Residential Life

Mater Ecclesiae College’s campus is a drug free environment, in order that students may live according to the dignity of the human person, and be free to fully achieve the goals of the rigorous academic program. No student, faculty member or visitor may use, possess, distribute, sell or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Violations to this policy will lead to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal from enrollment at Mater Ecclesiae College. Such violations may also have legal consequences. Students with questions on this policy or issues related to drug or alcohol use on the campus should raise their concerns with the president, dean and/or assistant dean of academic affairs without fear of reprisal.

Alcohol may only be consumed in the dining areas; moderate quantities on special occasions are allowed to those of legal age. Immoderate drinking is prohibited. No students are allowed to store alcohol.

Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the human person. All students of Mater Ecclesiae College are entitled to a professional academic environment free of unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures.

The President of Mater Ecclesiae College is responsible for maintaining current information on applicable laws, and institutional rules and regulations in order to explore with complainants the full ramifications of their allegations and to explore with those accused the full ramifications and significance of their alleged behavior. Action will be taken according to the outcome of these procedures.

Mater Ecclesiae College, a religiously affiliated institution that offers a liberal arts degree for women, admits qualified students of any race, color, nationality or ethnic origin to its programs. Applicants should understand that the central mission of Mater Ecclesiae College is to prepare consecrated women for leadership positions in educational, pastoral, religious and social institutions. All students who seek admission must sincerely desire to discern a vocation to the consecrated life in the Regnum Christi Movement, an organization of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Office of Student Affairs provides for the student’s health and welfare, while offering them a secure and welcoming atmosphere. It is highly recommended, when possible, that the student carry medical insurance. For those who cannot, Mater Ecclesiae College does not provide medical insurance, but it offers a physician on call for student medical needs and a full-time staff person dedicated to arranging medical appointments and referrals, ensuring that students are receiving the best possible medical attention. The Vice President coordinates health care information and referral services, and students have access to medicine and other medical supplies through the Deans of Students. Students also benefit from health education programs that emphasize prevention.

Mater Ecclesiae College complies with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. All student medical records are kept private. If a student wishes information to be disclosed to medical personnel or staff members on campus, she is asked to sign a written consent form, giving the specified person permission to access records.

Compliance with the Code
Because students have voluntarily chosen to attend Mater Ecclesiae College, they are responsible for reading and adhering to all policies and regulations outlined in this handbook and other publications issued by the College. Any changes to or deletions from existing Student Life policies and procedures will be announced and will be posted on campus. Failure to read the rules and regulations is not an acceptable excuse for violations. As a private institution, the College explicitly reserves the right to judge whether it is in the best interest of the institution that a student be allowed to continue affiliation and may discontinue affiliation for reasons deemed sufficient by the College itself. By registering, the student concedes to the College the right to require withdrawal whenever the College deems the withdrawal necessary.

All students are subject to federal, state, and local laws. The College reserves the right to review conduct involving serious breaches of the law and to initiate disciplinary proceedings independent of the courts. The College may suspend a student, pending disposition of court action.

Never prop open interior or exterior doors. This is both a safety and a fire hazard.
If a door that is usually open is found to be locked during the day, this is to be reported to the Dean of Students.
Do not tamper with window screens.
Students are to avoid returning to campus after dark, for the sake of safety. If a student must arrive after dark, she should make arrangements with the Dean of Students to ensure that she is not unaccompanied.
Report safety concerns or suspicious behavior immediately to the Deans of Students and the Office of Finance and Administration.

When approaching the vehicle, students should carry the keys so they can enter quickly and should always check the rear seat for intruders.
Lock the doors and keep windows rolled up whenever possible.
Drive on well-traveled and well-lit streets.
Never hitchhike and never pick up hitchhikers.
If someone tries to enter the stopped vehicle, sound the horn and drive away.
If the vehicle breaks down, raise the hood and wait in the locked car for help.
Park in a well-lighted location at night. Do not get out of the vehicle if there is anything suspicious.

Do not burn candles or any device that has an open flame in any campus building without prior approval. Candles used for liturgical purposes at an event sponsored by Campus Ministry are exempt from this policy.
Maintain clear and unobstructed access to doors from both inside and outside at all times.
Do not overload electrical circuits.
Do not use broken, frayed or cracked electrical cords.
Do not store any flammable materials.
Know every exit from the building. Know how to activate the fire alarm system.
Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to operate them.
Building evacuation is mandatory whenever the fire alarm sounds
Never tamper with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or fire alarms. It is a felony to activate a fire alarm as a prank.

Follow the evacuation plan posted on each floor.
Calmly assist others to evacuate the building by following exit signs. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.
Remain outside the building at a safe distance until the fire officers have said it is safe to enter.

Remain calm.
Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand.
- If it is hot do not open the door. Instead follow another exit route. If trapped in a room, seal the cracks around the door with towels, linens or clothes (soaked in water if possible). Shout for help. If smoke is filling your area, stay low to the floor. Take short breaths to avoid inhaling smoke. Place a wet towel over your nose and mouth.
- If the door is not hot, brace yourself and open it slowly. If hot air or fire rushes in, close the door and refer to the point above.
If it is possible to leave, close all doors behind you and proceed to the nearest safe exit.
Remain outside the building at a safe distance until the fire officers have said it is safe to enter.

Always lock car doors. Do not store valuables in any vehicle. If it is necessary to keep items in a vehicle while you are not in it, store them out of sight or in the trunk. The vehicles should be emptied upon returning to campus.
Do not prop open exit doors that are normally locked to the outside.
Do not open the door to visitors without knowing to whom you are opening. If unsure, call someone to accompany you before opening the door.
All vendors must report either to reception or to the business manager’s office when arriving on campus and check out when leaving.
Be good stewards of the campus. Report any suspicious activity, theft or vandalism immediately. Report any irregularities.
If you are the last person to leave a room, make certain that all windows and doors are locked and that all equipment is properly secured and lights are turned off.