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Welcome
Dear Reader,
Welcome to Skidmore and welcome to your new home! For many of you, living in a residence hall will be a completely new experience. You may not have shared a room before, and certainly may not be accustomed to living in such close quarters with complete strangers. Recognizing that your first few days may be overwhelming, this guide is intended to help you "learn the ropes" of life in a residence hall. It includes the answers to the most commonly asked questions that we receive in the Office of Residential Life. While this information covers the basics of community living, each individual experience will be unique, exciting, and memorable.
Our hope is that as a member of our residential community, you will gain lifelong friendships, new interests and skills, and a better understanding of yourself and others. Our goal is to help make your residential experience successful through a variety of support systems that are available to assist with any challenges you may encounter. Most of the responsibility for your personal success, however, lies with you. The more informed and involved you are the more rewarding your experience will be.
We encourage you to learn what your resources are and how to use them. One of the first things you should do as a new student is fully review your orientation materials and Student Handbook. In addition, your first floor meeting will be a valuable source of information and a great opportunity to meet your neighbors. Lastly, an important favor you can do for yourself is to attend as many orientation activities as possible. While some of the activities may be intimidating or may not be "your style," they are designed to give you a jump-start on meeting new people and becoming familiar with the campus. They work! You will thank yourself later.
Our best wishes to you, as you get settled in your new community. We look forward seeing you around campus and at our office,
The Office of Residential Life, Skidmore College
Alcohol and Other Drugs
The use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse (AOD) correlates with a host of problems on campus such as lowered academic accomplishment, sexual violence, and vandalism. The abuse of AOD undermines the academic mission of the College; and it is often illegal. The College considers the abuse of AOD a public health problem and works to reduce AOD abuse among students.
Skidmore provides a range of educational and counseling programs to ensure that all members of the College community know the risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse. The counseling center and health services provide confidential counseling and referral services to students who are concerned about their or a friend's use of AOD.
The College understands that students make their own choices about AOD. However, the College also believes that students should experience the consequences of their choices. The College will not ignore violations of the law or the Skidmore regulations elaborated in this policy. The College will discipline students whose conduct undermines the vitality of the academic community.
When a student violates AOD policy or New York State law, a College official meets with the student to discuss the student's behavior, College policy and expectations, and to determine the appropriate sanction. The meeting makes the College's concern about the violation of the AOD policy clear to the student, and it provides the student with an opportunity to change his or her behavior without appearing before the Integrity Board. While a sanction for the conduct is imposed at this meeting, the purpose of this first meeting is educational.
The AOD sanction table summarizes the range of possible sanctions for violations of the College AOD policy. The College generally interprets more than three violations of the AOD policy as indication that the student is unwilling to abide by College regulations.
Banking (Credit Union)
Before arriving at Skidmore, you should learn the following banking skills:
- Budget money
- Write a check
- Balance a checkbook
- Appropriately use a credit card
- Pay bills on time
- Use the ATM
Check with your local bank to see if they have branches in the Saratoga Springs area.
Bathrooms
Traditional residence halls: (Howe-Rounds, Jonsson Tower, Kimball, McClellan, Penfield, Wait and Wilmarth,) have suite-style bathrooms. This means that approximately four to six rooms share one bathroom which includes: two sinks, a toilet and a shower with a door. Bathrooms are cleaned on a regular basis. Toilet paper and hand soap are stocked in these facilities.
Wiecking Hall has communal single-sex bathrooms. Each facility has sinks, toilets and showers with doors. Bathrooms are cleaned on a regular basis. Toilet paper and hand soap are stocked in these facilities. The Gender Neutral area has private bathrooms that are not gender specific.
Scribner Village and the Northwoods Apartments have private bathrooms. It is the student’s responsibility to clean their bathroom. Toilet paper can be picked up from the Unit Assistant closest to you.
Scattered across campus are ADA compliant bathrooms that include a sink, shower and toilet. Bathrooms are cleaned on a regular basis. Toilet paper and hand soap are stocked in these facilities.
