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Residents Guide - Village Life
Village Life
Campus Programs and Services
Gainesville Community Services
Village Life
Village Life - An Overview
Graduate and Family Housing consists of 980 apartments divided into five different apartment communities that provide living space for 2000 residents.
- Corry Village is located near the UF Law School.
- Diamond Village is near Shands Hospital.
- Maguire Village is adjacent to SW 34 Street.
- Tanglewood Village is located south of campus on SW 13 Street (US 441 South).
- University Village South is adjacent to Maguire Village on SW 34 Street, near UF's "culture complex"—the Center for Performing Arts, the Harn Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History.
Approximately 90% of all residents are international students and they and their families come from more than 65 different countries. The programs and services offered in each village are designed for all residents Americans as well as international students and their families.
Apartments consist of one- and two-bedroom apartments (in all villages), three-bedroom apartments (Corry only), and efficiency apartments and townhouses (Tanglewood only). Each village has an office, one or more laundry rooms, one or more playgrounds, and a community room called the "commons room." University Village South offers programs outdoors in their gazebo and also uses the commons room in Maguire Village. Other facilities available to residents of all villages include:
- Swimming pools (one in Maguire Village and one in Tanglewood Village). Pools in the undergraduate residence hall areas (Broward and Graham) also are free and open to the residents of Graduate and Family Housing. In addition, UF maintains several pools elsewhere on campus.
- Basketball courts (all villages)
- Tennis courts (on Museum Road and at the Southwest Recreation Center)
- Volleyball courts (Corry Village, Maguire Village, Southwest Recreation Center)
- English classes (offered in each village by the School Board of Alachua County)
Many services are available through the village offices. Along with handling all maintenance and building services requests, village staff also provides opportunities for residents to check-out a variety of items, including sporting goods, camping equipment, tools, vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, and movies.
Diversity in the Village Communities
Valuing Diversity
The University of Florida Department of Housing and Residence Education is committed to strengthening relationships among people. This commitment needs to be supported by all staff and students that work and live within our communities. Our goal is to promote interaction among residents and support you in learning about the domestic and global diversity that exists in our communities. Developing an awareness of diversity and building on skills and attitudes involves a commitment to appreciate, value, and celebrate human diversity.
The staff and students that make up the Department of Housing and Residence Education come from diverse backgrounds and social groups. We encourage acceptance and appreciation of people regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic status. We believe that each person has worth and should be treated with dignity and respect. In a community that values diversity, acts of bigotry will not be tolerated.
The Department of Housing and Residence Education believes that our society is strengthened by the diversity of people and ideas. We encourage staff and students to reach out to each other and develop positive relationships. The University of Florida is quite specific in its endorsement of these principles as well, including (but not limited to) the following policy statements from "Student Rights and Responsibilities, 2000-2001" (Policies Pertaining Primarily to Individuals):
Equality of Access. The University of Florida does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations.
Racial Harassment. The University of Florida expects its students to treat other persons with respect and human dignity. Any behavior that results in the harassment or intimidation of another person related to the race of that person will not be tolerated and is a violation of the University’s Code of Student Conduct.
Sexual Abuse and Harassment. The University of Florida expects its students to treat other persons with respect and human dignity in all interpersonal relationships. Any behavior that results in the sexual abuse, harassment, or intimidation of another person, or any unwanted objectionable sexual attention towards another person, will not be tolerated and is a violation of the University’s Code of Student Conduct. Sexual harassment is defined as objectionable, unwanted sexual attention from either a person in a position of power or from a peer. Sexual harassment also can involve verbal or written communications of a sexual nature that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment.
Programs and Activities in the Villages
The programming tradition in Graduate and Family Housing at the University of Florida is unique. Students and staff work together to offer a wide variety of living-learning opportunities for residents of all ages. Tradition plays a big part in programming. Some examples of programming themes and traditions include:
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Programming in the Communities
The Graduate and Family Housing office at the University of Florida endorses a programming model that provides programs and services in the villages to enhance a balanced, healthy lifestyle. This model is based on the Four Points of the Compass and allows our staff to program in four main areas:
| N - Navigating University Life | E- Establishing and Enhancing Relationships |
| S - Skill Building | W- World Awareness |
We call these dimensions the COMPASS Points. The staff are required to use these as guides as they plan and implement programs in the community.
