Bluff Hall Newsletter

Bluff, Prairie, and Woodland Hall will switch over to break operations at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20^th, 2020.

 

University Housing will remain open through fall break and the remainder of the fall semester. A fall break and end of semester intention form will be sent out on November 2nd so please complete it once you are aware of your plans (even if you are completing your courses from your permanent address).

 

University Housing staff will enter residents’ rooms at 5 p.m. on November 20^th to verify that all students who reported not staying for break have vacated and to complete Cleaning and Safety Inspections.

 

Over the break UHFM staff may enter living units to address any facility concerns, outstanding work orders, and/or to complete any necessary preventative maintenance.

 

If you are leaving for fall break and returning after break to finish out the semester please do the following before your departure:

 

ü  No guests will be allowed in the building to assist residents with leaving/returning from the break period.

ü  Please take all personal items that you will need over the break with you. 

ü  You do NOT need to take everything home with you!

• • Clean your room and your bathroom.
  • Unplug everything except your refrigerator.
  • Take all trash to the Trash Room (including food that may spoil in your refrigerator).
  • Close and lock your window.
  • Move your items 3 feet from the heating/air conditioning unit.
  • Close your shades: Lower them half way down the window.

• Turn the heat on low.
• Turn off room/bathroom lights.
• Shut and lock your room and bathroom doors.

 

Bluff will resume normal operations at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 29^th, 2020.

 

If you are leaving for fall break and are remaining at home to finish out the semester please do the following before your departure:

 

• If you have an open space in your shared room (your roommate left or is leaving), you need to make sure half of the room is clean and ready for a new roommate to move in prior to leaving for break.

• • No guests will be allowed in the building to assist residents with leaving/returning from the break period.
  • Please take all personal items that you will need until you return for the spring. 
  • Residents will NOT be permitted to enter the building during winter break. 
  • You do NOT need to take everything home with you!
  • Clean your room and your bathroom.
  • Unplug everything (including refrigerator-please make sure you defrost it first)
  • Take all trash to the Trash Room.
  • Close and lock your window.
  • Close your shades: Lower them half way down the window.
  • Turn the heat on low.
  • Turn off room/bathroom lights.
  • Please take your pet fish home for break.

• Shut and lock room/bathroom door.

 

Bluff Desk hours of operation for Fall Break are:

 

Friday, November 20                                      Closing at midnight

Saturday, November 21                                  10:00 am-12:00 am

Sunday, November 22                                    10:00 am-12:00 am

Monday, November 23                                   4:30 PM-12:00 AM

Tuesday, November 24                                   4:30 PM-12:00 AM

Wednesday, November 25                             4:30 PM-12:00 AM

Thursday, November 26                                 CLOSED

Friday, November 27                                      10:00 am-12:00 am

Saturday, November 28                                  10:00 am-12:00 am

Sunday, November 29                                    10:00 AM (resume 24-hour operation)

 

If you need assistance outside of these hours, please call SIUPD at 650-3324.

 

Please carry your Cougar Card with you at all times as the doors to Bluff Hall will be locked 24/7 during break operations.

 

Thank you for your cooperation!  We hope you have a wonderful break!

Administrative Closure-November 3

Due to the administrative closure on November 3, the UHFM office will be closed Monday, November 2 at 3:30PM until Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00AM.  We will address any submitted requests at that time.

Roompact

Roompact is the digital platform that University Housing uses to help engage residents in their communities.   Visit https://roompact.com/login to get started!  Within Roompact, you can engage with community discussions, submit your roommate and suitemate agreements, sign up for Area Council, contact your RA,  and more!

Study  Tables

Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-8 pm in the Bluff Hall Classroom.  Study Tables are hosted by RAs who are available to help answer questions or just provide a  quiet space for residents looking to study.

Interested in Area Council? 

Sign into Roompact at https://roompact.com/login and complete the Area Council Application under Forms.  All residents are welcome and encouraged to join.  Area Councils plan events for the community, advocate for positive change, and give a voice to the residents! 

