Be sure to visit the Residence Education Web site.

RESIDENCE EDUCATION

A. GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS LIVING IN THE DORMS

1. DEFINING RESIDENTIAL, LOCAL, AND COMMUTER STUDENTS

Residential Students are students who reside in the residence halls and who are not expected to go home until closed weekend.

Local Students are students who reside in the residence halls Sunday through Thursday. They are expected to go home Friday at 3:05 p.m. unless they are involved in after school programs. They may return Sunday after 3 p.m.

Commuter Students are students who do not reside in the residence halls. They are expected to go home after school at 3:05 p.m. unless they are involved in after school programs. Refer to the Commuter Student Guidelines in the General section to see what options are available to students who are interested in participating in our after school programs.

2. RESIDENCE HALLS AND STUDENT ROOMS

Two male dorms at MSSD accommodate up to 55 students each. One female dorm accommodates up to 95 students. Each bedroom holds from two to five beds.

Each room is equipped with a bed, a wardrobe, and a closet. Each room has a thermostat to control air conditioning and heating, is carpeted, and has its own doorbell/light switch, as well as an emergency fire alarm strobe light.

3. ROOM AND KEY DEPOSIT

A deposit of $75 must be paid before a student can move into a residence hall. This deposit will pay for any damage to school property and replacement of a room door lock and new key. Damages to school property worth more than $50 will be billed to the student and parents or guardians.

Note: If there is no damage and the student returns the key each year, the deposit will be refunded when the student leaves MSSD. Students must maintain the $75 deposit in their accounts. Loss of ID and key must be reported within 24 hours.

4. ROOM MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

Students are expected to keep their rooms neat and clean. There are vacuum cleaners on each floor for the students’ use. The students must empty their wastebaskets regularly. Rooms are regularly inspected.

Before each vacation and at the closing of school in June, no student may leave until the staff has checked his or her room and he or she has received a receipt.

Willful destruction of school property will be dealt with severely. Students must pay for damages to MSSD property. Moving bedroom furniture causes damages to bedrooms. Students may not move furniture.

5. ROOMMATE SELECTION

New students will not know who their roommates are until they arrive. No changes will be made until after two (2) weeks. Returning students select their own rooms and roommates in the spring.

6. ROOM DECORATIONS

Personalizing a room so that it is a comfortable space to live in is a natural inclination of residents. It is important to consider how to decorate a room so that damage to walls, doors, and windows does not result.

The following items may be used to hang or affix items to the walls. They are readily available at the Gallaudet University Bookstore. If you are not sure of what to use, please consult your coordinator of Residence Education.

• White adhesive putty (non-staining and easily removed)
• Self-sticking, removable mounts
• Thumbtacks
• Rubber cement to hang frameless posters
• Grey poster tape (Scotch™ removable mounting)
• Scotch™ tape

The following must not be performed on the walls, woodwork, doors, or furnishings:

• Drilling of any holes
• Use of adhesive-backed permanent hooks
• Use of glue or paste
• Use of double stick foam
• Use of contact paper
• Use of nails or screws in the walls, ceiling, or doors
• Removal, relocation, or disassembly of furniture—this includes moving furniture from one room to another within the same suite
• Elevation, stacking, or upturning of furniture (e.g., beds, desks, etc.)
• Hanging objects from ceiling fixtures (e.g., light fixtures, sprinkler heads, smoke detector, strobe lights, etc.)

Residents may not paint walls, doors, furnishings, or any other fixtures in the rooms. Plants brighten up a room, but they should be placed in an area where water will not cause any damage. Doors and/or doorframes or closures marked in any way will result in vandalism and repair charges. Any defacement to the room will be billed to the residents of the room based on the Physical Plant Department’s estimate for repair or replacement. Residents should not make any repairs to damage in their rooms, in the hallways, or in school facilities.

7. LINENS

Students need to bring a minimum of two bed sheets (twin), two pillowcases, a bedspread, at least one blanket, a pillow, and supply of towels.