In Navigating University Life the staff implements ideas that allows students and residents to become acquire knowledge that allows them to navigate a large university, become knowledgeable of campus resources and policies, and know where to go to find information and or assistance.
Skill Buildings allows our students and residents to explore and learn new skills, from English Classes to Pottery Workshops.
Establishing/Enhancing Relationships gives the staff the opportunity to help our residents establish and build relationships with each other.
World Awareness is an opportunity for the staff to take advantage of the more than 93 different countries that live with us and to become more aware of the many different people, and cultures.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Mayors' Council
Mayors' Council, sponsored by the Department of Housing and Residence Education, is officially registered with the University of Florida Student Government and is recognized as the representative of the students and families living in the village communities. As such, Mayors' Council is eligible and entitled to all rights and benefits of any organization recognized by Student Government, including the solicitation of funds from Student Government on an annual basis.
Mayors' Council consists of an Executive Board (president, secretary, and treasurer), five Mayors (one from each village), and the Student Senator who represents Graduate and Family Housing in Student Government. Mayors' Council meets once a month and meetings are open to all residents. Officers and Mayors are elected annually, and must be full-time students in good academic standing. Mayors' Council is advised by the Residence Life Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Housing for Graduate and Family Housing.
Communication with Residents
The Villager- the Villager is the monthly newsletter published by Graduate and Family Housing Staff. Residents received the villager electronically via email every month. Like this Resident Guide, The Villager is also part of your rental agreement because new policies, procedures, and other official information are published there. Thus, it is very important to read every issue of The Villager. In addition, information about programs and services in the villages, on campus, and in the community is presented each month. Residents are invited to contribute suggestions for articles, letters to the Editor, restaurant reviews, etc.
Community Update Email-the community update email is sent every week to the primary residents of Graduate and Family Housing. This email is designed to send very important administrative messages (such as policies changes or reminder, scheduled outages, etc…).
Village Programming List-Serves-the village programming list serves are designed to advertise programs that are happening in Graduate and Family Housing. Residents and their spouses may sign up to receive these emails. To do this, they must submit their email address and village to listserv@lists.ufl.edu. Of course, at any time they can opt out of this service as well by sending the message SIGNOFF “Name of the village” list serv.
Notes: Resident CANNOT opt out of the Community Update email, The Villager email, or any other emails that are administrative in nature.
Alcohol purchase and consumption in the State of Florida is permitted at 21 years of age. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a leading cause of injuries and death in automobile accidents. A conviction for DUI on campus may result in sanctions including suspension or expulsion from the university. In Gainesville, use the Later Gator bus service or always have a designated driver who does not drink any alcoholic beverages when away from home. Some local businesses may provide free soft drinks for the designated driver in a group.
Residents who wish to reserve Graduate and Family Housing commons rooms for events at which alcohol will be served are required to complete an Alcohol Registration form at least seven working days in advance of the event. Check with your village office for the forms and other information about this policy.
In accordance with University of Florida and State of Florida rules residents are not permitted to have open containers of alcohol outside their apartment.
Breezeways Balconies and Patios
Residents are responsible for keep up with there own breezeways, balconies, and patios. Each Village have specific guidelines designed by the student leaders of the community to address what may or may not be able to be stored in these areas. Please visit your Village office for the latest versions of this information.
Each village has access to a commons room that can be reserved by residents for parties and other gatherings. University Village South frequently offers programs in its gazebo; UVS residents also have access to the Maguire Village commons room. Residents can reserve the commons room in advance in the village office. Village staff has priority for reserving the commons room for community events by the first day of each month.
Each commons room has a kitchen that is equipped with a sink, stove, and refrigerator, as well as tables and chairs. A DVD player, television, and stereo system also are available. University property and furnishings may not be removed from the commons room. Locked cabinets in the commons room contain supplies for the sole use of the staff for community activities. Taking paper goods and other supplies from the locked cabinets or locked refrigerator without the consent of staff constitutes theft.
