Student Resident Life Handbook

Student Resident Life Handbook

Office of Housing and Residence Life

2025–2026

Updated: May 15, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Disclaimer

The contents, policies, and procedures in this handbook are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Blinn College District administration. You will be notified as soon as possible of any changes.

Blinn College District Mission Statement

Blinn College District is building stronger communities by providing quality, comprehensive education, and empowering students to achieve excellence in their educational careers and personal goals.

Blinn College District Vision Statement

Shaping future academic, workforce, cultural, and economic leaders by providing excellent instruction, resources, services, and innovative partnerships, for students and the community.

Blinn College District Core Values

Access
Collaboration
Diversity
Excellence
Innovation
Respect
Service

BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.

The College’s Title IX Coordinator is:

Dr. Adrienne McCain
Title IX Coordinator
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833
Administration Building Room 219
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
979-830-4216

Blinn College District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html.

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to:
https://www.blinn.edu/title-ix/reporting-information.html

BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Blinn College District prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of Blinn College District policy. For more information, please see Blinn College District Board Policy DIAB.

BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT ON PARENTING SERVICES

Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the Parenting Services Office. Please note that the instructor is not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until verification from the Parenting Services Office has been provided.

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Housing & Residence Life supports the Student Services mission through the development of safe, comfortable living learning communities that are conducive to academic success and personal and social development.

COMMUNITY LIVING EXPECTATIONS: THE BASICS

Blinn College District is a multi-campus postsecondary educational institution with a residence life program on the Blinn-Brenham campus. Residence halls and on-campus apartments are available for students while pursuing their educational endeavors.

By completing the Residence Life Application and signing the Housing Agreement, students agree to adhere to College District policies and procedures.

Lack of familiarity with applicable policies does not constitute a reasonable defense.

Housing Agreement

Each resident must electronically sign the Housing Agreement as part of their housing application. The Housing Agreement covers the full academic year beginning Fall semester through Spring semester.

Separate agreements are available for Spring or Summer only students.

Room Assignments

The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to move residents for safety, health, repairs, energy conservation, or other circumstances.

Room Changes:

No changes until after the tenth business day
One room change per semester
Requests must be approved
Changes are not guaranteed
May involve additional charges

Hall/Apartment Transfers:

Must be approved
One transfer per semester
Space dependent
May involve additional charges

Special Housing Assignments:
Students requiring accommodations must apply through Housing and Disability Services.

Blinn College Park Apartments (BCPA) Eligibility

Eligibility does not guarantee placement.

Current Students:

Minimum 2.25 GPA
Two or fewer disciplinary points

New Students:

Minimum 3.0 high school GPA
Two recommendation letters emailed to housing@blinn.edu

Exceptions must be approved by Housing.

Room Consolidation

Residents may be required to consolidate rooms. If occupying a double alone, the unused side must remain move-in ready.

ELIGIBILITY TO LIVE IN STUDENT HOUSING

Criminal Background Check

Background checks are required. Students with felony or Class A misdemeanor charges or convictions are ineligible.

Appeals must be submitted within three business days.

Health Insurance Requirement

All students must maintain continuous health insurance while living on campus. Lapses result in immediate removal from housing.

Attendance Policy and Minimum Course Load

Residents must:

Enroll in at least 12 credit hours
Remain enrolled throughout semester
Attend all classes

Dropping below 12 hours requires reinstatement or appeal within 3 business days.

Grade Point Average (Required GPA)

No student with less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) will be allowed to live in student housing.

At the end of each long semester, students who fail to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be notified by email that they no longer meet the GPA requirement and that their room will be cancelled.

Students who have been granted an appeal with Admissions and Records to remain enrolled may remain on campus.

Identification Card (Blinn ID)

Each student must obtain a College District Student Identification Card prior to moving in.

