Housing Policies and Procedures

Webster University acknowledges the use of alcohol by individuals 21 years of age and older is a personal choice. However, the university also recognizes the choice to use alcohol, in some circumstances, may impede the university’s goal of providing a positive, living-learning environment. Alcohol may not be consumed by anyone under the age of 21, no matter the legal drinking age in a student’s home country. Accordingly, the following policies are in place within campus-provided housing.

All use of alcohol in residential spaces must be in compliance with all campus, city, state, and federal policies and laws and any time that alcohol is being consumed, all people present must be 21 or older. See below for explanations of wet, damp, and dry rooms:

• A wet space is defined as one where everyone assigned to live there is 21 years of age or older. In this situation, all residents in the space may store or consume alcohol in the space (without underage guests and if abiding by other alcohol policies).
• A damp space is defined as a space where one or more residents assigned to the space is 21 years of age or older and one or more residents assigned to the space is under the age of 21. In this situation, the resident of legal drinking age may only consume alcohol in the presence of an underaged resident if that underage resident is their assigned roommate and the resident of legal drinking age is in their assigned bedroom. The underage resident is not allowed to consume alcohol in that space, or any other space, or be in the presence of alcohol in other spaces.
• A dry space is a space that is occupied entirely by individuals under the age of 21. In this situation, there should be no alcohol in the space. All building common spaces are considered dry spaces.

A1: Alcohol Type One: Possession, Consumption and Presence

Individuals who are not 21 years of age or older may not possess, consume, or be in the presence of alcohol. Alcohol may only be consumed by individuals of legal age, 21 years of age or older, no matter the legal drinking age in home locations. Individuals who are of legal age to possess and consume alcohol may have alcohol in their assigned residential space for personal consumption, as long as it is a “wet” room. Additionally, alcohol may not be consumed in a public space including, but not limited to, hallways, lounges, parking lots, apartment patios/balconies, laundry rooms, parking lots, or the Webster Village Apartment (WVA) clubhouse.

A2: Alcohol Type Two: Over-Consumption and Disruption

Given the health concerns related to the over-consumption and rapid consumption of alcohol, individuals may not possess excessive amounts of alcohol on campus and/or possess or use devices intended for the rapid consumption of alcohol. This includes, but is not limited to, kegs, beer bongs, and beer pong. Excessive alcohol consumption (whether on campus or off campus, and regardless of the resident's age) is prohibited. Residents will be held accountable for any alcohol consumption that leads to the disruption of the University community or endangers the resident(s) involved.

A3: Alcohol Type Three: Paraphernalia

Collections of alcohol containers are prohibited on campus, even if used for decoration, and regardless of age of residents.

A4: Alcohol Type Four: Distribution

Individuals on campus are prohibited from providing alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age. Alcohol may not be in the presence of individuals under 21 years of age, with the exception outlined in the “damp space” definition.

Individuals should store bicycles and scooters on the racks provided outside of the residential facilities. Individuals may store bicycles and scooters within individual rooms as long as each roommate agrees, and the bicycle/scooter does not obstruct access to the room or egress from the space. Individuals may not ride bicycles or scooters within the residence halls or along patio areas. Individuals may not store bicycles or scooters within public areas of buildings, on patios/balconies, or on/under stairwells (unless affixed to a bike rack located under the stairwell). Additionally, gasoline/electric-powered scooters/mopeds/motorcycles/bicycles must be stored outside of buildings and are not permitted to be stored in bicycle racks. If you wish to park your gasoline/electric powered scooter/moped/motorcycle in a parking space, you must obtain a parking permit from Public Safety. All residents with bicycles are encouraged to register their bike, at no expense, with Public Safety.

DC1: Disorderly Conduct Type 1: Disorderly Conduct

Conduct that could result in a personal or public risk, a disturbance or threaten the public peace is not allowed.

DC2: Disorderly Conduct Type 2: Pranks and Practical Jokes

Given the risk of personal injury or property damage, pranks and practical jokes, including, but not limited to, shaving cream and water fights, are prohibited on campus.

DC3: Disorderly Conduct Type 3: Sport Activities

Sports activities are prohibited inside campus housing. Hall sports can create a disturbance and increase the possibility of personal injury and/or damage. This includes, but is not limited to, baseball, frisbee, football, hockey, skateboarding, rollerblading, nerf guns, soccer or horseplay. In seeking to maintain residential facilities, individuals may not possess or use darts and/or dartboards.

DC4: Disorderly Conduct Type 4: Threatening Behavior

Conduct that threatens the health and safety of oneself or any other person in or around Webster University operated areas is prohibited. Threatening behavior can include behaviors/actions which could result in the spread of illnesses.

