Get to know your neighbors.
Introduce yourself to neighbors who own or rent in your neighborhood. Exchange contact information and learn a little about each other. If you know your neighbors, you’ll be more likely to recognize suspicious people and vehicles that are out of place.
Model good citizenship.
Rhodes expects you to be both a good citizen and a leader while living off campus. Be respectful of the impact of loud music or activities, rowdy guests or traffic, or other violations of the City’s noise ordinance. Conversations and commotion should not be heard beyond your house or yard. Music and guests should be kept to a reasonable level. Remember that you are responsible for the property and your guests. You are also expected to keep your yard, porch, and driveway free of trash. Everything you do is a reflection on the college.
Get involved in your neighborhood.
If your neighborhood has an association that meets regularly, shares information of interest to neighbors, and facilitates events and initiatives, you should get involved.
Park your car in appropriate places.
Parking can be a challenge for students and neighbors. Park only in your driveway, parking spaces assigned to you, or in legal spaces on the street. Do not illegally park across the sidewalk or on the grass or other landscaping, and inform your guests of parking restrictions.
Be responsible when entertaining.
Talk to your neighbors before you have a social gathering. Tell them your plans and let them know they can contact you if there are any problems. Neighbors complain much less if they know of the gathering in advance and the time it will end. Afterward, you should clean up all visible debris left on your and your neighbors’ properties within 24 hours.
If you are traveling and not at home for a period of time, ask your neighbors to keep an eye on the property.
It is important for you to connect with your neighbors about college breaks and other times you might be out of town. Ask if your neighbors can park their car in your driveway when you are out of town and gather your mail and newspapers while you are gone so it looks like someone is home. Be sure to leave a few lights on throughout the time you are gone. You may want to take any valuables with you when you leave.
Communicate.
Connect with your neighbors as you are coming in and out of the house, share a hello, a wave, or a smile. Discuss any concerns with your neighbors as soon as they arise and before they escalate into larger issues. If you need help with a conflict, contact:
Memphis Police Department: (901) 545-2677 (COPS)
Rhodes Campus Safety: (901) 843- 3880
If you have an emergency, your first call should be to the Memphis Police Department, which has jurisdiction off campus.