8. LOCKING AND SECURING PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Residents should protect their property by keeping dorm rooms locked when unoccupied. Valuables should be secured and locked away for safekeeping. Students should mark their belongings prominently with their names. It is advisable that they bring their own padlock.

Note: MSSD is not responsible for theft of, loss of, or damage to any student’s personal property.

9. CLOTHES AND LAUNDRY

It is suggested that students bring clothing appropriate to the season of the year. Wardrobe should include at least one dress-up outfit, as well as clothing for the different activities offered at MSSD, such as swimming, social events (i.e., Homecoming dance, senior prom, performing arts banquet, sports banquet, awards ceremony, and graduation), outdoor events, exercising, etc.

Washers and dryers are available in the basement of each dorm and operated by a laundry card the size of a credit card. The cost is $0.75 per load . A card for $10 can be purchased in the MSSD Eagle Zone and can be validated to be used more than once. Students must supply their own detergent. Laundry detergent can be purchased at the MSSD Eagle Zone, the Gallaudet University Bookstore, or at a nearby supermarket.

10. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Residents may bring any of the following electrical equipment and will be expected to operate such equipment properly, safely, and in accordance with the rules: personal computers, radios, hair dryers, electric curlers or rollers, irons that can be automatically turned off, and other small personal items.

Students may bring personal refrigerators, small televisions, stereos with required headphones, and radios; however, these items are by no means necessities.

All other electrical equipment is forbidden and will be confiscated. This includes hot pots, microwaves, corn poppers, or any other electrical equipment other than those items listed above.

Cooking is not permitted within a student’s room.

Note: Parents or guardians may want to purchase property insurance to cover items brought into the dorms. MSSD is not responsible for theft or damage to students’ personal belongings.

11. ALARM CLOCKS

An alarm clock with a flashing light/bed vibrator system is required. Students are expected to wake up on their own when reporting to breakfast in preparation for class.

12. TOILETRIES

All basic toiletries should be brought at the beginning of the year. Thereafter, those items can be purchased at the MSSD Eagle Zone, the Gallaudet University Bookstore, or at a nearby supermarket.

13. MEDICATION POLICY

Students may not keep medications of any kind in their residence hall rooms. All medications must be stored in the Student Health Service, including over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, and vitamins. Supplies of medications are dispensed as directed by the Student Health Service.

14. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Families are responsible for providing transportation to and from MSSD for both commuter and residential students. Students may come by car, bus, train, subway, or plane.

Bus: Greyhound runs through Washington, D.C. From the bus station students can walk approximately one block to the New York/Florida Avenue/Gallaudet University Metrorail subway station or three blocks to Union Station and catch Gallaudet University’s free shuttle from there to MSSD. They can also hail a cab from the bus station to Gallaudet.

Amtrak, Metrorail (subway), MARC, VRE, or other train service: Students arriving into Washington, D.C.’s Union Station can catch the Gallaudet shuttle to MSSD or take a cab.

Metrorail (subway): The Metro operates 7 days a week, opening weekdays (M-F) at 5 a.m. and weekends (Sa-Su) at 7 a.m. It closes at midnight Sunday through Thursday and at 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Fares are charged based on the distance the person travels, ranging from $1.35 to $3.90. Reduced fare cards are available for disabled/senior citizens from Metro sales office. For additional information, visit: www.wmata.com.

Cab hailed within Washington, D.C.:Washington, D.C., cabs operate on the zone system. The base fare is $4 if the cab remains within the zone. Crossing a zone adds $1.50 to the base fare. Try to hail a taxi in a well-traveled location instead of calling because there is a $1 charge for radio-dispatched cabs. During rush hours (7-9:30 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m.), your driver will add an extra $1 surcharge to the fare. For more than one grocery bag or suitcase per person, there is a $0.50/ piece addition, and larger objects will cost $2. Drivers add $1.50 to the base fare for each additional passenger going to the same destination with you. Cab drivers can double the fare during snow emergencies. These prices don’t include tip.

