Community standards

Each unit is required to have at least one graduate/ professional student, or a University faculty/classified staff member as the primary leaseholder. Any resident no longer recognized by the University as a student or faculty/staff member is required to notify Ponderosa Village staff for further processing. In the event that the resident's lease is terminated, the resident must vacate the premises along with all other non-affiliated residents living within the same unit. The primary leaseholder must live in the unit in order to be considered active. If upon graduation the graduate student or professional's lease term is not complete, they are required to fulfill their financial obligation until the end of their lease.

1. The term "guest" includes any individual(s) not assigned to an area, location, or apartment that they are visiting. You are considered a guest if you are a resident visiting another resident in an apartment in which you are not assigned. Anyone considered a guest will be held to the community standards at all times while at Ponderosa Village.
2. Residents living in a shared apartment must communicate with their roommate regarding guest(s) and overnight stays. Either roommate has the right to refuse or revoke a guest or overnight stay. A roommate's right supersedes and takes priority over the entertainment of a guest by another roommate.
3. You are responsible and accountable for the actions of your guest(s) while on Ponderosa Village property, immediately adjacent areas, or at Ponderosa Village- sponsored or supervised events. You agree to inform your guest of all procedures as set forth in the Community Handbook
4. Any guest staying longer than 14 days must go through the background check and be added to the lease.

*This policy may differ from the Ponderosa Village staff professionals who are required to live on Ponderosa Village property

All residents living in a shared apartment unit must complete and sign the Unit Living Agreement within two weeks of move-in. All residents are required to abide by the contract and maintain a healthy and clean environment in all common areas of the apartment.

Ponderosa Village is committed to creating and maintaining a working, learning, and social environment that is free from violence. Participating in the behaviors listed below may result in University Conduct action, immediate removal from the property and/or cancelation of your lease.

A. Abusive Behavior & Hazing

1. Abusive behavior and/or threats or any attempts to obstruct Ponderosa Village staff from accomplishing their duties is prohibited.
2. Hazing is prohibited. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation into or affiliation with the University or college, a student organization, a sports team, an academic association, or other group engaged in by an individual that intentionally or recklessly endangers another individual.

B.  Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault

1. Sexual harassment towards any person is prohibited. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or gender bias nature constitute sexual harassment when the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive so as to interfere with or limit a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the University ("hostile environment"). Sexual harassment includes sexual violence, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and coercion.
2. Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual coercion, sexual battery, or rape of any person is prohibited. Sexual assault is the use of, or threat to use, force or violence of a sexual nature, defined as sexual assault, against any member or guest of the University community on University-owned or University-controlled property or at any University sponsored program. This behavior includes any sexual activity that is carried out without the express consent of all parties involved, including, but not limited to attempted or completed non­consensual sexual acts. A person is incapable of giving consent due to the victim's use of drugs or alcohol.

C. Stalking, Physical, Written, or Verbal Abuse and Harassment

1. Threats, assault, or physical, psychological, written or verbal abuse, intimidation, coercion or bullying which is sufficiently severe, persistent pervasive so as to interfere with or limit a student's ability to participate or benefit from the educational services, activities or opportunities offered by the University, including, but not limited to, that which constitutes discrimination or harassment relating to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected class, is prohibited.
2. Harassment in any form towards any person and/or group, through any medium (including electronic) is prohibited.
3. Stalking is prohibited. Stalking is defined to be when a person who, without lawful authority, willfully or maliciously engages in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, harassed or fearful for the immediate safety of a family or household member, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, harassed or fearful for the immediate safety of a family or household member.

The following actions will result in disciplinary action: 

1. Failing to Comply: Failure to comply with the directions of a university official, including Community Assistants, Community Manager, Community Director or other Residential Life staff member acting in an official capacity. 
2. False Identification: Providing false identification or providing false information to a university official.
3. Encouragement/Involvement: Active or passive participation in a violation, aiding or encouraging others to violate policies, remaining present while policy violations are occurring, or failure to report a violation by others when having direct knowledge of that violation.
4. Unit Living Agreements: Failure to establish and abide by reasonable unit living agreements
5. Building Evacuation: Failure to evacuate the building during an activated fire alarm or when directed to do so in an emergency. Remaining in the building during an emergency places not only the individual at risk, but will result in disciplinary action.

1. Residents suspected of violating their lease or the Community Handbook will be documented by Ponderosa Village staff and a report will be submitted to the Community Director and/or Assistant Director of Residential Life.
2. Written notification will be sent to the resident potentially involved in violating the lease or Community Handbook.
3. During a meeting, the resident will meet with a designated staff member to review their potential involvement in the violation.
   1. The resident's involvement in the policy violation is typically determined during this meeting.
   2. In situations where a decision is not made during the meeting, a resident may not be allowed to enter Ponderosa Village until a decision has been made.
4. If a resident is found responsible for violating the lease or Community Handbook, they will be assigned a sanction that may involve a warning, fine, lease cancellation, or another appropriate response.
5. If the resident disagrees with the decision made regarding their violation, they have the right to an appeal process.

