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Letter to off-campus students from Tom Turner

Dear Off Campus Student,

Roanoke College students will be returning to Salem soon for the fall semester. For some of you this will be your first experience living off campus in a rented house or apartment. Several years ago the college and the Salem communities implemented initiatives to help improve "Town / Gown" relations in off campus areas where students reside. These initiatives along with the cooperation of RC students have resulted in an improved environment.

We want to continue to build upon our success. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated. College officials will continue working with students, neighbors, property owners and local officials to help prevent and address nuisance problems (such as noise, litter, improper parking, and alcohol violations). Please be reminded of the following.

  • Personal contact by phone or letter with a student(s) from a college official can be expected if an off -campus house or apartment is identified as creating problems in a neighborhood. The Salem Police Department routinely notifies the college of the name of any student who receives a summons or is arrested in the city.

  • Disciplinary action will be initiated for violations when a student has been charged more than once by the police. The Student Handbook contains the college conduct code and has further details.

I am confident that the city will continue to give quality of life in the local neighborhoods high priority. Enforcement by the Salem Police for violations of laws and ordinances can be expected. Good relations ensure the tradition of a high quality college and city community. I have attached a copy of our Good Neighbor Guidelines for your use.

Students in Emotional Distress Students living off campus have access to the services of the Student Health Center and the College Counseling Center just the same as residential students. During the year if you or someone you know becomes ill, depressed, develops a substance abuse problem or is in emotional distress please seek help for yourself or friends.

College Health Services - 375-2286 College Counseling Center - 375-2302

Maroon Alerts - The college is implementing a new emergency notification system that utilizes text messaging to individual cellular phones and devices (as well as e-mail) in the event of a campus emergency or a severe weather closing / delay. It will be the student's responsibility to enroll in the program and thus receive notifications. Students will be receiving more information about this program in the near future. I strongly encourage each of you to enroll in the program. The web address is http://webapps.roanoke.edu/maroonalerts/

Personal safety at your house or apartment is important. I encourage each of you to see that your rented house or apartment is equipped with smoke detectors. Additionally carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be installed if you have natural gas fired heat, hot water, appliances or a fireplace. If your landlord does not provide these detectors, they can be purchased economically at retailers such as Lowe's, Home Depot and Wal-Mart.

Please don't hesitate to contact our office at 375-2310 if you have any questions or concerns. Lt. David Rorer of the Salem Police Department works with students and residents regarding off-campus issues. He can be contacted at 375-3084 and will be more than happy to discuss any concerns or questions you have about off campus living.