Cable
All residence hall rooms are wired and ready for cable, which is included in your bill. Service is provided by Time Warner Cable; and students may upgrade if they choose.
Time Warner has set up a special Skidmore College support line. Contact them at (518) 640-8621 or by visiting their website. Please have the cable modem's MAC address ready. The MAC address is printed on the label on the top of the modem.
Calendar
Please see Openings.
Campus Safety
In case of emergency, Campus Safety is always the first place to call. The Campus Safety Office is located in the lower level of Jonsson Tower and is staffed by individuals with years of experience. Campus Safety also oversees the emergency call boxes, fire safety and on campus parking. You should call Campus Safety if:
- There is a fire, or a personal or medical emergency.
- You feel threatened or harassed by another individual.
- You are locked out of your room, and a staff member is not available.
- Any situation of concern arises, and you don't know whom else to call.
Closings
Please see Openings.
Cooking
Cooking is prohibited in student rooms. Each floor has a kitchen area with a refrigerator and microwave for preparing light snacks. Wiecking Hall and apartment kitchens are equipped with stoves. Appliances may be used in kitchen areas only, not in student rooms. The student residents of each house or floor are responsible for keeping kitchenette areas in order.
Community Coordinator
Please see Residence Hall Staff
Counseling Center
Located on the first floor of Jonsson Tower, the Counseling Center is a great resource for students who wish to speak with a professional counselor on a confidential basis. In fact, over one third of the students at the College use the Counseling Center at some point in their college careers.
The Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling as well as referrals to private therapists when requested or otherwise indicated. You can make an appointment with anyone at the counseling center by calling ext 5555 from a campus phone, or by dialing (518) 580 5555. For more information, visit their website.
Dining Services
Each student living on campus is signed up for a meal plan. This plan can be used at the newly renovated Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, Burgess Cafe, Spa Eatery or the Atrium Cafe and Store.
For location information, meal plans, detailed menus and information about facilities, please visit the Dining Services website.
First Year Student Housing
Our goal is to house as many first year students as possible with their Scribner Seminar as part of the First Year Experience. First year students are housed in double and triple rooms. Seminars are posted on the Office of the First Year Experience website when they are finalized.
You will receive a housing questionnaire link over email in late May/early June. Housing assignments are sent to your Skidmore email account in mid August.
Fire Safety
As in any other living situation, there is always the risk of fire. You will find that Skidmore takes this issue seriously. Residence Halls have periodic fire drills during the year, usually late at night. You should always treat a fire alarm as if it were a real fire. For safety reasons, cooking of any kind is not permitted in your room. This includes hot plates, hot pots, microwaves, toaster ovens or any other cooking device. Students may not light candles or burn incense in their rooms. Tapestries or other decorations must not cover smoke and heat detectors. In addition, halogen lamps are prohibited in residence halls due to the fire hazard they pose. Students are asked to smoke outside of the building.
Residence halls are outfitted with fire doors, and have clearly marked exits. Student rooms have smoke detectors and or heat detectors.
Jonsson Tower, Wiecking Hall and the Northwoods Apartments are equipped with sprinklers.
In order to provide you further information regarding fire safety, there will be a "fire meeting" in your hall by Campus Safety during the first week of classes. All residents must attend these meetings. Residence hall staff will provide you with the date, time, and location of this mandatory meeting.
Gender Neutral Housing
Is is the policy of Skidmore College to assign housing to students in our residence halls based on their legal sex. As the majority of our halls are comprised of suite-style living arrangements, our policy dictates that each suite will be made up of, on average, seven students of the same legal sex who share a common bathroom amongst them.
In offering a Gender Neutral housing option, we have opened up 12 spaces for students whose needs are not met through out housing policy. Within this space, we will house students based on the gender with which they identify and not by their legal sex. Private, non gender-specific bathrooms are located in this space.
This option is available through the regular Room Selection process on a first come, first serve basis or by requesting it on the Housing Questionnaire.
Grills
Only apartment residents are allowed to bring grills on campus. Grills may be used as long as they are 15 feet away from the nearest building. Charcoal grills are located throughout Scribner Village and by the Tang museum.