Plane: There are three airports within the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area:

Baltimore-Washington International (BWI): This airport is approximately 29 miles from campus. Both Amtrak and the MARC Penn Line (M-F only) train service run between the airport and Union Station. The B30 Metrobus runs between the airport and the Greenbelt Metrorail station, where the student may catch the Metro to Union Station; this requires several bus/rail changes, and it may be a difficult trip for someone who is coming to MSSD for the first time. A lengthy cab ride may be the only option. The estimated cost from BWI is $55, not including tip. Maryland cabs do not use the zone system. For more information on transportation from BWI, please go to www.bwiairport.com and click on “Ground Transportation.”

Dulles International Airport (IAD): This airport is approximately 33 miles from campus. The Dulles Airport Bus (5A) runs between the airport and the Rosslyn and L’Enfant Plaza Metro-rail stations, where the student may catch the Metro to Union Station; this requires several bus/ rail changes and it may be a difficult trip for someone who is coming to MSSD for the first time. A cab would run approximately $55, not including tip. Virginia cabs do not use the zone system. For more information, please go to www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/ground.htm.

Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA): The closest airport to MSSD, The closest airport to MSSD, DCA is located in Virginia, across the river from Washington, D.C. It has a Metrorail subway station attached to the airport. Arriving students may take the subway to Union Station and catch the Gallaudet shuttle bus or a cab from there. A cab directly from DCA to campus would run approximately $14, not including tip. For additional information, please go to www.mwaa.com/national/ground.htm

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B. COMMUNICATION TIPS FOR RESIDENT STUDENTS AND PARENTS

The residential program has one number, (202) 651-5310, that is both voice and TTY. This specific number is answered only during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. All calls received before or after this time are transferred to a voice and TTY answering machine. Please leave a message and your call will be returned.

1. TELEPHONE/TTY

Phones are available in each dorm and in strategic places around campus. All outgoing calls should be made from these phones.

No phone calls may be made or received during study hours or after 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, except for emergency medical purposes. If you need to call the Residence Education office before 3 p.m., please call the main line at (202) 651-5310 (TTY/Voice). Calls to the dorms can be made after 3 p.m. during the week. Occasionally, the dorms will be closed to encourage student participation in on-campus activities.

The coordinator of Residence Education is available to take incoming calls at the numbers below utilizing a videophone (VP):

Call after 3 p.m. on weekdays

• RHB Dorm VP: (202) 651-5433
• RHE Dorm VP: (202) 651-7431
• RHV Dorm VP: (202) 651-0963
• Fax for all dorms: (202) 651-5403

Main Office (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.):

• TTY/Voice: (202) 651-5310
• Fax only: (202) 651-5403

For hearing individuals who would like to call a person that is deaf or hard of hearing, you may use a standard telephone and simply call the toll-free number (866) 327-8877. Have the contact information of the deaf or hard of hearing individual (i.e. name and videophone number) ready. The call will be answered by the next available interpreter who will place your call to the deaf or hard of hearing individual and act as your interpreter.

2. MAIL

Each afternoon, mail is delivered to the residence halls’ staff office. Residents can pick up their mail at their convenience. UPS and Fed Ex delivery is available at the school building from 3-4 p.m. during the weekdays. Residents will be notified about arrival of their packages.

3. E-MAIL

Gallaudet University e-mail accounts are available free of charge to all students. It is strongly recommended that parents or guardians establish an e-mail account so that they may reach their child while he or she is here at MSSD. Each dormitory has a computer lab and students may read and send e-mail using these labs. There is also a relay service program via the Internet. Students are able to call home using this free technology.

Our residence halls have dorm pagers that are capable of receiving e-mails. You may contact our dorm pagers if you wish to communicate with a dorm staff or have your child get in touch with you. The following e-mails are available to you:

RHB Dorm: RHB@tmail.com
RHE Dorm: RHE@tmail.com
RHV Dorm: RHV@tmail.com

4, VIDEOPHONE (VP)

Videophones are available in the residence halls. Students and parents or guardians are encouraged to use videophones or the Video Relay Service. Occasionally the dorms will be closed to encourage student participation in on-campus activities.

