All single, freshman and sophomore traditional undergraduate students under 21 years of age, who are not living at home with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are required to live in residence to the extent that rooms are available. Students who are 21 years of age or older, including juniors and seniors, may also be required to live on campus if they are on disciplinary probation. Housing is not guaranteed for junior and senior students and is dependent on space available. It is intended that Residence Life shall serve to develop Christian character, self-control, and thoughtful consideration of the rights of others. Students in residence agree to abide by all regulations in effect. All students (and their guests) are required to observe the “Rules, Restraints, and Responsibilities” of community membership at Vanguard University, found in the “Rules, Restraints, and Responsibilities” section in this handbook. Students will be held responsible for the actions of their guests. For more information about housing at Vanguard, please visit the Housing Portal.

All single, freshman and sophomore traditional undergraduate students under 21 years of age wishing to live off-campus with their parent(s) or legal guardians(s) must receive prior authorization from the Residence Life Office by submitting an Off-Campus Housing Petition each year. Students are advised not to enter into a lease agreement before obtaining approval for off-campus status. Having a lease in place will not be a factor for consideration of a request. On and off-campus students may not live with a member of the opposite gender other than their spouse and/or sibling (as long as sibling does not have another roommate of same gender). Off-campus students are also subject to the “Rules, Restraints, and Responsibilities” of community members found in this handbook.

During fall and spring semester at least seven (7) units must be maintained in order to receive consideration for on-campus residency, though full-time, traditional undergraduate students receive priority consideration.

As a reminder, students must be enrolled in twelve (12) units to be considered a full-time student.

Housing is not typically available for Graduate and Professional Studies students. At times, exceptions may be made. Graduate and PS athletes with housing scholarships may be eligible for on-campus housing on a space-available basis and may not reserve a room during housing registration. Graduate and PS students who choose to live on campus will be required to abide by the community standards for traditional undergraduate students as outlined in this handbook under “Rules, Restraints, and Responsibilities”.

Vanguard University housing operates on an academic year housing contract. Students wishing to live on campus will sign a housing contract each year during Housing Registration during the spring semester. The amount of $200 must be paid as a deposit to secure a space in campus housing.  Leaving housing at semester is considered a breaking of this contract and is subject to a break of lease fee of $500. Students graduating at semester or studying abroad in spring are not subject to this fee.

Complete the On-Campus Housing Application on the Housing Portal.

• New Students: The housing portal is available to new students only after remittance of the $300 enrollment deposit and the $200 housing deposit for on-campus students.
• Returning Students: Housing applicants are required to remit a $200 housing deposit. This deposit must accompany the initial residence application to reserve university housing each year. The deposit will be refunded to students at the end of the academic year less any damage charges of Residence Life fees. The deposit is refundable to applicants who decide to not utilize campus housing, if the Residence Life office receives written notification of withdrawal/cancellation of their housing application on or before May 1 for the fall semester. Housing deposits are non-refundable after May 1.
• Spring Term Students: Housing applicants for spring term are required to remit a $200 housing deposit. This deposit must accompany the initial residence application to reserve university housing each year.  This deposit will be refunded to students at the end of the academic year less any damage charges of Residence Life fees. The deposit is refundable to applicants who decide to not utilize campus housing, if the Residence Life office receives written notification of withdrawal/cancellation of their housing application on or before January 1 for the spring semester. Housing deposits are non-refundable after January 1.
• Room assignments will be made and posted on the student portal by August 1 for students with completed Housing Applications.

Students may move into their room assignment only on their designated move-in day at their self-selected check-in time. Upon arrival, students will receive their room key and complete a room inspection form. Forms must be returned at the first Mandatory Floor Meeting of the year or within 48 hours of checking into housing. Each resident is responsible for all damages to the room they occupy (and common areas) as a result of unexpected wear. It is important that the condition of the room and furnishings be indicated accurately on the inspection form. By completing this form, students are agreeing to the current condition of the room. If students do not fill out the inspection form within the listed timeframe, they are accepting the condition of the room as acceptable and without damage. Failure to complete the form will result in liability for any cleaning, repairs, and /or replacement costs incurred at the time of check-out. Students will be charged for damages as they are reported to Residence Life. All repair charges will be billed equally to room occupants unless otherwise noted.