Residents are allowed to invite guests to campus. Guests are limited to a stay of three nights, providing that the rights of others are not infringed upon. This means that you must clear your guest's stay with your roommate and suitemates/apartment mates.
Guests who drive to campus should also register their vehicles with Campus Safety.
Hall Council
The Hall Council plans social events for your residence hall and works to address campus issues and concerns. Members include a President, Vice-President/Senator, Treasurer, Social Chair, and Floor Representatives. The Vice President for Residential Affairs oversees Hall Councils as an executive officer of the Student Government Association.
The Vice President/Senator is the link between the Student Government Association (SGA) Senate and students in his or her residence hall or complex. The VP/Senator relays announcements to residents and brings concerns to the Senate, where they can be addressed.
The Treasurer keeps financial records of the Hall Council activities.
The Social Chair plans social events in the residence hall and is a member of SEC (Student Entertainment Company), which plans campus-wide social events.
Positions in Hall Council are ideal for new students who want to get involved and meet new people. There are a variety of Hall Council positions open each fall. Watch for signs in your hall and Case Center for announcements. Floor Representatives will be elected from each floor during the first two weeks of the semester. Whether you become an officer of Hall Council or not, all residents are considered members. In other words, your ideas and input are needed and welcome!
Issues you might bring to Hall Council:
- Ideas for residence hall activities
- Ideas for campuswide activities Student Government concerns (campus safety issues, smoking policies, religious issues, etc.)
For more information about Hall Council, please visit their website.
Please see Residence Hall Staff
Health Services
The staff includes: nationally certified Nurse Practitioners, a part time physician, Registered Nurses nationally certified in college health, Licensed Practical Nurses, a Health Educator, and an Administrative Assistant.
If an emergency should arise after hours, the student has the option of being seen at the Urgent Care Center at Wilton Medical Arts or the Emergency Room at Saratoga Hospital. In all cases, Campus Safety should be notified.
Health Services provides support for such issues as sexual assault, food issues, and substance abuse and prevention, and is a great resource for class papers and projects. Most services and medications are provided to Skidmore students at no charge. Services provided by community providers, clinics, hospitals, and labs are the responsibility of the student.
You can reach Health Services at ext 5550, or by dialing (518) 580 5550. For more information, please visit their website.
Please see Residence Hall Staff
Honor Code
Established at the request of the student body in 1921, the Skidmore Honor Code defines the guiding principles of honesty, respect, and integrity that should inform all choices and behavior patterns in the Skidmore academic and social communities. Each student, in matriculating at Skidmore College (or engaging in any Skidmore-sponsored activity or program as a non-matriculated student), agrees to the following code:
I hereby accept membership in the Skidmore College community and, with full realization of the responsibilities inherent in membership, do agree to adhere to honesty and integrity in all relationships, to be considerate of the rights of others, and to abide by the College regulations.
It is the responsibility of every student and every member of the faculty and staff, both by example and by instruction, to encourage students to embrace the standards of the Honor Code. If a student is aware of a violation, he or she is honor-bound to speak to the student, and if necessary to report the student to the Dean of Student Affairs or other appropriate member of the staff or faculty. If a member of the faculty is aware that someone has committed an academic violation, faculty legislation requires that the faculty member report the violation to the Dean of Studies. It is only through a combination of ethical commitment, guidance, and sanctions that the Honor Code can become a living set of principles for our community.
Howe-Rounds Halls
Please see Residence Halls
Housekeeping
Each residence hall has a housekeeping staff. While housekeepers do not pick up after individual students, they do maintain all common areas (hallways, bathrooms, etc.). It is important to keep your floor lounge and bathroom free from clutter, especially the countertops and showers.
The housekeepers do not clean individual rooms; that is your responsibility! A vacuum cleaner is available from your residence hall staff member.
House Counselor
Please see Residence Hall Staff
Inter Hall Board (IHB)
Please See Hall Council.
