Cell Phones and Other Technology

Scholars are permitted to use phones in their residence hall rooms and on their residence hall floors to call family and friends. They are not permitted to use phones in Academy classes, at Academy events, or anywhere off of their floors (including main lounges and lobbies). Desktop computers, DVD players, televisions, large stereos, and walkie-talkies are prohibited. Scholars may bring e-readers (Kindle, Nook), smart watches, and laptops to complete online high school coursework only.

Phones, smart watches, and laptops cannot leave scholars’ dorm rooms unless explicitly approved by MSA staff. Desktop computers, iPads/tablets, DVD players, televisions, gaming devices, large stereos, or walkie-talkies. Scholars will have access to computers and other electronic equipment as a part of their Academy activities and do not need to bring these items with them. If you choose to bring phones, smart watches, or laptops to the Academy, MSA is not responsible for any loss or damage.

Any phone seen or heard outside of the residence hall, off of the scholar’s assigned floor, or reported to the Academy staff will be confiscated in accordance with the following three-strike policy:

  • Strike One: The phone will be labeled and secured by the scholar’s resident assistant (RA) for the remainder of the day. At that evening’s house meeting, the RA will return the phone to the scholar with a warning.
  • Strike Two: The phone will be labeled and given to a Coordinator of Residential Life (CRL). The CRL will meet with the scholar that same day before returning the phone at the end of the day.
  • Strike Three: The phone will be labeled and secured by a Coordinator of Residence Life for the remainder of the Academy. The scholar may check out their phone via RAs or CRL during all free times throughout the day to use on their floor.

Any prohibited technological devices found during the Academy will be secured immediately by a CRL and returned to the scholar on Family Day, to be taken from the premises, or at the end of the Academy.