Non-graduating residents must vacate residence rooms no later than 7:00 PM the Friday of final exams in fall and 7:00 PM the day after finals end in spring. Graduating seniors must vacate residence rooms no later than 5:00 PM the day following Commencement ceremonies. The only exceptions are those who have been approved for Christmas housing (if offered) or summer housing. Exceptions must be cleared by the Assistant Director of Housing or Director of Residence Life. Students who fail to meet this deadline or do not follow check out procedures will be charged an improper check out fee. In addition, all late check outs will be assessed $15 per hour until they properly check out of the room. In checking out, follow these steps:

1. Follow all instructions emailed, posted and/or given by the RA during a Mandatory Floor Meeting.
2. Clean the room.

• All personal belongings must be removed from the room.  
• The room needs to be vacuumed and dusted.  
• All furniture must be clean and in the standard layout given to the students from Residence Life. 
• Everything from the walls must be removed.
• Kitchen appliances and private baths must also be clean. 
• Students are responsible to ensure that the common areas are clean

3. Have all belongings out of the facility and key turned in before the deadline.

• Keys should be returned with the proper key envelope to the key box located in the residence hall. A replacement fee of $100 will be assessed to the student's account for non-returned or copied keys.

4. The $200 housing deposit will be refunded subject to completion of the check-out procedure and subject to payment of losses or damage (if any) to VU property. The deposit may also be used to repair common area damages in which individuals are not identified as responsible. Failure to properly clean the room will result in a room cleaning charge of up to $75 against the housing deposit. The cost of repairing damages beyond the amount of the deposit will be charged to the student's account. Roommates are jointly responsible for any financial liability stemming from room damage unless responsibility for specific damage is noted by residents upon checkout. Housing deposits will be returned no later than February 1 for fall, and June 15 for spring. Resident students should contact the Office of Accounting Operations for procedures to have the deposit returned.
5. Any personal belongings left behind after the resident students officially checks out of housing, or is left in the room or common areas beyond the approved housing agreement provisions, may be discarded without notice by the University and incur any associate fees.

The housing contract is for the entire academic year.

• Housing Deposit: Prior to Housing Registration, a $200 housing deposit must be paid in order to secure a spot, as explained in the section On-Campus Housing Process. In order for the deposit to be refunded, the Residence Life Office must receive notice of cancellation from the student in writing by May 1.  Students that choose to cancel housing after this deadline will not receive the refund of the housing deposit regardless of reason for cancellation. No exceptions.
• Refunds: Refunds will be given based on the refund chart published in the Course Schedule less the housing deposit. Students that cancel housing after being checked-in to a room must follow all Express Check-Out Procedures. Students must move out of housing within 48 hours of termination of the Housing Contract unless written agreement is obtained by the Residence Life Office.
• Break of Lease Fee: Students who cancel housing between the fall and spring semester and prior to the 100% refund date must pay a break of lease fee of $500.Students no longer qualifying for housing are not subject to this fee.  Students living in campus housing that would like to apply to move off-campus for the spring semester must submit an Off-Campus Petition to the Residence Life Office.

For any additional questions, please contact housinginfo@vanguard.edu.

Changing Rooms

Possible room changes may be discussed with the Resident Assistant or the Resident Director ten days after the fall semester has started and must be approved by the appropriate Resident Director prior to any move. A Room/Roommate Change Request must be completed on the Housing Portal.  If the change is approved, follow the check-out procedure on the old room assignment and the check-in procedure on the new room assignment.  Room changes within the last two weeks of the semester will not be accommodated. Changing rooms without approval will result in a $100 fine. The University reserves the right to assign a new occupant to fill a vacancy, to make changes in room assignments, and to re-assign or remove a student from the residence facilities.

