FRONT PORCH

“VILLAGE SPIRIT”: SOME OF OUR AWARD-WINNING LIVING AND LEARNING VILLAGE RESIDENTS EACH RECENTLY TOOK A MOMENT TO POSE FOR THEIR CLOSEUP. (PICTURED CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): LAUREN MOLES AND JENNI CHU, SCHOLARS VILLAGE; GRAY MADDREY, ARTS VILLAGE; YAMIL CRUZ, ALEXANDER GLOBAL VILLAGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR VILLAGES, VISIT WWW.NCSU.EDU/HOUSING/VILLAGES.

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY HOUSING NEWSLETTER FOR RESIDENTS SUMMER 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:

2 | AN INSIDER’S GUIDE

3 | STAY SAFE AT STATE

4 | GET IN THE KNOW

6 | GET EDUCATED

7 | CREATING CONNECTIONS

8 | A HOT TOPIC

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JOIN THE IRC AND FOLLOW YOUR PASSION AT NC STATE

he Inter-Residence Council (IRC) has a simple mission – make living on campus

a great experience. We do this by advocating for residents to administration, supporting projects important to the campus community, and creating exciting events of our own (Chillin’ and Grillin’, Silent Disco, among many others).

Making Your Campus GreatIf you have an idea about how to make campus a better place, we want to hear from you. Getting involved in the IRC is a great way to meet people, build skills and bring your big ideas to fruition. IRC has had its hand in everything from bus schedules to cable offerings and overnight visitation policies. Representing your area through IRC ensures that your voice is heard, keeps you in the loop about what’s happening on campus, and lets you push for the improvements you want to see.

Following Your PassionNo matter what your passion is, we probably have a task force in place to help you enact your vision for NC STATE. Our Community

Service committee, for instance, has been one of the top five fundraising organizations for Habitat for Humanity’s annual Shack-a-Thon fundraiser for the last eight years. In 2009, the IRC raised more money during Shack-a-Thon than any other volunteer-based organization. Our Sustainability committee sponsored tours of a recycling plant and the NC STATE Solar House, and has been supporting a real-time energy monitoring system in our residence halls called PackPulse. IRC is able to create or support almost any initiative its members set their sights on.

Make Big Events HappenEach year, thousands of students attend IRC events – and that’s only counting the first month. Whether it’s hosting the biggest cookout on campus, bringing a nationally-known hypnotist to Stewart Theater, or renting out an ice rink, IRC provides cool environments to meet people, see something new, and just have fun. Getting involved gives you access to the biggest event on campus, from the first brainstorm to the final product.

IRC is always open to new people and new ideas. Our office in Turlington Hall holds meetings (open to everyone) at 7 p.m. every Thursday during the school year.

If you want to get involved, look for our informational meetings at the beginning of the year and during our opening week events. You can also email irc@ncsu.edu if you have additional questions.

If you want to make campus a better place to live, work and play, we’d love to see you get involved.

Have a great summer!

Kyle Winters Inter-Residence Council President

TBy Kyle Winters, Inter-Residence Council President

UNIVERSITY HOUSING: AN INSIDER’S GUIDES

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• RESIDENT ADVISORA Resident Advisor (RA) is a student trained to help you and other students learn more about NC STATE and yourself. Whenever you have questions about the University, your residence hall, or if you just want to talk, your RA can serve as the first contact person.

• RESIDENCE DIRECTORYour RA is supervised by a Residence Director (RD). RDs are graduate students at NC STATE, and are responsible for the operation and management of one to three buildings. Your RA can show you where the RD office is located if you want to speak with the staff member responsible for your living area. RDs are tremendous resources for discovering how to get involved in your building and on campus.

• ASSISTANT DIRECTOREach residence hall is part of a residential area of 750-1000 students assigned to an Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is a full-time professional staff member who works with the RD staff to provide supervision and direction for the staff and residential community. Your Assistant Director can also be a resource for involvement, and can help answer questions in the absence of your RD.

• ASSOCIATE DIRECTORThe NC STATE residential campus is divided into four separate housing communities: East Campus, West Campus, Central Campus and University Apartments. Each area is led by an Associate Director who works with the Assistant Director and RD staff to direct their overall operations, activities, maintenance and development for their respective area.