The women of National Association of Colored Women's Clubs is hosting a Donation Drive for any gently used, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, warm clothes, and toiletries. Any donation would be greatly appreciated especially during these tough times. Please feel free to share and donate any clothes you have not worn in a while, thank you!

Donations will be sent to a shelter in East St. Louis called St. Joseph.

Donation boxes will be in University Housing November 2, 2020 - Nov 20, 2020. 

The 2021-2022 Resident Assistant application is now open! The RA application can be found online.

If you have question about the position or the application process, attend one of our Q&A sessions:

Tuesday, October 27^th at 4pm (https://siue.zoom.us/j/96453203728)

Wednesday, November 4^th at 4pm (https://siue.zoom.us/j/96453203728)

 

RA Qualifications

• Turn in a completed application by the appropriate deadline: Friday, December 11 at 11:59pm.
• Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA by the time you assume the position (RAs are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA).
• Cannot be graduating before May 2022.
• Cannot be involved with a full-time internship/co-op, student teach, or enrolled in the School of Pharmacy program during the 2021-2022 academic year.
• Have lived in University Housing for at least one full semester by the time you would begin as an RA (summer is counted as a semester).
• Be in good financial, academic, and behavioral conduct standing with the University.

 

If you have any other questions, please contact Domonique Crosby at docrosb@siue.edu or (618) 650-4627.

SAAC BLM Shirt Sales

The SIUE Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is currently selling Black Lives Matter T-Shirts to raise money for the SIUE Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship.  The shirts are on sale for $5 (sizes S – 2XL).  Please email Farrah Young (Athletic Academic Advisor) at fayoung@siue.edu to arrange pick-up in VC 1331.  You can pay in person or by using Cash-App ($SAAC2020). 

SAAC will also have a table set-up to sell t-shirts in the MUC Goshen Lounge on Tuesday, October 27 from 9am-2pm. 

SIUE is Smoke-Free Campus

As a reminder, SIUE is a smoke free University.  This applies to all space, inside buildings and out and includes tobacco and cannabis.  Signs have been posted at all University entrances.  You may access the policy at  http://www.siue.edu/policies/6a2.shtml

Flu Shots

Health Service has received our shipment of flu vaccine (Flucelvax® Quadrivalent) and we are pleased to offer flu vaccine to faculty, staff, retirees, and students!  As in years past, we will only have the quadrivalent available at our clinics.  Flu shots this year will be handled by appointment to adhere to social distancing guidelines.  We ask that you arrive not earlier than 5 minutes before your time in order to minimize physical gathering.

Based on the campus you choose; flu shots will be given in the following locations:

Edwardsville Campus:  Student Success Center, Room 0200 (lower level)

Alton Campus:  Building 280, Room 1100

East St. Louis Campus:  Building D, Suite 2015 (We Care Clinic)

 Please use the following link to choose your location and your date and time: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ACA72BABF9C07-flushots

SIUE students may receive the flu shot for $15

In order to receive the vaccine at this price,

Students must

1.)    present your university ID and

2.)    provide payment in cash or check or this year you may choose to bill to your student account

Don’t forget to wear a mask and please plan to wear clothing that provides easy access to the upper arm injection site.

For more information on the importance and benefits of receiving a flu shot, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm

Come to the Tutoring Resource Center for help with your math, science, and business questions!

The Tutoring Resource Center will provide both face-to-face and online tutoring this fall semester as follows:

Face-to-face and online tutoring

Monday through Thursday:         8 am – 4 pm

Friday:                                                   8 am – 3 pm

Online tutoring only

Monday through Thursday       4 pm – 7 pm

Saturday:                                         9 am – 12 noon 

Sunday:                                            4 pm – 7 pm

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is open for virtual or in-person appointments. You can make your appointment through your Cougar Jobline account or call our office at 618-650-3708. The Career Development Center can help you with your resume, cover letters, job search, LinkedIn accounts, graduate school personal statements/application, mock interviews, and much more. Our office is located on the lower level of the Student Success Center in room 0281.