There is no charge to use the commons room, but if the room is not cleaned properly, a charge will be assessed. If you enter the commons room and find that the previous resident has not left it clean and in good order, notify village staff immediately or you may be charged for cleaning and/or damage.
Children are permitted to use the commons room only when supervised by adults. The commons room cannot be used for any meeting, class, or other event where money is exchanged for goods or services. Contact the village staff for information about how to reserve the commons room.
Alcohol Policy. Residents are permitted to have alcohol in the commons room for their own private functions. However, you must complete the Alcohol Registration Form at your Village office prior to hosting an event where alcohol is served. Remember it is your responsibility to follow all the Housing Community Standards concerning the consumption of alcohol in a public area.
The Department of Housing and Residence Education employs a professional Building Services staff for Graduate and Family Housing and the undergraduate residence halls on campus. The primary duties of the Building Services staff in Village Housing pertain to preparing apartments for new occupants, cleaning laundry rooms and commons rooms, and assisting the Maintenance department in responding to emergency situations.
As their work load permits, the Building Services staff will occasionally be available to shampoo a university-owned and -installed carpet at no charge, provided it has been at least six months since the last carpet cleaning. To request this service, complete an iservice request on line (https://iservicedesk.housing.ufl.edu/). When this service becomes available, residents are notified by Building Services staff, usually 24 hours in advance. Residents are then responsible for arranging furniture and other objects out of the way so that the carpeting can be shampooed.During the Fall and Spring semesters, beginning and intermediate English classes are offered in Village Housing for international residents living in Village Housing and in the Gainesville community. These free classes are offered by the School Board of Alachua County. The schedule and location of the English classes are published in The Villager at least twice each semester and are posted in every village. These schedules also include the instructors' names, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Please contact them directly for more information about placement tests and the availability of openings for new students.
Each village has a variety of equipment available to be checked out by residents. Items include canoes, tents and other camping equipment, sports equipment, games, tools, sewing machines, and other items. Contact your village office staff for more information about equipment in stock and procedures for borrowing it.
The safety of the Village is the responsibility of each resident. Please review the Housing Community Standards for specific information on what items are allowed in your apartments. Please keep the following in mind:
- Do not tamper with fire alarms or equipment.
- Do not hang items on sprinkler heads.
- Leaving food on the stove unattended is one of the main causes of fires.
Like this Resident Guide, The Villager is also part of your rental agreement because new policies, procedures, and other official information are published there. Thus, it is very important to read every issue of The Villager. In addition, information about programs and services in the villages, on campus, and in the community is presented each month. Residents are invited to contribute suggestions for articles, letters to the Editor, restaurant reviews, etc.
Guest Registration Forms: Residents who would like to have guests staff with them must complete a guest registration form at your Village office. Please remember there are rules on who can visit you, please see the Housing Community Standards.
Single parents and single graduate students living in Village Housing receive one key to their apartment and one mailbox key when checking in. All other residents receive two keys to their apartment and one mailbox key. Residents in some villages also receive a laundry room key. Residents are responsible for all keys, which must be turned in at check-out. Lost keys may be replaced by contacting village staff. For lost keys, residents are permitted to borrow a "loaner key" from the office for up to 48 hours or until the keys are found, whichever comes first. After 48 hours, if the loaner key is not returned, the staff will order a lock change for the apartment and the resident will be assessed a charge for that service, which will appear on their account. If a resident locks himself or herself out of the apartment, contact village staff for assistance. An excessive number of lock-out calls will result in a charge for each additional lock-out service.
Each village has laundry facilities available for residents' use. Residents should take care to follow instructions for the proper use of the washers and dryers. Damage from improper use costs all residents in time and money in repairing the machines. The use of dye in the machines is not permitted. Report any broken machines or loss of money to village staff.
Children should not use washers or dryers unless they are tall enough to do so without climbing onto the equipment to insert money, push buttons, etc. Any child observed in a laundry room without adult supervision will be treated as an unsupervised child according to Department of Housing and Residence Education policy.