• COMMUNITY ASSISTANTThe Community Assistant is a student employee who works at the hall’s 24-hour service desks. These staff members are trained to assist students with concerns they may have regarding keys, facilities, mail and receiving packages.

• COMMUNITY ASSISTANT COORDINATORA Community Assistant Coordinator (CAC) hires, trains and supervises the CA staff. CACs are also students, and have typically worked as CAs. They can help you with any customer service issues you may have.

NEW TO UNIVERSITY HOUSING? HERE’S A QUICK-TIP GUIDE TO SOME OF YOUR BEST RESOURCES WHILE LIVING ON CAMPUS

QUESTIONS? CONNECT WITH US:

PHONE919.515.2440

TWITTERTWITTER.COM/NCSTATEHOUSING

WEBWWW.NCSU.EDU/HOUSING

FACEBOOKTINYURL.COM/NCSUHOUSING

HOUSING ‘ON THE GO’WWW.NCSU.EDU/HOUSING/OTG

AIMNCSTATEHOUSING

he University Police Department is here to assist in maintaining a

safe and secure environment in order to enhance the quality of life at NC STATE. Campus safety is a shared responsibility. While crime is low on campus, students should take the following steps to reduce the opportunity for crime:

• REMEMBER, YOU ARE IN AN URBAN

AREA: While Raleigh is not one of the biggest cities in the country, it is larger than most hometowns and is a metropolitan area with many people possessing different agendas coming and going.

• SAFEGUARD YOUR VALUABLES: The most common crime on campus is theft, so do not leave laptops, textbooks and other valuables unattended. Keep your residence hall room locked, secure bicycles with a

reliable security device to designated bike racks. If you own a vehicle, secure items such as radar detectors and GPS units and their accessories out of sight. Secure removable stereo system face p l a t e s i n y o u r g l o v e b o x e s . Remember: Out of sight, out of mind.

• A VO I D R I S K Y B E H AV I O R A N D

LOCATIONS: Alcohol, parties and being out late can add to your risk of sexual assaults, aggravated assaults and other criminal victimization. There is safety in numbers, so avoid traveling alone. Take time to get familiar with your campus and its resources.

• KNOW HOW TO GET HELP: Calling 911 for emergencies, using blue light phones (pictured in the photo at top of page) around campus and talking to a Resident Advisor are ways to get help. The University expects each person to

report threatening and concerning behaviors and suspicious activity immediately.

In the event of a major emergency on campus, University Police communicates through the WolfAlert outdoor siren alert system, text message notification, email, the University website, building liaisons and Resident Advisors. Be sure to sign up for the WolfAlert system through MyPack Portal if you have not already done so. The key to staying safe on campus is to be prepared in case something should happen.

For more information about Campus Police, visit: www.ncsu.edu/public_safety.

STAY SAFE AT STATES

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COMMON SENSE THE BEST STRATEGY FOR STAYING SAFE AT STATE

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By Ric Parmley, Logistics Lieutenant, Campus Police

T

GET IN THE KNOWS

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DATES TOREMEMBER

JUNE 25LAST DAY OF

SUMMER I CLASSES

JUNE 28-29EXAMS

JUNE 301-4 P.M.

CHECK-IN FORSUMMER II

JULY 1CLASSES BEGIN

JULY 5INDEPENDENCE DAY

HOLIDAY

AUGUST 4LAST DAY OF

SUMMER II CLASSES

AUGUST 5-6EXAMS

AUGUST 7CHECK OUT BY NOON

AUGUST 131-5 P.M.

RESIDENCE HALLCHECK-IN

AUGUST 149 A.M - 5 P.M.

RESIDENCE HALLCHECK-IN

AUGUST 151-4 P.M.

RESIDENCE HALLCHECK-IN

AUGUST 16-178 A.M. - 5 P.M.