Integrity Board (IB)
The Skidmore College Integrity Board (IB) is a tripartite group of hearing officers composed of students, faculty, and staff members. Founded in Restorative Justice, the IB requires a student who has violated the Honor Code or College code of conduct to take responsibility, make amends, and return to good standing. When a student is found responsible for a violation, the Integrity Board will assign sanctions that preserve individual and institutional integrity, as well as help offenders learn from their mistakes. During the period from hearing to completion of sanctions the student is on “Disciplinary Probation”.
In certain cases, including all cases of sexual assault, an Administrative Hearing Board will convene, which is comprised of faculty and staff members only.
For further information regarding the Integrity Board, please see the Skidmore College Student Handbook.
InternetStudents will need to bring an Ethernet Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable to be able to use the provided Time Warner RoadRunner Internet service. These cables are located at the Skidmore Shop and most national retailers. If you have any questions about connecting your computer to the service, please contact the Help Desk at ext 5900, or by dialing (518) 580-5900. For more information, please visit their website.
If you are experiencing a problem with your Time Warner Cable Modem, please call them directly at (518) 640-8621 from your room's phone. Please identify yourself as a Skidmore Student and have your modem's MAC address ready. The MAC address is printed on the label on the top of the modem.
Jonsson Tower
Please see Residence Halls
Judicial Affairs
We believe the College Honor Code and regulations are vital to community welfare, student safety, and high standards of ethical integrity. Staff, working in conjunction with students and faculty, provides students with a clear set of expectations when a student violates the Honor Code he/she is required to take responsibility, make amends, and return to good standing.
Keys
When students first arrive on campus, check in locations will be set up in all residence halls. Students will pick up their key at these locations.
Students may obtain a room key from a Residence Hall staff member. If it is believed that a key is lost or stolen, contact the residence hall staff member and/or Campus Safety immediately. If you should lose your key or if it is stolen, the student will be charged for a lock change fee.
In order to insure the safety of possessions and personal safety, it is imperative that doors are locked at all times when the student is out or sleeping.
If you are locked out of your room, a staff member in your building will be able to assist you. Remember, you are responsible to carry your room key when you leave the room. This includes going to the bathroom, gym or class. This lockout service is not to used in place of carrying your key.
Students living in Jonsson Tower and the Northwoods Apartment Complex will use their Skidmore ID Card to gain access into their room or apartment. Their ID Card can be activated at the Office of Residential Life or the Skidmore Card office (located on the lower level of Starbucks.) If a student loses their ID Card they should go to the Skidmore Card Office to obtain a new card. These cards can then be encoded for their room by visiting the Office of Residential Life.
Kimball Hall
Please see Residence Halls
Traditional residence halls: (Howe-Rounds, Jonsson Tower, Kimball, McClellan, Penfield, Wait and Wilmarth,) have kitchens on every floor. These facilities include a microwave and refrigerator for the preparation of light snacks.
Wiecking hall's kitchens feature an electric cook top, microwave and refrigerator.
Scribner Village Apartments have kitchens in their spaces. These facilities include an electric cook top, oven, and refrigerator.
Northwoods Apartments have kitchens in their spaces. These facilities include an electric cook top, oven, microwave and refrigerator.
Laundry
Washers and Dryers: Washers and dryers are in the basement of each residence hall and cost 75 cents to wash and 75 cents to dry. Machines are not coin operated; students need to put money on their Skidmore ID card and swipe to use. Laundry rooms are also located on the first floors of Kimball and Wait halls.
Most students do their laundry on the weekend, and the laundry room can get crowded. Washers and dryers are usually available during the day (before dinner) or late at night (1 a.m. and beyond).
For environmental purposes, all of our washes are set for a cold wash. A word of advice: Do not leave your clothes sitting around in the laundry room. When your laundry is done, come and get it. Otherwise, it may end up in a heap somewhere because someone else wanted to use your machine.
E&R Laundry Service: Those who would like some help with their laundry may want to use E&R Laundry Service to wash or dry clean clothes and linens. E&R's toll free number is 1-800-890-7273. Visit their website for more information.
Lock Out
If you are locked out of your room, please find a staff member from your building. They will happily help you. Remember, it is your responsibility to carry your room key/ID where ever you go. For more information, please refer to our Key policy.
