Upon arrival at the Mississippi State Fire Academy, all students residing in the dormitories must register at the front lobby of Building “F.” A Security Officer will be available to assist with check-in, and other related activities.
Dormitory accommodation is limited to students who are enrolled in Academy training or individuals who are directly assisting with training activities.
Students may check in on Sundays between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Students arriving on the scheduled first day of class may check in between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: Basic Recruit Class students are subject to additional dormitory requirements established by the Course Coordinator. These requirements may be more specific or restrictive than the general dormitory rules contained in this document. When a conflict exists between these general dormitory rules and requirements established specifically for the Basic Recruit Class, the Basic Recruit Class requirements shall govern.
Dormitory Rules and Security Procedures
Security Officers are responsible for monitoring dormitory security and assisting with the safety and security of dormitory occupants during non-training hours. Security Officers may address violations of dormitory rules and refer matters to appropriate MSFA personnel.
1. Room Inspections and Searches
All dormitory rooms are subject to inspection and/or search when there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of Academy rules, policies, or applicable laws has occurred. Admission to the Mississippi State Fire Academy constitutes implied consent to reasonable inspections and searches conducted in accordance with MSFA policy. Such inspections and searches may be conducted by authorized MSFA personnel or other appropriate authorities, as circumstances warrant.
2. Property Accountability
The Mississippi State Fire Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced personal property belonging to students or other dormitory occupants. Students are responsible for the security and safekeeping of their personal belongings at all times.
Students are strongly encouraged to limit the amount of valuable personal property brought to the Academy and to keep money, electronic devices, jewelry, identification, medications, and other valuables in a secure location when not in use. Personal property should not be left unattended in dormitory rooms, common areas, vehicles, or other unsecured locations.
3. State Property and Damages
Dormitory furnishings are property of the State of Mississippi. Students may be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of State property damaged or lost as a result of their actions or negligence.
4. Linens and Dormitory Amenities
Students are responsible for providing their own bedding and bathroom linens. Students should bring sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, washcloths, and any other personal bedding or linen items they require. A sleeping bag may be brought as an additional bedding option. Washing machines and dryers are available at no charge. Refrigerators are provided in designated dormitory areas.
5. Dormitory Room Standards and Checkout
Once room assignments have been made, requests for room changes shall be directed to MSFA Support Services and are subject to approval by the Executive Director. Students are responsible for the proper care and cleanliness of their assigned rooms, buildings, and campus as directed by the Mississippi State Fire Academy.
Each day, beds shall be made, personal belongings neatly stored, and rooms maintained in a clean and orderly condition. Rooms shall remain free of trash, debris, and unnecessary items. Blankets and bedspreads shall be folded neatly and placed on the bed when not in use.
On the last day of class, all personal belongings and other items must be removed from the dormitory room no later than 7:30 a.m. Rooms must be left clean, orderly, and free of all personal belongings and debris. Students must check out at the designated time provided by the course coordinator and return their keys directly to MSFA staff. Keys must not be left unattended.
6. Dormitory Access During Class Hours
The dormitory will be closed during class hours, except for lunchtime. If students need to return to their room during class hours, the Course Instructor must grant permission.
7. Room Occupancy and Visitation
Dormitory rooms will not be shared by male and female students. Students of the opposite sex are not permitted to visit in dormitory rooms.
8. Visitors in Common Areas
Visitors are permitted only between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and must remain in designated common/public areas. Visitors are not permitted in student dormitory rooms unless specifically authorized by the Course Coordinator. All visitors must leave campus by 9:00 p.m.
9. Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vaping products
The use, possession, or operation of tobacco, nicotine, or vaping products or devices in any form is prohibited in the dormitory. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, nicotine pouches, electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and other vaping devices. Failure to comply will result in the loss of dormitory privileges and may result in additional disciplinary action.
10. Alcohol and Controlled Substances
The possession, consumption, distribution, or use of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances is prohibited in the dormitory or any other MSFA property. Failure to comply will result in the loss of dormitory privileges and may result in additional disciplinary action.
