Student Handbook – Residential Affairs Policies
◄ Student Rooms & Safety Guidelines
Residential and Student Affairs Policies and Procedures
Residential and Student Affairs Staff
The 2023 Residential and Student Affairs staff consists of the Director of Residential and Student Affairs, the Associate Director of Residential and Student Affairs, the Residential and Student Affairs Administrative Coordinator, a team of Student Life Counselors (two of whom are Team Leaders) two School Nurses, Night Office Manager, and Front Desk employees. All positions report directly to the Director of Residential and Student Affairs, Mr. Paul Douglas. Mr. Douglas holds a Master’s Degree in Executive Development for Public Service and has been with the Academy since 2001. The Associate Director of Residential and Student Affairs, Mr. Bridger Fetters, is responsible for staff and student supervising, as well as facility management and the extended curriculum and programming.
Each Team Leader is also a Student Life Counselor. The Team Leaders are responsible for student supervision, as well as the planning of student programs and activities. The Team Leaders reside in the residence hall and are available to help students with problems or concerns, to plan and promote student involvement in activities, and to enforce policies. The Team Leaders act as resources for the Student Life Counselors and supervisors for the Ball State desk workers, providing guidance and support to the Staff.
The Student Life Counselors are professional staff members with at least a bachelor’s degree who reside in the residence hall with the students. Each Student Life Counselor is available to work directly with students in small groups as well as individually. Additionally, Student Life Counselors are accessible to students to address concerns and problems and to foster academic achievement. The primary goal of each Student Life Counselor is to facilitate and support student development while enhancing community responsibility.
Residential and Student Affairs Philosophy
Students choosing to attend the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities are joining a unique living-learning community designed to promote academic achievement and personal growth. The Academy assists students in adjusting to and making the most of the Academy experience by offering structure, opportunities, and support. Structure is provided through Residential and Student Affairs Policies, the Student Privilege System, and the Discipline System. Leadership and enrichment opportunities are offered through the Extended Curriculum program. Students are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior within the community of the residence hall. Inappropriate behavior may be defined as an activity that disrupts, endangers, or interferes with the educational environment of the residential hall community. The Academy strives to cultivate an environment that promotes and enhances multicultural understanding and acceptance. The goal of the Residential and Student Affairs program is to establish and maintain a community living environment that is safe, fun, comfortable, accepting of diversity, and conducive to learning.
Overlapping Policies
There is considerable overlap among the policies described in the Student Handbook. Students are bound by and are responsible for understanding state, federal, University, and Academy laws and policies. The Student Handbook elaborates on those Academy policies that are more restrictive than University policies. If a policy is not listed in this Handbook, the Academy policy is the same as the University policy.
Parent/Guardian Permission
The Academy rules and policies are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Parents/Guardians may not give more permission than Academy policy allows but may give less, in which case the situation would be understood between the student and parents/guardians. Parents/Guardians cannot expect Residential and Student Affairs staff to enforce any rules other than Academy policy. Parents/Guardians should contact the Office of Residential and Student Affairs if questions arise.
Questions About Policies
The spirit of the handbook is grounded in expectation that students exercise reasonable judgment before they take action. While much thought and discussion among students and staff has gone into the development of Residential and Student Affairs Policies, it is impossible to address every issue that may arise. Students, therefore, should stand on notice that the caveat “including but not limited to…” should apply to all sections. Rather than assuming that intended actions will be acceptable, students have a responsibility to ask before acting. The Academy reserves the right to deal with instances of inappropriate behaviour in a timely and efficient manner, taking actions deemed to be in the best interest of the school, faculty, staff, and students.
When a Student Turns 18
Because enrollment in the Academy is a privilege, the Academy requires that all students, regardless of age, follow all policies and procedures. Even if a student is 18 years old, the Academy requires that a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult family member serve as a contact for permission, emergencies, and routine correspondence. A student’s emancipation or financial independence from their legal guardians/parents has no bearing on this requirement.