What kind of lifestyle standards does the university expect?
There are some specific expectations which members of the community have developed as important to the quality of life desired for the university. As members of the campus community, students are encouraged to worship regularly on campus and in the church of their choice. In general, students are expected to:
Where do students live?
All traditional students are required to live in one of the residence halls on campus if they are not living at the home of their parents. Bluffton University is committed to the belief that living with others in a residence hall is an important part of the total educational and social experience of college life. more info...
How are the residence halls staffed?
Each hall has a hall director and each floor has one or two student resident advisors. These staff members are employees of the university who live in the residence halls and are responsible for maintaining safety procedures, supporting the objectives of the university, and implementing programs of the student life division where friendships are formed and personal growth is encouraged. more info...
How safe is the campus?
We all know that there are no guarantees and no campus is absolutely safe. However, we do believe Bluffton University is a well-lighted campus. All residence halls are locked from midnight till 7 a.m., and are accessible by key card. The campus is well patrolled by the Bluffton police, our primary security force. In addition a security officer patrols the campus from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. every night.
What are students to do when they become ill?
The Health Center is staffed by a registered nurse Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. during the school year. The nurse is available to treat minor illnesses, provide health education and counseling and arrange referrals to local physicians when necessary. A physician is present to see students in the Health Center two hours a week (Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.) Bluffton University is located just minutes from the Bluffton Hospital where 24-hour emergency care is available.
Who can students talk to in times of distress?
Students in distress will find a number of sympathetic ears on campus. In residence halls, hall directors, resident advisors and hall chaplains are available. The campus pastor counsels those with spiritual needs and professional counseling services are available in the Health Center.
Is there a lost and found area?
Articles that are lost or found may be turned in at the information desk in Marbeck Center.
Whom do I talk to about questions with my class schedule?
Questions pertaining to class schedules should be directed to either the student's academic advisor or the Registrar's Office.
When will I receive my room assignment?
First-year students receive their room assignments during the summer. Students who have deposited and have submitted a housing questionnaire will receive priority. At this time they are informed of the hall, floor and room they will be living in, as well as their roommate's name, phone number and e-mail address.
When may I move into my room?
Beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 24, 2007, for first year students who are not fall athletes. More information will be furnished as part of the summer orientation information.
May I have a single room?
A "Super Single" room may be rquested by upper-class students and costs approximately 1 1/2 times the standard room fee. "Super Single" rooms are available only when space permits.
Is a room damage deposit required?
A room damage deposit of $100 is paid by new students moving into a residence hall. When students complete a hall departure form, the deposit is returned provided there has been no damage to the room. The $100 room damage deposit is non-refundable to students that chose to withdraw after July 1st.
What are the dimensions of my room?
The dimensions of rooms vary slightly depending on the residence hall. Room dimensions may be found at www.bluffton.edu/studentlife/residence/.
What size are the mattresses?
Mattresses are 36" x 80". These are larger than the typical mattress.
May I have a loft in my room?
Lofts are permitted in all halls but Neufeld but bed frames are to be incorporated in lofts. The bed frame is 36.5" x 84". All bed parts and room furniture must remain in the room.
How are roommates chosen? Can I choose a roommate? Can I change roommates?
Room assignments of new students are made by the student life office regardless of race, creed or nationality. The completed room assignment questionnaires and personal requests are taken into consideration when placing first-year students. Returning students may reserve a room by participating in the room draw process that is conducted each spring. Priority in the room draw is established on the basis of class standing (senior, junior, sophomore and first-year) and chance. more info on room draw...
Room changes are discouraged; however, there may be circumstances that cause students to desire a room change. In general, a three-week "freeze" is in effect when students arrive in the fall.
Where are the nearest laundry facilities?
Laundry facilities are provided for each residence hall. Laundry facilities are free to residential students.
Are there vending machines in the halls?
Soda vending machines are provided in each hall.
Is there telephone service in my room?
All rooms are equipped with outlets for phones. Students are assigned a PIN code permitting them to make long distance calls. This PIN code serves as a billing number for all phone calls made by students.
Do I need to bring an answering machine?
No. All phones have voice mail capabilities. The voice mailbox is shared by the roommates and is secured with individual passcodes.
What furniture is furnished in my room?
Each room has a bed, desk, chair, dresser and closet for each student.
What should I bring?
Each resident should bring blankets, sheets, a pillow, towels, a wastebasket, an alarm clock and for most residence halls, a desk lamp. Students may want to provide throw rugs, bedspreads, and room decorations. Radios, CD players,tape players, TVs, VCRs, and DVD players are permitted in residence hall rooms. complete list... what not to bring...
Can I bring my car?
Yes. All students are permitted to have a vehicle on campus. You are required to register your vehicle at the Bluffton University Business Office within the first three days of the start of the school year or within three days after you bring your car on the campus. All vehicles must display an official college motor vehicle permit. Permits are color coded to specific lots. Students are assigned to a lot according to the color of their permit and should only park in the assigned lots at all times.
Is there storage for bikes?
Bikes are permitted on campus with bike racks available at each residence hall.
May I bring a pet to school with me?
Pets are not allowed with the exception of fish.
What appliances are allowed in the residence halls?
Microwave ovens, coffee makers and corn poppers are permitted in residence hall rooms. Efficiency-size refrigerators are available for rental in student rooms. Information about rental procedures and fees is provided at the beginning of each year. Students may bring their own refrigerators not exceeding 3.1 cubic feet.
Are there places where I can workout or exercise?
Several options are available for exercising. A large weight/exercise room that provides nautilus, free weight and cardio-vascular equipment is located in the lower level of Burcky Gym. In addition, the Emery Sears Athletic Complex provides an all weather track, baseball diamond, football and soccer fields. Smaller workout rooms are also available in the lower level of Ramseyer Hall , Ropp Hall and Neufeld Hall.
How should I have my mail addressed?
Your mailing address for incoming mail should included:
Your name
Bluffton University 000 (your box number. Do not use the word "box".)
1 University Drive
Bluffton, OH 45817-2104
Mailboxes for all students, faculty and staff are located in Marbeck Center. Those who have not been notified of their mailbox prior to the beginning of classes should contact the mail room manager.
May I cash checks on campus
You may cash checks for amounts up to $15 at the Bluffton University business office located in the lower level of College Hall. The business office window hours are from 8:30-4 :30 p.m. There is also a MAC machine located in Marbeck Center for cash account withdrawals. Several banks are located in the village of Bluffton as well.
