Student Residences
Marlboro residence halls are small living units ranging from apartments (for upper-class students mostly) to dormitories housing 12 to 30 people each. They tend to function more like homes than institutional housing. Students must work together to develop and enforce policies, to create a welcome environment, and to maintain the cleanliness of the buildings.
At the beginning of each semester, the ground rules for each living unit (quiet hours, cleaning, parties, etc.) are developed by all the residents into a document called the Dorm Charter. In buildings with Resident Assistants, the RA will help facilitate this process, but it is up to each member of a house to participate and enforce these rules.
Assignment of Rooms
Marlboro College expects new students to live on campus for their first academic year as long as they meet the deposit deadline. This is in the interest of a socially integrated community and enhanced success of our incoming students. Exceptions are granted by the Associate Dean of Students only after a written appeal.
Near the end of each semester, the administration shall determine which rooms and apartments are to be made available to students in the following year.
Cleaning
Each residential unit is to be kept in order by its residents. We do have a professional cleaning crew for general upkeep (bathroom and common area cleaning under normal use conditions). It is important that parties and other gatherings be cleaned up by those students in attendance in order to avoid excess cleaning charges. In addition, kitchens should be cleaned after use.
All hallways, stairwells, and common areas need to be kept clear of personal belongings. This is both to enhance the cleanliness of the building and to provide safe fire egress. Trash and recyclables must be similarly placed in their proper receptacles outside the building.
Students are responsible for the condition of their rooms. When moving out of a room (either to another room or off campus for any reason) it is the student's responsibility to remove all belongings and clean the room.
Damage
Plant and Operations Office personnel will inspect every student's room at periodic intervals during the year. Any damage to the room or to the furniture and fixtures will be charged to the student's bill. If this bill is not paid, neither diplomas nor transcripts will be issued and continued registration is jeopardized. Damage to common areas, unless attributable to specific individuals, will be the responsibility of all residents of the building. For this reason, students should take extra care when non- residents are present in the common areas.
Furniture in Rooms
Dormitory rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs and dressers. Students may bring curtains and lamps for their rooms. Electric blankets, clocks, coffee makers, televisions, radios and stereos in good working condition are also permitted. Electric heaters, stoves, hot plates, "immersion heaters" and most other appliances are not permitted. Waste receptacles must be metal. We wish to avoid fire hazards and unnecessary consumption of electricity. There are small but adequate kitchen facilities for preparing snacks in some dormitories. For safety reasons, no one is allowed to sleep in any building that is not a dormitory.
Keys
Keys to dormitory rooms will be issued by the Residence Life Office. RA's handle keys for their buildings, Student Life Advisors (SLA's) and the Associate Dean issues all other residence keys.
Leaving Overnight
Resident students who leave campus overnight are requested to notify the RA of their destination so that they may be contacted in case of an emergency.
Resident Assistant Program
The purpose of the Resident Assistant program is to promote health, safety and courtesy in College housing.
RA's at Marlboro College are peer leaders who help the daily function of the living units. They serve as a facilitator of community, a link between the students and the administration, and as a first contact for problems that students might have. An RA is an advocate for the living unit, and should be familiar with the needs of the students living in his or her building. The RA is not a police officer, but assists community members in enforcing the rules, and should act in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by Town Meeting and the administration. The RA is a unique resource for members of our residential community.
The Associate Dean of Students and an interview team of faculty, staff and students selects Resident Assistants annually.
The Resident Assistant is responsible for:
As the College's representative in the dorms, the Resident Assistant assumes many roles. The RA's responsibilities largely center on establishing and maintaining a dormitory atmosphere that is conducive to residents overall education and development. This involves assisting students on both an individual and group basis.
The Resident Assistant job can generally be described in six areas:
- General RA Skills: The RA provides leadership, initiative and support to students. RAs are expected to actively demonstrate positive personal, academic, and job-related behaviors.
- Helping Skills: The RA is expected to be available to discuss student concerns and problems, both individually and in groups. The RA is also initiates referrals to the various specialized services available on campus and in the community.
- Community Development: The RA provides leadership and support for educational and social activities in the dorms. RAs promote an atmosphere where students are able to grow both academically and personally.
- Community Constitution and By-Laws: The RA is expected to actively promote and support policies outlined in the Marlboro College community constitution and by-laws. This necessitates that the RA be thoroughly familiar with the constitution and by-laws, as well as the procedures for mediating disputes, understanding policy and reporting incidents.
- Preparation and Planning: RAs are responsible for establishing dorm charters, as well as preparing and maintaining their dorm. RAs must complete all required paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
- Teambuilding: RAs must be able to work with other staff members in a professional manner. They should also be able to provide leadership in their dorms with enthusiasm and spirit.
Resident Assistants participate in RA training during the 10 days prior to the opening of the College in the fall, and they attend weekly Residential Life Staff meetings.
Resident Assistants are compensated with a single room, free of charge, and a $2000 stipend.