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8/1/2008
I. Purpose
The Residence Life Department makes every effort to encourage each resident to put his/her stamp of individuality on their living environment. Some residents may wish to include some form of loft/bunk bed, deck, divider, cabinetry, or shelving in that living environment. The Milwaukee School of Engineering reserves the right to regulate, in the interests of the college and of its residents, the design and installation of these structures. Further, the Milwaukee School of Engineering does not in any way assume any responsibility for any costs associated with the construction or removal of these structures, except as specified in this policy.
A number of factors must be considered for these structures, including safety, code compliance, and roommate considerations. It should also be kept in mind that each resident has the privilege to modify only the room space to which he/she is entitled.
This policy provides the guidelines under which these named structures may be built and/or installed, thereby providing reasonable assurance of compliance with legal, safety, and entitlement restrictions. In cases where the design of the structure is in question the decision of the Residence Life Director is final.
II. Construction Restrictions
Construction guidelines are provided for the protection and safety of room and other residents of the hall. In these guidelines the term "loft" shall cover any constructed item in a residence hall room.
1) Residents of the room are responsible for any damage to university property caused by the construction, installation, use, or removal of a loft. If "sawing is necessary in the construction of a loft, it must be performed outside the building or in the student's room with the door closed. Sawing in the corridors and stairwells is not permitted because it will set off the fire alarm.
2) ALL STRUCTURES must have a clearance of at least 18 inches away (in all directions) from the fire sprinkler heads. Support boards for different setups may not run between the ceiling and the sprinkler piping. Extra caution must be given in the construction of your loft. Students who knock off sprinkler heads during loft construction or during the school year will be held responsible for the water damage caused to the residence hall and other residence hall student's possessions.
3) Lofts must not rest on any University furniture
4) The top surface of the loft (including the mattress) is to a minimum of twenty-four (24") inches from the ceiling. Loft systems must be constructed to provide sufficient clearance for the occupant to roll over and exit the sleeping space without touching the ceiling, upper bed, or other overhead structure.
5) No lofts shall obstruct the doors at any time. The doors must be operable at all times and must be usable as a means of exit or entry to the room.
6) No loft shall obstruct the window. The window must be operable and usable. Lofts parallel to the window must not cover or restrict access to the heater or vent. Lofts may be no deeper than the distance from the window wall to the edge of the closet farthest away from the door. The deck height between the window and the edge of the bookshelves (farthest from the window) must not exceed 20 inches high. All electrical sockets must be readily accessible.
7) All lofts must be free standing and able to be disassembled. Nuts and bolts must be used rather than nails. Construction lumber must be of sturdy proportions. Lumber used in the construction of lofts should not exceed the following dimensions; corner posts (4" x 4"), all other lumber used in framing (2" x 6"). So-called pressure-post systems (both horizontal and vertical), cantilever systems, and ceiling or wall-hung systems are prohibited.
8) There should not be any wobble in the loft. The design is the student's choice, however, all lofts must be self-supporting, stable, and freestanding. Use of walls, ceilings, MSOE bookcases and furnishings (except a bed and/or mattress), or fixtures in any way is prohibited. Any modification of MSOE owned furniture is also strictly prohibited.
9) All university property must stay in the room. Construction of the loft must include bed springs, mattresses etc.
10) Loft structures may not be enclosed. Therefore, materials such as wallboard, paneling, plywood, etc. may not be used to enclose a loft.
11) All lofts must be disassembled and/or removed from the residence halls the Friday before exam week in spring.
12) Lofts must be re-approved by everyone in the room whenever a change of occupancy occurs. If a new roommate does not feel comfortable with a preexisting loft, arrangements must be made to change or take down the loft.
13) Lofts are prohibited in the common areas of Regents Hall.
14) Where lofts block required access by maintenance or housekeeping personnel, one or more of the following actions may be taken:
a) Cosmetic or convenience work may be deferred until the structure is removed, or
b) The owner of the structure may be required to move the offending structure immediately allow necessary non-emergency work, or
c) In emergency situations including, but not limited to, such occurrences as short circuits, burst pipes, broken windows, or fire, work crews may be directed to remove and dispose of the structure at the owner's expense, without regard for its integrity or re-installation.
15) Lofts may not be constructed in any way to include electrical circuitry, duplex outlets, switches, or lighting.
16) Do not drill or make any holes, put nails, screws, or bolts, or any adhesive on or in any way, ceiling, fixture, or furniture.
17) Dividers are prohibited in all rooms in all buildings.
III. Implementation
In any case where questions arise as to the meaning of the terms or intent of this Policy, interpretation shall be at the sole discretion of the Director and/or Assistant Director.
IV. Penalties
Violation of this policy will result in the required removal of the violation and repair of all resulting damages, or reimbursement for the cost of all labor and materials associated with such removal. Additional sanctions may be imposed in accordance with the conditions of the Student Conduct Code.