DC5: Disorderly Conduct Type 5: Inappropriate Driving and Parking

Behavior that could endanger others in Housing-affiliated parking lots. This includes, but is not limited to, driving the incorrect direction in a parking lot, speeding, doing donuts or parking in unassigned lots or spaces.

In addition to the Student Code of Conduct policies related to “Drugs,” Housing and Residential Life recognizes that additional measures are required for a living environment which can be detrimentally affected by the use of drugs. This policy is applicable in both parking lots and buildings of residential areas. To that end, Housing and Residential Life maintains a separate “Drugs” policy, which is utilized in addition to the Student Code of Conduct:

D1: Drugs Type 1: Marijuana Usage

The possession or usage of marijuana, consumed in any form containing THC, in a Housing space, is a policy violation. An odor from cannabis related products confirmed by two or more staff members suspected to be coming from a Housing space may constitute a violation of this policy and therefore necessitates a meeting with a professional staff member.

D2: Drugs Type Two: Paraphernalia

Drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to bongs, blowtubes, pipes, THC or marijuana labelled vape pens, and homemade devices, is not allowed, even if drugs are not present with them. All paraphernalia will be confiscated and not returned to the owners.

D3: Drugs Type Three: Distribution

Evidence suggesting an individual is selling and/or distributing illegal substances or synthetic type substances will be met with an elevated response due to the threat posed to the residential community.

D4: Drugs Type Four: Other Drug and Drug Usage

Illegal drug use of any type is not allowed, including improper use of prescribed medication. Moreover, residents will be held accountable for any drug use that leads to disruption of the Housing or campus community or endangers the resident(s) involved.

Due to the communal nature of the residence halls and current fire codes, the following policies are in place:

F1: Fire Safety Type One: Kitchen Appliances

In seeking to provide a safe living and learning environment, Webster University limits the appliances that may be used within residential facilities. Housing and Residential Life reserves the right to prohibit students from keeping appliances within their assigned space if they do not utilize them responsibly. Appliances with exposed or open heating elements are prohibited, except for coffee makers with an automatic shut off function.

• Microwaves less than 1,200 watts are permitted within individual residence hall rooms (one per room). An additional microwave is provided within the kitchenette area on each floor within the residence halls as well as the kitchen in West Hall.
• Only individuals residing in apartments are permitted to have toasters (one per apartment kitchen), along with university-provided appliances.
• Residence hall rooms are limited to one mini-refrigerator per room. Mini refrigerators may have a maximum capacity of 5.0 cubic feet and must be Energy Star rated.
• Air fryers (not grill models), rice cookers, crockpots and instant pots with an automatic shut-off are approved, however only one can be plugged in at any given time.

F2: Fire Safety Type Two: Candles, Incense, Open Flames

Due to the potential risk to the welfare of the campus community, devices with open flames are not allowed on campus. This includes unused items intended for decoration. If these elements are to be found in a resident’s assigned living area, they will be confiscated by staff and may not be returned.

This includes but is not limited to candles and incense. Additional, blow torches and items used to cause intense flame (more than a standard lighter) are not allowed.

F3: Fire Safety Type Three: Fire Equipment and Ceiling Decorations

Due to concerns related to the fire safety and sprinkler systems, students are prohibited from hanging/draping cloth across the ceilings of their assigned spaces. Residents cannot hang items from, block, or cover any fire equipment, such as sprinklers, smoke detectors, heat detectors, or fire extinguishers.

F4: Fire Safety Type Four: Combustion Engines

Engines and engine parts such as those on motorcycles, motorized bicycles, or other vehicles are prohibited in University housing spaces, including balconies, patios and building walkways, at all times.

F5: Fire Safety Type Five: Electrical Outlets

Due to safety concerns, the university does not permit the modification of electrical outlets or use of extension cords or electrical outlet adapters. However, the university does allow the use of Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) surge protectors/power strips with circuit breakers.

Additionally, “daisy-chaining” or plugging multiple surge protectors/power strips together is not allowed.

F6: Fire Safety Type Six: Grills and Grill Supplies

Storing grills within university housing is prohibited, including at the Glen Park and Big Bend Apartments. This includes inside rooms/apartments, common walkways, in front of units and on patios or balconies. On campus, only the community grill provided near the WVA Clubhouse may be used and must be reserved. For the convenience of other residents, please leave the equipment, grills and area clean for the next resident. Failure to leave the area clean may result in a fine. See the Housing and Residential Life Office regarding the use of the community grill located adjacent to the WVA clubhouse. WVA, Glen Park and Big Bend residents and guests are not allowed to use personal grills anywhere on the property. Grill supplies meant to help start a fire, such as charcoal and wood, and/or flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids, are not allowed.