Financial Matters: Ask an Expert 

Tuesday, November 10 

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. 

Have you ever wanted to ask questions about financial matters to experts?  This virtual event will be a drop-in event to talk to experts about various topics like salary negotiations, mortgage loans, insurance, etc.  Virtually chat with experts of your choice with no obligation to buy any products.  Reserve your spot today through your Cougar Jobline by clicking on Events - Virtual Financial Matters: Ask an Expert - +Register or you can call the Career Development Center at 618-650-3708.   

Virtual Pharmacy Career Fair 

Wednesday, November 18 

12:30 – 3:00 p.m. 

Premier Virtual Career Fair Platform 

Virtual Pharmacy Residency Showcase 

Wednesday, November 20 

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. 

Premier Virtual Career Fair Platform 

**RSVP to attend these events through your Cougar Jobline or call our office. 

Career Development Center 

 

618-650-3708 

Email: careerdevelopment@siue.edu 

Website: siue.edu/cdc 

Student Cougar Jobline Link: https://siue.12Twenty.com/ 

 

Policies – YOU NEED TO KNOW!

As a resident of the Cougar Village, you are responsible for knowing the information, policies, procedures, and deadlines that are contained in the University Housing Living Guide.  To access the living guide, go to:  http://www.siue.edu/housing/pdf/SIUE-Housing-Guide-Final.pdf

Facilities Issue?  Put in a workorder!

University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM) is the unit assigned to the development and maintenance of University Housing facilities and grounds. UHFM is responsible for repairing housing units, care of the grounds surrounding housing facilities performs snow removal, maintains the cleanliness of common areas and offices in University Housing buildings oversees pest control, and much more.

In the event of any building or grounds related issues, Students need to initiate the repair by submitting a Maintenance Request to University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM). UHFM responds to student-initiated repair requests as a first priority.  To complete a work order, click HERE!!!

Get protected!  Insure yourself and your belongings!

University Housing does not insure the personal property of residents. Residents are strongly encouraged to Insure their personal belongings while living in University Housing. Students can look into renter’s insurance or their parent/guardian homeowners’ policy for potential coverage options.

SIUE is Smoke-Free, Tobacco Free, Nicotine Free

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has implemented the Illinois law that prohibits smoking and all tobacco-related products into its policies and procedures.

To view SIUE’s Smoke-Free Campus Policy, click here.

Having TV issues?  Read Me!

Charter Business has transitioned its analog video TV service to high-quality digital TV service, which provides more channels and increased HD content. As part of this transition, only TVs with a digital QAM tuner will be able to view the new digital lineup. If a TV does not have an embedded QAM tuner or is enabled with an external QAM tuner, an error message or snowy picture will appear on the TV.

What is a QAM tuner and how do I know if my TV has one? A QAM tuner allows your TV to tune to the digital or HD cable channels that Charter will be sending out. Most, but not all, TVs that were made after 2006 have a QAM tuner built-in. Most Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Visio models have a built-in QAM tuner. Brands like Westinghouse, Colby, Element, or other lower-end brands often do not have the QAM tuner. These are only a few examples. Please be sure to check for a QAM tuner when considering a specific TV model.

• You can search online by make/model of your TV or reference your TV's owner’s manual for specific model information related to what type of tuner is present.

• An example of what the manual may say if the TV has a QAM tuner: o “Built-in digital tuner (ATSC/Clear QAM)”

o NOTE: An ATSC tuner will not work with Clear QAM. It MUST say “Clear QAM” or “Digital QAM Tuner”.

 • Additionally, if your TV remote has the (.) or (-) symbol button for easy tuning or is able to display channels with a (.) or (-) as in 5.2 or 5-2, your device likely has a QAM tuner.

