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STUDENT HOUSING PROGRAM
2013-2014
Welcome to The Housing Program at Playa del Oro Apartments
Housing Office
The Residence Life staff at Otis College of Art and Design creates an enriching community for free thinking artists, while instilling values of self-motivation, respect and responsibility.
Hours Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Going away to college allows academic, personal and social growth. Otis is a place of self-discovery where students belong to a community that supports diversity, individuality, and artistic creativity. Where students live is critical to the quality of their college experience.
Phone (310) 846-2648 Fax (310)665-6964 Email studenthousing@otis.edu
In our Housing Program, you will grow and develop in a diverse community of artists, realize your full potential, and make friends that will last a lifetime. Students will participate in programs, workshops, and other planned events that help foster a sense of community amongst OSHP residents, all while receiving guidance and support from onsite Residence Life Staff. Location In one of Southern California’s most desirable communities and only two blocks from Otis, Playa del Oro* offers educational, cultural, social, and recreational opportunities, including convenient access to freeways, dining, beaches, shopping, and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Owned and operated by Decron Properties, Playa del Oro’s contemporary design creates a light and airy feel. Nestled in a dynamic canopy of lush flowers, trees and tropical plants are spas, a sparkling pool with barbeques, a fitness center, and a resident lounge.
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Getting Started
Otis’ Office of Residence Life and Housing is committed to the personal and academic success of resident students and residence life staff. Therefore, we:
Welcome! You have secured a space within the program for the 2013 – 2014 academic year.
Help to provide well-maintained, healthy and secure conditions for living and studying;
When can I move in?
Understand residents and provide them with opportunities to understand each other;
The move-in date for the Otis Student Housing Program for the Fall semester will be August 18th, 2013. For students who join the Program during the Spring semester, the move-in date will be January 6, 2014.
Treat residents and staff with dignity and respect for individual differences; Teach residents about individual responsibility, community membership and accountability to both self and others; Create groups that support living cooperatively, interacting civilly, and learning actively, both inside and outside the classroom; and Provide helpful and timely assistance while teaching self-responsibility.
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Once all of your housing documents are returned, the Housing Office will contact you with your scheduled move-in time. Due to the nature of the Program, early move-ins cannot be accommodated.
The Apartments
Apartment Configuration The apartment units within the Otis Student Housing Program have two possible configurations. See below. Requests for a particular apartment unit layout cannot be accommodated.
The Apartments Your unit is fully furnished with a living room sofa, chair, table, lamp, TV stand, dining table with chairs, and, in each bedroom a chest, two night stands, and two twin beds. Each unit accommodates four residents with 2 bedrooms (two people per bedroom) 2 baths
Amenities include: • Paid utilities (electric, gas, water, trash, basic cable, and broadband internet) • Resident-controlled entry and access • Spacious closets • Balcony or Patio • Access to pool and Jacuzzi • Personal washer and dryer • Access to the fitness center • Shared double parking space • Part Time Courtesy Patrol • Onsite Maintenance • Guest Parking • Gated Access • Elevator • Covered Parking • Modern kitchens with built-in appliances. Fun & Fitness • Billiards • Clubhouse-Coffee Lounge • Dry Sauna • Picnic Area with Barbecue • Public Parks Nearby • Shimmering Swimming Pool • Soothing Spa • State-Of-The-Art Fitness Center Steam Room Community Advantages • Access to Public Transportation • Assigned Parking • Beautiful Landscaping • Business Center • Copy & Fax Services
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Next Steps
Forms can be found at the end of the booklet.
Now that you have secured a space in the Program, there are a few additional items needed to complete your housing file.
Due Dates
1. 2013 – 2014 Housing Agreement
For Fall: July 24th, 2013
2. Fall/Spring Semester Housing Payment in the amount of $4,288.00
For Spring: December 15, 2013
3. Roommate Questionnaire
To secure your space in the housing program, all items must be submitted to the Housing Office:
4. Emergency Contact Form 5. OSHP Release of Information (optional) Roommate assignments The Housing Office attempts to match roommates based on several levels of compatibility. In an effort to match roommates and suitemates, we use the Roommate Questionnaire enclosed in this booklet. Please provide all information requested. It is also important that you be as honest as possible so that the Housing Office is best able to appropriately match you. If there is additional information that you would like to add, you can include that information on the back of the form or on a separate sheet of paper and submit it with your Roommate Questionnaire. Roommate assignments will be made in advance, and you will be notified no later than the second week in August of your assignment. The Housing Office will make every attempt to honor your requests; however, we are unable to guarantee requests. Room changes While we do our best in matching interests and lifestyles, we also realize that not every living arrangement will be successful. Often times, students may resolve conflicts themselves through open and honest discussion. If an issue arises, we encourage you to seek guidance from the Resident Assistant (RA) staff. Housing Office personnel are available for additional assistance with any and all roommate issues and disputes. If an issue arises, you are strongly encouraged to make every effort to resolve the conflict before a move is considered. To initiate a room change, you must speak with a Resident Assistant (RA) staff member. Room changes without consultation and written consent from the Housing Office are in violation of the Housing Agreement. No room changes will be considered until September 2, 2013. Communal Living Within the Otis Student Housing Program, you will be assigned to a unit based on similarities on the Roommate Questionnaire. You and your roommates coordinate cleaning, grocery buying/sharing, decorating, carpooling, and the frequency of guests. Your experience strengthens life skills such as adaptation, transition, and compromise. You are expected to maintain the highest level of conduct. Failure to comply with all Otis College and Playa del Oro regulations will result in removal from the housing program, without compensation or refund.
