Being a Good Neighbor

Although Winthrop is an educational center devoted to preparing students for the 21st century, outside the beautiful landscape and incredible architecture of the physical campus lies a real neighborhood, probably very similar to your neighborhood at home.  A surprising variety of people live in the Winthrop area - senior citizens, young families with children, single professionals, and students.  Because Winthrop students constitute a large segment of the population surrounding the main campus, the impact of students conduct in the community is of major concern.  You are, in effect, representing Winthrop University, and the future housing of Winthrop students depends upon your ability to live responsibly in the neighborhood. 

Know Your Neighbors
The first step in fostering good relationships with your neighbors is getting to know them.  Make an effort to introduce yourself to your neighbors.  It will be much easier to solve any problems that may arise later if your and your neighbors are acquainted and feel comfortable approaching each other. 

Be Considerate
Your schedule and that of your neighbors may differ considerably.  The make-up of the neighborhood could vary from students to parents with young children who require early bedtime hours, to residents who work full time.  Look around at your neighborhood and try to adapt to customs and traditions of the permanent residents there.  For instance, do not park on the street (and do not let your friends do so) if permanent residents there do not - even if there is not a "no parking" sign.  Otherwise, your presence is likely to be resented.

Parties and Noise

Parties
In a compact neighborhood with adjoining yards and nearby homes, a party in one house can have an unintended impact on a neighborhood house.  To avoid giving your neighbors an unpleasant surprise, let them know when a party is planned.  Send them a note at least three days in advance of the party, telling them about the event and giving them the hours.  Ask them to give you a call if they need to discuss the event.  They will appreciate your consideration and may be more tolerant of an increased noise level if they know the reason and have some idea of when the party is scheduled to end. 

Please note that informing your neighbors of the party
does not give you the right to cause a disturbance!

If a neighbor does complain about something, listen and try to respond positively.  After all, they are doing you a favor by giving you a second chance to be a good neighbor, when they could be calling the police immediately. 

Be in tune
Your tunes - whether being played inside your place or in your car - will cause problems if they are played too loudly.  What is too loud?  If they can be heard at the edge of your property or outside the car with the windows closed, the volume is up too loud!

Would you wanted to be quoted on that?
Neighborhood families often have small children who will hear and see everything you do.  Personal conversations are personal, but language that can be overheard by others should be okay for children to hear too - even if it's a "serenade" meant for your peers. 

Excessive Problems
In the event repeated noise violations have occurred or the party has become a continual disturbance, neighbors are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement.  Local authorities have the ability to contact Winthrop Campus Police when necessary. 

Winthrop University Code

Student Conduct
Section III under the Student Conduct Code portion of the Student Handbook states the following regarding the application of laws and off-campus activities:

Winthrop University is not a sanctuary beyond the reach of the criminal laws of the United States, the State of South Carolina, and the City of Rock Hill.  While the rules and regulations of Winthrop University are not meant to duplicate general laws, there are some aspects in which  the lawful interests of the institution as an academic community coincide with the broader public interest treated in general laws.  Students, or student organizations, who commit offenses against the laws of municipalities, states, or the United States, are subject to prosecution by those authorities and may be subject to disciplinary action under University rules when their conduct violates institutional standards.  Winthrop students are subject to the provisions of this Student Conduct Code while on University premises or University-related premises, and when involved with off-campus Winthrop activities.  Students will be held accountable to this code for their off-campus activities when it can be ascertained the off-campus act has a direct detrimental impact on the University's educational functions.  Any disciplinary action imposed by Winthrop may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority. 

Town and Gown Agreement
On September 17, 1990 responsible representatives of each interested group (campus and city officials, community members, and Greek organizations) endorsed this agreement that provides acceptable standards of living around Fraternity and Sorority houses. Through the years, this agreement has taken new directions, but has never lost it's original intent.  It agreement continues to be binding and valid.

