Handbook Residential Colleges Acknolwedgement of country
We acknowledge and honour the Giabal and Jarowair peoples of Toowoomba; as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways where the University of Southern Queensland’s Residential Colleges is located. Further, we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We celebrate the continuous living cultures of First Australians and acknowledge the important role played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian society. The University respects and acknowledges our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, Elders and visitors who come from many nations across Australia.
2 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 Contents
Welcome to USQ 1 Equity issues at USQ 10
Our Colleges 2 Sexual respect 10 McGregor and Steele Rudd Colleges 2 Where to get help 11 Concannon College 2 Need someone to talk to? 11 College management 2 The Collegiate staff 11 The Collegiate team 2 College Wellness Educator 11 College life 3 Student services 11 The conditions of residency 3 Facilities 12 Learning communities 3 Room cleaning 12 Academic development 4 Laundry facilities 12 Cultural development 4 Beds 12 Social and Personal Development 4 Maintenance service 12 Sport and inter-college competition 5 Storage rooms 13 Recognising excellence 5 Kitchens-self-catered facilities 13 Scholarships & bursaries 7 Room inspections 13 USQ Residential College Scholarship 7 Common rooms 13 Communicating and consulting 7 Recreational facilities 13 The general approach 7 Care of college property 14 What is the RSC? 7 Telephones 14 Complaints 8 Internet access 15 Safety and Security 9 General information 15 Security 9 Mail 15 University security 9 Meal Packages 15 Emergency evacuation procedures 9 Meal times 16
Assembly areas 9 Drink and snack vending 16 Smoking policy 10 Insurance 16 Electrical safety 10 Checking in and out of colleges 16 Portable pools 10 Welcome
Welcome to USQ’s Residential Colleges
We all know there’s no place like home. Whether you’re from interstate or country Queensland, our Residential Colleges will make you feel like part of the USQ family.
With a reputation as one of the state’s fastest growing educational institutions – graduating close to 100,000 students – USQ is committed to providing a truly personal student experience. From Orientation Week through to graduation and beyond as a USQ alumnus, we’re here to help you succeed.
Aside from being conveniently close to classes and with access to a range of support structures our three Residential Colleges are safe and secure, with plenty of academic, social and sporting activities on offer all year round. Each are tailored to suit your individual needs.
For many, it’s likely that your college experience will be the first time you have lived away from your family or friends, but I am sure within a few weeks you will feel right at home. One of the things I like best about USQ is its diverse community of students and staff. More than 80 nationalities from 100 different countries are represented across our campuses, creating a unique multi-cultural environment.
As a college student, everything you need to succeed is quite literally at your fingertips. With our mix of flexible study options and inspiring support staff who want to see you succeed, you’ll discover more than you ever thought possible.
I urge you to take advantage of every opportunity, forge life-long friendships and never hesitate in asking for assistance.
My very best wishes for your studies.
Professor Geraldine Mackenzie Vice-Chancellor, USQ
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 1 Our Colleges College management Managed by the Director (Student Life) along All three Colleges offer accommodation to with the collegiate team, the Colleges aims both male and female students reflecting to provide a cost effective and viable living- a diversity of cultural backgrounds and learning environment for students. Student academic interests. input and involvement in the management of McGregor and Steele Rudd the Colleges is also encouraged. Colleges The Manager (Residential Life) manages McGregor and Steele Rudd Colleges were the residential community through a team established with the support and at the of Resident Advisors who live and work initiative of the Darling Downs Association for in the residential community with specific Advanced Education in 1967 (later becoming responsibilities of supervision and duty of USQ) and accommodate 310 students care. between them, 118 in Steele Rudd and 192 in There are also many other Residential College McGregor. staff who help in the day to day operation of Former Toowoomba mayor and influencer in the Colleges who you will meet during your the region’s tertiary education development, stay, in particular the cleaners, catering and Doctor Alex McGregor is the namesake of the maintenance staff. McGregor College.
