2003-2004 Undergraduate Catalog

Housing and Dining

The Department of Housing and Dining Services invites students to join the on-campus community at New Mexico State University. While campus living is not required, the university strongly encourages students to take advantage of the many opportunities available through campus residency such as community involvement, convenience, safety, economy, leadership, and employment opportunities. Additionally, students who live on campus often have higher grades, are more involved in campus life, and enjoy college more than students who live off campus. On-campus living is designed to foster personal growth and development by supporting learning which occurs inside the classroom as well as augmenting this with out-of-classroom learning experiences. Many lifestyle options and meal plan packages are available. For more information on the options listed below, visit our web site at www.nmsu.edu/.

Under Renovation. It should be noted that, for the next several years, facilities within the campus-housing network will be undergoing major renovation. As the renovation projects occur, affected areas will be off-line, and thus unavailable for use. During these times, other areas will be used at maximum capacity to compensate for lost space.Therefore, certain options offered here may be unavailable. Check with the Office of Housing and Dining Services for details.

Residence Halls. NMSU offers five different residence halls with a variety of lifestyle options for students to choose from. Although most halls feature double-occupancy suites, there are some community bath areas in Rhodes-Garrett-Hamiel. For students classified as juniors or seniors, Regents Row features single-occupancy rooms in a suite configuration. Rooms are fully furnished. The semester fee includes all utilities and local phone service.

Vista del Monte Apartment Complex. The amenities of apartment living are combined with the convenience of an on-campus location at the Vista del Monte Complex. Individual apartments are designed to accommodate upper class and graduate students in one of three configurations: four-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments, and efficiency duplexes. Each apartment occupant has a private bedroom. Apartments are fully furnished. The semester's charge includes all utilities and local phone service.

Student Family Housing. Student family housing is available for students who are married and/or have dependents living with them. Two-story townhouse apartments and single story houses include two bedrooms, a bath, kitchen and living room. All units are unfurnished except for the stove and refrigerator. Washing machine hook-ups are provided in the kitchen. The monthly rent includes all utilities; residents are responsible for telephone and TV cable, if they so desire.

Commuter Student Housing. For students who commute to NMSU throughout the week, Commuter Student Housing may be available. This housing option offers students a place to study and sleep one, two, three or four nights out of the week without the obligation of a regular single student housing contract. Commuter students are housed on a space-available basis. The nightly rate does not include linen or towel service.

Availability of Units for Students with Disabilities

There are a limited number of specially equipped residence hall rooms, Vista del Monte apartments and family housing units available to students with disabilities (including wheelchair-bound students) who wish to reside in campus housing. These are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to students who meet the stipulated qualifications for the relevant housing area. Specific needs or requirements (i.e., roll-in showers, special door openers, etc. ) should be discussed with the Department of Housing and Dining Services on an individual basis prior to submitting an application.

Meal Plan Options

For freshmen students who live in a residence hall, three different meal plan programs are available. The unlimited program offers students unlimited access to the dining hall for all meals and snacks during operating hours. The other two plans allow students to choose between a 240-block or 160-block of entrances. (Plan design subject to change.) All plans feature flex money for use at other Campus Dining Services locations. For sophomore, junior and senior students in the halls, Vista del Monte or Student Family Housing residents, or off-campus commuter students, a fourth plan offers 80 entrances to the dining hall. Both housing and dining contracts run the full academic year, with contract terminations and refunds subject to the "Single Student Housing and Dining Contract Termination Policy." Students who chose not to live in campus housing may participate in the meal plan program as well. Applications are available through the Department of Housing and Dining Services prior to the start of the semester, or the ID Card Office once school is underway.

Application Procedures and Acceptance Policy

The university reserves the right to refuse to give a housing assignment to any student. Examples of reasons for refusal include, but are not limited to, individuals who have a criminal history, individuals who have behavioral problems which may, in the opinion of the university, negatively impact the group living environment, individuals who have been previously evicted from campus housing, or individuals who have poor rental histories.

The university will assign accommodations subject to the space available. The university will not guarantee assignments to a particular building, nor will it guarantee types of accommodations, specific rooms or apartments, roommates, or single rooms.

The university reserves the right to change or cancel assignments in the interest of order, health, safety, or discipline with appropriate written notice.

Completed applications for housing and dining services* should be submitted as early as possible, preferably one regular semester in advance. Single student housing and meal plan applications require a prepayment at the time of application. Submission of a housing and dining application indicates acceptance of the terms and conditions of the applicable contract. The Director of Housing and Dining Services is responsible for administration of the contract.

All housing areas require at least part-time enrollment during the regular academic year. Continuing housing residents are not required to enroll during summer sessions.

Completed applications for Student Family Housing** should be submitted at least 6 to 8 months in advance. Family Housing occupants are assigned from a waiting list based on the date of application. Family Housing assigned from a waiting list based on the date of application. Family Housing occupancy is month-to-month, with thirty (30) days' notice required to vacate.

*Application procedures for current on-campus residents may differ from those stated above.

**Certain qualifications apply for single student apartment and family housing occupancy. Consult the main Housing Office for details.

Other Food Service Options

In addition to the meal plan program, food service is available at various locations throughout the campus by using cash, the NMSU Money$Card or, in some areas, the flex money included with the meal plan package. Food service location hours vary. More information can be obtained by contacting the Campus Dining Office.

The Money$Card

The NMSU Money$Card, a prepaid cash account, is available for students, faculty, and staff who wish to avoid carrying cash for food, vending, laundry at residence halls, convenience stores, special events ticket office, and bookstore purchases. This program is available through the I.D. Card Office and can be purchased in varying amounts over $15.00.

NMSU ID Card

The NMSU I.D. card serves as the primary source of student identification for the campus. The I.D. card, with an appropriate activity sticker, serves to admit students to athletic functions of NMSU. It also provides for use of certain student services and allows for check cashing privileges. The I.D. card serves as the meal plan card, the Money$Card, and as a key in some residential buildings.

Student Special Care Policy

To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, New Mexico State University may, on occasion, require that students receive a particular type of care or treatment (i.e., emergency medical attention, live-in attendants, or vaccinations) as a condition of continued enrollment or eligibility to reside in university-operated housing. When this care or treatment is required by the cognizant university administrator, the student will be obligated to assume any financial responsibility associated with the treatment.

Furthermore, the university may, on occasion, contact a student's parents, legal guardian, or spouse in cases of extreme emergency, or where a possibility of imminent harm exists. This will occur only when, in the judgment of the appropriate official, the best interests of the student and the university will be served.

When practical, the university will notify the student, in writing, of the university's intention to undertake the steps authorized by this policy. This decision may be appealed by the student to the Vice President for Student Services within 24 hours of notification. The appeal should be in writing and clearly state the reasons why the student objects to the proposed action. The vice president will review the facts in the case and convey the decision to all parties within 48 hours. The vice president's decision shall be final.

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