Vacancies

Regardless of any vacancy, all furniture must remain in the room and usable on short notice.

• Students with a vacancy in their room should be prepared to receive another roommate at any given time at the discretion of the Residence Life Office.
• All vacancies are given equal priority for roommate placement. No priority will be given to protect any vacancy.
• Any resident that makes it impossible/undesirable for an assigned roommate to stay in the room or enter a vacant space will be referred to the conduct process. This policy pertains not only to the moving of personal belongings but also may pertain to the attitude of current residents of the room. Sanctions could include buyout of the vacancy created by the student’s action.

Christmas Break Key Return

All residential students (including Vanguard Centre residents) are required to vacate campus housing for the duration of Christmas break. Students leaving for Christmas break are expected to leave their room in good condition and return their key using the Express Check Out process. Details will be communicated to all residential students via the Assistant Director of Housing and/or their Resident Assistant. There are financial consequences for not following the communicated procedures.

Christmas Break Housing for University Required Activities

Some students may be permitted to remain in the residence halls based on the Office of Residence Life and other campus departments approval for participation in University sanctioned events or programs. Students required to stay in campus housing over Christmas break may be required to relocate to another room or accept a temporary roommate during the Christmas Break housing period at the discretion of the Assistant Director of Housing and Resident Director.  All approvals for Christmas Break housing will be communicated to students from the Residence Life Office via the Assistant Director of Housing.

On campus residence facilities will be closed beginning at 7:00PM the Friday of finals week and will re-open at the time specified by housing, the Saturday prior to classes resuming for the spring semester.

There is no official food service plan provided during the Christmas Break period.

Spring Break Housing

Housing facilities will not close during spring break, so students may continue to live in the residence halls if they choose. There is no food service available during spring break.

Summer Housing

Summer housing is available for current Vanguard students enrolled in summer courses and is a privilege for returning students who wish to remain on-campus over the summer break. Priority is given to students enrolled in summer courses at VU and students staying for the entire summer. Students may not be eligible for summer housing if they are on disciplinary probation and/or carry a balance on their student account. Students must be enrolled for the upcoming fall semester to be eligible for summer housing (exceptions granted to graduating seniors enrolled in summer courses). Summer housing assignments are not officially confirmed until applicants receive email notification from the Assistant Director of Housing. Clearance with the Office of Accounting Operations is required prior to the student being able to relocate to summer housing. Summer housing applications are available starting February 15 and must be submitted by March 25.

Summer Housing Cancellation Policy

Students who cancel their Summer Housing application after April 1 will be charged a $100 cancellation fee.

All students requesting living area accommodations must do so with the Office of Disability Services.  The Office of Disability Services will inform Residence Life regarding reasonable accommodations.  This includes assistance animals that may be used by individuals with disabilities.  Students with approved service or support animals must sign and abide by the Service Animal/ESA Guideline & Agreement form given to them by the Office of Disability Services. Any violations of the guidelines may result in immediate removal of the animal from Vanguard University’s campus housing. Damages created by the animal are the sole responsibility of the student. All requests for accommodations must be submitted to the Office of Disability Services by deadlines set by that office to be properly accommodated.

Room Unlocks

Occasionally, students may become locked out of the residence room. A student who has become locked out of their room should first contact his/her Resident Assistant to gain entrance into the room. If a student is unable to locate his/her Resident Assistant or if the RA is not available, he or she may contact Campus Public Safety at 949-244-0098. The CPS officer will request to see some identification and will verify that the student is the listed occupant in the room before unlocking the door. Students will be assessed a $5 fee for an RA or a CPS room unlock.

Lost Key

Students who have lost their keys may request a replacement from the Residence Life Office. A $100 replacement charge will be assessed to the student’s account. Loss of master key will result in a $100 fine per door that must be rekeyed, if necessary.

Our hope is that students’ rooms will become a home to them. Students are encouraged to make it attractive and comfortable; however, the room must be left in the same condition as when it was first moved into. Room décor should be acceptable, appropriate and agreed upon by all roommates.