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Billing
COST The 2013-2014 housing fee will be $4,288 (USD) per semester for double occupancy. Payment deadline for Fall 2013 term: July 24, 2013 for Spring 2014 term: December 15, 2013
The Otis Student Housing Program is billed on a per semester basis for each student participant. The semester payment is to be paid, in full, prior to the start of each semester. The Housing Agreement is for the entire academic year. All students are obligated to the Program for the full academic year and will be financially responsible for the entire term. The only exception given will be students who join the Program during the Spring semester. Housing for students who join the Spring semester will only be provided for the Spring term and students will only be financially responsible for such. Once you have secured a space in the Otis Student Housing Program should you decide that you no longer wish to participate, for any reason, you must: * submit written correspondence to studenthousing@otis.edu indicating your request to withdraw from the Program and the reasoning. Once your written release request is received, you will receive a confirmation from the office acknowledging receipt and notifying you if we are able to fill your space with an incoming student and subsequently release you from the Program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Otis Student Housing Program? The Otis Student Housing Program is an offcampus housing arrangement for Otis students in a residential community that provides student programming (i.e. seminars, workshops, events) and guidance from the Residence Life Staff. What is the priority for the Otis Student Housing Program? The Otis Student Housing Program offers housing based on proximity. Priority for housing will be given to students currently residing in countries other than the U.S., out-of-state students, and those living in Northern California. Where is Otis Student Housing located? Student housing is located at Playa del Oro Apartments, approximately two blocks from campus and within walking distance to beaches, shopping, and entertainment. Since Playa del Oro is an apartment complex, students must maintain the highest level of conduct. Failure to comply with all Otis and apartment complex regulations will result in removal from the housing program. Can students live in the Otis Student Housing Program after their first year? Our program is set up for foundation level and transfer students. Our hope is that those new to the area utilize us and make friends, get to know the area, and then are able to move on for their subsequent years at Otis. The Office of Student Affairs does offer a variety of resources such as Rental Websites, Apartment Listings, Apartment Agencies, and a Roommate Listing where students can write their own roommate ad.
COST What is the cost for Otis Student Housing? The cost per semester is $4,288.00 (2013-2014 academic year) plus a $550.00 Security/Damage Deposit (based on double occupancy). The cost includes a fully furnished apartment, room, utilities, basic cable, parking (two spaces per apartment unit), and Internet access. Housing is only available for the academic year (fall and spring). Are there any additional costs directly associated with the Program? Students are required to obtain mandatory renter’s insurance to protect their belongings, as well as the apartment complex. Students must obtain a renters insurance policy, independently of the College and will be required to provide proof prior to moving in.
Will I get my $550.00 Security/Damage Deposit back? Otis will hold the Security/Damage Deposit until May when students vacate the apartments and Playa del Oro assesses damages. Based on the damage billing, students are charged by apartment. Each apartment will automatically be charged a carpet cleaning fee as well as a painting fee, which is collected evenly amongst the student residents. Any additional fees will be deducted from the deposits made.
MOVING IN/OUT When is the Move-In date for Housing? The Move-In date for the Fall is August 18, 2013. The move-in date for the Spring is January 6, 2014. Each residential apartment will be given a move-in time to assist with crowd control. Due to the nature of the Program, early move-ins can NOT be accommodated. When is the Move-Out date for Housing? The Move-Out date is May 7 , 2014 no later than 5:00 pm
ROOMATES How are roommates matched? Roommates are paired by similarities on the Roommate Questionnaire. If roommate conflicts arise, there is staff on site to provide mediation. After mediation if differences cannot be accepted and/or countered, the staff is trained to provide a room switch, depending on space availability. Can I request my own roommate? Yes, as long as they are also full time Foundation students or new student transfers. If you would like to request a roommate, write their name on the bottom of the Roommate Questionnaire.
