Student Handbook 2023-2024

There are dozens of reputable websites that describe ways to be safe at campus. Most of the advise you'll read there is valid.

We have our own short list of behaviors to help you maintain your safety. 

• Lock your car, lock your door, carry your keys and ID card at all times. Don’t leave these laying around and don’t loan them out. Have a small lockable box to keep your most important possessions, and be faithful about using it. 
• In public areas, do not leave your belongings unattended. Keep coats, book bags, purses, and other valuables with you at all times. Leaving your computer or other valuable items alone in a public area “for a few minutes” can lead to theft. 
• Many of our doors on campus are locked, and if someone is supposed the be able to get it, they’ve been given that access. Don’t “be nice” and let someone you don’t know in. 
• When walking at night, travel in groups if possible. Always walk in well-lighted areas and do not take short cuts through dark or isolated areas.
• If you feel threatened or think you are being followed, walk toward a well-lit or well-populated area. After reaching your destination, report the incident to your RA or RD, Student Life Office, or the Traill County Sheriff’s Office.
• If you bring your bicycle with you to MSU, always keep it secured with an oversized chain or cable style bike lock. Bike frames have a stamped serial number – usually under the frame near the pedals junction. Record this number; it will help identify your bike if it is stolen. 
• If anything makes you feel uncomfortable or threatened, report it immediately to your RA or RD, the Student Life Office, or the Trail County Sheriff’s Office. 
• Don’t eat food given to you by someone you don’t know; don’t drink fluids given to you by someone you don’t know. Use alcohol and other substances carefully, only when you want to, and in moderation.

Mayville State maintains evening coverage of the campus by Night Watch Patrol. The Night Watch Patrol walks through all academic buildings periodically throughout the nighttime hours. Their duties include overseeing the physical security of university-owned property on the campus. Of primary importance is the safety of students, staff and guests.

The "on call" person for security can be reached by phone: 701-430-0000.

Questions regarding security should be forwarded to the Director of  Facilities Services. The office is located in Campus Center Room 113; phone 701-788-4872.

Fire prevention in the residence halls is taken very seriously by hall staff and is the shared responsibility of all students living in the halls. The use of toasters, microwaves, hotpots, or any other cooking appliances is prohibited in rooms. Cooking appliances can only be used in kitchenettes. Candles used for decorative purposes are prohibited, and the burning of candles, incense, and other items with an open flames are prohibited. Students who decorate their door by attaching paper wrap to their residence hall room doors must leave a 1 ft. border around the door free from paper.

For your protection, we urge you to use good judgment in decorating your room so that furniture, posters, mobiles do not create fire hazards. Additionally, highly flammable materials such as chemicals, gasoline, propane, and lighter fluid, and the like, are not permitted in the residence halls.

Fire Alarm System and Equipment

The fire-alarm system and fire-fighting equipment are for your protection in the residence halls.

• Each residence hall is equipped with a smoke detector which is periodically checked by hall staff. The light on the detector indicates it is in working order. The detectors must be tested at the beginning of each semester. If the light is not on or if your alarm is not working properly, report it to your Resident Director.
• In some cases, the detector in your room is wired to the building central monitoring system. Tampering with fire-fighting equipment or setting off a false alarm not only makes the system ineffectual but also endangers the lives of other residents.
• Tampering with, removal of, or misuse of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, or other fire-fighting equipment and fire exit signs is prohibited by both our policy and state law. Any student tampering with fire-fighting equipment will be subject to punishment by state laws and disciplinary action. (Prosecuted as disorderly conduct, a Class 'B' misdemeanor, with a maximum punishment of 30 days in jail, a $500 fine or both).
• Fire extinguishers are provided as a life safety feature. Tampering with them will result in disciplinary action and may result in removal from MSU Housing.

Fire Drills

The State Board of Higher Education mandates that at least one fire drill be held in each residence hall per term. All residents must leave the building when the alarm sounds for the drill. North Dakota State Law requires evacuation. Students are responsible for cooperating and following escape plans as explained by hall staff and posted on each floor. Failure to evacuate the building when an alarm is sounded will result in a disciplinary action.

(The Residence Hall Patrol walks through our Residence Halls). 

Campus Security Act statistics are compiled by the Vice President for Student Affairs