11. Leaving Campus, Campus Security, and Curfew
Students may leave campus after the conclusion of the class day but are expected to return before midnight. The MSFA grounds and gate will be secured at midnight, and security personnel will conduct periodic checks of the campus throughout the night.
12. Quiet Hours
Quiet time will be observed between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. Failure to observe quiet hours may result in the loss of dormitory privileges and/or disciplinary action.
13. Exercise Room Use and Conduct
Use of the exercise room is encouraged. For safety and student conduct reasons, students may not use the exercise room alone. At least two individuals must be present whenever the exercise room is in use. A male and female student may not be the only two individuals present in the exercise room. The exercise room is limited to fitness-related activities; leisure or recreational activities are not permitted.
Students who are unfamiliar with exercise equipment should not use equipment they do not understand and should seek appropriate instruction before use. Appropriate conduct is required at all times. Loud, disruptive, or offensive music, profanity, inappropriate language, or other behavior that may disturb or offend others is prohibited. Students shall use headphones or keep audio at a reasonable volume and respect the safety, privacy, and comfort of others using the facility.
14. Dormitory Temperature Controls and Conduct
Dormitory temperatures are maintained at a reasonable level appropriate for the season and operation of the facility. Due to the centralized temperature control system, students are prohibited from opening windows or blocking, covering, or altering air-conditioning or heating vents. Students who believe their room temperature is not within a reasonable or comfortable range should notify their instructor during morning roll call so the concern can be addressed. Students should not attempt to regulate room temperature by opening windows, blocking vents, or otherwise altering the HVAC system.
15. Turnout Gear and Firefighting Equipment
To reduce the potential for cross-contamination and exposure to hazardous substances, turnout gear, personal protective equipment (PPE), firefighting equipment, and other equipment that has been used in fire, emergency response, or training operations shall not be stored, dried, cleaned, or maintained in dormitory rooms or other dormitory areas. This includes, but is not limited to, structural firefighting protective clothing, helmets, gloves, hoods, boots, SCBA, tools, and other equipment that may be contaminated or exposed to hazardous substances during training or emergency operations.
Turnout gear and firefighting equipment shall be stored only in designated areas approved by the Mississippi State Fire Academy. Students are responsible for ensuring that contaminated or potentially contaminated PPE and equipment are kept out of dormitory areas to reduce the potential for cross-contamination and exposure to hazardous substances.
16. Dormitory Common Area Conduct
Students are encouraged to use the dormitory public areas to foster fellowship, camaraderie, and positive relationships with fellow students.
Students shall maintain appropriate conduct and attire in all dormitory public areas, including balconies, entrances, walkways, and other areas visible or accessible to students and visitors. Students shall not congregate or remain in these areas while shirtless, in sleepwear, or otherwise dressed in a manner that does not meet MSFA dress standards. Refer to the Rules and Guidelines Governing Students for additional requirements.
The playing of music, speakers, or other audio devices from balconies, windows, or public areas is prohibited. Students shall not engage in behavior that creates excessive noise, disturbs other students, or detracts from the professional environment of the Mississippi State Fire Academy. Students are expected to maintain a professional and respectful appearance and always conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the standards of the Mississippi State Fire Academy.
17. After-hours Emergencies
Students requiring immediate assistance after normal training hours should contact the Security Officer on duty.
For life-threatening emergencies, serious injuries, fires, or situations requiring immediate police, fire, or medical response, call 9-1-1 immediately. After calling 9-1-1, notify the Security Officer on duty as soon as practical. For other after-hours emergencies or assistance, contact the Security Officer on duty.
18. General provision
The provisions above are not intended to be all-inclusive.
Students are expected to follow all Mississippi State Fire Academy policies, procedures, safety requirements, and reasonable directives issued by Academy personnel, whether or not specifically addressed in these dormitory guidelines. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the Mississippi State Fire Academy. Significant or repeated violations may also be reported to the trainee’s fire chief and/or other appropriate official(s).