Steele Rudd College was named after the The Collegiate team distinguished Australian and Darling Downs The collegiate team is a group of residents author Arthur Hoey Davis whose pen-name employed by each college to help with was Steele Rudd any difficulties you might have while living Concannon College on college, whether academic, social or personal. The Senior/Resident Advisors will be Previously owned by the Roman Catholic your first point of contact for any questions Diocese of Toowoomba, Concannon College you need answered, or if you need advice accommodates 102 students. The College or someone to talk to about a personal or was built in honour of the Concannon family, academic matter. particularly Monsignor Edward Concannon in appreciation for his devotion to youth Depending on your needs, they will either act and education throughout the Toowoomba as a listening ear and mentor, or suggest you Diocese. Concannon College is now owned see the College Wellness Educator or a team by USQ and continues to welcome students member in Student Services. from all religions and cultural backgrounds. Please refer to the Conditions of Residency for the responsibilities of the Collegiate Team (Condition 20.3).
2 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 College life • All student residents are also required to be familiar and comply with the Student The conditionsof residency Code of Conduct Policy. Why have conditions? Learning communities Every community has its implicit and explicit USQ Residential Colleges has established conditions for acceptable social behavior, living-learning communities to enhance your without them, communities of any kind experience by providing further opportunities simply could not function. The Residential to achieve your personal goals. Colleges community is no exception and What is a learning community? respecting the ethos of our colleges and the rights and property of others, the Colleges Living-learning communities involve students and the University, is a priority for all who live with similar interests grouping together to on- campus. socialise and study. Learning communities are active social groups, where members The Conditions provide a positive framework organise events such as presentations by within which the Colleges might function guest speakers, movie nights, barbeques, successfully as a responsible community of trips, and other social gatherings. Each undergraduate and graduate scholars. For learning community has a specific theme or that reason, every student being admitted to purpose, which you may elect to join (e.g. the Residential College is required to formally Engineering, First-Year Students, International agree and comply with the Conditions of Students, etc). Faculty and university staff Residency. It is your responsibility to ensure may also participate in events organised by that you are familiar with them. each learning community, and a member of What is their basis and authority? the Collegiate Team will support members of The Conditions of Residency are based on the each learning community to organise events. following policy and authority: Why join a learning community?
• The Residential Colleges operate within Living-learning communities were created the overall administrative framework of at the Residential Colleges to assist you to the University, including the University of achieve your personal goals, and to promote Southern Queensland Act. enjoyment of the university experience.
• Residents, like members of the wider Participating in living-learning communities community, are subject to State and will help you adjust to university life, improve Federal laws relating to equal opportunity your academic achievement, and prevent and anti-discrimination, sexual harassment student dropout. Living-learning communities and sexual assault, the environment, fire, provide opportunities for mentorships health and safety, prohibited substances, between new and experienced students, the sale and use of alcohol and other and between students and faculties. You matters. can ask your RA about how to join a living- learning community.
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 3 Academic development Cultural development The fundamental purpose of College life is The University residential community is rich to help students achieve well academically. in a diversity of skills and abilities possessed Academic life in College is supportive and by its students. Resident students are rewarding and is experienced principally in encouraged to express and share their talents the following ways, outside your scheduled and contribute to the considerable depth of lectures and tutorials: cultural experience possible in College life. a. through a tutorial support program that Social and Personal brings students together who are studying Development the same course and helps each other to succeed Collegiate living is experienced through:
b. through the development of academic a. an informal network of support by having skills supported by the USQ’s Learning and the opportunity immediately available:
Teaching Support Unit • to share and talk with other students c. through an informal network of support in similar circumstances or who as by simply being part of the residential senior students have experienced and community and therefore having the understand what students are dealing opportunity to share with other students with
and to seek assistance from Resident • to seek assistance from the collegiate Advisors who are experienced in the team who are there to offer help and academic area advice.
d. through a the Residnetial Colleges Student b. participation in the Life Skills program. Transition and Engagement Program (STEP) This is arranged by the Manager each where first year residents are assigned a semester often in response to student returning STEP resident mentor to assist suggestions. Sometimes seminars and with your transition on your student workshops are arranged to provide learning journey and to help answer any residents, including the Executives of the questions about university life Resident Students’ Clubs with knowledge e. through participation in formal academic and skills which are useful in their roles events held in each college each year. and responsibilities.
