• Fall 2009:  starting Friday, August 21, after 8:00 a.m.

Upon arrival, you will need to check in at your assigned residence hall reception desk. You will not be allowed to check in before the dates listed here unless you are assigned to a Living-Learning Community floor. LLC residents will move in on Thursday, August 20.

We have a card access system to make sure that residents can access their building 24 hours a day. This card access system prevents people from just walking into our facilities from off the street. All exterior doors in our facilities are locked at 7:00 p.m. and residents must use their access card to gain entrance to their residence halls. After 10:00 p.m. IDs are checked as well, and all guests must be registered and escorted into the building. This system, though, needs help as well; residents must confront people trying to “tailgate” into the building. This means that persons not in possession of an appropriate access card should not be permitted to enter the building without a host. Residents need to close doors behind them securely or make the person walk around to the front of the building to make sure they are registered as a guest and escorted by their host. 

All of our facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with someone at the front desk, and RAs and staff available to address concerns if they arise.  The campus is patrolled by our own Department of Safety and Transportation as well as the Springfield Police who are assigned to the Missouri State Substation. 

Where can I find a campus map?
Click here to get a campus map showing residence halls.

Is telephone service included in my residence hall/apartment assignment?
The University will provide local telephone service upon request. Students wishing to have local service should contact Residence Life and Services to arrange for installation.  There will be a one-time charge of $50, plus a monthly $20 charge. Students must provide their own telephones; only push-button (Touch Tone) phones work in the residence halls and apartments for all features (call waiting, etc.). Long-distance service is available to students through the Telecommunication Services Office. Information will be available upon check-in. Students also may use their own personal calling cards.

Is cable television service available?
Cable hook-ups and extended basic service are provided in each residence hall living unit. You may contract for additional cable services through the local cable company at the regular rate.

What is the $10 per semester Residence Hall Association (RHA) activity fee, included in the housing contract rates, used for?
This fee is distributed, through RHA, to each residence hall for the implementation of social, educational and hall enrichment programs and activities.

Are my personal belongings insured?
As the university cannot be held accountable for loss, damage or theft of any student's personal property, all students are highly encouraged to purchase "renter's insurance" or verify adequate coverage on their parent's family insurance. For more information regarding residence hall personal property insurance, please visit www.nssi.com or www.collegestudentinsurance.com. These two companies provide competitive personal property insurance coverage for residence hall students.

Where will I be able to do my laundry?
Laundry facilities are located in each residence hall at no additional charge.

May I change my assignment?
The Department of Residence Life and Services accepts Room Change Requests from students who wish to transfer to another residence hall. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis as space becomes available. Residents may submit an online Room Change Request at https://my.missouristate.edu. Go to the Profile tab - Housing channel - "For Assigned Students," then click "Residential Management System (RMS)."

Are meals included with my residence hall assignment?
Meal plans are included in the Student Housing Contract rates and are required for  Blair-Shannon House, Freudenberger House, Hammons House, Hutchens House, Kentwood Hall, Scholars House, Wells House and Woods House. Residents of Sunvilla Tower, Dogwood Apartments, and Kentwood South Apartments are not required to have a meal plan but may purchase an optional meal plan through the Department of Residence Life and Services.

May I change my meal plan?
Residents may change meal plans at https://my.missouristate.edu. Go to the Profile tab - Housing channel - "For Assigned Students," then click "Residential Management System (RMS)." Decreasing meal plans is allowed before the semester begins or during the first three (3) weeks of a semester only. At any time, residents may increase meal plans and/or purchase additional blocks of BearFare.

Where will I be able to park my car?
Each student must purchase a parking permit from the Department of Safety and Transportation in order to utilize on-campus parking. Students are issued permits for parking lots closest to their residence hall as space permits.

Who is responsible for cleaning my room?
Students are responsible for cleaning their own room/suite/apartment. Vacuum cleaners are available for check out at the reception desk of each residence hall.

May I bring a microwave or refrigerator?
Microwave ovens and compact refrigerators are provided in each residence hall living unit. Because of the fire hazard and electrical requirements associated with certain appliances, only microwave ovens and refrigerators provided by the Department of Residence Life are allowed.

What is furnished in my room?
There is an 80" extra-long, twin-size bed, dresser drawer space, bookshelf and closet space for each student. A desk and chair are also provided for each student in each hall. Drapes are furnished. You may bring a carpet or scatter rugs for the tile floors. Sunvilla Tower, Kentwood Hall, Hammons House, Hutchens House and the bedrooms in Scholars House and Wells House (suites only) are carpeted. Room dimensions are available at reslife.missouristate.edu/rmdimensions.htm 

What is the size of the beds?
The beds are 80" long. We suggest extra-long twin sheets. No lofts or risers are permitted in any residence hall as all beds may be bunked.

What facilities remain open during breaks?
Hammons House, Hutchens House, Scholars House and Sunvilla Tower will remain open during winter and spring breaks. Auxiliary services, such as dining centers and convenience stores, are closed during these times.

Where can I learn more about Residence Life Policies?
Our publication, Guide to Residence Hall Living, will provide you with specific information concerning your rights and responsibilities as a resident of university housing.

Where is the Residence Life and Services Office and how can I contact it?
The Department of Residence Life and Services is located in Hammons House #104. The entrance is immediately to the east of the main entrance to Hammons House, at 1001 E. Harrison St. We are open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We may be reached by calling 417-836-5536 or 800-284-7535. We also have a TTY device which may be reached at 417-836-5503. Our fax number is 417-837-2327. Our email address is residencelife@missouristate.edu.

What is ResNet?
ResNet refers to the Residence Hall Network — the computer technology and all the resources and support provided in the residence halls.  Should a student need assistance with connecting their computer to the network or have computer related problems throughout the year, there are ResCons (ResNet Consultants) available in the halls to assist in getting the problem resolved.  Any resident with a computer-related question should contact the ResNet Help Desk at 417-836-6100.

What computer technology is available?
Fully equipped, 24-hour computer labs are provided in all residence halls.  These computer labs provide the latest in hardware and software technology, including access to the Internet, word processing and spreadsheet packages, and laser printing.  Of course, residents of all residence halls benefit from network modules provided in each living unit. Residents with their own personal computer and Ethernet card may utilize these network connections to access the Internet and laser printers.

Wireless Network Access

Each residence hall has at least one wireless hotspot, and many academic facilities have them as well.  To gain access to the wireless network, a wireless network card that supports 802.11b or 802.11g is required.  Instructions for connecting to University access points are available at: http://resnet.missouristate.edu/wireless/.  (Please be aware that Windows Vista will only be able to connect to "access 20" -- all other computers are recommended to use "access 30".

Blair-Shannon House — entire first floor including dining center
Freudenberger House — grand lounge
Garst Dining Center — entire dining center
Hammons House — basement, lobby, and Garst Dining Center
Hutchens House — basement, lobby, eighth floor lounge/laundry room and Garst Dining Center
Kentwood Hall — lobby, study lounge and dining center
Scholars House — entire building
Sunvilla Tower — second floor mezzanine
Wells House — grand lounge
Woods House — entire building

If debating whether to purchase a wired or wireless network card, it is suggested that a wired card be used as all residence hall rooms provide high speed network service through our wired network.  If you have a second device, such as a laptop, you may wish to consider the many benefits of wireless technology.  For more information, please contact the ResNET Help Desk at 417-836-6100.

Network cards and cables are available for purchase at the Missouri State Bookstore.