RESIDENCE HALLCHECK-IN

AUGUST 18CLASSES BEGIN

CAMPUS CONTACTS

ADMISSIONS

919.515.2434www.admissions.ncsu.edu

CAMPUS INFORMATION

919.515.3138www.ncsu.edu

COMTECH919.515.7099

www.comtech.ncsu.edu

FINANCIAL AID

919.515.2421www.ncsu.edu/finaid

HEALTH SERVICES

919.515.2563www.ncsu.edu/student_health

ORIENTATION

919.515.1234www.ncsu.edu/orientation

PARENTS & FAMILY

SERVICES

919.515.2441www.ncsu.edu/for_parents

REGISTRATION AND

RECORDS

919.515.2572www.ncsu.edu/registrar

RESNET/NC STATE HELP

DESK919.515.4357

www.ncsu.edu/resnetwww.help.ncsu.edu

TRANSPORTATION

919.515.3424www.ncsu.edu/transportation

UNIVERSITY CASHIER’S

OFFICE

919.515.2988www.fis.ncsu.edu/cashier

UNIVERSITY DINING919.515.7012

www.ncsudining.com

UNIVERSITY HOUSING

919.515.2440www.ncsu.edu/housing

HOW SUITE IT ISA MODEL SUITE IN 106 LEE HALL WILL BE

OPEN DURING SUMMER ORIENTATION

FROM 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M., MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

CABLE TV AND TELEPHONE SERVICE IS JUST A CLICK AWAY

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) offers residents comprehensive optional cable television and local telephone packages. The following information includes samples of available services:

CABLE TV

Cable television includes more than 100 channels of entertainment, news and information, including four local original channels. The cable lineup features five HBO channels, four Showtime channels, The Movie Channel, mtvU, ESPNU and more. See http://oit.ncsu.edu/mss for a complete listing. Cable costs $192.50 per room, per semester and is placed on the resident’s account when the resident signs up for service. Only one

student per room can sign up for cable. After sign-up, it takes one business day to activate cable service.

WOLFBYTES

WolfBytes Radio and Television stations are great sources of news and information about NC STATE and are part of the University’s emergency notification system. With Wolf TV, students create, produce and broadcast news and entertainment to campus. WolfBytes Sports Television is NC STATE’s very own sports channel, broadcasting NC STATE sports – from intramural to club and NCAA events – 24 hours a day.

TELEPHONE SERVICELocal phone service consists of a dial tone, call waiting, call return, three-way calling, caller ID, voicemail, and an expanded local calling area that includes Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill. Local phone service costs $67 per room, per semester and is placed on the student’s account when the student signs up for service. Only one student per room can sign up for phone service. After sign-up, it takes three to five business days to activate the service.

If you have questions concerning any of these available services, feel free to contact OIT at 919.515.7099, go to http://oit.ncsu.edu/mss, or visit the staff in the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Walk-in Center, located in the West Dunn Building.

TAKE IT...OR LEAVE IT?

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T A K E I T

• Twin extra-long sheets: 36”x80”

• Pillows, towels/washcloths

• Bedspread, comforter or blanket

• Desk lamp

• Alarm clock

• Television

• Stereo (with headphones)

• Computer

• Plants

• Pictures/posters

• Telephone

• Power strips

• Storage boxes, or footlocker

• Toiletries (toilet paper provided)

• Laundry basket or bag

• Laundry detergent (for front-loading washing machines)

• Iron/ironing board

• Umbrella

• Bathrobe

• Shower thongs

• Carpet or scatter rugs

• Bicycle with durable U-bolt lock

• Small bucket & cleaning supplies (dust rags, sponge)

• Sealed plastic containers

L E A V E I T

• Drugs and alcohol

• Pets other than fish (10-gallon tank limit/per person)

• Dart boards

• Waterbeds

• Weapons

• Extension cords

• Air conditioners

• Ceiling fans/lights

• Toasters, burners or hot plates

• Halogen lamps (torchiere style)

• Heaters

• Fireworks

• Explosives or unsafe chemicals

• Candles and incense

CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS WHEN DECIDING WHAT TO PACK FOR THE BIG MOVE

ALCOHOL EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR INCOMING STUDENTS

y the middle of the 2009 fall semester, 25 percent of NC STATE’s first-year students had consumed

five or more drinks at one sitting (during the last two weeks of being surveyed). For simply possessing alcohol on campus at NC STATE, students can face such consequences as having to attend the campus alcohol education class. A second offense results in stiffer consequences.

