Frequently Asked Questions

New Member Orientation and the new member information page addresses many frequently asked questions, but if you have an unaddressed question we hope to answer it here.
If you don't find the answer you're looking for, email the Vice President of Relations or President.

What is the WiFi password?

Our WiFi's password is guffinternet.

What are all my responsibilities exactly? Am I about to get in trouble for not doing something I didn't even know I was supposed to do?

See the New Member Information page for a list of member responsibilities.

I was fined by an officer, and I think the fine is unfair/incorrect. How do I appeal it?

Email the President with a statement explaining why you think the fine is undeserved. The President will call for a Judiciary Committee meeting, where you and the officer involved are encouraged to explain and answer questions in person. In clear-cut cases (for example, a car accident or sudden illness preventing a member from reaching their kitchen shift on time), the vote is effectively just a formality. If you believe the fine to be incorrect, say, you have attended all your shifts, it is likely a mistake, so reach out to the President and other relevant officers and they will rectify it without the need for a hearing.

I need to move. How can I get out of my contract?

The ICC handles all contract release requests. See this form for getting started with that process and reach out to info@icc.coop if you have any questions. In general, you'll have a much easier time getting one granted if you can find someone to replace your contract.

I can't make my work shift this week. How do I avoid a fine?

Read the Member's Guide to Work at Escher! It is crucial that you understand how to request a swap and under what circumstances you may submit for a work release. As a reminder, when you filled out the Work Survey you checked a box stating you read and understood that document. Make sure this is true so you don't rack up any fines!

Can I really change anything I want here by asking the house to vote?

A fairly minimal set of house rules is set forth in the constitution. It is fairly difficult to amend the constitution, but it is certainly possible provided a clear majority of the house feels strongly in favor of the change. Most day-to-day operations at Escher are governed by standing rules, which are voted on at house meetings. Any member may propose a standing rule, and a simple majority is sufficient to enact it.

Some changes are more about purchasing things than making rules. If you would like for the house to purchase a non-consumable thing that everyone can use (e.g. a projector, a video game console, plants), put together your best estimate of the cost and bring this proposal to the house. The house may vote to use the amenities fund to make the purchase you request.

When is dinner?

During the Fall and Winter semesters, dinner is served seven days a week from 6-7pm except for during University of Michigan holidays (to include study breaks). Over the Spring/Summer semester, dinner is served only on weekdays, also excluding holidays. If you can't make the 6-7pm window some nights, just fill out a 'save meal' card located by the silverware and insert it in the appropriate slot on the industrial kitchen door's organizer (available in both kitchens). For more info on save meals and other dinner-related topics, click here.

What am I allowed to take/eat from the main kitchens?

Members are allowed to use reasonable quantities of some items that our chef stores in the kitchen pantries and guff fridges. For example, taking a cup of sugar, making a sandwich or two, or borrowing a bowl and spoon. Note that all dishes should be returned to the dish bins (to be cleaned for you by daily shifts) within 24 hours; hoarding is uncooperative and results in shortages for everyone. Food and cookware in the main kitchen, where food prep takes place, should only be handled by Chef Giselle and those on kitchen shifts. When in doubt, ask Chef Giselle or the Kitchen Manager.

What am I allowed to take/eat from my suite kitchen?

Feel free to use the pots and pans in your own suite kitchen. You may even borrow pots and pans from other suite kitchens, provided you return them. If a member's name is on an item, or the item is in a bin or on a shelf with a member's name, do not use it without their permission.

Most consumable items in suite kitchens and refrigerators belong to a particular member. These should be labeled, but to be certain refrain from eating food that doesn't clearly have a guff label on it.

I really liked tonight's dessert. Where can I express my gratitude/ask for a recipe/request it more often?

The chalkboard near the door to the industrial kitchen area in O'Keefe is a great place to leave comments for Chef Giselle. You can also chat with her in person whenever she's in the house or email the Kitchen Manager.

What are my guests allowed to take/eat from either kitchen?

Guests are generally not allowed to consume guff food. To learn more, see the Guest Policy.

How do I run for a house officer position? Why might I want to run?

House officers work in running the house counts as their house labor. Elections take place by default at the start of the Fall contract period for Fall and Winter and the start of Spring-Summer for Spring-Summer, but elections also take place whenever there is a vacancy in one of the essential positions. If you want to run in one of these elections, submit a statement to the President and plan to attend the House Meeting so you can answer your housemates questions.

You might run for any or all of the following reasons:

• To have a more flexible schedule
• To boost your resume
• To make improvements to the house
• Because you prefer the type of work to other house labor like kitchen cleaning
• To serve those around you in a big way!

My room door/smoke detector/suite kitchen sink/etc. is broken - how do I get help?

Submit a Maintenance RFA and a member of the maintenance team will respond and address the issue.

The internet is spotty in my suite. What do I do?

Submit a tech RFA form and a member of the tech team will respond and address the issue.