• No more than 10% of the walls may be covered.
• No paint, wallpaper, contact paper or other adhesive projects may be used on walls or university furniture.
• Small finishing nails, tacks, or push pins may be used to apply decoration to walls only (limited to 3-5 holes per wall). Cinder Block wall may use 3M/command strips, poster putty, or blue painter’s tape. If the adhesive hangers do remove paint or damage the walls in any way, the occupants of the room will be responsible for the damage. Excessive amounts of holes in the walls will result in accrued damage charges.
• Decorations can only be hung from walls (not attached to or suspended from ceilings) and must be a minimum of 1 foot from the ceiling and at least 3 feet from all four sides of a fire extinguisher or fire alarm pull station. Decorations are prohibited on fire doors and may not hang or adhere anything from the fire sprinkler systems, including sprinklers and pipes.
• University furniture may not be stacked on top of each other or any other object unless it is designed to be securely stacked. Residents may not intentionally alter any University furniture.
• Residents may not use alcohol, alcohol containers, and/or drug paraphernalia as room decorations.
• Residents are responsible for any damage to furniture and property if furniture is used other than its intended design.
• All damages to the room are the responsibility of the occupants assigned to the room.

Students are expected to be alert to fire hazards and to use good judgment when potential hazards exist. It is impossible to list all fire hazards, but the following represents an effort to address the basic safety regulations in the residence hall.

Common hallways/areas must be free of clutter and/or obstacles that could potentially hinder evacuation routes. For example, bikes, surfboards, furniture, and other large objects cannot be stored in hallways or common areas.

Electrical appliances must be UL approved. The burning of candles or incense; the use of kerosene or propane lanterns or lamps; and the storage of combustible fuels, paints, or oils is not permitted in residence halls and is subject to disciplinary action. Halogen lamps, lava lamps, and extension cords are not permitted. Anything that produces an open flame is not permitted. Students should not tamper with existing electrical equipment, lighting, wiring, and switches. Room decorations should consist of fire-retardant materials. Exceptions must be approved by the Resident Director.

Students are required to observe all fire alarms and evacuation procedures. Failure to respond appropriately to fire alarms (including fire drills) is subject to conduct fines.

Hanging anything from fire sprinklers or pipes in residence halls is prohibited and is a fire code violation.  Students may be held responsible for damages caused by hanging items from fire equipment.

Room Furniture

• Each room is fully furnished to meet the needs of students. Beds, mattresses (twin XL), desks, desk chairs, and a dresser are provided in each residence hall room. Furniture is not to be removed from the room or the student will be charged a fine of $25 per furniture item (and a replacement cost if not returned).  The beds provided by the University are designed to sleep one person only.  Bed rails for bunk beds in Catalina or Vanguard Centre will be provided upon request of the student (request to be made to the Assistant Director of Housing). Balport, Huntington, and Laguna have standard bed rails for all beds that can be lofted or bunked by residents without Residence Life Office approval.

Lounge Furniture

• Furnishings in the lounge areas are not to be removed. Any person violating this policy will be fined $50 per piece (and replacement costs if not returned).  No additional furniture may be permanently added to any common space without permission. Furniture left in lounges may be discarded without warning and charged to the student(s) responsible.

Bed Bunking Procedure

• Residence Hall beds will be bunked, debunked, and adjusted by Residence Life staff personnel only in Catalina and Vanguard Centre to ensure proper bunking and safety of residents.  
• Students in Laguna, Huntington and Balport may adjust their bed heights without approval.  Students can request bunking, debunking, or height adjustments during the first two weeks of school through StarRez Housing Portal free of charge.  Any requests placed after the first two weeks will result in a $25 charge. 
• Residence Life staff will reset beds to standard set up upon check-out at the end of the academic school year. Residence Life is not responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from improper use of furniture or adjustments made by unauthorized personnel. If beds are bunked, debunked, or adjusted without approval, students may be subject to disciplinary action.

