Welcome to Community Living!
The Safety and Security Policies is an important document with which to be familiar.
The Tarleton State University housing policy is based on the knowledge that living on-campus can provide both educational and social opportunities important to the success of college students. Research shows that compared to those living elsewhere, students living in residence halls are more involved in academic and extracurricular activities. Residents also tend to earn a higher grade point average, exceed predicted levels of learning and personal development, and more frequently complete their college education within a four to five year period.
The following residential policies apply to all students in campus housing:
Tarleton State University considers the health and safety of residents as the highest priority. Each policy and guideline is designed to create a safe and healthy environment for residents. Students have an obligation to follow University regulations as
well as city and state statutes to keep Tarleton’s community safe.
SSP1: Fire Alarm Evacuation
Fire Alarm Evacuation –
- Whenever a fire alarm sounds, normal evacuation procedures must be followed. Students must leave the building and may not return unless instructed to do so by campus police or University officials.
- A complete floor-by-floor and room-by-room check of the building will be conducted by University Police and/or fire officials whenever possible. Students must remain outside the building during these checks.
- Failure to evacuate a building after a fire alarm has sounded will result in administrative and/or disciplinary action.
Designated Meeting Locations
Designated Meeting Locations:
- Annex: Tarleton Center Parking lot
- Centennial: Parking Lot across Jones Street and Texan Village Parking Lot
- Legends: Parking Lot across Jones Street and Texan Village Parking Lot
- Legacy: Parking Lot across Jones Street and Texan Village Parking Lot
- Hunewell: Heritage Park
- Texan Village Apartments: Centennial Parking Lot
- Honors: Honors Parking Lot
- Traditions North & South: Across street near Wisdom Gym and Field House parking lot
- Texan Hall: parking garage and parking lot next to the food court
- Heritage: Heritage Parking Lot
SSP2: False Fire Alarms
False Fire Alarms – A false fire alarm is committed when an individual knowingly initiates, communicates, or circulates a report of a fire or other emergency that they know is baseless. Every effort will be made to identify the individual(s) responsible for a false fire alarm. When such persons are identified, they will be referred to the Dean of Students Administrative Office for disciplinary action. Additionally, Residence Life will respond with administrative action. Initiating a false fire alarm is a criminal offense. An individual who violates this law is guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor, a state jail felony offense, punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
SSP3: Tampering with Fire Equipment
Tampering with Fire Equipment – Any individual who misuses or tampers with any fire safety equipment will be subject to appropriate administrative and/or disciplinary action. The individual may be charged a fine plus the cost of repair or replacement of misused or damaged equipment, cleaning of the facility, and damage to other property. Besides being subject to University penalties, any student who starts a fire, damages or tampers with the evacuation alarm, or misuses fire safety equipment may be subject to prosecution in criminal court by the Stephenville Fire Department, according to the
Stephenville Fire Code. When such persons are identified, they will be referred to the Dean of Students Administrative Office for disciplinary action. Additionally, Residence Life will respond with administrative action.
SSP4: Corridors
Corridors – It is essential that corridor and stairwell doors be kept closed at all times. Closed doors prevent the travel of smoke, heat, toxic gases, and fire from the area of origin. Should the fire alarms be triggered, the magnets on the middle
hallway fire safety doors will automatically release, causing them to close.
SSP5: Exterior Entrance/Exit Doors
Exterior Entrance/Exit Doors – Exterior entrance/exit doors are locked at the posted times and periodically checked by Residence Life staff. However, the ultimate responsibility for personal security rests with each resident. Every resident is
responsible for swiping his/her card to gain access. Entrance and exit doors to the residence halls should always remain closed. Propping open entrance and exit doors could endanger the safety and security of residents. Any suspicious behavior or unfamiliar person(s) should be reported to Residence Life staff member or campus police immediately. Guests must be always escorted by a resident.
SSP6: Severe Weather
Severe Weather – During severe weather, especially when thunderstorms with tornadoes, high winds, or hail are possible, residents should take cover away from windows and follow recommendations made through Code Purple or university
officials. When the City of Stephenville civil defense sirens are sounded, residents should gather in lower floor hallways. When evacuation of the residence halls occurs, the RL will direct residents to take cover in first floor hallways (second floors in three to four story buildings if space requires). Residents must remain in the hallways until notification is given to return to their rooms. Apartment dwellers should go to their bathrooms or nearest residence hall when alarm sounds.
Emergency Medical Care
Emergency Medical Care – Emergency medical care is available for Tarleton State University students by contacting 911. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville is the closest available. Stephenville does have some after-hours
medical clinics. Tarleton’s health clinic is available to students for non-emergency medical needs.
Escort Service
Escort Service – The University Police Department provides an escort service to and from any University location. The service operates 24 hours a day. The escort service can be requested by calling 254-968- 9265.
COVID-19
COVID-19 – Residents are responsible for their health. Residents are encourage to get fully vaccinated prior to living in an on campus environment.
- Residents must maintain a clean and sanitized unit/room, common space and bathroom. Students must practice excellent personal hygiene and contact personal or campus physical and mental health care providers for personal wellness.
Monitor Well-being
Monitor Well-being – Students should check their temperature, monitor their mental and physical well-being and seek help if symptoms develop. Within a community, members are required to self-report confirmed, positive tests for COVID-19. Students may report using the COVID-19 Report QR Code.
Report Concerns
Report Concerns – As college students transition to independent living, they should develop behaviors to protect their emotional, physical, financial, psychological and spiritual health. A part of living in community includes setting and communicating personal needs while understanding other’s needs. Students should respect others while respectfully advocating for their own wellbeing. Students should reach out if they are experiencing difficulty, so they can get connected to
resources. If, at any time, a student feels someone is putting them or others at risk, they should report the incident by contacting their hall on-call number, 911 or by submitting an Incident Report Form.