Guidelines and Policies for University Housing and Student Conduct
Nov 08 2023 UncategorizedUniversity Housing Policy and Student Code of Conduct
All residents must follow the guidelines set out in this Community Standards guide and in their individual housing contracts. Failure to do so can result in student conduct action.
No noxious or offensive odors are allowed in any University Student Housing facility/property. This includes but is not limited to: cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke; perfume; incense; and/or a strong, foul smell of cooking.
Roommate Agreements
Putting roommate agreements on paper can be an excellent way to prevent disagreements. They don’t have to be legally binding, but they can help keep everyone on the same page about important issues like quiet hours, guest privileges and cleaning expectations.
Include a provision that states that all roommates agree to mediation in the event of unresolved concerns. This ensures that all of your concerns are heard and can be discussed with a resident advisor who can help find solutions for all parties involved. You can also set guidelines regarding the amount of time you and your roommates will spend together each week, if any.
Guest Rooms
Students can display decorations in their rooms, suites, and apartments as long as they do not deface or damage surfaces. Tacks and nails should never be used to hang items from walls, bookshelves, or doors.
Students are allowed to host daytime guests, such as family members, during Thanksgiving, Spring, and Summer break periods until the residence halls close for those breaks. Overnight guest visits are prohibited during those periods.
Residents are not permitted to make, knowingly permit, or attempt to record audio or video of other residents within the community. Doing so may result in University disciplinary action. Residents are not permitted to use or possess any weapons in the residence halls, including BB guns.
Shared Common Areas
Residents are not permitted to loan their spare room key to anyone or any group. Attempting to use a spare key may result in a lockout fee. Spare keys must be returned in person.
Storage space is extremely limited in residence halls. Students should only store possessions within their suites and in designated storage areas. Furniture may not be moved from one room to another without permission of the occupants.
No drinking games (including beer pong) or simulated drinking games are permitted in any residence hall common areas. Chalking of sidewalks is prohibited. Commercial activity, such as sales representatives or presentations involving magazines, beauty products, insurance or home products is also prohibited.
Cleanliness
A major complaint in many residence halls is the messiness of lounges, bathrooms, and other shared spaces. While it’s common to see dirty dishes, trash, and hair in dorm rooms, it should never be a constant or excessive condition.
Students should work with roommates to create and follow a cleaning schedule that satisfies both parties. Custodial staff do routinely clean bathrooms, showers, and other areas; however, students are responsible for their own rooms.
Doors may not be propped open at any time, especially while university personnel are in apartments for inspections or repairs. Tampering with doors may lead to a student being charged for damages and/or dismissed from housing.
Noise
Residents are expected to keep sound levels at a reasonable level and to comply with requests for lower volume. Residents cannot play amplified sound equipment or musical instruments in the halls and apartments, unless they have specific permission from Residence Life/Housing staff.
Fire safety is a priority and actions that could potentially lead to fire are prohibited. Tampering with smoke and heat detectors, propping open fire and smoke doors, tampering with fire extinguishers or other safety equipment can end in serious consequences including fines and/or university disciplinary action.
Residential Life and Housing seeks to address policy violations in a manner that prevents harm, centers learning and encourages student accountability. Students found in violation of these policies may face disciplinary sanctions including dismissal from campus living.
Security
Students must work with their roommates and fellow residents to establish healthy, safe practices for their rooms, suites or apartments. This is achieved through an active participation in all University Housing policies and Student Code of Conduct elements.
Residence hall and apartment staff members will be able to validate the identification of guests entering a building. They will also be able to see who is in a resident’s room via a system that requires guests to be signed in 24/7.
When a vacancy occurs in a room, it is the responsibility of all Residents to make sure the space is ready for another Student to move in at any time. This includes establishing norms for advanced roommate notification and preferred communication methods.