F7: Fire Safety Type Seven: Lighting

The university does not allow the use of halogen light bulbs or any other light source that produces excessive heat, including lava lamps. Lamps with plastic lampshades are only allowed if LED bulbs are used. Strip lighting is not approved, and students will be charged for damages incurred from removal.

F8: Fire Safety Type Eight: Window Coverings

Curtains and window coverings are strictly prohibited due to concerns related to emergency entrance and egress from buildings, as well as the fire grade of such objects.

Additionally, windows are not permitted for use to hang items such as banners, flags or other potential fire/life safety hazards.

In order to provide a safe and secure residential area, residents and their guests are expected to follow the University Guest Policy and Procedures.

• A resident is defined as a student who is currently assigned a bed space in campus housing at Webster University-Webster Groves Campus.
• A guest is defined as an individual who is not assigned to the host’s residential space and is visiting the host resident.
• A resident hosting a guest(s) must escort their guest(s) at all times. All guests must be 18 years or older, unless the resident hosting the guest receives prior written approval from their Community Director. Guest(s) are expected to abide by university policies and procedures. The resident hosting a guest(s) is responsible for the actions of their guest(s).

G1: Guests and Visitors Type 1: Visitation Limits

The resident hosting guests may only host three (3) guests at a time during quiet hours. Guests who stay past 3 a.m. are considered overnight guests. Overnight guests may only stay with the approval of the host’s roommate. Spacemates are expected to discuss and come to an agreement on expectations surrounding guests: when are they able to be present, what notice is requested ahead of their arrival, what expectations are there for face coverings in shared spaces, etc. In the event that assistance is needed to have or mediate these conversations, please reach out to your Resident Assistant or the Housing and Residential Life Office.

G2: Guests and Visitors Type 2: Guest Registration at East, West and Maria Halls

If the residence hall front desk is open, a resident hosting a guest(s) must check in their guest(s) with the individual working at the front desk. When checking in at the front desk, the guest(s) will need to provide a valid picture ID (not including passports). At all other times, guests are expected to have a valid picture ID on their person. Guests may pick up their ID upon checking out with the front desk. If the front desk is closed when the guest(s) seeks to check out, they may obtain their ID from the Housing and Residential Life Office.

G3: Guests and Visitors Type 3: Residency Verification at East, West and Maria Halls

Every resident entering East, West or Maria Halls is required to show their student ID to the Desk Attendant who is staffing the front desk area. Staff members will use the provided residency sticker to confirm the student’s resident status.

N1: Noise Type One: Courtesy Hours

Each residential community will maintain 24-hour courtesy hours. During this time, individuals should act appropriately so as not to disturb others in the community.

N2: Noise Type Two: Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are in place Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m.–10 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 1–10 a.m. During quiet hours, individuals shall refrain from creating noise that may be heard outside of the individual’s assigned space. The Housing and Residential Life Office may adjust quiet hours throughout the semester, such as during midterms, finals week and breaks.

N3: Noise Type Three: Presence

Courtesy and quiet hours exist to support the academic mission of the University by providing individuals with a space to study and rest. Both are predicated upon the mutual respect for individuals within the community. Students who are present in a loud situation, even if not directly making the noise themselves, will be held responsible for a noise violation.

N4: Noise Type Four: Amplification

Individuals should not direct amplified noise outside of the residence halls and apartments by placing speakers in windows facing outside, yelling, blowhorns, etc.

Pets are prohibited within Housing spaces with the exception of fish or other fully underwater aquatic animals contained in a tank with a capacity of 10 gallons or less.

All requests for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) must be approved in writing through the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordinator and Director of Housing before the animal enters University residential spaces.

Service Animals that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act are not required to be approved, but staff might ask:

1. If the animal is a service animal, and
2. What service, work or task has the animal been trained to perform.

Misrepresentation of an animal’s status as an ESA or Service Animal is a policy violation. Failure to appropriately clean up after or care for animals is also a policy violation.

R1: Residential Space Care Type One: Elevators

Individuals may not misuse elevators in the residence halls, including, but not limited to, false alarms, vandalism, overcrowding, tampering, forcing doors open, or stopping the elevator. Any incident that incurs damage to the elevator as a result of misuse will be the responsibility of the student(s) involved and those student(s) will be financially responsible for the costs incurred to fix the damage.

R2: Residential Space Care Type Two: Furniture

University owned or University provided furniture items may not be removed from the space to which the item was assigned. Residents are responsible for the furniture items provided in the assigned spaces. Spaces operating at single occupancy that are designed for multiple occupants must keep all sets of furniture within the space. Students will be held responsible for any damage to furniture.