Students who drink too much can face other repercussions: they may get sick or hurt, participate in unplanned and unprotected sex, etc.

Take time to learn about alcohol use and its effects. Studies show that students grossly overestimate alcohol and other drug use among their peers. This misperception leads some students to increase their drinking behavior to reach this “perceived” norm. ( see www.ncsu.edu/health_promotion/AlcoholDrugs/socialNorms.htm).

Though some people think drinking too much is harmless fun, many students experience alcohol poisoning each year – and some die from it.

NC STATE requires all incoming, non-transfer, first- year students to complete AlcoholEdu for College (see www.ncsu.edu/health_promotion/AlcoholDrugs/Alcoholedufirstyear.htm for directions).

For more information about alcohol education, contact Chris Austin, Assistant Director of Health Promotion, Substance Abuse Prevention.

Phone: 919. 513.3295Email: chris_austin@ncsu.edu, or

You can also visit:

• www.ncsu.edu/health_promotion/AlcoholDrugs/index.html

• www.edc.org/hec/parents

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BBy Chris Austin, Student Health Services

FILE SHARING CAN COST YOU MORE THAN FINES

or the economically-challenged college student, sharing music files with a roommate or downloading a movie to one’s hard drive may seem like attractive alternatives to the iTunes store, or the nearby Redbox. However, between spring 2007 and spring 2008, NC State students and parents shelled out more than $1 million in fines for illegal file sharing and downloading, according to a study done for Pack Parents.

John Baines, assistant director of the Security Standards and Compliance team for the Office of Information Technology, acts as a liaison between University students and employees, and organizations such as the Recording Industry Association of America. Though the University – or any other Internet service provider – cannot be punished for illegal downloading that occurs on its network, Baines is in charge of contacting individuals on campus when he is notified of a violation.

If a violation occurs, he must relay one of four messages in these instances:

• An organization such as the RIAA may order an Internet user to “cease and desist” downloading or file

sharing and delete anything not acquired through legal means off of his or her computer.

• The second type of request is to “preserve and protect,” which means files should be set aside and kept as evidence.

• “Notice of intended prosecution” typically involves the opportunity for a person to pay a fine of between $4,000 and $11,000 instead of going to court.

• In some cases, however, an organization will send a subpoena to the Office of Legal Affairs, requiring them to release the name of the student or employee on the University network who has been caught downloading or sharing files illegally. The individual will have to go to court and in the past, offenders have paid fines ranging from $10,000 to $1 million.

It seems doubtful many students have a million dollars to spend in court fees, but according to Gaines, a tip for avoiding such charges is very simple: if the material you want is copyrighted, and you have not purchased a right to use it, don’t.

FBy Maggie Luckadoo, NC STATE Graduate

SERVICE DESKCONTACT INFO

EAST CAMPUS

AVENT FERRY919.515.2269

BAGWELL919.515.2923

NORTH919.515.3651

WOOD919.515.4055

CENTRAL CAMPUS

TOTA AREA919.515.8648

TRI-TOWERS919.515.2908

WEST CAMPUS

BRAGAW919.515.2903

LEE919.515.2900

SULLIVAN919.515.6886

CREATING CONNECTIONSS

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BBE A RESIDENT ADVISOR AND MAKE AN IMPACT ON CAMPUS

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: (PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT): LANGSTON SWANN AND LYDIA PAULK.

ecoming a Resident Advisor for University Housing is one of the most challenging and rewarding ways a student can get involved with the campus community.

Both Langston Swann, an RA at Bragaw Hall; and Lydia Paulk, an RA at Lee Hall, have thrived in their leadership roles on campus, and through their experiences have created memories, relationships and opportunities that will serve them throughout the rest of their college careers and beyond.

Though Lydia initially became an RA to help support incoming students, she soon realized that the experience provided much more than just an opportunity to hone her mentoring skills.

