site after arriving on campus. The Registry is available 24 hours a day. Bicycles may also be registered with a passive transponder during the year. There is no cost for these services. |
| What about fire safety? |
We take fire safety very seriously in campus residential units. Fire extinguishers, trained hall staff, smoke detectors, and fire drills are all part of our fire safety program. Students should not, under any circumstance, have lit candles or other open flames in their rooms or overload electrical outlets. Regular safety messages, including fire safety, may be found at the Safety Services Web site for Student Life at http://studentlife.osu.edu/safetyinformation.asp. |
| What type of police or security force does the University have? |
Ohio State has a professional University Police department that provides the same police services to the campus as city police do in various Ohio towns and cities. Trained officers are available all year round 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The non-emergency phone number for University Police is 292-2121. The Web site for more information is http://www.ps.ohio-state.edu. In addition, University Security Services provides random patrols in residence hall areas. |
| Transportation and Parking |
| Can I have a car on campus as a freshman? |
To meet the many competing demands for a limited parking resource, first-year students living in the residence halls during the 2007-08 academic year will not be permitted to bring a vehicle to campus or purchase an OSU parking permit. Please contact Traffic & Parking at tpinfo@osu.edu or call 614-292-9341 (or toll free 1-877-OSU-PARK) with questions, concerns or alternative transportation and parking options. |
| How do I get around campus/the city? |
The Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) provides convenient transportation on the Columbus Campus. COTA (the Central Ohio Transit Authority) has a special partnership with The Ohio State University to provide unlimited rides on all COTA routes to OSU students at a discounted rate of $9 per quarter (through a mandatory student fee paid with your tuition). Simply present your student BuckID to the bus operator when you board and you ride for free. COTA also provides a shuttle to and from the airport at the beginning and ending of every quarter for students flying into Columbus. |
| If I am from out of state, how do I get to the airport/bus depot during breaks? |
The Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) provides convenient transportation on the Columbus Campus. COTA (the Central Ohio Transit Authority) has a special partnership with The Ohio State University to provide unlimited rides on all COTA routes to OSU students at a discounted rate of $9 per quarter (through a mandatory student fee paid with your tuition). Simply present your student BuckID to the bus operator when you board and you ride for free. COTA also provides a shuttle to and from the airport at the beginning and ending of every quarter for students flying into Columbus. |