Videophone calls after 3 p.m. on weekends:

• RHB Dorm VP: (202) 651-5433
• RHE Dorm VP: (202) 651-7431
• RHV Dorm VP: (202) 651-0963

C. BASIC RULES

1. DORMITORY BEHAVIOR

Students are expected to respect others, respect property, and respect the dorm rules. Specific expectations include but are not limited to:

• Respect for students and adults should be demonstrated by civil and courteous behavior, including words and actions. Gossiping, rudeness, and the use of foul language, whether in common areas or in the privacy of a dorm room, demonstrate disrespect for others.
• Respect for property should be demonstrated by maintaining neat vestibules and hallways, picking up trash no matter who left it, and not defacing walls, furniture, or the property of others. Borrowing items without permission, the equivalent of stealing, demonstrates disrespect for others and for property and is unacceptable.
• Respect for dorm rules should be demonstrated by supporting the dorm leaders, abiding by the rules, and accepting the consequences gracefully when mistakes are made.

2. AFTER SCHOOL SIGN-IN AND SIGN-OUT

MSSD Residence Education provides a variety of activities on campus. Students are encouraged to participate in as many activities as they can. Participating in these activities is optional. All students who participate in after school programs must sign in at their dormitory after school. If they leave their dormitory, they are expected to sign out and indicate their destination. Students are expected to report back to the dorm if they want to change their destination and to sign out again.

3. RESIDENCE HALL CURFEW

The Residence Education program has curfew rules that the students must follow. The following times are when students are required to report to their residence halls.

Sunday-Thursday
Study Hours: 8:15 p.m.

Friday-Saturday
Curfew: 10 p.m.

4. LIGHTS OUT CURFEW

The time indicated below is the time the lights will be turned off. It is important that we impose curfew hours so that students can manage their time and get enough rest.

Sunday-Thursday
Freshmen/Sophomores: 10:30 p.m.
Juniors/Seniors: 10:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday
Freshmen/Sophomores: 11:30 a.m.
Juniors/Seniors: 11:30 a.m.

5. WEEKDAYS

Students are not permitted off campus on weekdays except for juniors and seniors who are not on academic probation. Occasionally, a group of students may be given permission from the coordinator of Residence Education to leave the MSSD campus for a certain purpose, to go to a specific destination, and for a definite period of time. Students given permission to leave campus during the week must return by study hour.

No residential students are allowed to stay overnight off campus during the week unless they are released to their parents, guardians, or family members.

Special permission may be given for students to go to the bookstore, the ATM machine, the Cashier’s Office, or the library on the Gallaudet University campus.

6. OFF-CAMPUS PRIVILEGES

Parents or guardians must sign an off-campus permission form to permit their sons or daughters to go off campus on their own, and the privilege is approved on the basis of student behavior at MSSD. Going off campus is a privilege—students who follow MSSD rules and behave responsibly may be permitted to leave campus at scheduled times.

The privilege of leaving campus may be withdrawn for disciplinary reasons. The off-campus privileges can be revoked if students violate school policies and regulations, or abuse the off-campus privileges.

Any location outside of the MSSD buildings and grounds is considered “off campus.” This includes Gallaudet University and KDES. (A pass must be obtained when visiting the Gallaudet University Bookstore, College Hall, the Student Academic Center, and/or the library.)

• New students: New students may not leave the campus until they have completed their orientation to public transportation and have received approval from their coordinator of Residence Education.
• Valid ID card and room key: Students must have a valid ID card and their room key in order to go off campus.
• Groups of three or more: Unless supervised or accompanied by a parent or guardian, students are permitted off campus only in groups of three or more.
• Groups of two or more: Special permission may be given for students to go to the bookstore, the ATM machine, the Cashier’s Office, or the library on the Gallaudet University campus.
• Class projects: Students may be allowed to go off campus in groups of two or more for class projects. Students must obtain a pass from their teachers specifying the task that must be completed.
• Tuesday and Thursday: Off-campus privilege is limited to juniors and seniors only. They must also be in good standing with the Talon program.
• Students on Academic Probation (AP): Students on AP will be denied off-campus privileges during weekdays.
• Sign In/Out: Students must sign in and sign out in their respective residence hall and obtain a pass from their residence educator.