TThese occasions involve the senior academic c. community service, where students collect staff of the University and members of the donations or volunteer for charitable University Council as well as dignitaries organisations. The Colleges have a from the community. It is a requirement of long record of this kind of support to residency that students attend these events community organisations for which the and share fully in the academic life of their organisations concerned have given college. generous acknowledgement.
4 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 d. formal and informal social functions : Valedictory Dinner
The Inauguration Dinner This is a semi-formal dinner sponsored by the University to recognize and The Colleges have a combined welcome congratulate final year students living dinner held in the second week of in the Colleges. The dinner is normally Semester 1, to welcome all new and attended by the Chancellor, Vice- returning students. It is also the occasion Chancellor, Senior Officers of the to officially install the Executive of the University, and final year students. It is an Resident Students’ Club for each College occasion where departing students have and to award prizes for excellence in the opportunity to invite their parents and academic achievement during the previous special friends to join them in celebrating year. This is a semi-formal occasion with a their success. smart casual dress code.
Semi-formal Dinner Sport and inter-college
A semi-formal dinner is held for each competition college in the first semester of each year. The Residential Colleges Shield Sometimes there is a guest speaker, and The Residential Colleges Shield competition is usually a musical item and entertainment an inter-college competition conducted each provided by the students. Each semi-formal year. The competition includes activities such has a unique theme decided upon by the as debating, volleyball, touch football, rugby organizing committee and usually reflects league, trivia and netball. A perpetual shield the spirit of the Colleges each year. is presented to the College achieving the Formal Dinner highest aggregate points for the competition at the annual Res Shield Dinner, as well as This is a formal black tie occasion with the College Spirit Cup, Shield of Life, organised for each college by the Community Cup, the Ashes and Cultural Cup. respective RSC’s to farewell final year students and to conclude the year’s social Recognising excellence events. The decor and theme usually reflect considerable imagination and The Colleges not only support student effort on the part of the organisers and it efforts to achieve well academically, socially, is a particularly significant occasion in the culturally and in sports, but enthusiastically social calendar. recognise students whose achievements in an academic year have been outstanding in these areas.
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 5 Academic achievement The awards currently include:
Prizes recognising excellence in academic McGregor College achievement include: • The College Spirit Award
• Chancellor’s Prize (awarded to the top • The College All Rounder Award
academic achiever in Residential Colleges) • The Quiet Achiever Award
• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar Prize (one will be • The Residential Life Award
awarded in each College) • Sportsman of the Year Award
To be eligible for the awards, including a cash • Sportswoman of the Year Award
prize, you would need to meet academic • Sportsmen and Sportswomen criteria as well as: Commendation Awards
• be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate Steele Rudd College student in your first degree or associate • The College Spirit Award degree • The College All Rounder Award • studying full-time Semester 1 and • The Quiet Achiever Award Semester 2 of the previous year • The Residential Life Award • have lived in College for one year. • Most Valued First Year Award
In addition, prizes are also awarded to the • Sportsman of the Year Award
top student from each area of study living in • Sportswoman of the Year Award the Residential Colleges. A prize for the most • Sportsmen and Sportswomen improved academic achievement between Commendation Awards Semester 1 and Semester 2 of the previous Concannon College year is also awarded to a resident. • The College Cultural Award Recognising contributions to • The Quiet Achiever Award college life and ethos • The Residential Life Award Each year, students are awarded for any • Sportsman of the Year Award outstanding leadership, sport or academic • Sportswoman of the Year Award achievements as well as any high level of • Sportsmen and Sportswomen participation in College activities. Candidates Commendation Awards are nominated by fellow students and • Emma Rawlins and Catherine Joyce Social then considered by a panel including the Award RSC Executive, block representatives, the • The Bishop Edward Kelly Award Collegiate Team.
