Students are not permitted to bring a microwave or refrigerator to campus. Each residence hall room is equipped with one MicroFridge, a multi-appliance that includes a microwave, a true freezer with a separate door, and a refrigerator. These units meet the highest level of energy efficiency to support the CIA's ongoing sustainability efforts, specifically the reduction of energy consumption. In addition, these units conform to the residence hall fire safety standards. Each MicroFridge unit features a low-voltage charging station that allows students to charge cell phones or other low-voltage electronics. This is a popular feature as it increases the number of available outlets in the room. All roommates within a room are expected to share one MicroFridge unit.
Residence Life staff will inspect the MicroFridge during room inspections. Students using the MicroFridge to store contraband items or who fail to maintain appropriate cleanliness of their provided MicroFridge will be fined $50 per resident. Repeat offenders risk loss of privileges to use the MicroFridge.
MicroFridge Use and Care:
- The MicroFridge is designed to turn off the refrigerator temporarily while the microwave is in use. When the microwave is no longer in use, the refrigerator will turn back on.
- The MicroFridge may not be placed on top of any surfaces other than the floor.
- Do not set or store any heavy items (such as a television) on top of the unit as this affects its ability to function properly.
- The college-supplied MicroFridge must be plugged into the wall (follow instructions provided on the unit). A student who unplugs the MicroFridge must follow the instructions below for defrosting it.
- Before placing food in the refrigerator, turn the temperature setting knob in the refrigerator to 3.
- Avoid slamming the microwave door, as this damages the operating switch and can cause the microwave to malfunction.
- Students are urged to take good care of the MicroFridge. If the unit is damaged, students will be billed for repairs or replacements at a cost of $100 to $200.
Defrosting the MicroFridge:
Defrosting helps extend the life of the MicroFridge and is the responsibility of the student. Build-up of frost inside the freezer is completely normal and must be defrosted manually when it gets to be more than ½ inch thick. If too much frost exists in the freezer, it will prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly, and the food in the refrigerator may spoil. If the frost gets too thick, it insulates the freezer so the cooling element cannot do its job. When this happens, it causes the unit to run harder, which may cause premature failure.
How to Defrost:
- Defrost the freezer by unplugging the unit, removing the items, and leaving the freezer door open. Remove large ice pieces as they come loose and wipe up any excess water with a towel. Students should place an old towel in the bottom of the fridge to soak up the water as the ice melts.
- Do not chisel solid ice pieces; wait until they melt.
- Make sure the freezer is completely dry before plugging the unit back in or closing the door when not in use.
- Before changing rooms or moving out, defrost the freezer and
- clean out the refrigerator and microwave. There is a $50 fine for not defrosting and cleaning out the unit.