R3: Residential Space Care Type Three: Laundry

The University provides laundry amenities for the residential population. Residents should take appropriate measures to maintain the washer and dryer units, including not overloading them and cleaning lint filters after every use. The use of Tide pods or laundry pods are strictly prohibited. High efficiency (HE) liquid detergents, softeners and dryer sheets are the only approved cleaning agents for the washer and dryer units. If a resident is found to be using Tide/laundry pods and damage is incurred to the machine, said student may be financially responsible for the cost to fix the damage. Individuals residing in University leased properties located off-campus such as Glen Park and Big Bend may not use laundry facilities located in East, West or Maria Halls or in the WVA Clubhouse, and instead individuals must use the laundry facility assigned to their living space. Laundry rooms have common use etiquette standards posted. Failure to follow these etiquette standards may constitute a violation of the laundry policy.

R4: Residential Space Care Type Four: Painting

Individuals may not paint their assigned living space. Murals and painting of hallways and other public areas are prohibited. If residents cause damage to any of the walls or floors, they are prohibited from painting over the damage and can be charged upon checkout depending on the seriousness of the damage.

R5: Residential Space Care Type Five: Patios and Balconies

Individuals living in the Webster Village Apartments, Glen Park Apartments, and Big Bend Apartments need to maintain the apartment’s patio or balcony. This includes only using appropriate outdoor furniture. University-provided furniture may not be used for outdoor spaces. Any damage caused to University provided furniture will result in the resident assigned to that space incurring the cost of the replacement furniture. Individuals may not hang items from the railing on the patios and balconies including drying clothes, banners, flags, or other items. Individuals may not place trash or any items that may be deemed trash outside their apartment door or on the patios. Trash and other items must be taken to the designated dumpster areas immediately.

R6: Residential Space Care Type Six: Vandalism

Damage and vandalism to common areas in the residence halls and apartments will be attributed to the responsible individual or group who will then be charged for the repair or replacement of the damaged property. Whenever it is not possible to assign charges for damage or theft of University property to specific individuals, those costs will be divided evenly among the smallest group of individuals to which the damage can be attributed. For this reason, it is important that a staff member be contacted immediately with information regarding damage to or theft of University and/or personal property.

R7: Residential Space Care Type Seven: Windows

Window screens must remain in windows and may not be removed. Individuals may not use open windows as entrances and/or exits. Additionally, individuals may not throw objects out of windows. Residents who damage screens or windows will be charged.

S1: Security Type One: Roof Access

Presence on University rooftops for any reason is prohibited.

S2: Security Type Two: Granting Access

To maintain a safe and secure environment, the residential buildings require ID cards to enter the building. Individuals may not prop open doors, hinder the locking of doors, tamper with doors, or allow individuals to enter a building unless they know the individual has current card access to that building (this includes allowing “tailgating” or allowing residents to follow others into a building). Side doors are exit only, so residents should not themselves, and should not allow others, to enter through the side doors, even if they are a current resident of the building.

S3: Security Type Three: Locking Doors

Residents are expected to lock their room, suite and apartment doors.

S4: Security Type Four: Unauthorized Entry

Individuals may not possess, duplicate or use keys, identification cards and/or access codes to any University premises or enter or use University premises without proper authorization. Trespassing, forcibly entering, or otherwise proceeding into unauthorized areas of University owned or leased facilities, their roofs, storage areas, tour spaces, or the residential space of another without permission is prohibited.

Webster University is a tobacco-free and smoke-free campus. The use of tobacco products, smoking, and vaping, whether filled with a tobacco product or any other type of material, is not allowed inside residential spaces or on campus property, including residential parking lots.

U1: Unapproved Promotions Type One: Posting of Flyers

Individuals may not post materials within the residential community, indoor or outdoor, including in parking lots and on cars. All materials must be brought to the Housing and Residential Life Office for approval or emailed to housing@webster.edu. Once the materials are approved, Housing and Residential Life staff members will post them within the residential community. If an unapproved flier is found within the residential community, it will be removed immediately, and the entity may be restricted from posting fliers within the community.

U2: Unapproved Promotions Type Two: Solicitation

Outside solicitation is prohibited in University Housing. Solicitation is defined as: door-to-door contact for the purpose of soliciting funds or sales; recruiting members or support for an organization or cause; compiling data for surveys; distributing advertising or other materials; or use of hallways, lobby or lounge areas for any of these purposes. Note that solicitation includes postings on exterior or hallway facing doors regarding causes, politics, organizations or any other items that could be considered an informational or recruitment item. Report door-to- door salespeople, political campaigners or other trespassers on the property to Housing and Residential Life staff.

Individuals may not possess and/or use fireworks, firearms, other explosives, other weapons or dangerous chemicals on campus, including for decorative purposes. Weapons are as defined in the University’s “Campus Violence and Weapons” policy.