Before putting clothing into the washers, check all pockets for coins, crayons, hair pins, tissues, etc. Place small items, such as tiny baby socks, in a net bag. Do not place rubberized items in the dryer. Remove lint from the lint filter before and after using the dryers. Please put lint, fabric softener dryer sheets, and all empty containers into the trash receptacles.
Please be considerate of other residents in the use of the laundry room. Clothing should be removed from machines as soon as the washing cycle (about 25 minutes) and drying cycle (about 50 minute) are complete. Residents who are waiting for washers and dryers are permitted to remove unattended items once the washing or drying cycle is complete. If you remove items from washers or dryers, please place them carefully on a clean surface.
To help prevent theft and inappropriate use of the laundry rooms, please do not prop open the laundry room doors or leave them open when you go out of the area.
As a resident if you should get locked out of your apartment there are a few simple steps that you should follow to get back into the apartment.
- 1. Call the staff members in your village. There is a list of staff contact information at each office.
- 2. If you cannot reach a staff member contact University of Florida Police Department 392-1111. Let them know your name and apartment number and a cell phone number if you have one. UFPD will contact a staff member for you.
- 3. Please wait by the office for staff member to get there. NOTE: You will be charged $25 per lock out, after a fourth lock out.
New Residents will have to attend an orientation program. The purpose for this is to allow the residents and staff the opportunity to meet each other. Also, to help residents adjust to the unique experience of living in the Villages. Staff members will review many of the general questions that past residents have told us they would like to know. Staff will also be reviewing many of the rules that are commonly violated. Finally, residents will also hear about the many different services that are offered through the Villages.
The Department of Housing and Residence Education provides routine and emergency maintenance service to all the villages. At least one Maintenance Mechanic works in each village. When maintenance service is required, you should complete an online Maintenance Request called “Iservice Request “by doing the following:
- Visit the main housing web page at www.housing.ufl.edu
- Along the left-side menu click iServiceDesk
- Fill out an iServiceDesk request.
Maintenance Request forms are also available in each village office, in a box near the office area. Complete the form and place it in the box or give it to village staff. Repairs are made as quickly as possible, usually in order of urgency.
Emergency Maintenance
Occasionally a resident will have an emergency maintenance problem. An emergency is defined as "a situation where a maintenance repair or some attention is essential in order to maintain the health and safety of the resident, as well as to protect the building and its property." Listed below are examples of situations that are considered emergencies.
- No water (hot or cold).
- Overflowing plumbing fixtures.
- A building, section of a building, or an apartment completely without electric power.
- No heat (when outdoor temperature is below 55 degrees).
- Broken water pipe.
- Major roof leak.
- Entry door that will not open or lock.
- Gas leak.
- Broken glass in public areas that jeopardizes security or personal safety.
- Air conditioner not working; if temperature is above 90°Fj. (This refers to air conditioners provided by Housing only.)
Always try to contact your Village staff as soon as you discover the emergency situation. Contact information is posted outside the village office. If they are not available, proceed with the next step which is calling University of Florida Police Department at 352-392-1111.
Pest control services are preformed on a regular basis by the Department of Housing and Residence Education. The schedule is posted in the monthly newsletter, in the laundry room or you can check with your Village office for a schedule. If you have a particular problem that you want to review please fill out a work order and leave in the maintenance box next to your Village office.
Residents are encouraged to recycle a wide variety of items, and receptacles are provided in each village for that purpose. Recycling receptacles are provided for paper and corrugated cardboard, glass, aluminum, tin cans, and plastic (#1 and #2 only). Paper and corrugated cardboard are recycled together. Glass, aluminum, tin cans, and plastic are recycled together in the containers marked "Glass and Cans." All items should be rinsed clean, with lids removed, before being placed in the recycling receptacles.
A blue recycling bin is also provided for each apartment. This bin is part of the apartment inventory and needs to be left in the apartment after residents move out. In addition, Residents are not allowed to store this bin outside their apartments.