◦  Town and Gown Agreement

Rock Hill Codes

Please view the links below to read more information on City Codes that impact our students and Campus:

◦  Alcoholic Beverage

◦  Garbage

◦  Disorderly Conduct

◦  Noise

◦  Motor Vehicles and Traffic

Trash Collections

Trash
The local government has strict garbage and trash collection procedures, violation of which can subject residents to fines.  Find out the schedule for trash collection in your neighborhood by asking your neighbors, or calling the Rock Hill Department of Public Works (DPW) operation center at (803) 329-5600.  All bins should be out by 7:00 a.m. the day of pickup and be rolled by no later than 7:00 a.m. the next day.   Trash should be placed in containers with tight fitting covers and rolled back no later than the day after collection, and should not be put out before collection.

Bulk Trash
If you live in a house or in a building with three or fewer units, DPW provides bulk trash collection services on a regular basis.  "Bulk Trash" includes large appliances and furniture that should not be put out with regular trash.  If you have bulk trash to dispose, cal DPW at (803) 329-5600 for further information about collection schedules and procedures. 

Seven Simple Rules
The City of Rock Hill has created 7 simple rules that can help you navigate the City's garbage, trash, and community improvement ordinance.  Please follow the links below to view the sites:

◦  Seven Simple Rules

◦  Instructions and guidelines for garbage, trash and recycling

◦  Guidelines for littering, care of property and displaying signs

Recycling

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive recycling program for residents and businesses to reduce solid waste sent to the landfill and promote environmental stewardship. To improve health, safety and community appearance through education and ordinance enforcement. To plan and implement quality programs which involve the public in community improvement, waste reduction, litter control and environmental education.

◦  Recycling and community improvement

◦  Why recycle?

Maintaining the Property

It is important to recognize that while your housing may be temporary, the housing or your neighbors is their permanent residence.  They have invested time and money in their homes and have a desire to maintain the neighborhood.  It is therefore important to your neighbors that you maintain your residence in a manner that is in keeping with your neighbors. 

Routine Maintenance
Your lease may allocate responsibility for maintenance and repairs, including extermination, between the landlord and the tenant.  While repairs necessary to meet housing code standards are the responsibility of the landlord, routine maintenance is generally the responsibility of the tenant.  Unless your lease specifies otherwise, it is your responsibility to mow the lawn, pick up litter, and generally maintain the outward appearance of the property.  Empty beer cans, bottles, or kegs left on the front porch do not contribute to a neat and orderly appearance, and will not endear you to your neighbors. 

Communicating with Your Landlord
When dealing with your landlord on the subject of repairs or maintenance, it is a good idea to designate one housemate as a spokesperson to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.  When a problem arises, notify your landlord immediately -  delay could cause a minor problem to develop into a larger one involving greater inconvenience and expense.  Always keep a record of communications with your landlord, including of letters and a log of phone calls and meetings. 

Parking

Parking Off Campus
Winthrop students are expected to purchase on campus parking permits.  If a student must park off campus, he or she must follow all parking regulations as laid out by the City of Rock Hill.  Parking spaces in the neighborhoods around the University are scarce.  Please be considerate of other resident's parking needs

Parking On Campus
To park on campus, you need a parking permit from Winthrop University Campus Police.  There are different parking permits for designated areas on campus as well as different restrictions for different lots.  To obtain a clear view of parking on campus, please visit the campus police website.

◦  Campus police traffic and parking regulations

Bicycles
Many off-campus students find that biking is a quick and convenient way to get back and forth from campus.  Bicycle racks are located near each major academic building and residence hall. Please attach bicycles to the provided racks, as bicycles that aren't attached are subject to being stolen.   Bikes that are secured to structures other than bike racks will be impounded. 

Protecting Yourself & Your Property

Safety Tips

If a crime is going to occur, the offender must have three things to accomplish the task: desire, ability, and opportunity. Personally, there is not much that you can do about the offender's desire and ability. However, you can take steps to control the offender's opportunity.   

Personal Safety (general)

• You should never walk alone! However, if you must walk alone, have a plan and choose open well lighted and well traveled areas.

• When walking you should walk facing traffic. Be cautious of drivers that stop to talk to you.

• BE AWARE of your surroundings! Giving the appearance of not paying attention and not being alert is what offenders look for in a victim.

• NEVER HITCHHIKE !

• Always tell someone where you'll be and what time you are going to return.

• Do not wear  headphones while walking or jogging.