Losses and Damage
The College does not accept responsibility for any theft or losses in student rooms, storage closets, storage areas, or anywhere in College buildings or on campus at any time, either during terms or during one of the recesses. This applies to any damage from water, steam, soot, smoke, fire, or any other destruction. It is advised that all students be certain that they are protected by family homeowner's insurance.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located at Campus Safety. Any student losing property anywhere on campus should report his or her loss at once to the Campus Safety Office in Jonsson Tower.
All residence halls have lounges throughout the buildings. Most lounges feature sofas and end tables. In the main lounge of the building, there is a big screen TV with a VCR and cable.
In the basements of some buildings, you can find pool and ping pong tables.
Lounge furniture and furnishings are to remain in the lounge for everyone’s use. If you are found in possession of lounge furniture, you may be charged the moving fee to have it replaced to the common space.
Maintenance
The college employs trades people to help maintain the campus. If any furnishings in your room or hall should break, please let a building staff member know right away. They will make the request to have it fixed.
If it is an emergency, such as an overflowing toilet or broken water pipe, please call Campus Safety right away at ext 5566, or by dialing (518) 580 – 5566.
McClellan Hall
Please see Residence Halls
Move In/ Move Out
Please see Openings.
Noise
Within every residence hall, there are designated quiet hours, during which residents must keep noise to a minimum.
In addition, "courtesy hours," which call for general consideration regardless of time, are always in effect. If someone asks you to quiet down, please comply
During final exams, quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day. The enforcement of quiet hours are everyone's responsibility. If your neighbor is being too loud, you are encouraged to ask him or her to please quiet down. If this proves ineffective, see your staff member or call Campus Safety.
Quiet hours are:
Sunday – Wednesday: 9 pm – 9 am
Thursday - Saturday: 10 pm - 9 am
Northwoods Apartments
Please see Residence Halls
Off Campus Housing
Students who wish to move off campus after they have signed a room and board agreement must receive written permission from the Office of Residential Life. (Please note: the College rarely permits students to live off campus before their senior year.) This agreement is subject to change.
The Off Campus Housing drawing typically takes place during the spring semester. Students will be notified via email about this process.
Off Campus Eligibility
Details of off campus eligibility will be posted soon. Please do not sign any leases or contracts before you have written permission from the Office of Residential Life.
Opening/ Closings/ Move In/ Move Out
Below is a list of dates students may move in and are expected to move out of the residence halls.
| Event | Date | Time |
| Pre Orientation Students Move In | Thursday, August 30 | 9 am |
| New Students Arrive (Transfers & Class of 2011) | Sunday, September 2 | 9 am |
| Returning Students Arrive | Monday, September 3 | 9 am |
| Thanksgiving - Halls Close | Wednesday, November 21 | 10 am |
| Thanksgiving - Halls Open | Sunday, November 25 | 2 pm |
| Winter Break - Halls Close | TBA | 10 am |
| New Students Arrive (Transfers & London) | Friday, January 18 | 9 am |
| Returning Students Arrive | Saturday, January 19 | 9 am |
| Spring Break - Halls Close | Saturday, March 8 | 10 am |
| Spring Break - Halls Open | Sunday, March 16 | 2 pm |
| Spring Semester Ends (All Non-Seniors Leave) | Saturday, May 10 | 10 am |
| Seniors Leave (Post Commencement) | Sunday, May 18 | 10 am |
Residents of Scribner Village, Northwoods Apartments, Jonsson Tower, McClellan Hall and Kimball Hall are allowed to stay in their rooms during College breaks.
If you are not sure on when you are allowed to return/arrive onto campus, please contact the Office of Residential Life. We are unable to allow residents to move in earlier than the published dates.
Packing List: What to Bring and What Not to Bring
Many national retailers offer "what to bring" lists for a college room. However, these lists often include prohibited items at Skidmore. Please download the appropriate list and print it out:
Parking
It is absolutely essential if you have a vehicle on campus that you are aware of the parking rules and regulations. Students are required to pay for a parking pass and register their cards with Campus Safety. For more information, visit their website.