Unless supervised or accompanied by a parent or guardian, students must leave campus and return to campus in a minimum group of three. Students are not permitted to ride in cars or other vehicles with persons other than their parents or guardians who have signed them out of their residence hall.

Occasionally, a group of students may be given permission from the coordinator of Residence Education to leave the MSSD campus for a certain purpose, to go to a specific destination, and for a definite period of time. Students who have permission to leave campus during the week must return no later than Study Hour (8 p.m.).

Students are prohibited from entering Gallaudet facilities (including the dorms) except with permission from the residence hall staff to go to the gym, the Student Academic Center, College Hall, and/or the library. (Library passes can be obtained from the teachers.)

7. OFF-CAMPUS HOURS

8. SOARING EAGLES PROGRAM

The Residence Education program recognizes two groups of students:

• Students who excel academically with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above.
• Students who have earned privileges through understanding of the school rules (policies) and demonstrating good citizenship to the community by constantly participating in community meetings and offering support to peers.

Students who excel in these two areas will be granted an extra privilege that includes VIP seating to special events, pizza parties, special wing/dorm room assignments, and additional computer time. To continue their participation in the Soaring Eagles program, the students must maintain a platinum/gold level on the Talon program.

9. TALON PROGRAM

MSSD Talon Program is an opportunity for students to engage in simulated recognition for being students. It is based primarily on awarding privileges to the more responsible students. Each level offers more privileges than the other.

Categorizing students into levels depends on their participation in the program. Each category is awarded one point. The Residence Education personnel are responsible for leading students in appropriate choices such as, but not limited to, making up their beds, participating in meetings, and doing their homework.

Points are totaled on a weekly basis. Students will be informed of their progress. Students who achieve the top level in their Talon points four weeks in a row will receive a Cool Ticket. These tickets enable students to receive free meals at Union Station.

10. WEEKENDS

Students signing out for the weekend should understand that they cannot return to campus until Sunday after 3 p.m. The date and time specified on the weekend plans must clearly reflect the departure and arrival times. We expect students to return to campus before 10 p.m. on any given night they are expected to return. Parents or guardians should understand that the school assumes no responsibility for a student’s activities once they have signed out and left the campus.

11. VISITING OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OFF CAMPUS

Students must have written permission from their parents or guardians to leave campus with or to visit with other family members or friends. Students must have written permission from the persons with whom they will be visiting.

The permission needs to include the specific date, time, driver, and destination. The detailed permission request needs to be submitted to Residence Education staff before 8:30 p.m. on the Wednesday before the release for the weekend. The permission will be reviewed and approved by the coordinator of Residence Education or the weekend coordinator pending no conflict with violations of school policy and that all information is clearly written on the permission request.

The adult who is picking up the student must sign the student out of the dormitory. The sign-out sheet can be found in the residence educator’s office.

12. VISITORS

All visitors to residence halls must sign in and receive visitor’s passes for the weekend from the coordinator of Residence Education. Residence hall personnel reserve the right to deny access to visitors who are not members of a student’s family.

Visiting Hours
Monday– Friday* 3-5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Visiting hours will be canceled if an after school program or special event is scheduled.

12. DORM RESTRICTIONS

The Residence Education department has three types of restrictions that are imposed on students who violate dorm rules and policies. The types of restrictions are as follows:

On-Campus Restriction (OCR):

All off-campus privileges are taken away from the student. However, the student can participate in any on-campus activities, such as workshops, recreation, and/or going to the Eagle Zone. While under this restriction, students may be released for the weekend only to their parent or guardian. Release to visit other family members or friends will be denied.

