Visitors, Guests, and Absences

In an ordinary home, certain conventions are observed, such as introducing guests to other members of the household, keeping noise down in consideration for others, and letting parents or caregivers know when you are going to be away for a night or more. The College expects Members to observe similar conventions. These are listed below:

Casual Visitors

Visitors are welcome from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Sunday to Wednesday and until midnight Thursday to Saturday, but after these times they must leave the building and grounds.

While visitors are in St Margaret's, the host Member is responsible for their behaviour including any damage or loss caused by visitors in the buildings or grounds. Visitors are expected to respect College customs. Visitors may not bring alcohol into the College. All visitors at any time must enter and leave by the main front door. When visitors leave, they should leave the grounds, not just the building, as their noise can disturb Members.

Being social spaces, visitors are welcome in the Valentine Common Room, the Games Room, the Media Room, and the Atrium provided they are accompanied by a Member at all times. Should visitors disrespect College customs, become unruly, or interfere with normal College activities, the College Leaders will request that they leave and the Member(s) concerned will be asked to meet with the Head of College.

To avoid misunderstanding, please ask evening visitors to register with the College Leader on duty. Over time, the College Leaders will recognise Members' visitors and help welcome them to the College. Members of College not wanting to see particular visitors should advise the duty College Leaders. If you are being harassed by anyone please see the Head of College or the Deputy Head of College - Wellbeing.

Formal Overnight Guests

Requests for overnight guests must be submitted via the form on Raftr at least 24 hours prior to their arrival (or before 12 noon on Friday for Saturday or Sunday visitors). Members are permitted to have out-of-town guests of the same age stay in their room for a maximum of two nights. There is a $50.00 daily charge that covers overnight stays (includes meals and optionally a mattress). Note that this option is not available to parents or other family members other than siblings of a similar age to the Member.

Exceptions to the 24-hour notice rule may be made in the case of emergency when a Member has genuinely been unable to give earlier notice. Permission for this exception can only be given by the Head of College, or a Deputy Head of College.

Please note that the College is not a hostel for itinerant people and is primarily for Members.

Visiting Academics and Other Guests

A number of visiting academics and other guests also stay in the College guestroom from time to time. Members are asked to welcome these guests and converse with them.

Preference is given to long-term guests for the guestroom, however, sometimes there are vacancies and parents and friends of Members may rent the room. Contact the Conference Manager in this regard.

Restrictions on Visitors

Visitors are not allowed during “closed College” functions and may be restricted or banned at other times. Overnight visitors are normally restricted on the nights of the College's Formal Dinners, orientation week, St Patrick's Day, the College Ball (except for out-of-town partners), Valedictory Dinner, and during examination periods.

No visitors may be in the Norris Dining Hall unless they registered for a guest meal. Please ensure this is done immediately upon entering the Norris Dining Hall.

Casual visitors are normally not allowed to use the following College facilities without the Head of College's permission: media computer and hallway printer, tutorial rooms, Music Room, Study Centre, or the Library.

Groups in the College

Although the College encourages Members to participate in student activities, the only groups that meet by right within the College are those associated with approved activities (for example tutorials, mentor groups, etc.).

Penalties

If there are problems with visitors they will be asked to leave the College. The College also reserves the right to ban particular visitors from entering the College grounds.

Short-term absence

Members must complete a short-term absence form on Raftr if they are to be away from the College for a short period of time (e.g. going away for the weekend). This information is used in case you fail to return to the College as scheduled or if we need to contact you in case of an emergency.

Please do not complete the above form if you are going away for mid-semester/mid-year holidays. A separate form will be used and the link distributed via Rafr prior to each holiday.

Semester Break Absenses

As noted above, prior to each semester break (i.e. the two mid-semester breaks and mid-year holidays) Members will be required to advise their holiday plans via a form available on Raftr. Please complete these forms when issued by the due date. It is very important for catering, housekeeping, and Health & Safety purposes that the College has timely and accurate names and numbers of Members who are remaining in the College during semester break. Likewise, it is important to communicate any changes in plans after details are submitted. This may be easily done by replying to the confirmation message or emailing contact@stmargarets.college.