Student IDs:

Are not transferable
Must be carried at all times
Must be presented upon request
Are required for residence hall entry, meals, library use, and activities

Housing Cost (Per Semester)

Pricing varies by residence hall. Costs below reflect housing only (meal plans are separate):

Beazley Hall – $2020
Hallstein Hall – $2020
Helman Hall – $2020
Melcher Hall – $2020
Prairie Lea Hall Two Bed One Bath Suite – $3315
Prairie Lea Hall Two Bed One Bath Suite – $3515
Wheeler Hall Double/Corner Suite – $3030
Wheeler Hall Private Room/Shared Bath – $3535
Wheeler Hall Private Room/Private Bath – $3685
Mill Creek Hall Four Bedroom Two Bath Suite – $3875
Mill Creek Hall Two Bedroom One Bath Suite – $3825
Blinn College Park Apartments 2 Bedroom Unit – $3687
Blinn College Park Apartments 4 Bedroom Unit – $3687

Additional notes:

$100 refundable security deposit each semester
Deposit may cover damages or outstanding charges
Refund issued two weeks after semester pending damages

Keys, Cards, and Fob Access

Keys/cards/fobs are issued at check-in.

Rules:

Duplication or sharing is prohibited
Lost items must be reported immediately
Locks may not be altered

Fees:

Individual key: $50
Key fob: $25
Lock change: $175

Improper use or allowing others access may result in disciplinary action.

Improper Change of Room

Residents may not switch rooms or allow others to move in without Housing approval.

Violations may result in:

Disciplinary summons
Fines
Removal from housing

Room Condition Sheet (RCS)

Residents must complete an RCS at move-in.

This documents:

Existing damages
Missing furniture

Charges will apply for damages not listed on the RCS.

BUC Email Accounts

Student email is the primary communication method.

Students must:

Activate accounts
Check regularly

Email format:
Firstname.LastnameLast2digitsBlinnID@buc.blinn.edu

Initial password: date of birth (mmddyy)

Roommate Agreement Form

Must be completed within the first two weeks.

This agreement outlines expectations for:

Cleaning
Conflict resolution
Shared living

RA assistance is available.

Signs / Notices / Fliers

Students must follow all posted notices.

Removing or damaging signs results in:

$10 per sign charge (may be group billed)

TITLE IX

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination.

Any form of sexual discrimination, harassment, misconduct, or violence is prohibited.

Sexual Harassment Includes:

Unwelcome advances
Requests for sexual favors
Sexually motivated verbal, physical, or nonverbal conduct

Examples:

Sexual jokes or gestures
Forced kissing
Nonconsensual touching
Spreading sexual messages online
Continuing advances after being told to stop

Sexual Violence

Includes:

Sexual assault
Rape
Dating violence

Consent means voluntary agreement in accordance with law.

Gender-Based Harassment

Includes conduct based on gender stereotypes or identity that interferes with educational participation.

Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Adrienne McCain
Administration Building Room 219
979-830-4216
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu

Reports may be made to:

Title IX Coordinator
Any employee or RA
Campus Police
Counselor or nurse
Title IX hotline: 979-830-4700
titleix@blinn.edu
Online reporting form

Anonymous reports are allowed.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: A – Z

Threats to Safety (Active Shooter, Bomb Threat, Dangerous Conditions)

Blinn Alerts will be sent during imminent threats.

Follow instructions from alerts and emergency personnel.

AVOID – DENY – DEFEND

In classrooms or offices:

AVOID if you can safely leave.
DENY entry by locking or barricading doors.
Cover door windows if possible.
Stay low and quiet.
If shooter enters, DEFEND using any means available.

In hallways:

Exit immediately if safe.
Otherwise secure yourself in a room.

In open spaces:

Find cover such as brick walls, trees, or vehicles.

Police may not assist injured persons immediately while locating the threat. Remain calm and follow instructions.

Blinn Alert System

Emergency notification via:

Email
Phone
Text

Students must update contact information through MyBlinn.

Enrollment is free (carrier fees may apply).

Surveillance Cameras

Cameras monitor housing facilities.

Tampering may result in:

Disciplinary action
Removal from housing
Legal consequences

Fire and Fire Alarms

Everyone must evacuate immediately.

Use stairs only.

If door is hot:

Do not open
Seal cracks with wet towel

If hallway is clear:

Exit and move away from building

Additional rules:

Do not take belongings
Crawl low if smoke present
Stop, Drop, Roll if clothing catches fire
Do not fight fires

Failure to evacuate may result in discipline or removal from housing.

Fire Drills

Conducted each semester.

Participation is mandatory.

Fire Extinguishers

For emergencies only.

Misuse may result in discipline or removal.

Students are NOT expected to fight fires.

Missing Person

Emergency contacts will be notified.

Police will initiate missing person procedures.

Severe Weather

Blinn Alerts will direct students to shelter locations.