6 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 Scholarships & bursaries Communicating and A number of scholarships and bursaries are consulting available to students who decide to live on- campus. Please see the scholarships website The general approach for more information: usq.edu.au/scholarships The Resident Student Club Presidents and USQ Residential College Senior Resident Advisors are representatives Scholarship on the College Advisory Committee. At a The USQ Residential College Scholarships are more informal level students are welcome to designed to assist both new and returning talk with the Manager or members of the students who have the ability to succeed Collegiate Team, at any time about ideas or in tertiary education but whose financial issues of concern. situation makes it difficult to do so. It is The Resident Student Clubs expected that the successful applicants will have been academically successful in (RSCs) their chosen area, but that they will also What is the RSC? have a range of interests that go beyond Each college has a Resident Students’ Club their academic studies. Past recipients (RSC) of which all resident students are have often been involved in non-academic members. A committee that is voted in by activities such as school musical productions, all members of the resident body runs the sports or charitable work. Many have been RSC. For information regarding the RSC involved at one level or another with student including a copy of the constitution of the organisations, often in a responsible role. RSC, please talk to the President. Applications open at the beginning of Semesters 1 and 2 and can be accessed at What does the RSC do and how http://www.usq.edu.au/scholarships/usq- can you participate? residential The RSC is responsible for: Scholarship value • managing RSC fees The value of the scholarships is $4400 • making decisions about, and running the Availability social programs
The scholarships will be advertised on http:// • representing students in discussions at www.usq.edu.au/scholarships/usq/usq- committees. residential when available for application. Relationship between the RSC and
the Collegiate team
The collegiate team is there to advise and give guidance, and under the Rules of Residency, is responsible for exercising the University’s
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 7 duty of care for the residential community. • provide advice to the Director to inform Within University and College guidelines, management strategies in response to the RSC (in particular the Executive) makes issues of student satisfaction and services, decisions about the directions of the RSC and including those identified in feedback its activities. from students and issues influencing students wellbeing in Colleges The Senior Resident Advisor, as leader of each of the Collegiate Teams, reports to the • where appropriate, and when required, Manager (Residential Life) and has certain act as a reference group for College decision making and approval authorities initiatives affecting the student experience in order to ensure the College is managed Food Services Committee effectively to everyone’s benefit. The Committee comprises resident student The College Advisory Committee representatives of each College, the Director, The University is committed to facilitating Manager and Chef Manager. This Committee student involvement in decision-making usually meets twice a semester and reports processes to ensure that students have a on and discusses food service in the Colleges. voice. Feedback on catering can be made via kitchen feedback slips located in each dining To ensure that there is regular communication between the management of the Colleges hall. and resident students, each College has Complaints representation on the College Advisory Committee. If you have a complaint, there are a number of opportunities available to resolve them: The committee meets on a regular basis and the following people participate: • you can talk to the Senior Resident Advisor, the Coordinator or the Manager • Director (Student Life) (Chair of the (Residential life). Committee) • you can go straight to the Director and • Manager (Residential Life) give the Director the opportunity to • Senior Resident Advisors resolve the matter
• Resident Student Club Presidents • you could also approach, in confidence, someone in the Student Success and • ad hoc members as the Director requires Wellbeing team. from time to time. The University’s aim is to provide fair and consistent policies and procedures The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to: for resolution of complaints by students. • provide advice to the Director to inform The Student Complaints and Appeals developments that support the overall Management System is available at www.usq. student experience in the Residential edu.au/complaints-appeals. Colleges
8 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 Safety and Security In the event of an emergency alarm evacuation (signaled via the in-room PA Security system), act on it immediately. Please do not interfere with or remove any safety We want to ensure that all students remain signage or equipment. safe and comfortable while on-campus; here are a few tips for being vigilant about safety Assembly areas and security: Building evacuations plans can be found Be vigilant by: on the back of all external room doors. When required to evacuate a building in • reporting any suspicious individuals or the Colleges you will need to go to your behaviour designated assembly area immediately: • recognising and taking conscious steps to College Assembly area avoid potentially risky situations Concannon The grassed area west of the
• keeping wallets and valuables out of sight car park adjacent to D Block Steele Rudd The grassed area outside H • locking your room each time you leave. and I Blocks adjacent to the University security access road McGregor The grassed area between the The USQ Security team regularly patrols the Dining Hall and A block and; Residential College buildings to keep them the grassed area between the safe for their residents, and the Resident E Block car park and Baker Advisors are also available if you have any Street security concerns. Additionally, security call points are installed at each college. If you Wait in the assembly area until you have would like someone to accompany you back been authorised to return to your buildings. to your College in the evening, the USQ Checks need to be made to ensure everyone Security team are able to assist you to get is accounted for and that the area is clear to home safely; simply phone 4631 2871 or occupy before returning. 0412 716 838 to arrange a security walk-back Fire alarm system service. Each College has been fitted with a Emergency evacuation monitored fire alarm system. The Queensland procedures Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is required to respond to all alarms, including The University’s Safety Policy and Procedures unwanted alarms. Any resident responsible require all areas of the University to undertake for creating an unwanted alarm will be emergency drills from time to time. The required to pay the cost of the QFES call purpose of the drills is to familiarise everyone out and other associated costs including fire with the procedure for the safe evacuation of system contractor fees, as per the Conditions buildings in the event of an emergency and of Residency. drills should be taken seriously.