THE APARTMENTS Can I request a private/single room? Yes, a request for a private/single room can be made; however, the amount of the deposit doubles, as well as each semester payment. Individuals who elect to request and who are successful in obtaining a private/single room, must commit to the space for the entire academic year. Requests will be accepted on a space availability basis. What are the amenities? Each unit has two bedrooms and two baths. Amenities include: paid utilities, spacious closets, internet access, basic cable, access to the complex pool, Jacuzzi, entertainment room, and recreational center. Each is furnished with a stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, and dishwasher. Each unit is also fully furnished. For security, the building and garage have a stateof-the-art card key entry system. Do student residents have access to laundry facilities? YES, There is a washing machine and a dryer in each apartment unit. What do the rooms look like? All units are two bedroom two bathroom units and have four residents (two per room). Interior ~ 983 square feet Deck ~ 66 square feet Total ~ 1049 (approximate)
WHAT TO BRING What furniture should I bring with me? Each apartment unit is fully furnished. Furniture includes a regular twin size bed for each resident, dresser and night stands, living room furniture with a flat screen television, and a dining set. Before making additional furniture purchases individuals are advised to speak with their roommate and apartment-suite mates. Students should also wait to purchase any large items until their arrival in the unit. Pots, pans, dishes, and utensils are not included. Students should plan to bring these items with them or purchase them upon your arrival. What additional items should I bring with me? Since each apartment is fully furnished, that limits the furniture-type items that you will need to bring. In order to get situated in the housing program, you will simply need to bring your personal belongings, which includes clothes and toiletries, as well as linens for a regular twin sized bed. The office also recommends that you bring items which will help make your new apartment your home away from home.
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SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING Will I need to have a car? Having a car makes transportation easier; however, you can get by without a car. Both Otis and the Otis Student Housing Program are accessible via the Santa Monica (Big Blue Bus) #3 bus line. You can log on to their website at the following url: http://www.bigbluebus.com/home/ index.asp If I do bring a car, is parking guaranteed? Each apartment unit will be issued a tandem parking space (two car spaces). When the office is matching roommates, we do our best not to place more than two people in a unit who will be bringing a car with them; however, in the event that there are more than two people in the unit with a car, the residents will be required to alternate who parks in the garage and who parks on the street.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD Does Otis offer a meal plan? Unfortunately we do not have a meal plan organized through the College. However, the café does have a debit system, which can be set up through them with a credit card. Each apartment unit also has a full kitchen where students are able to make meals for themselves. Is the area safe? Westchester is a fairly safe area in Los Angeles. The Playa del Oro apartment complex is a gated community with a state of the art key entry system. In addition, there are courtesy officers who make rounds of the community. Where can I buy groceries? The local stores are: Ralphs: 1/2 block away www.ralphs.com Bristol Farms 1/2 block away www.bristolfarms.com Farmer’s Market each Wedneday morning, across the street from campus. Albertsons www.albertsons.com Trader Joes www.traderjoes.com Vons www.vons.com Gelsons www.gelsons.com Q. What are the local Pharmacies? The local drug stores are: CVS www.cvs.com Walgreens www.walgreens.com Q. Is there a hospital nearby?
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Yes. The two closest Hospitals are: Playa Vista Medical Center (Urgent Care Center) 6020 Sea Bluff Drive Playa Vista, CA 90094 Phone: 310-862-0400 Marina del Rey Medical Center 4650 Lincoln Blvd Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Phone: 310-823-8911 Is there anything to do around the Otis Student Housing Program? The apartments offer an opportunity for students to live in one of Southern California’s most desirable communities. There are many educational, cultural, social, and recreational opportunities, including convenient access to major freeways, beaches, hiking and biking, shopping, and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
RAs How do you become a Resident Assistant? There is an application process to become part of the Residence Life Team. The application and interview process takes place beginning the month of January. Most RA’s participate first as Resident Assistants in the Summer of Art program to gain residential and supervisory experience. Each year at least four RA’s are hired for the academic year. Move in for RA’s is typically three weeks prior to resident move in so that they can participate in Resident Assistant Training. Can a Foundation level student become an RA? The Resident Assistant is a highly sought after position. The position is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and Graduate Students who are carrying a full load of classes.