High speed wireless internet provided by the University is available campus wide. Wireless internet access is provided to residents at the Webster Groves campus, including the Webster Village Apartments, East and West Hall, and Maria Hall. Some locations still have wired data ports available, which residents may continue to use. You will need an Ethernet cable (RJ45) to connect your device. However, these ports should be used to connect end devices only, such as desktops and laptops. Unmanaged wireless routers are prohibited.

Students residing in West, East and Maria Halls, and the Webster Village Apartments are prohibited from setting up their own wireless routers or other wireless access points. The possibility of conflict with personal wireless routers or access points and the Webster wireless network will expose the University to considerable security risk and network service disruptions. Discovery of unapproved installations of equipment that conflicts with Webster network services will result in termination of the network connection. The offending equipment must be immediately removed from connection to the Webster network.

Disciplinary action will result, and sanctions will be determined based on the severity of damage caused, and could include restriction from continued use of the Webster network.

Students are expected to review the University's information technology polices. Any student found violating any of the IT policies will be sent through the conduct process.

Active Shooter Information is copied directly from the Public Safety website and is not Housing- specific. It is provided in this document for ease of finding the information.

An active shooter or hostile intruder incident can occur under a variety of circumstances, so no guidelines can cover specific actions to take in every situation. Even so, being familiar with these guidelines can help you to plan your own survival strategy for a variety of incidents.

Webster University Department of Public Safety has adopted the Department of Homeland Security's recommended response to an active shooter, "Run, Hide, Fight."

Run, Hide, Fight

• RUN: if there is an acceptable escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.
• HIDE: if evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you. Lock office doors and barricade entrances if possible.
• FIGHT: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the shooter. Locate potential defensive weapons in your workspace, scissors, fire extinguishers, staplers, etc.

For additional information regarding the "Run, Hide, Fight" response, please view the Department of Homeland Security's video "Options for Consideration" active shooter training video linked on the Public Safety website.

General Procedures

An active shooter is a person who is using a firearm with the intent to injure or kill others in a populated area. The Department of Public Safety will respond to the area to assist with any immediate medical needs; assist in evacuation procedures; assist in containment and be the eyes and ears for responding law enforcement personnel. Public Safety may implement a lockdown or lockout of the campus. A campus lockdown is a form of "sheltering in place" wherein personnel on campus should proceed to an area that can be locked or the door of an office space can be barricaded. Lights should be turned off and window blinds drawn, and cell phones should be silenced. A campus lockout is when exterior doors of buildings are locked and persons are prohibited from entering or exiting, if doing so will expose them to danger. In either case, Public Safety will give an "all-clear" by way of an IP phone broadcast only after it is determined that the campus is safe.

Be familiar with the 4 "A"s of an active shooter response:

• Accept that the emergency is occurring.
• Assess what you can do.
• Act by Run, Hide, Fight.
• Alert law enforcement.

Law Enforcement personnel will deploy to the area and engage the shooter. Members of the University community (students, faculty, and staff) who encounter an active shooter or hostile intruder should adhere to the following guidelines:

An Active Shooter Outside Your Building

Do not confront or try to apprehend the shooter. Assess the situation and when safe to do so, contact Public Safety to remotely initiate a building lockout. Relay your observations to the dispatcher. Note the shooter's location and clothing description and direction of travel.

If it is determined the shooter is outside your building, faculty, and staff should alert others not to exit the building and immediately lock/barricade the students and themselves in their classroom. This is a form of shelter in place. If possible, cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into the hallway. Barricade the doors with desks, tables, etc.

If not in a room at the time, proceed to a room that can be locked. On your way to the room, alert as many people as possible to do the same.

Lock all doors and windows; close all blinds or curtains and turn off the lights. Stay away from the windows. Do not try to "see what's happening."

Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempt to exit.

Call Public Safety from a cell phone and be prepared to advise the dispatcher with the following information:

• Your location.
• Your name.
• Number of people in the room with you.
• Description and location of the shooter.

Keep everyone together.

Remain in the room until advised by law enforcement personnel to exit the building. Do not respond to voice commands or fire alarms.

Active Shooter Inside Your Building

Remember to Run, Hide, Fight...

Run in the opposite direction of the threat if it is safe to do so.

If you do not feel that you can run from the situation, determine if the room you are in or near can be locked. If so, follow the procedures as indicated above.

If the room cannot be locked, you have two options:

• Locate the nearest exit and determine whether or not you can exit the building safely.
• If you cannot exit the building safely, lock or barricade the doors of the room you are in with desks, tables, etc. If communication is available, immediately call the Department of Public Safety at 314-968- 6911. Never assume that someone else has called Public Safety.
• If you can safely leave the building, do so by following the instructions listed below under “Exiting a building safely.”