In-Dorm Restriction (IDR):

The student must stay within his or her residence hall for a specific number of days. All off-campus and school-related activities are denied. Students are allowed to do homework, read, write letters to friends, parents or relatives, clean their rooms, use computers for homework only, and watch television.

In-Room Restriction (IRR):

The student must stay in his or her room in the residence hall for a specific number of days. The student cannot go up to the lobby or use a computer without staff permission. The student may do homework, clean his or her room, and write letters.

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D. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. FOOD SERVICE

Residential students are provided with a 21-meala-week plan at the cafeteria (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily including the weekend); local students are provided with 15 meals a week (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday-Friday); commuter students are provided with 5 meals a week (lunch only). There is no charge to students who are enrolled at MSSD.

2. CLOSED WEEKENDS AND VACATION

On closed weekends and other school breaks as marked on the school calendar, the school closes at 1 p.m. Every student must have approved travel arrangements departing at 1 p.m. The family educators will work closely with the Residence Education staff to ensure that the students on their teams have a transportation plan in place by the due dates indicated on the Closed Weekend Transportation Form. All arrangements should be made two (2) weeks prior to the departure date on the Closed Weekend Transportation Plan Form and must be submitted to the student’s coordinator of Residence Education. The form can be found in the dorms and in family newsletters.

3. TRANSPORTATION TO DESTINATIONS

A bus will transport students to Amtrak at Union Station, the Greyhound bus terminal, the Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), and the Baltimore-Washington International Airport at 1 p.m. on the day of the closed weekend or vacation (see the school academic calendar). If a student plans to leave before 1 p.m., the student must arrange for his or her own transportation to the bus station, train station, or airport (taxi or public transportation). We do not provide transportation to any other destination than those indicated above (i.e., there is no transportation to Dulles Airport). Parents or guardians should consider this when making travel arrangements. We do not provide any transportation for the return trip back to school. No transportation is provided on the last day of school.

4. EARLY DEPARTURE

In the case of an early departure or a late arrival that will result in an absence from classes, the parents or guardians should submit a written note to the assistant principal explaining the reason for the absence. Parents or guardians should attach a copy of the ticket (bus, train, or airline) to the note and submit it to the coordinator of Residence Education (CRE). The coordinator of Residence Education will communicate with the assistant principal, who will determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.

5. ACTIVITY FEE

A nonrefundable activity fee of $75 is required 25 days before first day of school for each academic year. The fee covers membership in the Student Body Government, drama and dance performances, athletic events, school field trips, and other special activities.

Note: Students must pay all unpaid fees before they can participate in any sports, events, and/ or activities.

6. PETS

Students are not permitted to have pets in the residence halls.

7. QUIET HOURS

All students will observe quiet hours from 10 p.m.-7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Stereos should be played with headphones, and boys and girls may not congregate in groups during this time.

8. STUDY HOURS

Study hours are required for residential students, some monitored and some unsupervised. Study hours are from 8:30-10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Students are expected to focus on their studies. No television or other activities will occur during study hours. Students on Academic Probation will be required to report to study hour at 8 p.m. in the Educational Resource Center.

9. RELIGIOUS LIFE

Students’ personal religious convictions are valued here, although as a secular school, MSSD does not promote the beliefs of any one denomination or offer religious services on its own campus.

Religious services of several denominations are held on the Gallaudet University campus. Students may attend religious services at Gallaudet University or they may go off the Gallaudet University campus with prior arrangements from their parents or guardians.

Residence Education does not provide transportation. It must be arranged by the student’s parents or guardians and the church/synagogue with advance permission from the student’s parents or guardians and the residence hall staff.

10. EAGLE ZONE

The Eagle Zone, located in the school building, is the cultural and social center for MSSD students. It has table games, video games, board games, large screen televisions, music, and a snack bar. Movies are shown regularly for students’ enjoyment. Weekend activities are posted on the communication board.

11. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

MSSD’s Residence Education provides an after school program for all of our students to offer continued growth after school. Students can participate in the after school programs from 4:15-5:15 p.m., Tuesday through Wednesday. Students can select from sports, performing arts, driver education study guide, Double Dutch, dance, games, and disc golf. Commuter students are welcome to participate in these programs. Contact the coordinator of Student Programs or our department secretary at (202) 651-5310 for more information.

12. WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Weekends at MSSD are enriched through diverse activities created by both the residence education staff and the students. A committee composed of three student representatives and three dorm staff representatives from each dorm meets every week to plan activities two months in advance. All activities are advertised on the student bulletin boards in the residence halls and the Eagle Zone. Activities include a bus trip to a shopping mall, a grocery store, a museum, a park, hiking, camping, water parks, and amusement parks. Students may sign up for these activities at the Eagle Zone activities sign-up station.

13. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER (formerly Tutoring Center)

The Residence Education department offers an academic support service to all MSSD students through our Educational Resource Center. Students having academic difficulties or wishing to improve their grades are strongly encouraged to utilize this service.

14. BREAKFAST REQUIREMENT

All residential students are required to attend breakfast in the dining room, arriving no later than 7:45 a.m., Monday through Friday, so that they have enough time to eat before classes. They may not leave the dorms until 7:20 a.m. Students are to remain in the cafeteria until the school building opens.

15. STUDENT BANK

Gallaudet University’s Cashier’s Office provides bank services in the MSSD cafeteria. (Note: This is not a commercial bank.) The bank schedule is posted in the cafeteria. Money deposited in the student bank does not earn interest. Students also have the option of going to Gallaudet’s Cashier’s Office in College Hall between 3-4:30 p.m. There is one ATM on the Gallaudet University campus (outside of Benson Hall) that MSSD students are allowed to use. Students are strongly encouraged to leave money in the bank and keep just enough for snacks.

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E. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND REPRESENTING MSSD

Students have an opportunity to compete for leadership roles in any campus organization or compete for roles that will represent MSSD abroad through pageants and/or conference participation. Students holding these positions must not be in violation of school policies or be placed in ESSP during that academic year, and must have met the required GPA requirement. Each organization, pageant, and conference has different requirements. Students obtaining these roles will receive a copy of what the expectations are in order to help them remain in their roles. In recognizing student leadership, special privileges will be given based on the organization manual. An example of this privilege is an extended lights out curfew time.

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F. COMMUTER STUDENT INFORMATION

One of the unique features of MSSD is the balance of ideas, personalities, and opportunities that come with a blending of residential, local, and commuter students. Commuter students have the right to full participation in after school programs, including athletic teams, intramurals, clubs, organizations, studying, and special events.

At the beginning of the year, each commuter student will be assigned to a dorm. For the rest of the year, commuter students will be invited to join all major events and parties planned for that dorm and may stay overnight if they wish by making arrangements with the coordinator of Residence Education one week in advance. Contact the main office at (202) 651-5310 to reach the coordinator of Residence Education if you would like your child to participate. A meeting will be required to ensure that all guidelines are clearly understood and that the student receives a copy of what is expected.

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G. COMMUTER STUDENT GUIDELINES

Commuter students have the responsibility of following the MSSD Code of Conduct, as well as the following guidelines.

• Parents or guardians must contact the coordinator of Residence Education to discuss their child’s participation in any planned after school activities a week in advance.
• Commuter students who remain after school for planned activities and programs must sign in their respective dorms.
• Commuter students who are not participating in after school programs are expected to go home after school. Loitering in or around MSSD is prohibited.
• Commuter students may participate in our study hour program from 8:30-10 PM with prior approval from the coordinator of Residence Education.
• Commuter students must meet with the coordinator of Residence Education at least once each season (fall, winter, and spring) to discuss participation in after-school activities and programs.
• Parents or guardians are expected to pick up their child at 6 PM or the student can use public transportation if the coordinator of Residence Education is informed in advance.
• Commuter students may have dinner in the cafeteria if participating in a school activity and may also use the services of the Student Health Service; however, parents or guardians are responsible for any other medical treatment.

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