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 9 Some of the main causes of unwanted alarms Portable pools include burnt food, cooking fumes, steam, In keeping with USQ’s commitment aerosol sprays and candles. Tips to prevent to sustainability and minimising our unwanted alarms include: environmental footprint, as well as the safety • check toaster setting prior to use of all students, the use of inflatable/portable
• do not leave kitchen appliances pools is strictly prohibited on Residential unattended when preparing food Colleges
• use aerosols and steam-emitting devices (i.e. hair straighteners) only in the Equity issues at USQ bathrooms Policy statement • Cooking in bedrooms is strictly prohibited USQ is committed to protecting the rights Smoking policy of both students and employees to achieve their full potential in an environment that Smoking is not permitted on any USQ values and affirms diversity and is free from campus. This extends to all property including discrimination, harassment, victimisation Residential Colleges. and vilification. The University will take all There are no designated smoking areas on reasonable steps to ensure that employees campus. Students and visitors will need and students will be treated fairly and to move to an area outside the University with dignity and respect whilst working or boundary if they wish to smoke. studying at the University.
Electrical safety As outlined in the Code of Conduct and the Student Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, The electrical supply in bedrooms consists of individuals are responsible for making 10 amp power sockets, which are suitable for themselves aware of and adhering to normal use. Appliances that generate heat, University policy on all forms of discrimination such as hair dryers and hair straighteners, are and harassment. major power users and will draw close to 10 amps each. Therefore caution should be used Discrimination and harassment will not be when using such appliances as using more tolerated under any circumstances and may in that one at the same time may cause loss of fact be unlawful under State or power or create a safety risk. A maintenance Commonwealth law. The detailed policy on call-out fee may be charged to residents who equity issues can be found at: policy.usq. disregard these guidelines and cause a circuit edu.au overload. Harassment and Diversity Contact Officers (HDCO’s) are USQ employees trained to assist students and staff with any enquiries about diversity, discrimination, bullying and harassment - usq. edu.au/hdco.
10 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 Sexual Respect Where to get help We want your time at the Residential Colleges to be some of the best years of your life. Every Need someone to talk to? member of the university community has Are you worried about: Do you feel: the right to experience a safe, secure and your health? lonely welcoming environment. It is therefore studies? depressed? expected that residents will display finances? homesick? considerate and respectful behavior to others or just uncertain about being at University? at all times. Abusive behaviour, including sexual assault and harassment will not be The Collegiate staff tolerated. Visit www.usq.edu.au/about-usq/ The Collegiate Staff are always there to help values-culture/respect-now-always for more or just to have a chat. They are all trained in information First Aid, CPR and Mental Health First Aid and can assess the situation and assist connecting If you are a victim of sexual assault or the resident with appropriate support. harrassment, support is available to you at the Residential Colleges by contacting a member College Wellness Educator of the collegiate team. USQ Student Services The College Wellness Educator (CWE) at also provides health services, welfare support Colleges facilitates a number of welfare and personal counselling - usq.edu. au/ initiatives and is also available for personal current-students/support. support. Appointments can be made by contacting the college office. At times the If you prefer to talk with someone outside CWE may provide an outreach service to of USQ, there are many community residential students to ensure their well being. organisations that can offer support including: Student Success and Wellbeing • Toowoomba Sexual Assault Support Services | Phone 07 4616 6950 Like the Residential Colleges, the Student Success and Wellbeing team (SSW) is a part • Lifeline | Phone 13 11 14 of USQ support network for students. The Colleges and SSW work closely together in • Queensland Police | Phone 131 444 caring for the residential community. SSW
provides confidential professional assistance in:
• physical and mental health • personal counselling
• career counselling • chaplaincy
• financial advice and assistance • learning and study skills programs.