As a LAST resort fight the intruder by any means possible.

Active Shooter Enters Your Office or Classroom Space

Try to remain calm and if at all possible, call 911.

If you are unable to speak, leave the phone line open so that dispatchers can hear what is taking place.

If you cannot escape or hide, and only as a last resort, confront and attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Use anything available as a weapon against the shooter: laptops, fire extinguishers, scissors, staplers, etc.

Active Shooter Catches You in the Open

If for some reason you are caught in an open area such as a hallway or lounge, etc., you must decide what you are going to do.

• Quickly assess the situation and determine if you can run to safety. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Attempt to keep objects such as desks, cabinets, fixtures, etc. between you and the shooter. Once outside the building, use trees, vehicles, and other objects as cover. When you are out of immediate danger, summon help and warn others in any way possible.
• You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space or you may be found as the intruder moves through the building or area looking for victims. Take into consideration the area in which you are hiding. Will I be found here? Is this really a good spot to remain hidden?
• Your last option, if you are caught in an open area in a building, maybe to fight back. Depending on your situation, this could be your last option.

Exiting Building Safely

1. Have a route planned before attempting to leave.
2. Do not attempt to carry anything with you while fleeing.
3. Move quickly and keep your hands visible as you exit the building.
4. Do not attempt to treat or remove injured people but note their locations so that you may provide that information to emergency responders.
5. Proceed to a safe location, but do not leave campus. Keep in mind that the entire area is still a crime scene and officers will need to obtain information from you before you leave. Remain at whatever assembly area is designated until you are released.
6. At all times, comply with the commands of law enforcement officers.

What to Expect from Responding Officers

Police officers responding to an active shooter are trained to engage and eliminate the threat. They may wear police uniforms, or they may have special tactical gear that will be clearly identified as POLICE. Responding officers are trained to immediately proceed to the area where the shooting is occurring. If people are injured, the initial responding officers will not stop to assist you as they are trained to first engage the shooter. Additional officers and/or tactical medics will follow to provide medical assistance once the threat has been eliminated. Remain calm and comply with all commands from law enforcement officers.

If Indoors

1. Stay indoors, remain where you are.
2. Move away from the windows, shelves, and heavy objects.
3. Take cover under your desk or kitchen table.
4. If unable to get to a designated safe area, move to an interior wall.
5. Turn away from any windows, kneel alongside the wall, cover your head with elbows, and clasp your hands behind your neck.
6. Stay alert.

If Outdoors

1. Move to an open space.
2. Stay away from telephone poles and power lines.
3. Move away from buildings.
4. Lie down or crouch low to the ground.
5. Stay alert.

After the Earthquake

1. Do not light fires or smoke.
2. Evacuate at Assembly Point for your area, as is safe to do so.
3. Assemble at the designated assembly area and await further instruction from Housing and Residential Life (HRL) staff, Public Safety or emergency personnel. HRL staff will be conducting a headcount of residents, so make sure to check in with a staff member.

Assembly Locations

• WVA 1, 2, and 6 | Parking lot behind the Clubhouse and in front of Building 6.
• WVA 3, 4, and 5 | Parking lot between WVA and building 5 and 6.
• East Hall | Parking Lot M located adjacent to East Hall West Hall | Parking lot between WVA building 5 and 6.
• Maria Hall | Parking lot D by the dumpsters located adjacent to Webster Hall.
• Glen Park | Evacuate to the side of the parking lot. Staff will arrive on-site to direct students.
• Big Bend | Evacuate to the green area in front of the White House (7861 Big Bend) located in the complex.

If the elevator does not function properly, inform the Residential Life Office or Department of Public Safety immediately. Should you become stuck in an elevator, remain calm and remain in the elevator (do not try to climb out of the compartment). Use the alarm button and a staff member will come to your assistance. If you have a phone available, call Public Safety at 314-968-6911 for emergency assistance.

In the event of an explosion in a building, residents should take the following actions:

1. Get out of the building as quickly and as calmly as possible. In the event of falling debris, shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Notify Public Safety at 314-968-6911 as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. If there is a fire, stay low and evacuate the building. If possible, activate the building fire alarm system via the alarm panels.
3. Assist others in exiting the building — when safely possible, on your way out. Exit via the stairway. Do not use the elevator.
4. Once outside, move at least 500 feet away from the building and proceed to the designated area for evacuation. Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles. Wait for instructions from Public Safety officers or other emergency or university personnel. Do not re-enter the building until instructed to do so.
5. If you are trapped in debris, tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can locate you.

In the residence halls, fire extinguishers are located on each floor. Every apartment is equipped with a small fire extinguisher by the kitchen table.

