How are roommates assigned?

Incoming juniors are assigned a roommate based on answers to a questionnaire to determine likelihood of compatibility. Rising seniors are assigned a room in a lottery system based on GPA and any demerits (disciplinary action) they may have accumulated over the year.

What types of rooms does the residence hall have?
The residence hall is a renovated historic building, rendering almost every room unique in terms of size and layout. However, all rooms fall under one of these categories: single, double, or triple. Many rooms are "suited" (connected via a shared bathroom) with another room.

What items does ASMSA furnish in my room?
Every occupant is provided with a bed (possibly a bunk bed), desk/chair, dresser drawers, and either a wardrobe or a closet. All rooms have their own bathrooms (toilet and shower) that are shared with the other occupants of that room/suite. All rooms have hookups for telephone and access to the school's computer network. Students are invited to bring a mini-refrigerator and a personal computer, though many students get along fine without either (computers with internet access are provided in the library and in computer labs). Televisions and microwaves are not allowed in student rooms.

May I decorate my room?
Of course! However, there are some guidelines you must follow. All items must be in compliance with the standards set in the Student Handbook. No holes may be made in the walls, nor permanent additions made (clothing hooks, towel racks, stickers, tape residue, etc.). Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their rooms. Residential Mentors make weekly cleanliness inspections of all rooms.

May I cook in my room?
Microwaves, hotplates, and the like are prohibited in student rooms. Microwaves, coffee makers, etc. can be found in floor lounges.

Am I allowed to have guests?
Male students are not allowed on female floors and female students are not allowed on male floors. There are several common areas throughout the campus where male and female students interact. All outside guests (those not members of the ASMSA community, including family members) must be approved by the student's parent/guardian, sign in with Security to receive a visitor's badge, and stay with their ASMSA host at all times. ASMSA students are responsible for the actions of their guests. Permission for overnight guests must be approved in advance by the Residential Life Coordinator.

Are there facilities for washing and drying clothes?
A laundry room with large load capacity washers and dryers is located on the third floor of the Residential Life Building. All laundry must be done before evening floor checks. Students must stay in the room with their laundry at all times. Students are responsible for their own detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc.

What if my roommate and I don't get along?
Part of living in a residential setting is learning how to get along with all different types of people. You and your roommate(s) don't have to be best friends. If a situation arises that can not be resolved after bringing it to the attention of Community Leaders, Residential Mentors, and the Residential Life Coordinator, then a room change may possibly be arranged as a last resort.

Am I allowed to have a car on campus?
All students are allowed to have a car on campus. It must be registered through Security and parked in a designated spot. However, when you are allowed to drive your car varies from student to student. "Privileges," earned based on your GPA and disciplinary record, allow you to drive anywhere from 1 to 4 days a week. Parental permission must be given for each student you are allowed to transport in your vehicle, and each student who is allowed to transport you in their vehicle. Regardless of privileges, every student is allowed to drive home on the weekends. All keys are kept in the Residential Life Office.

Where do I eat?
The Dolphin Bay Cafe, our on campus dining facility, is open for three meals a day and is free of charge to students. You are also free to have food delivered (such as pizza or Chinese food) during appropriate times. You can also check out and eat at one of the many restaurants downtown Hot Springs has to offer.

What are the rules regarding checking on/off campus?
All students must check in and out of campus when they leave for whatever reason. Checking in/out is done through the Residential Life Office located on the first floor of the residence hall. Students are allowed to check out after classes and must return before evening study hours (earning "Privileges" may allow you to stay out later). Students must be with at least one other student during daylight hours, and with at least three other students after sundown. Special trips, such as a group going to the movies or out to eat, can be arranged as well.

What if I have a doctor's appointment/music lesson/other activity I need to attend that is off campus?
Trips of these kind are arranged through the Residential Life Office, though due to the large number of students not all trips of this type can be guaranteed. Depending on the situation, special permission might be required. A professional Residential Life staff member is on duty to take care of these transportation trips.

Is there a curfew?
Yes. There are a few times each evening that you must be accounted for. On both weekdays and weekends there is a time by which you must be back in the building, a time by which you must be present on your floor, and a time by which you must be in bed. Students may occasionally stay up past "lights out" if they have signed up for Late Night Study with their Residential Mentor earlier in the evening.

What is a Residential Mentor?
A Residential Mentor, known as an "RM," is a professional staff member that lives in the building with the students. Depending on the size of the floor, a floor may have one or two RMs. RMs are the adult presence on campus and are there to help you with whatever problems may arise. RMs also plan and execute programming within the residence hall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Admissions can be found here.


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