NOTE: This is general information regarding integrated QAM tuner enabled TVs. It is always advised to refer to the manufacturer’s website or examine the “technical specifications” section of the owner’s manual to determine information on the QAM tuner.

How do I program my TV to view the new channel lineup?

• Most QAM tuner TVs have a "Channel Search" or "Auto Program" function that will automatically scan the incoming signals and detect the ones that are available. It may be necessary to do a channel search before your TV will allow you to tune to a specific channel.

1. Go into the TV Menu and select “Set Up”

2. Look for and select an option similar to “Channel Search” or “Auto Program”

3. The TV will automatically begin searching to identify all available channels

4. After this auto search is completed, there should be approximately 60-70 channels available for viewing (if the TV has an internal QAM tuner). If no channels are available, it is likely the TV does not have a QAM tuner.

NOTE: If you previously watched a program on channel 4, the new channel may have moved to a new number, such as 4.2 or 4-2. Please speak to your property manager about new channel lineup cards.

NOTE: Most HD TVs have the ability to modify aspect ratios. If your picture seems stretched or has black bars around the picture after the scan, please modify the aspect ratio to fit with your desired viewing experience.

When do I need to reprogram my TV to view the new channel lineup?

• The Clear QAM solution has been installed on-campus. If you have not already, you should plan to program your TV immediately. Until the TV is rescanned, your new digital TV lineup will not be viewable.

• Tivo is not compatible with the QAM solutions

• When you are inside, always wear a face-covering that covers your mouth and nose, except while you are in your own living unit.
• When you are outside, wear a face-covering anytime you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and other people.
• If you have been around someone who has tested positive or think you have COVID-19 symptoms, please fill out the COVID Self-Reporting Form (https://www.siue.edu/about/announcements/coronavirus/reporting-confirmed-cases/index.shtml).
• If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, please quarantine at home or in your living unit until you get the results back and are cleared by Health Services and University Housing.
• You are strongly encouraged to make any guests that enter your room or apartment wear a face covering at all times and maintain a physical distance of 6 feet when possible.
• Residents are expected to comply with posted occupancy limits for shared common spaces.  A maximum of four persons may occupy a room at any time.
• Please wash/sanitize your hands on a regular basis and sanitize any frequently touched surfaces in your living unit and bathroom.  
• Violations of COVID-19 expectations and guidelines may result in your removal from University Housing.

Sign up for e-Lert today!

What is e-Lert? SIUE's e-Lert is a text messaging service that will be used to quickly notify faculty, staff and student cell phones when an urgent situation, such as a bomb threat, severe weather, hostile intruder, or when the University closes due to inclement weather. There is no cost to register for the alerts; however, standard rates may apply if your cell phone plan does not include text messaging.  Click on "Sign Up Now!"

Rave Guardian

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) now offers the Rave Guardian app for its students and their families. Rave Guardian is one of the best ways to not only improve personal safety, but also protect your friends by building a private safety network. This app provides instant communication with friends, family, campus safety, and even 9-1-1.

SIUE encourages all students throughout campus to utilize the app to network with friends and help increase overall safety and security of the entire student body. An important part of the Guardian app is that students can use it not only to keep themselves safe, but to help protect others. Even students who may not feel as if they need others to help keep them safe can utilize the app to be a guardian and help protect their friends.

Download Rave Guardian and Become a Guardian on Your Campus

Download Rave Guardian for Free The app is available for free on the Apple or Google app store.

Use Rave Guardian to Protect Yourself and Others

Set a Safety Time – Notify people you trust to check in on you if are alone or in an unfamiliar place.

Manage and Message Your Guardians – Invite family, friends or others to be your Guardian, and communicate with them within the app as needed.

Easy Emergency Communication – Call safety officials directly for help if you are in trouble and send text tips – including photos – if you see something suspicious.

Rave Guardian is a proven personal safety solution used on campuses across the country. To learn more, visit siue.edu/emergency.