When the Fire Alarm Sounds:

• Evacuate the building as quickly and as orderly as possible. Do not use the elevators.
• Before leaving your room or apartment, check your door. If it feels warm, do not open it. A warm door may indicate smoke and flames on the other side.
• If your door does not feel warm, open it cautiously to check for smoke outside or in the hallway.
• If it is safe to do so, lock your door and close windows as you exit your room/apartment.
• If you believe that the area outside your door is passable, and it is safe to do so — alert the other occupants on your floor/building. Proceed to the closest exit stairway.
• After you leave the building, proceed to your designated Assembly Point (outlined below). Maintain a safe distance from the building and do not interfere with the Fire Department or Public Safety operations.
• While at the Assembly Point, locate Housing and Residential Life staff members to check in that you have safely evacuated the building.
• Return to the building only when told it is safe to do so by a member of Public Safety or HRL Staff.

** Residents who do not evacuate the halls or apartments during a fire alarm are subject to the university conduct process or tickets and fines from police and fire departments.

If You Discover a Fire:

• Go to the nearest alarm box, follow the instructions printed on the box, and activate the alarm. Evacuate the building immediately and do not use an elevator. Extinguish the fire only if you can do so safely and quickly.
• As soon as it is safe to do so, call Public Safety at 314-968-6911 and give the exact location of the fire.
• When outside, find staff to notify them you are who pulled the alarm, and provide information about the situation.
• If your door is warm or if the hallway is smoke-filled, stay in your room with your door closed. Seal cracks around the door with towels or sheets to keep the smoke from entering the room. If smoke does enter your room, open one window slightly. Hand something noticeable out the window like a towel or sheet to indicate your exact location to firefighters. Call Public Safety at 314-968-6911 and provide them with your location.
• Above all, remain calm. The Webster Groves Fire Department is very familiar with all campus housing and will be on the scene directing rescue operations.

Assembly Points in the Event of an Evacuation

• WVA 1, 2, and 6 | Parking lot behind the Clubhouse and in front of Building 6.
• WVA 3, 4, and 5 | Parking lot between WVA and building 5 and 6.
• East Hall | Parking Lot M located adjacent to East Hall.
• West Hall | Parking lot between WVA building 5 and 6.
• Maria Hall | Parking lot D by the dumpsters located adjacent to Webster Hall.

** In the event of a necessary assembly, residents should look to Housing and Residential Life or Public Safety for additional instructions. During inclement weather, students should still report to their designated area. Staff members will direct residents to an additional assembly point as deemed necessary.

When the smoke detector and/or fire alarm sounds:

Evacuate the building as quickly and as orderly as possible.

• Before leaving your room or apartment, check your door. If it feels warm, do not open it. A warm door may indicate smoke and flames on the other side.
• If your door does not feel warm, open it cautiously to check for smoke outside or on the apartment landing.
• If it is safe to do so, lock your door and close windows as your exit the apartment.
• If you believe that the area outside your door is passable, and it is safe to do so — alert the other occupants of your complex. Proceed to the closest, safe exit from the complex.
• After you leave the complex, proceed to your designated Assembly Point (outlined below). Maintain a safe distance from the building and do not interfere with the Fire Department or Public Safety operations.
• While at the Assembly Point, locate Housing and Residential Life (HRL) staff members to check in that you have safely evacuated the building.
• Return to the building only when told it is safe to do so by a member of Public Safety or HRL staff.
• Residents who do not evacuate the apartment complex during a fire alarm are subject to the university conduct process and potentially tickets or fines from the fire department/police.

Assembly Points in the Event of an Evacuation

• Glen Park | Evacuate to the side of the parking lot, farthest from the source of the fire. Staff will arrive on-site to direct students.
• Big Bend | Evacuate to the green area in front of the White House (7861 Big Bend) located in the complex.

** In the event of a necessary assembly, residents should look to Housing and Residential Life or Public Safety staff for additional instructions. During inclement weather, students should still report to their designated area. Staff members will direct residents to an additional assembly point as deemed necessary.

Maintenance emergencies are defined as a facility issue/concern that impedes the ability of the resident to function safely in the space and/or has the potential to cause monetary damage to the facility. Examples of a maintenance emergency include an overflowing water source (toilet, shower, sink, etc.), faulty HVAC (heat or air conditioning), power outages, and many other items. All other non-urgent maintenance concerns should be routed to the work order system (East, West, Maria, and WVA) or to the Housing Office. If you are ever unsure whether your maintenance concern is an emergency, please follow these steps:

Residence Halls (East, Maria or West Halls)

During normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; holiday and break hours may be different), please contact the Housing and Residential Life Office at 314-246-4663 or located right inside West Hall. Outside of normal business hours, please contact Public Safety at 314-968-7430. Please be prepared to provide your name, room number, and a short description of the issue. Public Safety will reach the Resident Assistant (RA) on call, who will assist you.