Housing staff will coordinate evacuation or shelter for hurricanes, winter storms, or flooding.

COMMUNITY LIVING: A – Z

Abandoned Property

Items left after checkout incur:

$75 abandoned property fee

Items become College property after one week.

Abandoned cars will be towed.

Bicycles

Must use bike racks.

Not allowed in rooms or hallways.

Unclaimed bikes become College Police property.

Check-In and Check-Out

Students must:

Complete paperwork
Checkout within 24 hours of last final

Improper checkout fee: $25

Residents must remove all belongings.

Holidays and Breaks

Housing closes for designated holidays.

Residents must leave on time.

Winter Break storage allowed only if:

Returning to same room
Registered next semester
Account paid in full or financial aid verified

Failure results in $75 abandoned property fee.

Children

Children are not permitted in housing.

Commercial Activities

Operating businesses on campus is prohibited.

Damages

Residents are charged for:

Property damage
Excessive cleaning

Charges deducted from security deposit first.

Group billing applies when responsibility cannot be determined.

Trash left in halls incurs $10 per bag.

Doors and Locks

Doors must remain locked.

Propping doors or tailgating is prohibited.

Repeated lockouts result in disciplinary action.

Dress Code

Residents must dress appropriately.

No vulgar or pornographic clothing.

Shoes required in public areas.

No barefoot walking in halls or campus.

Facilities

Alterations to Rooms/Apartments

Alterations, remodeling, or changes to rooms or apartments are not permitted. Maintenance issues must be reported to Housing and Residence Life.

Students may not use screws, nails, staples, tacks, sticky tack, or tape. Only damage-free adhesive products (such as Command strips) may be used and must be removed without damage at checkout.

Bathroom Cleaning

Residents in suites or apartments are responsible for cleaning bathrooms regularly, including sinks, toilets, and showers.

Do not use drain cleaners. Report clogged drains to Housing staff or submit a maintenance request through MyBlinn.

Foreign objects, including food, may not be placed in sinks, toilets, or drains.

Cleaning Supplies

Residents must supply their own cleaning products. Bleach is prohibited due to permanent staining.

Decorations

Residents must decorate responsibly and follow fire and safety codes.

Rules include:

No items in windows
No objectionable material
Nothing attached to ceilings
No nails, hooks, boards, or additions to doors
No push pins, staples, or thumb tacks
Damage caused by decorations will be charged
Seasonal decorations must be fire retardant

Driveways, Sidewalks, Passageways, and Stairs

All must remain unobstructed at all times.

Food Storage

Food must be stored in sealed containers to prevent pests.

Do not dispose of food in sinks, toilets, or showers (except garbage disposals in BCPA units).

Furniture

Residents are responsible for assigned furniture.

Rules:

Beds may not be stacked or bunked
Furniture may not be removed, swapped, or taken outside
Furniture must not be disassembled
Duplicate furniture is not allowed

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

Grooming

Personal grooming is not permitted in hallways, lobbies, or dayrooms. Hair may not be disposed of in sinks or toilets.

Hallways and Porches

Hallways must remain clear and quiet. Lighting must remain on at night for safety.

Window Blinds

Blinds should be closed to conserve energy. Windows may only be used for exit during emergencies.

Room Appearance

Rooms must be kept clean and orderly. Trash must be emptied regularly and laundry stored properly.

Bed Bugs

Suspected bed bugs must be reported immediately. Rooms will be treated, and residents must vacate during inspection and treatment.

Mildew

Signs of mildew must be reported. Residents may be required to vacate rooms during treatment.

Trash

Trash must be disposed of in dumpsters. Trash left in common areas results in a $10 per bag charge through group billing.

Littering

Littering is prohibited. Cleanup fees may be assessed.

Guest / Visitor Restrooms

Guests may only use designated guest restrooms or the Commons Building unless all roommates agree otherwise.

Hall Meetings

Hall meetings are mandatory and held throughout the semester.

Unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action.

Illness / Injury

Housing staff may not provide medical care or transportation.

For emergencies, call 911.

Students are encouraged to inform Housing staff of special medical needs.

Insurance

The College District does not insure personal property.

Residents are encouraged to carry renter’s insurance.

The College District is not responsible for theft, fire, vandalism, or maintenance-related losses.

Maintenance Concerns

Report maintenance issues promptly.

