By TANGELA J. JOHNSON

Staff Writer

Students residing on campus must leave candles and kittens as well as some other amenities behind.

Kristopher Johnson, a civil engineering major and student worker in the housing office, said violating the rules by bringing pets other than fish, lighting candles or any other offense can lead to negative consequences.

"[The punishment] can range from a verbal warning to 16 hours of community service," Johnson said.

Johnson said violators normally have the offending possessions taken from them when they are caught.

"What basically happens is if what they have can be confiscated, it will be taken away and they will be written up in an incident report and will have to stand before the judicial review board," Johnson said.

Other forbidden items include microwaves over 600 watts, ironing boards, coffee makers and hot plates.

Melanie Peel, assignment coordinator in the housing office, said the presence of candles is grounds for a write up.

"We are under strict orders from the fire marshal to remove any items that are used with an open flame," Peel said.

Peel said the candles will be promptly removed and the student will probably serve community service.

In certain situations, consequences may be irreparable.

Galen Rockett, director of judicial affairs, said he only deals with the student in a worst-case scenario.

"If there are multiple offenses, depending on the situation, students can be suspended," Rockett said.

Rockett said if a student has a pet that is not a fish, the student will be given ample opportunity to send it home; however, if after being warned and reprimanded repeatedly and the student will not comply, drastic measures are taken.

"If they refuse to abide by the rules they will see me, but that seldom ever happens," Rockett said.

Laurel Levine, a sophomore psychology major, said she follows all of the rules, but would like to amend a few of them.

"I regretted not being able to bring my guinea pig because I know he is not being as well-taken care of by my sister," Levine said.

Levine also said she wishes she could have a space heater.

"It gets extremely cold sometimes, especially in dorms with tiles, and a heating device would be nice," Levine said.