Webster Village Apartments

During normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; holiday and break hours may be different), please contact the Housing and Residential Life Office at 314-246-4663 or located right inside West Hall. Outside of normal business hours, please contact the Resident Assistant (RA) on call at 314-565-9146. Please be prepared to provide your name, room number, and a short description of the issue. If you are unable to reach the RA on call, please call Public Safety at 314-968-7430.

Glen Park or Big Bend Apartments

During normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; holiday and break hours may be different), please contact the Housing and Residential Life Office at 314-246-4663, housing@webster.edu, or located right inside of West Hall. Outside of normal business hours, please contact Emergency Maintenance — this number is provided to residents during the move-in process, along with periodic reminders throughout the academic year. If you do not have access to that number, please contact Public Safety at 314-968-7430, and they will assist you with contacting Housing and Residential Life staff.

In the event of a medical or mental health emergency, please contact Public Safety immediately at 314-968-6911. Be prepared to provide the Dispatcher with your name, phone number, location and the nature of the emergency. Public Safety will contact Housing and Residential Life staff, Counseling and Life Development staff, and/or Emergency Services as necessary.

If you are unsure if the situation is an emergency or not, Housing Staff can be called to help evaluate the situation.

Residential buildings may be occupied for a longer duration than academic and administration buildings during a power outage because they have additional resources such as Housing and Residential Life staff who are trained to utilize additional equipment to effectively evacuate residential areas during a power outage.

Evacuation procedures for residential buildings on or near campus also differ from procedures for evacuating academic/administration buildings, because these buildings are not all on the same electrical power grids, which means that a power outage may not affect all the residential area(s).

Variables that will influence the decision to evacuate a residential building will include:

• Time of day.
• Duration of the outage as provided by Ameren UE.
• Weather conditions.

In the event of a power outage, Housing and Residential Life (HRL) staff, along with Webster Alerts, will communicate instructions to student residents via email/texts (as set-up for Webster Alerts), floor/building group chats, via HRL student staff members, and/or through official HRL social media or email. Over the course of the outage HRL staff, along with Public Safety staff members, will complete walk-throughs of the affected residential areas.

In the event of an evacuation due to power outage, residents will receive instruction on the process and timeline via email/texts (as set-up for Webster Alerts), floor/building social groups, via HRL student staff members, and through official HRL social media.

Tornado season typically occurs during the spring and summer months. In Webster Groves (where the home campus is located), community alert sirens are in operation via a St. Louis countywide alarm system. Students will be provided inclement weather warnings and watch updates via Webster Alerts; however, you are also able to sign-up for alerts via the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service issues two types of tornado alerts:

Tornado Watch

Conditions are present for the production of a tornado. During a watch, apartment residents should move any patio objects inside of the apartment. Residents should be sure to monitor the situation closely, in the event that a tornado warning develops.

Tornado Warning

A tornado funnel has been sighted or identified by radar. It is imperative that everyone takes shelter immediately. Tornadoes can and will move quickly. Therefore, time is of the essence. Keep in mind that since tornadoes can spring up at a moment’s notice, there may not be time for ample warning. It is recommended that if severe thunderstorms occur, be alert to the fact that these storms may trigger a tornado.

In the event of a warning, residents should take shelter in the following areas:

• East Hall | Residents should shelter in the lowest point of the stairwell on the side of East, closest to West Hall.
• West Hall | Residents should shelter on the first floor of West Hall in the pool table lounge, the laundry room, and the classroom hallway.
• Maria Hall | Residents should shelter on the ground floor of Maria, in the area by the elevator and Dining Services Offices - avoid sheltering by windows.
• WVA | Residents in the WVA should shelter in the innermost point of the apartment, with no or minimal window exposure. This will typically mean in the bathtub of the apartment.
• Big Bend | Residents in the Big Bend should shelter in the innermost point of the apartment, with no or minimal window exposure. This will typically mean in the bathtub of the apartment. If time allows, students can evacuate to the basement of the complex.
• Glen Park | Residents in Glen Park should shelter in the innermost point of the apartment, with no or minimal window exposure. This will typically mean the bathtub of the apartment.

Residents should familiarize themselves with the distinction between a watch and a warning, as the response is quite different.

In the event of a tornado, take the following steps for your safety:

1. Remain calm.
2. Go to an area of safety designated for the area you are in, if possible. If not, go to rooms and corridors in the innermost part of the building. Stay clear of windows, corridors with windows or large freestanding expanses. Do not use the elevators.
3. Close all doors.
4. Crouch near the floor.
5. Stay alert for hazards in the aftermath of the tornado.