Storage

• Vanguard University does not provide extra storage space, other than the space within the resident student’s assigned room, and appropriate resident storage closets (NH & BH). Students may not store personal belongings in rooms and closets over the summer break.  Items stored in common areas or stairwells may be discarded by University staff without notice.

Cooking Appliances

• Most student rooms are not designed as cooking facilities and therefore food preparation in the residence facilities is not permitted. Vanguard Centre, limited rooms in Balboa Hall with full kitchen facilities, and the Newport kitchen are an exception to this rule.
• Permitted items:  Only appliances such as popcorn poppers, coffee pots, blenders, and compact refrigerators and microwaves are allowed in student rooms.
• Kitchenette style spaces are designed for food preparation and may have “George Foreman” style grills.
• Balport quad spaces are not considered kitchenettes.
• Prohibited items:  Hot plates, toasters, crockpots, rice cookers, potpourri burners, electric skillets, electric saucepans, broiler ovens, sandwich grills, toaster ovens, full-size refrigerators or other such electrical appliances are not acceptable.

Refrigerators in Rooms

Vanguard University does allow for resident students to keep refrigerators in University rooms; however, there are some   restrictions:

1. Refrigerator can be no larger than 4.5 cubic feet
2. No more than two refrigerators per room
3. Residence Life reserves the right to require students to remove refrigerators if these restrictions are not observed.  Also, the University reserves the right to require residents to remove/unplug refrigerators if they disrupt electrical power to the residence halls

Satellite TV and Air Conditioning Units

• Personal satellite TV dishes and/or air conditioning units may not be secured to University property, nor shall the installation of such systems obstruct egress routes from residence halls, cause a safety hazard, or alter the intended design and construction of the facility.  This condition applies to other appliances not described herein, but are deemed a risk, hazard, or in violation by University officials. 
• Each building can sustain a limited number of free-standing air conditioning units.  If students wish to keep a free-standing air conditioning unit in their residence hall room, they may submit a request to the Assistant Director of Housing. All requests will be approved on a first-come first-served basis.  If approved, students may keep a free-standing air conditioning unit in their residence hall room for an additional charge of $50 per semester to defray energy expenses.
• Unapproved units found in rooms may be confiscated without warning. The University reserves the right to require residents to remove/unplug air conditioners if they disrupt electrical power to the residence halls.

Room Inspections

Since residence hall living involves sharing facilities with other students, a broad sense of responsibility must be maintained. The University reserves the right to make periodic health and safety inspections. The University also maintains master keys to all residence halls and reserves the right to inspect rooms by authorized personnel at any time without prior notice. Our policy is to lock any door behind us if a room will be left unoccupied.

Right to Enter

VU reserves the right for authorized personnel to enter any unit at any time for purpose of inspection, repairs, or other official business of which the resident will be informed at time of entry, if present. Tours for guests or prospective students may be necessary on very brief notice. If at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that an occupant is using his/her residence room in a manner inconsistent with appropriate University regulations, a search may be made by a University representative to gather evidence for use in conduct proceedings.

Restricted Areas

• City Hall Property
  • Students are prohibited from walking, riding skateboards, bicycling, parking their vehicles or in any other way utilizing City Hall parking lots or property and are subject to fines if they do so.
• Roofs of Buildings
  • Students known to have been climbing on buildings without proper authorization or known to have been involved in defacing them will be assessed the cost of repairs and subject to severe disciplinary action (suspension). This includes unauthorized access to roofs and ledges of all buildings.

Throwing Objects

For safety purposes, no objects (including liquids) may be thrown from a residence facility or into a residence facility. Throwing objects from or into any residence facility window, roof, or balcony will result in a $100 fine and possible removal from the residence hall.

Skateboards/Roller Blades/Bikes/Hoverboards

Due to the potential for property damage and in the interest of safety and comfort of all University members, the use of roller blades, roller skates, bikes, scooters, and skateboards is prohibited inside campus buildings and elevators, including residence facilities and lobbies. Limited use of such is permitted on driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks (with the exception of those around the residence halls and within ten feet of a building). Use of courtyards (for example, Needham Chapel, Scott Academic Center) is prohibited.