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 11 To get in touch with the Student Success and ironing boards and irons. Wellbeing team, please call 07 4631 2372 or Due to their noise, please limit use of ext 2372 laundry facilities to between 7am to 10pm as a courtesy to other residents. Use of the Facilities laundry is free, however residents must supply their own detergent. Cleaning Beds • Colleges provide a professional cleaning service to maintain common areas and It is preferred that students use the bed bathroom facilities. Residents are required provided by Residential Colleges. Students to provide cleaners access to their can apply for a bed replacement if they have bathroom to enable this service. special requirements. Please note that bed replacements may incur a removal fee. • Each resident is responsible for keeping their bedroom clean. Access to vacuum Students can apply to provide their own bed cleaners can be arranged by visiting the under the following circumstances: Colleges administration building during • Students book their room for all recess office hours, or contacting the Resident periods during the academic year (fees Advisor on duty between 5:00pm and can be reduced to room only if the 9:00pm on any given day. You will be vacation accommodation booking form is charged a cleaning fee if your room isn’t received by the due date). kept in a tidy condition and additional cleaning services are required. • Students advise the College Office when bringing in or taking away their bed (so • Cooking or preparing food is not allowed that the original bed can be moved as in your room. Please use the facilities required). provided in the kitchens or kitchenettes. • To assist with bed removal processes, • Ensure that your bed has sheets and seven days notice is required by pillow cases before using - it is unhygienic submitting a Furniture Replacement Form to sleep in beds without bed sheets or through the student portal pillow cases. Maintenance service • If your blankets and bedspreads are accidentally soiled, please do not attempt The college office must be notified promptly to wash them. Simply inform the College of any requests for maintenance or reports Office and a replacement will be issued. of damage. This can be done through the current resident portal on the Residential Laundry facilities Colleges webpage (http://rescollportal.usq. Each college has laundry facilities equipped edu.au). This will ensure that the facilities with washing machines, dryers, washing lines, provided are always kept up to standard.
12 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 While every effort is made to advise a time which includes inside of fridge and freezer, that your request will be attended, please and removal of any expired or rotten food. note a maintenance officer may enter your To comply with Workplace Health and room to carry out a request in your absence. Safety regulations, hazard inspections will be Storage rooms conducted on a regular basis. Residential Colleges provides a limited Room inspections amount of additional storage space for • A Collegiate team member will inspect students to store personal belongings. All and verify the condition of your room, stored items must be removed within seven furnishings and fixtures upon arrival and days of returning from recess or if you move departure. Other periodic inspections may out of the Colleges. No responsibility will be also be conducted. Any damage or loss, taken for any items remaining once you leave. except for fair wear and tear, will be noted Items will be held for 28 days before being and recharged directly to the occupant of disposed of accordingly. Please note, you may the room. be charged for storage and/or disposal of discarded or abandoned items. • To comply with Workplace Health & Safety regulations, hazard inspections will Access to storage rooms can be arranged by also be conducted frequently. submitting a Box Room application through the student portal. The Resident Advisor on Common rooms duty between 5:00pm and 9:00pm on any A common room is provided in every block. given day can provide access. Most are equipped with a kitchenette Kitchens-self-catered including a refrigerator, basic kitchen facilities appliances, a television and furniture. It is your responsibility to keep the common room in a Self-catered facilities are available for students tidy and clean condition, including appliances. residing at Steele Rudd and McGregor Cooking appliances not provided by the Colleges. The kitchens include a stove, oven, Colleges are strictly prohibited as they pose a refrigerator, sink, microwave oven, worktops, significant fire and safety risk. toaster, kettle, storage cupboards, dining table and chairs. Recreational facilities