• Do not read while walking or standing on the street.

• Clogs, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run and fight in. Capes, scarves and long necklaces are easy to grab. Consider modifying your clothing.

• Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• If you are being followed: cross the street, change directions, keep looking back so the person knows you can't be surprised. Enter a residence hall, library, etc. Look for a crowded area.

• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: If something "feels wrong" , something probably is wrong .

• If you find yourself in a situation with an assailant, don't be afraid to loudly call attention to what the assailant is doing ("Help!" "Get your hands off me!"  "This man is bothering me...", etc. ).                    

In Your Room or Apartment

• Always LOCK your door, especially when you are just "going down the hall for a moment".

• Lock doors and windows when you are alone or sleeping.

• Keep emergency numbers near your phone.

• Do not leave messages on your door, or voice mail, etc., indicating you are away or when you will return.

• Be cautious of telephone surveys and NEVER...NEVER... give out any personal information.

• Report suspicious persons on your hall.

• Do not prop open doors to your building. This will put everyone at risk.

• Keep ATM cards, credit cards, etc. in a safe place. Do not leave them lying out in the open. Never leave them on a dresser near your door. It takes less than 10 seconds to look into your open room and steal items from a dresser near the door.

In Your Vehicle

Always keep your doors locked (especially at traffic signals).

• Keep your purse, tapes, valuables, etc. out of sight when your vehicle is parked.

• Never pick up hitch hikers.

• Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings and have your keys ready before you get to your vehicle.

• If someone approaches your vehicle and attempts to enter it, blow the horn and/or drive away.

• If you are confronted with an armed assailant, the decision to comply or resist is a personal decision based on the circumstances. Remember that any property you possess is not as valuable as your life.

Credit Cards/ATM               

• Be aware of your surroundings and take notice of anyone who does not appear to be there for banking purposes.

• When you enter your PIN, position yourself so that people around you cannot see the key pad.

• After completing your transaction use discretion when counting money.

• When using the machines in a low traffic area or late at night, try to bring a companion along with you.

• Don’t give out your PIN to anyone . Even if it’s someone stating they are from your bank and need to verify your PIN, do not give it to them.

• Don’t lend your card to anyone, not even your roommate.

• Report lost or stolen cards to respective banks and to the Police .

• Don’t leave credit cards or personal checks unattended.

• When writing a check never let the sales person write down a credit card number.

• Destroy all carbon copies from a credit card purchase.

• Tear up unused applications , especially those received in the mail stating you have been pre-approved.

• If you receive a letter stating that you have received a credit card in the mail and you have not received it, notify the company immediately.

Dealing with Harassment and Stalking

Harassment can come in many forms. A person can be harassed through the mail, on voice mail systems, through e-mail, on the telephone, or even in person.  Unfortunately, harassment often evolves into stalking. In terms of South Carolina Law harassment and stalking are two separate offenses. If you feel that you are being harassed or stalked (even if you are not sure), you should report this to the Campus Police Department immediately. The following are some additional tips for dealing with stalking and/or harassment:

• Document each encounter with the alleged suspect. Record dates, times, and what happened. Keep all written communications you receive from the suspect.
   

• If you receive unwanted phone calls...Hang up as soon as you hear an obscenity, inappropriate remarks or questions, or no response to your "hello?" You do not have to listen to the caller!

• Make a note of the date and the exact time of  "each" phone call. If you receive multiple calls, keep a running log of the dates and times the calls were made. Also note if the call was a hang up, what the caller said, and anything unusual about the caller.

• If you receive harassing voice mail or e-mail messages, be sure to save the message(s) for Police evidentiary purposes.

• If someone is harassing you in person (i.e. bothering you at your room, car, etc.),  call the Campus Police Department immediately.

Renter's Insurance- You can insure you belongings against loss, theft, or damage at relatively low cost.  Companies that insure your car or other family property may offer discounts on a renter's insurance policy. 

Emergency Medical Services- While on campus, you may have become accustomed to calling the Winthrop University Police Department for emergency medical response.  However, due to insurance limitations and jurisdiction issues, Winthrop University Police cannot respond to emergency call at off-campus locations.  Instead, dial 911 for emergency assistance off-campus.