Riders shall refrain from riding on railings, benches, or otherwise damaging University property. Riders are responsible for the damages they cause to any persons or University property. Riders should use caution, maintain a safe speed and distance from buildings and people, and are encouraged to wear head and body protection when riding on campus. The University is not responsible for injuries suffered while riding roller blades, roller skates, bikes, scooters, or skateboards on campus. Failure to abide by these policies may result in disciplinary action.

Hoverboards and similar electronic self-balancing devices are banned on campus.  See Hoverboard Policy under General Student Policies and Services.

No animals are allowed in Residence Halls. Exceptions include:

• Approved Emotional Support or Service animals
• Fish in tanks of 5 gallons or less
  • Residents with fish must take proper care of the tank and all roommates must consent to having the tank in the room. Tank owners will be held responsible for all damages that occur if the tank breaks.

Residents found in violation of the pet policy are subject to fines and will be required to remove the pet from University residence.  First offense is a $50 fine; second offense is $100 fine and possible removal of student from University housing.  Removal of non-approved pets in the residence halls is expected within 12 hours of official notice from University officials.  If the pet is not removed in this time frame, the violation becomes a second offense.

University policy does not allow any individual to enter the living area (halls or rooms) of those of the opposite sex except for designated times such as Open House visitation.  Occasionally, University personnel may do so, but only after announcing their intention to enter. In the interest of student safety, Campus Public Safety personnel may patrol residence facility hallways. After 11:00 PM, Campus Public Safety will not announce their presence to avoid disturbing sleeping residents

During open hours, community expectations must be followed at all times.   Open House visitation hours for each residence hall are communicated to resident students at the mandatory floor meeting and are posted in various places in the residence halls.  Each resident student is responsible to become familiar with the Open House visitation hours.  The Residence Life staff monitors Open House.  Violations of Open House policies may result in other disciplinary action.

Room doors must be completely open when members of the opposite sex are together in a residence hall room during Open House Visitation hours or if a member of the opposite sex is in an opposite sex room by himself or herself during open house hours (Laguna Hall, Huntington Hall, Balboa Hall, Newport Hall, and Catalina Hall).

Member of the opposite sex may not lie together on/in a bed or couch.  If on the bed, students (and or student and guest) must be sitting or in upright position.

Resident students are responsible to keep track of the time for when open house visitation hours are over.   Students of the opposite gender must be completely out of the building/floor/room/quad at the time open house ends.

Open House Visitation hours:

The Open House visitation hours for each residence hall are communicated to resident students at the mandatory floor meeting and are posted in various places in the residence halls.  Each resident student is responsible to attend the mandatory floor meeting and become familiar with the Open House Visitation hours.  Open House hours may be adjusted over holiday and break periods.  There is no Open House when classes are not in session.  Residence Life staff reserves the right to cancel Open House visitation hours at any time.

Laguna, Huntington, and Catalina

Monday-Thursday…7pm-11pm

Friday-Sunday……..4pm-12am (midnight)

Balboa & Newport

Everyday…………..12 noon-12am (midnight)

Vanguard Centre

Everyday…………..10am-1am

Occasionally a resident may wish to have an overnight guest. Permission to do so must be obtained in advance from the Resident Director in writing. Students must request overnight guests using the guest registration page in the Housing Portal.

Approved guests can stay up to three nights on-campus per semester total. Visitors who are under the age of 18 may not stay unless they are prospective students connected to a visit with the Admissions Office. Guests should make arrangements with Campus Public Safety for a temporary parking permit if necessary. Host will be held responsible for any guest behavior that violates our community standards, including anything that would result in fines or damages to University or private property. Guests are not permitted to have in their possession a key to the resident host’s assigned room. Campus Public Safety officers do no unlock residence hall doors for non-student guests.

University officials reserve the right to require non-student guests to vacate campus property.