You must provide your own cutlery, crockery, Various recreational facilities are available to kitchen utensils, tea towels and cleaning residential students including beach volleyball items. If you use these facilities, you will need courts, tennis courts, football fields and indoor to keep the kitchen clean and tidy by cleaning recreational facilities with pool tables, table up after each main meal of the day with tennis tables and TV. Equipment such as tennis particular care shown to cleaning any spills racquets, volleyballs, footballs etc are available in the oven, stove top and microwave. For from the RSC. Equipment available varies from health reasons, it is also important that you College to College. regularly clean the kitchen and appliances,
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 13 Care of college property • Each phone will be scripted to identify the room location of each phone • Fittings or furnishings are not to be removed from any room without the prior • Each user has the ability to personalise approval of the Manager. their greeting if required
• Observation of any damage to the room, Steele Rudd College or missing items, must be reported to the A Block Upstairs 4631 1888 main office. A Block Downstairs 4631 2112 B Block Upstairs 4631 1887 • Students are required to maintain their B Block Downstairs 4631 2608 rooms in a clean and tidy condition. C Block 4631 2646 Common areas (including outside grounds D Block 4631 2737 and walkways) must also be kept clean E Block 4631 2647 and tidy and clear of personal belongings. F Block 4631 2738 Telephones G Block 4631 2644 H Block 4631 2739 Each residential room is provided with I Block 4631 2740 a Voice/IP system that enables internal Concannon College connection throughout USQ. Phones must not be moved between rooms, as the phone A Block 4631 1358 B Block 4631 1359 number allocated to the room is linked to the C Block 4631 1357 phone. D Block 4631 1356 Voicemail
Voicemail is available from student bedrooms McGregor College and residents can send and receive voicemail messages. A Block 4631 2114 B Block 4631 2115 • To access voicemails you will need to dial C Block 4631 2116 ext 2150 or use the menu system on the D Block 4631 2117 phone E Block 4631 2118
• As normal if a message is left, you will see F Block 4631 2119 a red flashing light G Block 4631 2120 H Block 4631 2121 • The phones are set up so that there I Block 4631 2122 are no passwords needed to access the J Block 4631 2123 voicemail K Block 4631 2124
• There is a policy in place that will delete Resident Advisor on duty (all voicemails older than 30 days, this helps colleges, after hours) to self-manage the clearing of Cisco Unity Mobile phone 0437 543 069 (or after hours voicemail inbox’s on the phones quick dial extension 2950).
14 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 Internet access Mail All residents have access to the University All College residents are encouraged to network from their bedroom. Residents obtain a private post office box at the USQ must abide by USQ policy and have up-to- Post Office (main campus, G Block). Australia date virus protection software installed at all Post can arrange shared boxes to minimise times. Resident Network Leaders are available costs. If having mail sent directly to the to ensure residents are able to successfully Residential Colleges, the following address access the network. format should be used:
Name All residents are required to become familiar College, Room Number with the Acceptable Use of ICT Resources Locked Bag No 2 Policy which can be found at policy.usq. edu. Darling Heights QLD 4350 au. Mail will only be readdressed for two weeks following permanent checkout, providing a Violation of the University’s ICT Policies current forwarding address is supplied on will result in your access being shutdown. departure. Mail received after two weeks will Network sharing devices are prohibited be returned to the sender. (including, but not limited to, Wireless Access Points, Switches, and Routers). If Meal Packages ICT detects such a device, the port will be To provide residents with additional flexibility shutdown and the Residential Colleges Office and cost savings, Colleges offers the notified. following meal packages:
a. 21 meals per week (breakfast, lunch and General information dinner) Electricity consumption b. 14 meals per week (lunch and dinner) USQ is committed to minimizing the adverse c. 7 meals per week (dinners only) effect of its operation on the environment, With the 14 and 21 meal package, lunch is so please keep the following suggestions in provided in the Refectory (R Block) on the mind to help reduce our carbon footprint: main campus, except on weekends where
• switch off lights, air conditioners and it is served from McGregor Dining Hall. heaters when leaving the room Dinner meals are served from Concannon and McGregor Dining Halls. Breakfast is only • keep shower time to a minimum served from McGregor Dining Hall. . • use the provided recycling bins wherever All residents are required to scan their college possible room key for all meals.