After-hours emergencies: 979-830-4650

Plumbing floods may result in group billing.

Microwaves

Microwaves are not permitted in student rooms. They are provided in common areas.

Damage or fire alarms caused by misuse may result in charges.

Parking

Residents must purchase a parking permit.

Parking regulations apply at all times.

More information: www.blinn.edu/parking

Pets and Assistance Animals

Pets

Pets are not permitted, even temporarily.

Violations may result in:

Removal of animal
Housing removal
Disciplinary action

Animals may not be washed in housing facilities.

Assistance Animals

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are permitted only through approved processes.

Policies available online:

service-animals.pdf
emotional-support-animals.pdf

Accommodations are determined case-by-case.

Profanity

Profanity and obscenity are prohibited on College property and may result in disciplinary action.

Prohibited Items

Includes but is not limited to:

Space heaters
Microwaves
Hot plates
Additional AC units
Candle warmers

Extension cords are prohibited.

Quiet Hours

Courtesy hours are in effect 24/7.

Quiet Hours:

10:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m.
24 hours during finals

Noise must not disturb others.

Residence Hall Directors (RHDs)

Live-in professional staff responsible for community development and supervision of RAs.

Resident Assistants (RAs)

Student staff who:

Build community
Enforce policies
Serve as student resources

Abuse toward staff may result in disciplinary action.

Right of Entry

The College District reserves the right for authorized personnel to enter rooms or apartments without prior permission at reasonable times to:

Ensure compliance with policies
Inspect sanitation and safety
Address maintenance concerns

If unsanitary conditions are found, residents will receive written notice and may face disciplinary action if conditions do not improve within the specified time.

If prohibited items are in plain view, authorized personnel may search College District property and student items. Confiscated items will be documented, and incident reports may be issued.

Scooters

Scooters may not be stored or ridden in:

Hallways
Stairwells
Rooms or apartments

Scooters must not be chained to stairwells. Unclaimed scooters may be removed by Campus Police.

Solicitation

Solicitation, defined as selling or offering goods or services, is prohibited on campus without prior College District approval.

Surge Protectors

Residents must use surge protectors or surge-protected power strips.

Extension cords are prohibited.

Visitation

A visitor is anyone not assigned to live in a specific room, hall, or apartment.

Visitors must behave appropriately. Disruptive visitors must leave immediately and may face legal or disciplinary consequences.

Visitor Eligibility

College District students and immediate family may visit
Non–College District students may only visit if they are immediate family

Immediate family includes parents, grandparents, and legal guardians.

Visitation Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (midnight)

Rules:

One visitor per resident at a time
Visitors must be escorted at all times
Visitors must sign in and leave ID with staff
Visitors may not remain unaccompanied

Cohabitation or allowing others to live in assigned spaces may result in:

Removal from housing
Criminal Trespass Warnings (CTWs)
Legal action

Visitation is not allowed when the College District is closed.

Criminal Trespass Warnings (CTWs)

Violators may:

Be issued a CTW
Be barred from housing facilities
Face arrest or disciplinary action

Repeat violations may result in expulsion.

Blinn College Park Apartments (BCPA) – Specific Policies

Kitchen appliances are allowed
Personal BBQ pits are prohibited
Residents must demonstrate responsible independent living
Residents may be reassigned or removed for repeated misconduct

Move-Outs

Residents who fail to move out on time will be charged $50 per day (up to five business days).

Recreation

No recreational sports permitted in buildings, balconies, or parking lots. Basketball is allowed only on designated courts.

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct applies in addition to Housing policies.

All students agree to abide by College District rules upon enrollment.

Behavior must not:

Be disruptive
Be unlawful
Interfere with others’ rights or comfort

Violations are handled case by case.

Blinn College Disciplinary Point System

The disciplinary point system promotes safety and accountability.

Key rules:

Points are assigned at the discretion of the Student Conduct Coordinator
Six (6) total points results in removal from housing indefinitely
A Criminal Trespass Warning may be issued
Points do not expire
Points remain on the student record even after withdrawal

Illegal activities on or off campus may result in housing removal.

Incident Reports and Summons

Incident reports document policy violations.

Students involved may be summoned to meet with the Student Conduct Coordinator.

Failure to comply with summons may result in further disciplinary action.

Phone: 979-830-4461

Email: housing@blinn.edu