Guests who drive to campus should also register their vehicles with Campus Safety.
Penfield Hall
Please see Residence Halls
Pets
Pets, except for fish are not allowed in the residence hall system. Tanks must be no larger than 10 gallons and no more than 1 tank per room. Students found in violation of this policy may be held responsible for any damage caused by their pet. (Seeing eye dogs are permitted in residences and other campus facilities).
Policies
Please see Room and Board Agreement
Programs
Programming in halls is abundant at Skidmore College:
- Study Breaks - are every Wednesday, at 10 pm. Your floor's staff will host a social time where you can take a break from studying while enjoying the company of your floor and great food.
- All Hall - the first Wednesday of every month, instead of a study break, Hall Council hosts an event for your buildings. Often times, these events feature performances, contests and prizes.
- Hall Programs - staff members create and host programs for each hall! Be on the look out for posters
- Survivor Series - the Office of Residential Life sponsors a series about, " . . .Everything you need to know about surviving away from home." Topics include Laundry Mishaps, Study Abroad, Facebook, Cold Care, Healthy Living, Managing Stress, Room Selection and Returning Home. A list of exact session titles and dates will be published soon.
- Triples Programs - our residents in triple rooms are invited to this special series of events just for them! Come enjoy a free dinner in the Faculty Staff club and meet other residents living in triples. A list of exact session titles and dates will be published soon.
Below is a brief summary of prohibited items in the residence halls. Please refer to the Room and Board Agreement for more detailed information:
- Halogen Lamp
- Tri-Color Octopus Lamp
- Bed Risers
- Cinder Blocks
- Microwaves (except for Scribner Village.)
- Extension cords
- Pets other than fish in a 10 gallon tank
- Candles (Even if they are just for decoration)
- Incense
- Large Tapestries that block exits and fire safety equipment
- Illegal Drugs
- Alcohol (If living in one of the traditional residence halls.)
- Weapons of all kinds
- Motorized vehicles other than wheel chairs
Residence Halls
Residence Halls at Skidmore College are divided into two Quads:
Skidmore College is committed to providing a co-curricular environment which enhances and enriches the academic program and which provides students with opportunities for personal and social growth, self-discovery, and an appreciation of one’s responsibilities to self and others. To those ends, Skidmore sees residential living as an integral part of the student’s education. At it’s best, residential living fosters a sense of community, facilitates the integration of the individual into campus activities and organizations, exposes students in a very direct and personal way to a pluralist community of people with experiences, encourages an atmosphere of free and wide-ranging expression of ideas, and develops in each person capacities for self-direction and deep concern for others.
Clearly, residential living does not always meet the ideas outlined above. Residential life is not always comfortable, supportive, or secure. Interpersonal tensions, serious value conflicts, and discomfort caused by living in close proximity with large numbers of students are not unusual. Learning to respond maturely, responsibly and creatively to adversity are important elements in one’s self-growth. Skidmore provides resources through its residence hall staff, counseling center, chaplain’s office, and other student affairs staff, to assist students in their adjustments to residential life. Ultimately, Skidmore regards students as maturing individuals and expects them to accept a large measure of responsibility for their personal and social lives. Skidmore’s limited room change and off-campus living policies reflect the belief that students often learn more about themselves and others through weathering difficult situations than from escaping them.
Resident AssistantPlease see Residence Hall Staff
Residence Hall Director
Please see Residence Hall Staff
Residence Hall Staff
The Residence Hall Staff consists of approximately 80 upper class students and professional staff who are selected during the spring semester for the following academic year. Some are also appointed to positions during the fall and spring semesters. The Residence Hall Staff includes two Community Coordinators, four Residence Hall Directors (RHDs), four Head Residents (HRs), 9 Unit Assistants, 28 Resident Assistants (RAs), and 39 House Counselors (HCs).
Staff members will serve as your primary resource in your residence hall. Staff members are communicators, paraprofessional counselors, facilitators, and policy educators for the hall. As you join the community for information regarding the rights and responsibilities of a community member, please refer to the Skidmore College Student Handbook.