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 15 Once a meal package is chosen, it forms part Insurance of your accommodation agreement. You All residents are strongly advised to take can submit a meal plan change application out an “all risks” insurance policy on their through the online student portal at anytime personal belongings and property. The if you wish to change your meal plan. University cannot accept responsibility for Changing from a catered package to self- catered may require you to submit a room their loss or damage. change application form. Checking in and out of Meal times colleges Semester meal times are as follows: a. Checking in
Weekdays Weekends/Public The following procedures will apply at the Holiday beginning of each term: Breakfast - 7.00am 7:30am to 9:00am • For the purposes of planning catering to 9.00am (8:00am to 9:00am and ensuring rooms are available, it is cooked breakfast) important that unless prior arrangements Lunch - 11.30am to 12:30pm to 1:30pm have been made with the Residential 1.30pm Colleges Office, students arrive between Dinner - 6.00pm to 6.00pm to 7.00pm 1pm and 5pm on the day they return to 7.0 0pm College. Meal times during vacation periods may vary. • When moving into a room, a resident is Residents are notified of any changes. expected to carefully inspect the room. First aid kits Within seven days of moving in, any damaged or missing items must be First aid kits are held by the Resident Advisors reported to the Collegiate Team via the and in the College Office. Resident Room Condition Form, which available online via the student portal. Drink and snack vending This form includes a full list of all items machines that should be in the room. Residents Drink and snack food vending machines are should also report any concerns with the located in all Colleges. These are operated cleanliness or general condition of the by external vendors. Any problems with the room. machines are to be directed to the vendor. Contact details are displayed on the machine.
16 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 • If a resident fails to notify a Collegiate Dining Halls at Steele Rudd and Concannon Team member of any issue(s) within seven Colleges. Residents are deemed to occupy days of moving into the room, it will their rooms if they retain possession of their be deemed that the resident is satisfied key and will be charged accordingly. with the condition of the room and has • Non returned or lost keys will incur a confirmed that the room was in a good and replacement cost to the holder. undamaged condition at the date of first occupation by the resident. Any damage • Your room will be inspected by a member of found after this time will be assumed to the Residential Colleges Administration Team have been caused by the resident and the after checking out, using the Resident Room charges associated with repairs will be Condition form.
forwarded, as prescribed in the Conditions • Rooms are to be vacated by 10.00am on the of Residency. day of departure. If rooms are not vacated b. Checking out on time, Residential Colleges reserve the right to move belongings to a store room at the The following procedures will apply at the end owner’s risk, and charge a late check out fee. of each term: • NB: Students with fridges may leave them • Upon vacating a room, a resident must in their rooms, at their own risk, during return the room to the original condition it Semester 1 and Semester 2 vacation periods. was in before checking in. A resident will Fridges must be removed from rooms if be charged for any additional cleaning, students are vacating for the Semester 3 moving of furniture, missing or damaged period. Fridges must be in good condition, items and for any damage to the room not defrosted, emptied and cleaned, otherwise a reported to the College Office. cleaning fee will be charged or the fridge will
• If vacating during office hours, students can be removed. check out at the College Office. • There is a replacement charge for
• If the Office is not open, leave the key in the residents who return their key without its box provided for that purpose outside the corresponding key tag. Office at McGregor College, or outside the
Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650 | 17 +61 7 4631 2650 [email protected] usq.edu.au/accommodation
The information contained in these Conditions is correct at 31 March 2021. CRICOS QLD 00244B NSW 02225M • TEQSA PRV12081 Version 210331
18 | Residential Colleges handbook | +61 7 4631 2650