Do not put trash into recycling receptacles. When food waste such as pizza boxes are deposited into recycling containers, all of the properly recycled materials become contaminated and must then be added to the trash from the dumpsters instead of being recycled.
Many local supermarkets provide receptacles for recycling plastic shopping bags, clean green foam trays (from fruits and vegetables), and foam egg cartons.
The Department of Housing and Residence Education Green Team meets monthly during the Fall and Spring semesters. Residents can submit proposals to the Recycling Committee for projects that will improve or increase recycling and recycling awareness in Village Housing. Funding is available to support such projects.
Residents are asked to please use the trash enclosures (dumpsters) properly. When you go to the dumpster please check all access doors to the dumpster because while one area of the dumpster might be filled the other might still have room. If you allow older children to empty the trash please make sure that they are able to gain access to the dumpster without injuring themselves. Remember trash is not allowed to be stored outside your apartment.
An "unsupervised child" is defined as a child engaged in behavior or activity which may be considered potentially dangerous to self or others in a setting where no evidence of adult supervision exists. Dept. of Housing policy outlines the staff response necessary when unsupervised children are identified. The first step requires staff to notify the University Police Department in order to ensure that safe, adequate supervision is provided. An incident report will be completed to document the situation, which may result in disciplinary action.
Caregivers are expected to use common sense in determining at what age children are capable of playing alone on the village grounds. Infants and young children should never be left alone in an apartment or on the playground. Older children should be able to demonstrate to the caregiver the capacity to play alone and interact with other children in the village without exhibiting verbal or physical aggression toward others.
Caregivers are encouraged to establish safety plans for all minor children in which another adult caregiver in the village is identified and available in the event of absence of the parent or guardian. For a detailed explanation of the unsupervised child policy and procedures, refer to the Appendix. Village office staff can also answer your questions about this policy.
Safety and security in Graduate and Family Housing is a shared responsibility of residents, staff, and the university. The Department of Housing and Residence Education endeavors to address safety and security concerns in the village communities though a variety of measures. In addition, security policies and programs are continuously reviewed and monitored for revisions and/or upgrades.
UFPD and the Department of Housing and Residence Education Security Assistants provide security for the village communities through regular patrols in vehicles and on foot. The Department of Housing and Residence Education Security Dispatcher is trained to respond to all requests from residents and staff by dispatching the appropriate staff or agencies. Security Assistants and Security Shift Leads patrol the village communities and residence halls on foot from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. every day. The primary duties of the Security Assistants include checking doors to be sure they are properly locked; patrolling bike racks, parking lots, commons areas, facilities, and grounds; and observing and reporting suspicious activities.
Live-in Graduate and Family Housing staff, including the Residence Life Coordinator, Residence Directors, Community Assistants, and Crisis Intervention Consultants, are trained to respond to safety and security concerns and to provide support and referrals for victims of crime. The Maintenance and Building Services staff have been trained to report all suspicious activities or persons they observe as they complete their routine duties in the villages. In addition, staff promotes crime prevention and personal safety by notifying residents about security issues and by hosting educational programs provided by the UFPD Community Services Division.
Video Surveillance: Video surveillance cameras are installed in Corry Village and Tanglewood Village.
Eliminating the opportunities for crime to occur is the main theme of crime prevention programs on campus. Residents contribute to village the safety and security in the following ways:
- 1. Always lock apartment doors while in the apartment. When leaving the apartment, always lock the door and carry the key.
- 2. Report strangers to village staff and UFPD.
- 3. Properly secure bikes and always lock car doors.
- 4. Engrave all valuables through UFPD's Operation ID program.
- 5. Report any obscene or harassing telephone calls to UFPD.
For immediate response to any safety or security concern, always call the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) at 392-1111. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Community Standards have been established by University officials to inform students of their responsibilities within Graduate and Family Housing and adjacent areas. These Community Standards are designed to promote and maintain an atmosphere conducive to community living. All residents are responsible for knowing and adhering to these Community Standards. Violations will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Refer to the University of Florida Student Guide for the complete Student Code of Conduct, including disciplinary procedures and potential sanctions.