“I became an RA to meet peers who strive to become better leaders, and to support new students in their transition to college life,” she said. “Ultimately, though, I think I’ve learned from others just as much. It really works both ways – not only in regards to my job, but on a personal level, as well – and that is what has made the experience, for me, so special.

“There’s a real opportunity here to grow not only academically, but as a person.”

Though Langston also looked at a prospective RA position as a chance to meet other students with common goals and professional interests, he wasn’t quite sure where to start his journey, initially.

“It was a little intimidating at first,” he said. “Like being in a wilderness of opportunity without a compass.” Ultimately, he found direction – and a personal connection – with his RA, who helped him discover more information about campus-wide opportunities, both educational and social.

“I connected with my own RA, and asked a ton of questions,” he said. “That was very important – asking questions. Because they’ve been where you are, RAs will have a better understanding of initiatives, available programming and job responsibilities. They provide a great resource – and a shoulder to lean on if the need arises.

“On both a personal and professional level, being an RA at NC STATE helps prepare you for life. You’ll meet lots of people, create connections, develop some amazing skills and have fun doing it.”

For more information online about being a Resident Advisor, students can visit: www.ncsu.edu/housing/jobs/ra.php.

LIVING AND LEARNING VILLAGES

ALEXANDERGLOBAL VILLAGE

919.515.2929

ARTS VILLAGE919.513.3029

FIRST YEAR COLLEGE VILLAGE

919.515.8130

HONORS VILLAGE919.513.4078

IMPACTLEADERSHIP

VILLAGE919.515.6887

SAY VILLAGE919.513.0795

SCHOLARS VILLAGE919.515.2353

WISE VILLAGE919.513.7608

WOMEN OFWELCH PROGRAM

919.515.3901

For more information, visit:www.ncsu.edu/housing/

villages

A HOT TOPICS

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• Because fire alarms are often ignored, evacuation efforts are sometimes hindered.

• Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms inhibit early detection of fires.

• Fires in residence halls, and fraternity and sorority facilities, are more common during the evening hours between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and on weekends.

• From 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,570 structure fires in residence halls and fraternity and sorority houses nationwide. Improperly discarded smoking materials caused only two percent of fires in these properties, but caused 39 percent of the reported deaths.

• Smoking is prohibited in NC STATE buildings.

••••

• When you hear the fire alarm, exit the building quickly and orderly.

• N e v e r t a k e d o w n s m o k e detectors. You can damage the Fire Alarm system and endanger other building occupants.

• Use a surge protector for such electrical devices as computers and stereos, and plug the protector directly into an outlet.

• Use only UL-listed appliances and devices. “UL” stands for Underwriter Laboratories, an organization that tests electrical d e v i c e s f o r s a f e t y a n d functionality.

• Don’t block exits (or store materials) in stairwells.

• Fire extinguishers are tools for protection – not toys. Please respect their importance.

• Sprinklers save lives. Never block or tamper with them.

•

•• Never use an extension cord for

a cooking appliance. It can easily overload the circuit and result in a fire.

• Stay alert to prevent cooking fires. If you are sleepy, or under the influence of alcohol, you greatly increase the risk of starting a fire.

• Cook only with items designed for cooking, and keep the stovetop, burners and oven clean.

• If your oven catches fire, turn it off and leave it shut until the fire goes out and it is cool to the touch.

• Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove to avoid burn injuries.

• Use a pot lid or baking soda on a cooking fire to smother it.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR PREVENTING FIRE HAZARDS ON CAMPUSWhile the college experience provides new and exciting opportunities, it also introduces a variety of potential safety hazards, especially to students living in residence halls, apartments and other community locations. Below are some facts about campus fire hazards, as well as valuable tips on how to take the necessary precautions in case an emergency presents itself. For more information about fire prevention on campus, contact the University Fire Marshal’s Office at 919.515.2568.

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES ON CAMPUS. THE CAMPUS PHONE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ALSO ʻCAPTUREʼ CELL PHONE SIGNALS TO ROUTE YOUR EMERGENCY CALLS DIRECTLY TO THE

UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT : 919.515.3000.

FAST FACTS PREVENTION IS KEY WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT