We welcome all students of the Lutheran Theological Institute (LTI) Students Residence. Please read through the LTI Information Brochure. These Rules are an extension to the Brochure.
Contract- Conditions of Lease for the Academic Year:
1. Available are furnished rooms without bedding to single South African students, with bedding for international students. Rooms are also available for couples and student families with their own dependent children. These facilities are available on an annual (academic year of 10 months) basis - and in exceptional cases if rooms are available - on semester basis. Accommodation is offered with catering. Student families can opt for self-catering. Students have to clean their own rooms and are responsible that the premises are kept clean and tidy. No littering is allowed.
2. The LTI Council determines yearly the annual rental, adjusted according to the rates of the University of KwaZulu-Natal residences. As the LTI Students Residence is a private residence which does not receive government subsidies a yearly surcharge for running the residence is added to the rental for all non-LTI students. Both rental and surcharge are laid down in the yearly updated LTI Information Brochure and have to be paid in advance on semester or annual basis by not later than 15 March, respective 15 August each year. Only in exceptional cases may the rental be paid monthly, but then in advance within the first 7 days of each and every month. A receipt of payment shall be issued by the Administrator/ Campus Manager. There shall be no increase in rental within the year unless there should be an increase in Municipal rates.
3. The Lessee shall pay a key deposit which is refundable at the termination of the lease if the Lessee has not caused damage of whatever nature to the premises. Keys may not be duplicated or lent out to others. The Lessor shall have the right to utilise the aforesaid deposit towards the cost of repairing such damage and retains the right to recover any expenses over and above the deposit.
4. The Lessee shall have the right to inspect the inventory and the room/s assigned to him/her before signing the inventory list. Defective appliances shall be reported to the Administrator/ Campus Manager immediately in writing. Periodic room inspection may be made by the Lessor when deemed necessary by the latter and the Lessee shall avail himself/herself for this exercise.
5. The Lessor supplies water, electricity, security and fire equipment but is not liable for loss of property of the Lessee by theft, fire or damage through whatever cause.
6. The Lessee shall not make alterations of a structural nature to any part of the premises or permit nails or screws to be driven into the wall, ceiling, floors, woodwork and doors. Pictures should only be fastened to the wall with "Prestick". The Lessee may only replace furniture (and kitchen utensils) with his/her own in consultation with the Administrator/ Campus Manager. The inventory shall be adjusted accordingly but without alteration of the amount of rental.
7. No storage place for furniture and goods of the Lessee is available on the premises, and the Lessee shall not store any goods in the room in such a way as to enhance the fire insurance policy.
8. The Lessee shall not sublet any part of the premises leased to him/her. Bona fide guests of the Lessee (e.g. spouse, child, dependant) may only be accommodated in a room with prior consent of the Administrator/ Campus Manager at a nominal fee for water and electricity. If available, the guest room may be used at fixed rates.
9. Either party - Lessor or Lessee - may terminate the contract at 30 days notice. However, should the Lessee in the opinion of the Lessor be deemed to have violated and / or caused to be violated any of the conditions set out, the Lessor may give an hour's notice. The Lessee shall collect and remove his/her goods within 48 hours after moving out.
10. In the event that the Lessor is obliged to engage legal service to recover possession of property and / or arrear rental and/or damages which may arise out of the default of the Lessee, then the Lessee shall be liable to pay all attorney and client costs including collection commission.
11. Parents will be held responsible for actions and conduct of their children leading to damage in the residence or on the premises.
12. Every resident is to read through, accept and sign the LTI Pledge as a personal commitment and adhere to the LTI Constitution and all LTI Rules and Regulations.
STUDENTS RESIDENCE
GENERAL RULES
1. General:
Students should read through the LTI Information Brochure and sign the Pledge (last page) and read and sign the above Contract and the Inventory List.
2. Rules:
The following Rules are a general guideline to assist all who stay in the LTI Residence to live in comparative peace. Please take these Rules seriously.
3. Residence, Rooms & Flats
3.1. Fully furnished rooms are made available on an annual basis, and in exceptional cases on semester basis if rooms are available. Accommodation is offered with food catering of three meals per day for single students, and with the option of self-catering for student families. LTI students (of ELCSA and UELCSA) are requested to bring their own linen, bedding, towels, cutlery and crockery. For international students these will be provided. All students are responsible for their own toiletries.
3.2. First-year students will share a room and students in higher years may also wish or be asked to share rooms.
3.3. Outside doors of all residences and room doors should be locked at all times. The security motor and pedestrian gate are to remain closed and Students have to ask for a security gate card by paying R40 or remote control by paying a refundable deposit of R 120. Please do not give the security card or remote control to anybody outside the Residence.
3.4. Keys for rooms / flats will be handed out only on receipt of a refundable deposit of R50.00. Students leaving will be charged a daily rate of R 5.00 if keys are not returned. No keys may be duplicated or lent out to others. An extra set of keys has been entrusted to the SRC chairperson for emergencies after hours.
3.5. The contract has to be signed.
3.6. The inventory list with the contents of the room / flat, has to be signed and handed to the administrator / campus supervisor.
3.7. No part of the furnishing may be removed from the rooms without permission.
3.8. Any loss or damage to the inventory must be immediately reported. Broken crockery and bed-linen must be presented to the administrator in order to be replaced.
3.9. In each residence the residents are responsible for the communal room furniture, and these may not be taken out of the rooms.
3.10. Family kitchens: broken items have to be returned to the administrator in order to be replaced. Missing items will not be replaced. No metal pots or pans may be placed into the micro-wave ovens.
3.11. No nails, screws or other permanent fittings are to be attached to the walls or furniture.
3.12. Residents moving out at the end of the academic year / semester are to return the keys and the intact inventory in exchange for the key deposit. Persons who do not return all their keys will lose their key deposit.
3.13. Residents who return the next year may lock their personal possessions in their wardrobes out of sight at their own risk.
3.14. At the end of the academic year all residents have to tidy up their rooms. Any items found lying around will be disposed of.
3.15. Rooms have to be vacated at the end of the academic year not later than two days after the closing of the semester.
3.16. The Residence is officially closed during the December / January holidays for cleaning, repair-work, painting and stock-taking.
3.17. International students who cannot go home for the December / January vacation are allowed to stay after obtaining permission from the administrator and after paying the prescribed accommodation fees.
3.18. Residents who intend returning the next year before the Residence officially opens are to obtain permission beforehand from the administrator.
3.19. No servants are allowed to be accommodated in the Residence buildings.
4. Cleaning
4.1. All residents clean their own rooms / flats.
4.2. Each residence is to elect a house committee which is responsible for cleanness of communal rooms, bathrooms and TV-room: Everybody is responsible to clean whatever has been used and leave it clean for the next user. The same applies to showers, toilets, baths and wash-basins. Additional cleaning in the bathrooms is done by staff on a weekly basis.
4.3. Passage floors, communal bathrooms are cleaned by staff.
4.4. Walls and carpets, wardrobes and furniture are to be looked after and be kept clean. For stains and burns on the carpets the person renting the room will be held responsible.
4.5. Stoves in the family kitchen have to be cleaned regularly inside and outside. Stoves in need of repair will only be repaired after they have been properly cleaned by the users.
4.6. Fridges and freezers in family kitchens have to be cleaned and defrosted by users regularly. Users will be held responsible if these items break by negligence or by accumulation of too much ice.
4.7. All lockers and cupboards have to be kept clean.
4.8. Food is to be stored in such a way as to prevent breeding of cockroaches.
4.9. Waste bins in communal rooms are being emptied by staff Mondays to Fridays. Over weekends residents are to empty them themselves.
4.10. The vacuum cleaner has to be cleaned by the user.
5. Laundry
5.1. All residents do their own laundry.
5.2. Only the coin-operated washing machines are to be used by residents.
5.3. The residence does not provide any irons or steam irons. The ironing boards may not be removed from the laundry.
5.4. Plastic dishes and laundry baskets may not be hogged and are to be returned after use.
5.5. The laundry must be locked by 18h00 and the key placed in the main residence entrance
6. Environment (Please do not litter!)
6.1. Residents are responsible for a clean environment and have to make use of the available refuse bins. The staff shall NOT be responsible to pick up litter in the grounds.
6.2. Trees and plants are to be left alone and may not be damaged.
7. Swimming Pool
7.1. The use of the pool is for residents only.
7.2. Children under 16 years of age are NOT allowed to enter the pool area without parental / adult supervision.
7.3. Residents who invite friends to swim must obtain permission from the Administrator and accept responsibility for any damages.
7.4. The Residence or its staff does not accept any responsibility for possible drowning.
7.5. The Kreepy-Krauly may not be dismantled, switched off or removed from the pool.
7.6. The key to the pool area is to be kept at a safe place known to all the adult residents only. Children are not allowed to fetch or return the key.
8. TV and Dining Room
Children may not use the TV common-room without parental supervision.
9. Visitors
9.1. Visitors may be accommodated in the LTI guest room if it is available: foreign visitors pay R120.00 per night; ELCSA and UELCSA pastors and theology students R 60.00.
9.2. Residents accommodating visitors in their rooms have to get permission beforehand and pay a fee (currently R 12.00 per night) to cover water and electricity. Exceptions can only be made to closest family members (spouses / children) for up to fourteen days per semester.
9.3. Small children may only stay in the Residence by prior consent of LTI Council.
9.4. Residents are responsible for any damages caused by their visitors.
9.5. Strangers wandering around have to be reported and residents are to be alerted.
9.6. Social events with outside guests held on the premises have to be cleared two weeks in advance with both SRC and Administrator. They should end by 22h00.
9.7. The persons organising the functions are responsible for cleaning up and for damages.
9.8. No loud music and excessive alcohol will be allowed at such functions.
9.9. Grilles and table tops with trestles are available to the community. They have to be fetched and returned in good order by the persons responsible for the function. Under no circumstances may these items be lent out or leave the premises.
10. Repairs and Maintenance
10.1. Repairs in rooms and flats are to be requested in writing from the Campus Manager / Administrator.
10.2. The Residence staff are not responsible for repairs of items belonging to residents.
10.3. Electrical globes are obtained from working staff after handing in the broken ones.
10.4. Any property of the Residence damaged through negligence or carelessness must be reported immediately and the costs of repairs be borne by the person responsible or by the parents of children responsible for the damage.
10.5. Residents wishing to use any item from the workshop must get permission and sign for any item taken out and accept responsibility for items breaking, being damaged or lost.
10.6. Residents who plant their own vegetables have to get permission as to the location of their garden. The garden hoses of the Residence may be used but have to be returned to staff when needed for their work.
11. Vehicles
11.1. Students having their own vehicles at the LTI Residence are responsible for their own vehicles.
11.2. Although the LTI endeavours to provide a secure and safe parking area with security fencing and gate, it cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage of vehicles on its property.
11.3. The LTI Residence can not provide sheltered parking for private vehicles.
12. Kombi (The Residence Kombis may be used according to the following rules only)
12.1. For transportation to and from a transport terminal in Pietermaritzburg at the beginning and end of each Semester.
12.2. For official programmes and trips directly connected with the theological education at LTI including Cluster. Where applicable reimbursements are to be paid according to the kilometre rates as laid down by the LTI Board.
12.3. The kombi may not be used by students for private functions.
12.4. If medical treatment demands transportation to a hospital and in emergencies for visits to dentists and doctors.
12.5. For students' grocery shopping once a week.
12.6. For all other trips not mentioned, permission must be sought from the Administrator.
12.7. There must be a minimum of 5 persons using the kombi. If there are less than 5 persons, students should arrange their own transport (excepting trips to hospital and grocery shopping).
12.8. A maximum of 10 persons (with driver) may be transported in the kombi at one time.
12.9. The minimum age of the driver is 25 years.
12.10. Only official drivers are allowed to drive the kombi, subject to these rules and subject to having undergone a test by a person determined by the LTI council.
12.11. A photocopy of the driver's license must be handed to the Campus Manager / Administrator.
12.12. The kombi key remains with the allocated driver responsible for the relevant week.
12.13. Drivers have to report any abnormality in the vehicle's performance to the Campus Manager / Administrator.
12.14. The logbook must be entered by each driver before and after each trip.
12.15. Each driver has to ensure that there is enough fuel in the tank before each trip.
12.16. Drivers have to park the kombi in the garage and lock it after use.
12.17. In case of an accident the driver has to follow the normal procedure and report to the police, chaplain, and administrator.
12.18. The kombi is not for hire and can only be used for members of the LTI community. Exceptions can only be made by LTI Council in consultation with SALTTT.
12.19. All passengers have to assist with cleaning of the kombi.
12.20. The driver's license has to be carried at all times when driving the kombi.
12.21. Traffic fines through negligence of the driver are the responsibility of the driver.
12.22. Insurance: SALTTT has taken out an accident insurance policy which covers 4 drivers and also an accident cover for passengers. Any additional insurance must be taken out by passengers themselves.
NEITHER SALTTT NOR THE LTI BOARD NOR THE LTI COUNCIL ARE UNDER ANY LEGAL OBLIGATION TO INSURE ANY PASSENGERS NOR ARE THEY LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
13. Spirituality
13.1. The Spirituality Committee together with the Chaplain is responsible for the spiritual life at LTI (including altar arrangements and flowers). Ordained students staying in the Residence and who are willing may be appointed as additional pastoral advisers and counsellors for the residents.
13.2. Students are urged to actively participate in and conduct LTI devotions. Non-theology students may request dispensation, all other names will be entered into a devotion list. Students are responsible themselves to exchange time slots among each other, if the allotted time is not suitable.
13.3. Devotions are usually held according to the printed Order of Service for each day, however students are encouraged to also use alternative forms for devotion.
13.4. Students are urged to enter their names in the list for active participation as liturgist or preacher in the Sunday services. The order of service may alternate between service orders. As a rule ordained pastors should administer Holy Communion and be responsible for the respective part of the liturgy.
13.5. Transport to morning Sunday services in surrounding Lutheran congregations is offered, a roster for transport will be set up.
13.6. Children staying in the Residence may attend religious instruction classes and Sunday School at LTI or at any Lutheran congregation. Students and student wives are admonished to arrange and help with children’s instruction.
13.7. Parents wishing their children to be confirmed may apply at one of the surrounding Lutheran congregations. Lutheran students wishing to be confirmed may request confirmation classes and the confirmation service at LTI.
14. Security
14.1. LTI is committed to safety in the Residence by providing security fencing, a pedestrian security gate, an automatic electrical motor gate, an alarm system, public signs that no strangers are allowed in the Residence or on the premises and by emphasizing that all public doors of the Residence and private doors of each room shall be locked at all times. The security gate may only be opened by students with a security card which may not be handed to any person not residing at the LTI. For security reasons all gates and doors should be closed at all times.
14.2. Security cards, keys for rooms and a remote control for car owners at the LTI are handed to the users at the beginning of each year after purchase or paying a refundable deposit. All keys and remote controls belong to the LTI and have to be handed in at the end of the year and the refundable deposits will be repaid. For security reasons all cards will be cancelled at the end of the year.
14.3. Cards are only available to LTI students and staff members at the LTI Library and may only be returned during library hours, Monday – Friday from 7h30 – 17h00. The fee is R 40.00. If the card should get damaged in any way whatsoever, it should be returned to the library.
14.4. Students who are allowed to stay during the December / January holidays have to obtain permission to keep the card active during the vacation. All cards will be cancelled by the end of November.
14.5. All cards will be suspended at the end of November.
14.6. All lost or stolen cards must be reported immediately at the library issue desk by the person responsible for the card. Lost or stolen cards are a security risk for LTI and need to be suspended immediately.
14.7. Keys for LTI public rooms and buildings may not be duplicated or lent out to others, this is a criminal offence.
15. Student Participation and Responsibilities
15.1. The General Meeting of Students (GEM)
15.1.1. All registered students staying in the LTI residence and those spouses who apply to the SRC shall form the General Meeting which meets regularly once a month during the university term. It shall discuss general issues of the students and take decisions within the ambit of this constitution.
15.1.2. The SRC will prepare the Agenda and a member of the SRC will chair the meeting.
15.1.3. A quorum exists if at least 25% of its members, including the SRC, are in attendance.
15.1.4. The GEM formulates its own rules of procedure. It adopts its resolutions by a simple majority. Decisions going beyond the ambit of the student body have to be endorsed by the LTI Residence Council.
15.1.5. The Principal, the Chaplain and the Administrator are ex-officio members in the General Meeting.
15.1.6. The General Meeting elects the members of the SRC.
15.1.7. The General Meeting elects members to serve on such sub-committees as the Spirituality Committee, the Residence Food Committee, the Entertainment Committee, the Study Tour Committee.
15.2. The Student Representative Council (SRC)
15.2.1. The General Meeting shall elect the SRC on an annual basis in mid-year; a Chairperson, a Deputy and a Secretary are as a rule to be elected from among Lutheran theology students. Additional members with specific portfolios may be elected.
15.2.2. The Principal, Chaplain and Administrator may be invited as ex-officio members to SRC meetings.
15.2.3. The SRC is to represent the interests of the students in LTI and the Lutheran students at SoRaT and to liaise with the full-time staff of the residence. The SRC co-operates with the Principal, the Chaplain and Administrator in the area of disciplinary matters.
15.2.4. The SRC is comprised of four members: The chairperson, the vice-chairperson, the secretary and the treasurer. The SRC divides responsibilities among themselves.
15.2.5. The SRC elects representatives from its members to represent it in the LTI Council, the LTI Residence Committee and SoRaT students' meetings.
15.2.6. It represents the Residences and the international students.
15.2.7. It liaises with the Committees responsible for: Catering, Study Tour, Entertainment, Birthdays and Spirituality.
15.2.8. With these Committees it sets up lists of students for certain duties, e.g. leading devotions, being responsible for monitoring security etc.
15.2.9. It assists students in the Residence houses to elect House Committees.
15.3. The LTI Residence Catering Committee
15.3.1. The Administrator and Secretary negotiate with the Catering Firm on all aspects of food catering according to decision taken by SALTTT.
15.3.2. Should students be dissatisfied with the menu, the Catering Committee is to liaise with students on the one hand and the Catering Firm on the other.
15.3.3. The Catering Committee consists of Administrator, Secretary and up to three students elected by the General Meeting for this duty. Care should be taken to include different interests (families, different cultural background etc).
15.3.4. The Catering Committee discusses general catering matters and suggest changes to the menu within the perimeters of the budget with the LTI Secretary and the Catering manageress at fixed meetings chaired by the LTI Secretary.
15.3.5. Students having grievances concerning food matters should not contact the kitchen manageress or kitchen staff directly but should use the prescribed line of communication: i.e.
15.3.5.a. to address the grievances to their representatives on the Food Committee;
15.3.5.b. the Food Committee is to bring these to the attention of the LTI Secretary;
15.3.5.c. the LTI Secretary is to discuss these with the kitchen manageress and kitchen staff;
15.3.5.d. the Administrator is only to be involved. if rule changes are made, if negotiations with the Catering Firm are necessary or in a crisis situation (e.g. contamination of food).
15.3.6. All students participate in the same meal menu. The following exemptions are noted:
15.3.6.a. individual students who had already requested a special diet for health reasons or because they support a vegetarian life style, for their whole stay at the LTI. These had been noted by the LTI Secretary and are also in future to be noted in a special catering book. Students are to contact her at the beginning of their stay at the LTI.
15.3.6.b. students who for a period of time need a dietary change for health reasons have to produce a doctor’s prescription or certificate. This could be attained via the nursing staff at the University’s health clinic.
15.3.7. Students are not allowed into the kitchen premises without consent of the kitchen manageress or her representative.
15.3.8. Students, LTI and kitchen staff are to communicate with and support each other with mutual respect.
15.3.9. Although the LTI-Board does not support the use of industrial action or boycotts, University rules stipulate that such action, e.g. a food boycott can only take place:
15.3.9.a. if all other attempts and other venues of communication have failed;
15.3.9.b. if at least 24 hrs warning has been given (e.g. for cancelling the meals);
15.3.9.c. if the duration of the proposed action has been clearly defined (start and end);
15.3.9.d. if the administration has been duly informed of these proposed steps, and
15.3.9.e. that no other students may be coerced, staff be accosted or property be damaged or destroyed.
GENERAL RULES ON SECURITY, DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
CODE ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT
1. Statement of Policy: The Lutheran Theological Institute is committed to providing a safe, secure working and learning environment for the Residence Community. LTI cannot therefore condone theft, discrimination, harassment, intimidation and violence of any kind.
2. Responsibility And Liability: LTI can not be held responsible or liable for any kind of action taken against a student staying at this Residence nor for any action perpetrated by a student staying here, with the exception of LTI students, for whom LTI is responsible to LTI Trust.
3. Pledge: It is taken for granted that most members of the LTI Community were sent here by their respective churches, that they are mature and respected leaders who know what it means to live as Christians, who respect the code of conduct of their home churches and who have committed themselves to the LTI Pledge. Discipline is seen as the responsibility of each student standing with his/her conscience before God. All students staying at the LTI Residence have to read through, accept, sign and adhere to the LTI Pledge. This includes abiding by the Constitution and all other rules and regulations as set down by the Lutheran Theological Institute.
4. General Security: LTI is committed to safety in the Residence by providing security fencing, a pedestrian security gate and an alarm system, public signs that no stranger is allowed in the Residence or on the premises and by emphasizing that all public doors of the Residence and private doors of each room shall be locked at all times. The security gate is closed by automatic electrical motor and students may not divulge the number to any person not residing at the LTI. Keys may not be duplicated or lent out to others.
As South Africa is going through a rapid change in society thefts, muggings, car hijacks and robberies unfortunately occur. Some areas in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas are not always safe and students are requested to be responsible for their own safety, to be vigilant and cautious at all times.
Especially at night time students are advised not to leave the premises, or if this should be necessary, students should accompany one another.
Students with cars, especially international students, are advised to be cautious and to inform others before driving into areas which are known to be unsafe.
Students should be careful with the handling of their money and they should not trust strangers, e.g. at an ATM (Automatic Telling Machine) but rather request assistance from staff within the bank.
Students should be decently dressed and generally behave in such a way that others are not offended.
Fire-arms and hard drugs are not allowed in the Residence.
Smoking is not allowed in communal rooms.
The use of alcohol in the Residence is only allowed for such special occasions as birthday parties and only after prior consent by a member of the SRC or the Administrator.
No male students should be in a female student's room after 22h00 or vice versa, unless such stay has been approved by a member of the SRC or the Management Committee.
5. Sexual Harassment: LTI recognizes and secures the fundamental rights, dignity and integrity of the individual of its staff and students. Sexual harassment violates these rights and values. Sexual Harassment includes the following behaviour:
Rape and Sexual Harassment are acts of violence and power, of unwanted sexual attention which humiliate the other person. This includes unwelcome and unwanted sexual conduct such as verbal comments, abuse, gestures or physical contact of a sexual nature by an individual or a group which is judged by the recipient(s) to have resulted in one or more of the following:
1) mental, physical and social discomfort;
2) interference with her / his work and/or academic performance. This could result in the threatened downgrading of marks, demotion, withholding of privileges and/or dismissal as a result of the refusal of sexual advances or the promise of a reward for compliance;
3) creation of an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for him/her on campus.
In practice Sexual Harassment may consist of:
insisting on asking for sex when the other has said, "NO";
threatening for not meeting one's sexual demands;
demanding some sort of sexual activity in return for a favour;
brushing up against and touching a person in a sexual way without their permission.
insulting or making sexist or homophobic jokes at the expense of others.
Procedures and Structures:
As with other criminal cases, a case of rape should be reported to the South African Police.
Students of the University of Natal have the option of dealing with a sexual harassment case either by using the LTI structures or those of the University of Natal (e.g. via Counselling Centre) according to the Rules of the University of Natal. If LTI full-time workers or staff should be involved, the matter will have to be brought before the LTI Residence Council.
If a sexual harassment complainant wishes to resolve the issue through LTI first, he/she has the right of access to the following levels of recourse:
1. A complaint should initially be reported to the Chaplain who acts as advisor. This may also be done through the channels of the SRC. The advisor is:
1.1. to listen to complaints;
1.2. Discuss possible procedures with the complainant and advise on minor cases;
1.3. Consult / refer to an appropriate structure when necessary (e.g. South African Police, District Surgeon, University of Natal Student Counselling);
1.4. Take signed statements if the complainant consents to this;
1.5. Report to the LTI Residence Council for further advice or at the request of the complainant and testify at a hearing when necessary;
1.6. Follow-up and ensure that the complainant has received adequate support.
2. The LTI Residence Council has a consultative-mediatory role and an educational, legal and administrative function: The Council has to:
2.1. Organize educational yearly programmes at LTI to challenge negative attitudes towards sexual harassment and related gender issues to educate people on sexual harassment and what to do if such a case arises.
2.2. Receive reports and information from the Chaplain or Assistant Chaplain and investigate any formal complaints;
2.3. Decide upon a suitable course of action subject to the approval of the complainant, e.g.:
2.3.1. no further action;
2.3.2. function in an advisory capacity;
2.3.3. informal mediation where appropriate / requested;
2.3.4. formal mediation within meetings at which the complainant and alleged offender must be present; a nominated member of LTI Residence Council should meet and talk to the alleged offender prior to such a mediation meeting;
2.3.5. If the issue cannot be resolved by mediation or if mediation is declined, a disciplinary investigation may follow.
2.4. The complainant and offender have the right to ask for a representative from SoRaT, the University Counselling Centre or a psychologist to be present at a hearing, with the prior knowledge of the chairperson of LTI Residence Council.
2.5. Disciplinary measures may be taken against the offender if the allegations against him / her can be substantiated and the person is found guilty or if it is found that he / she has wilfully submitted wrong information. This also applies to the complainant.
2.6. Disciplinary measures can be
2.6.1. the offender may be privately or openly reprimanded;
2.6.2. his / her home church be informed of procedures and findings;
2.6.3. he / she may receive a written warning of dismissal from the Residence;
2.6.4. he / she may be dismissed from the Residence;
2.6.5. In the case of LTI students, the matter may be referred through the LTI Board to the respective member church of SALTTT and further action may be taken by the church.
2.6.6. In case of non-LTI students the LTI Board may reserve the right to contact the relevant home church.
2.7. LTI Residence Council is to decide when and how the LTI Community is to be informed about investigations and disciplinary action taken in an alleged harassment case.
3. The LTI Board as the highest executive body of the Lutheran Theological Institute is to be informed of any public investigation and of any disciplinary steps taken by LTI Residence Council.
4. If LTI residents who are also students of the University of Natal do not only make use of the advisory but also disciplinary structures of the University of KwaZulu-Natal they should inform the Chaplain before the procedures if the alleged harassment took place in the LTI Residence or at a meeting or retreat organized by LTI.
5. General: The decision to pursue his / her complaint rests with the complainant. The identity of all parties involved, as well as all discussion and decisions of those participating in the resolution of sexual harassment are confidential. All persons involved in the handling of a complaint shall hold in strictest confidence all information of which they become aware. Any breach of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action unless such a decision was taken by the LTI Residence Council with the parties concerned. Upon completion of procedures or upon withdrawal of the complaint all written records will be sealed and locked away in a safe place.
6. Theft in The Residence
6.1. The two front gates, the back gates, Residence doors and private room doors, the cool room and individual cupboards in the kitchen should be locked at all times;
6.2. All food and property should be clearly marked;
6.3. Unaccompanied strangers are not allowed in the Residence or on the premises. Residents are requested to address strangers and ask them what they want;
6.4. Students are to be vigilant, to monitor suspicious behaviour of others and report such behaviour or a witnessed theft to the Management Committee immediately;
6.5. In case of a theft, students should immediately report this to the LTI Management, SRC and / or the South African Police in more serious cases;
6.6. In case of a theft LTI Management (Chaplain, Assistant Chaplain and Administrator) reserves the right to enter and search all rooms on the premises.
6.7. Disciplinary procedures in accordance with V 2.e), f) and g) above may be taken.
Accepted by SALTTT on 6 September 1999
Recommendations on Security
(Adapted from ‘Touring Southern Africa’, Thomas Cook Touring Book ed M Shales, 1997)
Personal Security
Sadly, personal safety has become a real issue, particularly in the larger cities in South Africa. Most of the recommendations are obvious but frequently ignored:
1. Never leave luggage unattended. It is difficult if travelling alone, but on a journey keep them with you at all times, unless locked in your room or a luggage store.
2. Keep valuables in a safe place, keep your room door locked whether you are in or out.
3. Have a spare set of photocopies of all important documents, including passport, visa, traveller's cheque numbers and insurance. Keep them away from the originals. If anything is stolen, this will speed up the replacements.
4. If someone knocks unexpectedly on your room door, ask who it is before opening.
5. Rather take a cab after dark, however short your journey.
6. Do not carry large sums in cash and avoid displaying valuables, such as cameras and jewellery. Don't walk in dark, isolated areas at night. If possible, walk in groups in busy, well-lit streets, plan your route in advance and look purposeful.
7. Keep a firm grip on anything you are carrying. Pass your shoulder bag strap over your head and wear the bag with the fastening towards your hip. If it has a clip fastening or zip at the top, keep your hand over it. Use a hidden money belt for carrying valuables.
8. On the whole, foreigners should avoid the former townships, unless accompanied by a local or official tour guide who can vouch for you. If you are worried about a particular area, phone a police station or ask the locals for advice.
9. lf you are faced by muggers, don't quibble. Hand over what they ask for and wait until they are out of sight before contacting the police. Muggers can be very violent, usually carrying knives or guns; the idea is to come out with your life intact.
Personal Security when driving a car
Car-jackings and thefts are on the increase. It is absolutely essential that motorists acquire survival skills and take extra precautions.
1. Lock all doors and windows, particularly when driving in city traffic. When alighting, even for a moment, make sure you lock, and, if possible, alarm the car. If you must open a window, then open it a quarter of the way only.
2. Never leave valuables in view, either while driving or when parked. Lock them away in the boot or glove compartment.
3. Be wary of strangers approaching while traffic is stationary, and be extra vigilant when somebody tries to attract your attention by banging on your side of the car. Often an accomplice will open the passenger door and remove your belongings.
4. Be wary of stopping to help apparently injured people lying on or beside the road, particularly in areas where the roadside is scrubland or bushy. There may be concealed accomplices nearby. Check if there has been a genuine accident. Likewise, do not stop if an apparently distressed person flags you down. If you feel you ought to stop, slow down, but don't stop; keep the engine running and the car in gear; never get out, open the windows or unlock the doors until you are completely convinced it is safe to do so. At night, always keep the lights on high beam. If you are unsure, drive on and report the incident to the police. If you hit a pedestrian in an area obscured by scrub or bushes and are unsure of the situation, do not stop; drive on to the nearest police station, private house or telephone and report the incident.
5. When waiting in a queue or at the traffic lights, always leave a wide margin of space between yourself and the car in front, and never allow yourself to be blocked in on all sides. If the car behind you bumps into you, wait before jumping out to see what's happened. Car-jackings often occur when you get out to inspect the damage. If you do get out, lock your doors.
6. Never leave children alone in the car.
7. Never leave the key in the ignition while you are away from the car.
8. If you are followed, drive to the nearest police station, service station or private house- ask for help. If you need to consult a map, do it at a service station or other public place.
9. Always have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your parked car.
10. When parking, always leave your car in a well-lit spot, attended parking areas or garages. If the car attendant requests a key, give him the car keys only, never the whole bunch.
11. When returning to your parked car, always check the back seat for hidden intrudecs and the immediate vicinity to see who, if anyone, is watching you.
12. Never pick up hitch-hikers.
13. If you are hijacked, never struggle. Hand over your keys immediately on request and, if possible, move away from the car. Remember, your car can be replaced.
LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY
INFORMATION ON THE LIBRARY
1. The Library belongs to the Lutheran Theological Institute (LTI) and together with other Cluster Libraries is linked to the Main Library of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and other Theological Cluster Libraries.
2. Books in the computer catalogue with the prefix ELC belong to the Lutheran Theological Institute (the prefix ELC stands for the "Evangelical Lutheran Centre").
3. English books are classified according to the Dewey-system.
4. A Cluster Library Committee meets 4 times per year and publishes a Cluster Library Guide.
5. The LTI Library contains the library books of the previous institutions; Umphumulo Lutheran Theological Seminary, the Marang Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Lutheran House of Studies. English theological books are shelved at floor level and German theological books on the mezzanine.
6. Books in the Reference section and those books marked for a specific class subject as Reserved (German A8 = Allgemein, English R = Reference/ Reserved), may only be used in the library. Reserved books may only be taken out overnight till 09.00 the next day.
7. Books are listed in the annually printed Author-, Subject- and Title Finding Lists, as well as in the Urika-programme on the library-computer which is linked to the Main Library of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
8. The library is open from Monday to Friday 8.00 to 16.00 during the university term.
RULES FOR THE USE OF THE LIBRARY
1. All prospective users of the LTI Library have to register at the beginning of each year to become library members. They have to fill in the Library Application Form and sign the declaration that they will abide by the Rules.
2. A membership registration fee of R 20.00 per year is included in the LTI Residence Fees. With the exception of the LTI staff members, non-Residence Lutherans who want to become members, have to pay the registration fee at registration.
3. The Theological Cluster Libraries have agreed that non-LTI students and staff of the University of Natal and other theological institutions can not take out books directly but only through the inter-cluster or inter-library loan facilities via the main desk of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Main Library.
4. Upon registration users will receive book pouches (4 for undergraduate, 10 for post-graduate members). Pouches may not be lent to others.
5. Up to four (for undergraduates ) or ten books (for post-graduate students and staff) may be taken out for four weeks at a time only, renewal is possible. For books being sent by post, two weeks are added to the time for delivery.
6. Security: Great attempts have been made to secure the library and its contents:
6.1. Users are to leave their bags, cases and books outside in the foyer or on the shelf at the entrance if it contains valuables;
6.2. for gaining entrance or exit use the buzzer, the librarian opens the door catch;
6.3. due to air conditioning windows are to be kept closed at all times;
6.4. users may only use the mezzanine (where the German books are stored) with knowledge of the librarian;
6.5. library users may not use the hoist at any time, and LTI can not take any responsibility for anybody getting hurt through irresponsible action.
6.6. Please be quiet in the library and do not use your cell-phone.
7. If students take books from the shelf only to read in the library, a marker should be inserted so that the book can be replaced exactly at the same place where it was taken.
8. When taking out books the book-cards are to be filled in (date and name) and handed to the librarian with a pouch, who will date-stamp the book.
9. Borrowers are responsible themselves to return their books. No books may be taken out of the library or returned when the Librarian is absent.
10. For overdue or lost books fines according to University Rules will be charged.
11. Stapler, guillotine (paper cutter) and punchers are not to be removed from the library.
12. Excerpts of journals or dictionaries may be requested as photocopies at 30c an A4 copy. For all photo-copying the user's book is to be signed and the fees then paid to the librarian.
13. The internet may be used for study purposes and work-related e-mails only.
14. Report to the Librarian if printers are out of ink.
Computer Room:
1. The Librarian is responsible for the computers in the Computer Room at the Lutheran Theological Institute Library.
2. Use of the computers is for adult LTI residents only and no children are allowed into the computer room. The computer room is to be kept locked at all times if not in use. The last person to leave is to ensure that the computer room is locked. The key can be obtained from the Librarian and, after hours, from the SRC chairperson or an appointed student.
3. No computers may be removed from the computer room.
4. Report any computer errors and faults to the Librarian.
Opening Times: 07.30 - 17.00; Monday to Friday during the University term.
Catalogues: Author-, Subject-, Title-Finding Catalogues (Computerized)
Fines: For overdue books fines according to the University of Natal Main Library are applicable. For lost books the price to replace the book will be charged, resp. R 100.00 if the book cannot be replaced.
We wish all Students a pleasant stay at the Lutheran Theological Institute!