Residents are strongly encouraged to check with a staff member regarding any questions or perceived exceptions or interpretations that residents might have concerning these rules.
Throughout the Resident Guide the term “Guest” refers to a person who is in an area where they would not normally have access without assistance from a resident of that area. In general, all non-UF students are considered guests.
The University of Florida does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, or gender in the administration of educational policies or any other University programs. Grievance procedures related to discrimination may be found in the University of Florida Student Guide.
For information regarding the Residential Judicial Program, please contact the Coordinator of Residential Judicial Programs at (352)392-2171 extension 10141.
Students are reminded that Department of Housing and Residence Education Community Standards are part of the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct. As such, violations of Housing and Residence Education Community Standards are violations of the Student Code of Conduct and are treated accordingly. For more information about the Student Code of Conduct and Students Rights and Responsibilities in general, students should visit the Student Guide at the Dean of Students website. The section listed as Student Rights and Responsibilities has most of the information relevant to this topic.
For more information, visit the Dean of Students Office Judicial Affairs web page: www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/
Residents are reminded that the Resident Guide is considered part of the official Housing Community Standards and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Furthermore, a violation of the lease is also considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct
Staff members are required to document any event that occurs in the Villages. Examples of events that will be documented include fire safety violations, serious medical emergencies, and violations of policies. An event is recorded on an “incident report.” An incident report is a written account of an event or situation by the person who has the earliest and most direct involvement with the incident. Charges of policy violations originating from an information report are considered alleged pending completion of the student judicial process. Any member of the staff and University community can report behavior that is inconsistent with community standards. If the alleged misconduct occurred in or around the Graduate and Family Housing areas, complaints should be placed in writing and brought to the Residence Life Coordinator or the Residence Director.
Note: If you are present during policy violations, you may be held responsible and appropriate sanctions will be imposed. All student judicial procedures are designed to minimize disruption to the Village community. When an incident occurs the following judicial action outline occurs until the case is concluded with a final decision.
If a formal complaint, usually through an incident report, is lodged against a student, a judicial officer is assigned to consider charges against a student. A judicial officer will be assigned according to the severity of the situation, previous student conduct, and the Village where the violation occurred.The judicial officer may be the Residence Life Coordinator, Residence Director, or the Coordinator for Residential Judicial Programs. In some situations the case may be handled by the Student Judicial Affairs Office.
Note: In certain circumstances, a student may be removed from Graduate and Family Housing before a student judicial meeting has been held or following a hearing where removal was imposed and an appeal is pending. An interim removal may be imposed to ensure the health, safety, or well being of members of the community or to preserve property.
A variety of facilities and services are available for students and other family members living with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require adapted facilities or services, or the installation of assistive equipment, should contact the Graduate and Family Housing office in writing as soon as possible to document their disability and subsequent needs or requests. Students with disabilities must meet standard guidelines used in determining eligibility for housing.
Students with Physical Disabilities: Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate students with physical disabilities who request housing assignments to areas not presently accessible.
Students with Print-Related Disabilities: Upon request, students with print-related disabilities may request Department of Housing and Residence Education publications in alternate formats. Contact the Graduate and Family Housing Office.
Students with Hearing or Speech Disabilities: The Florida Relay Service will assist students with hearing or speech disabilities communicate with others. The Relay Service serves as a communication link by passing along messages between communicating parties. Contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD). For more information, call 1-800-955-8013 (VOICE/TDD) or (352) 392-2161 (VOICE/TDD) directly.
For information about academic services for students with disabilities, see "Office for Students with Disabilities" in the section on Campus Programs and Services.
In 1996, the U. S. federal government established new guidelines that required residential property managers to provide renters with information regarding the existence of lead-based paint in units built before 1978. When residents check-in, they will receive a brochure entitled Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home and a disclosure statement.
The disclosure statement indicates that the University of Florida has no records, no reports, and no knowledge of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in Graduate and Family Housing apartments. The Department of Housing and Residence Education has used only lead-free paint for at least the past twenty years.