We encouraged you to speak with your roommates prior to purchasing any items to ensure balance within the apartment unit. Kitchen utensils Pots and pans Small appliances (coffee pot, toaster, alarm clock) Laundry detergent Cleaning supplies Trash can Vacuum Bedding and linens (for a standard twin sized bed) Towels and toiletries Iron and ironing board Surge protector Wireless internet router Clothes hangers Emergency & first aid kit Small safe for valuables
Resident Assistants PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Past activities and events have included (but are not limited to): Pool Parties/Barbeques Tee Shirt Design Competitions Trips to area theme parks (i.e. Disneyland, Six Flags, and Universal Studios) Trips to Museums Cooking Contests Game Nights Healthy Living & Fitness Programs Alcohol & Drug Education Programs Trips to the Theatre Room Decoration Competitions
Each resident will have access to our talented staff of live-in Resident Assistants (RA’s) who are responsible for not only maintaining a safe and healthy living environment within the halls but also for building community amongst residents. Resident Assistants are undergraduate students who have been trained to work with students in the Otis Student Housing Program. A Resident Assistant (RA) is a trained peer leader who supervises those living within the residential community. An RA has many roles and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, acting as a paracounselor for students, being a familiar first resource for students with academic or institutional questions, and enforcing residence policies. In addition to the aforementioned, RAs provide students living in the Program with monthly events and activities.
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Winter Break Closure Dates
5:00 pm Dec 15, 2013 - Jan 6, 2014 The Otis Student Housing Program is Closed over Winter Break.
Keys/Locks
The Otis Student Housing Program is open throughout the fall and spring semester with the exception of winter break. For the winter break all students are required to vacate the property. Students are permitted to leave their belongings in the unit as long as they are scheduled to return for the spring semester. International Students International students are permitted to submit a written request to remain in housing for the winter break; however, requests my be approved or denied. International students needing accommodations over the winter break must submit the written request no later than November 30th. The Otis Student Housing Program will be closed from December 15th (5:00pm) through January 6th.
For your safety, all apartment unit doors should be locked, even when you are in the apartment. When you leave your apartment, you must close and secure windows and patio doors, as well. Residents are required to carry their apartment and community keys at all times. Locked out? If you are locked out of your apartment during business hours you may borrow a set of keys from the Housing Office. At night, on weekends and holidays, contact the Resident Assistant staff. The staff will do their best to accommodate you. Key & Equipment Replacement If you lose a key, you should notify the Housing Office and your RA immediately. You will be billed for the replacement of any lost key or equipment.
Safety
The safety of all students, especially residential students is of paramount concern for the College community. General safety tips include, but are not limited to: Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid walking and text messaging, being too involved with phone conversations, etc. Walk/Travel in pairs or in a group. There is safety in numbers. If you notice suspicious behavior, please call 911. If you feel that suspicious behavior is occurring or you have observed something out of the ordinary, but don’t feel that it warrants a call to 911, please call Playa del Oro security at (310) 926.8636 and your Resident Assistant. When driving, make sure that you always lock your car doors. If you will be away from your apartment for an extended period of time, let your roommates know that you’ll be gone and when you plan to return. Always lock your apartment door when you leave, even if you are not planning to be gone long. Do not open or hold controlled access doors or gates, on the Playa del Oro property, for any person(s). If a resident is expecting a guest, allow them to be the one to let the person onto the property.
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All residents of the Otis Student Housing Program are required to obtain renter’s insurance coverage. Renter’s insurance covers property loss and liability in the event that you accidentally cause major damage within the Otis Student Housing Program at Playa del Oro Apartments. You can choose your amount of coverage for your personal property; however, you must obtain a minimum of $50,000 in liability coverage. You are able to obtain renter’s insurance coverage from any insurance company that you would like. The Housing Office also recommends that prior to obtaining a separate renter’s insurance policy that you have your parent/guardian check with their homeowner or renter’s insurance policy to inquire if you are already covered while away at school in the residential community. All students, whether covered through a parent/guardian policy or through a separate policy, must submit a copy of the declarations page of the policy (this is the page that list the address of the property and the coverage amounts) to the Housing Office prior to move-in. Students will not be permitted to move-in without first providing proof of insurance coverage.
Liability RENTER’S INSURANCE Companies that students have found success with in past years are: AAA
(310)776-4294 www.aaa.com
State Farm
(310)641-8990 www.statefarm.com
Assurant (877)388-8743 www.propertyins.com
Otis College and Playa del Oro assume no responsibility and provide no financial protection or insurance for any student loss. The College and Property will also not assume responsibility for any claims for damages sustained by the resident or to others. The College and Property is not responsible for possessions belonging to residents or their guests, which may be lost, stolen, or damaged in any way, whenever this may occur on the premises.
NF Playa del Oro is the owner/ operator of Playa del Oro Apartments in Los Angeles and retains all responsibility for management of the property. All requests for service or maintenance must be directed to Playa del Oro management through the on-site staff.
Due to the nature of the Otis Student Housing Program, students are required to uphold the highest level of conduct throughout the duration of the Program. Students who are found in violation of any College, Housing Program, or Playa del Oro policies and/or house rules will be sanctioned accordingly.
Facility Maintenance
Student Conduct
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Main Address 9045 Lincoln Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 665-6800 Office of Student Affairs (310) 665.6960 student@otis.edu
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Housing Office (310) 846-2648 studenthousing@otis.edu