1. In order to be considered for a formal appeal hearing, the resident's appeal must specify in detail one or more of the following alleged conditions:
   1. New information has been discovered and was not provided at the original meeting
   2. The decision made was inappropriate for the lease or Community Handbook violation
   3. Bias or discrimination was displayed during the decision process
   4. The Violation process was not followed as outlined in the Community Handbook
2. The Assistant Director or another designated staff member will determine if the resident has cause for an appeal
   1. If the appeal is granted, a designated staff member will hear the case
3. Potential Outcomes of an Appeal
   1. The original decision may be upheld
   2. The original decision may be dismissed
   3. The resident's housing status may be reinstated
      1. If a resident's housing status is reinstated, if warranted, Residential Life may establish specific prerequisites to the reinstatement.
   4. The resident may be found "responsible" for all or part of the violation(s) in question. Original decision may be adjusted.
   5. The original decision may be decreased or increased
   6. The lease or Community Handbook may be modified based on the information provided in the appeal hearing
4. Submitting an Appeal Form
   1. If a resident would like to appeal a decision, they must submit an email requesting an appeal within three (3) business days of the original meeting date
   2. While the Appeal Request is being reviewed, the resident is still responsible for following all instructions provided during the original meeting and outlined in the decision letter
   3. You will receive notification regarding your Appeal Request status (approved or denied) within five (5) business days from the date it was received
      1. If approved, the notification will include information regarding the date, time, and location of the appeal hearing. 

Whenever you leave your apartment, even for a short time, always close and lock your door. Never leave your door open or unlocked.

1. Lockouts: If you lock yourself out of your apartment or room, upon proper identification or confirmation of your identity, onsite staff will assist you in regaining access to your apartment. You and any occupants listed on your lease have three free lockouts combined, per semester. After the third lockout, there is a $25.00 fee per lockout. Lockouts will only be provided for residents on the lease. Visiting guests will not be provided with lockout privileges.
2. Lost or Stolen Keys: Report lost or stolen keys to the Community Manager immediately. Lost or stolen keys will result in a lock change for the entire unit at the resident's expense.
3. Unauthorized Use: Duplicating apartment keys is strictly prohibited under any circumstances. Residents in shared units are not to provide access to their guests when they are not present in the unit.

1. If you have a problem in your apartment you must submit a work order online. Go to your Resident Portal (www.unrgraduatehousing.com) to submit your request. It is highly encouraged that the resident does not try to fix any maintenance problems as they will be held liable for damages.
2. Residents are prohibited from contacting a technician outside of the University for services. If a resident, guest, occupant or guarantor of a unit calls a technician and a service is rendered, the resident, guest, occupant or guarantor will be held responsible for the bill and for any damages caused by the technician or the resident.

The following items are not permitted on Ponderosa Village property. The items listed may be confiscated and held until they can be removed from property permanently. Prohibited items include, but may not be limited to:

1. Weapons: Any weapons, including firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, pellet or "airsoft" guns, bows and arrows, bullets or other ammunition, martial arts weapons, or any item that is a reasonable facsimile of the listed weapons. Possession of these items may result in the cancellation of your lease agreement as well as additional disciplinary action.
2. Flammables/Explosives: Flammable liquids, harmful chemicals, photo chemicals, barbecue grills, charcoal, gasoline, explosives, flares, firecrackers, fireworks, and any other items that may be determined to be hazardous. Possession of such materials may result in disciplinary action.
3. Other: Waterbeds are not permitted in any apartment.
4. Stolen Property: Possession or storage of stolen property in your apartment, such as signs, shopping carts, items obtained through theft, etc.
5. Vehicles/Transportation: Motorcycles, mopeds and automotive parts or components are only allowed in designated parking areas. Bicycles may not be kept in hallways, stairwells, or public areas, except in designated racks.

The following activities create a risk of damage, injury or other intrusions on the rights of others and will result in disciplinary action:

1. Vandalism/Theft: Damage, tampering, or theft of university or personal property. Please report accidental damage immediately.
2. Throwing Items: Throwing or discharging anything from or toward the building, or in the hallway, including water balloons, bottles, cigarette butts, litter, food, balls, rocks, spit, etc.
3. Building Exterior: Being on any part of the building's outside structure, including window sills, window ledges, roofs, attics, walls or railings. Entering or assisting others in accessing any unauthorized areas such as mechanical rooms and or other restricted areas is prohibited.
4. Television Equipment: Satellite Dishes are not allowed to be mounted on the buildings
5. Electrical Overload: Overloading electrical outlets and/or altering existing power or communication infrastructure. Residents will be held responsible for damages caused by these actions. Residents are also responsible for providing surge protection devices for any sensitive electronic equipment used in the facilities.
6. Ceiling/Fire Devices: Attaching items to the water pipes, sprinklers, or smoke detectors is prohibited.
7. Painting: Painting or drawing on the walls of your unit is prohibited.
8. Windows: Removing or tampering with window screens or blocks may lead to financial charges of $300-$400. Many of our screens are custom made and not easily replaced. Secured screens serve a security function. Do not remove window screens except in cases of fire or other emergencies.
9. Hallways & Storage: Staircases and hallways are walkways and must be kept clear at all times. Storing or placing items outside of apartment doors, windows, on ledges, in hallways or on railings is not permitted.
10. Posting: All signs posted in public areas must follow university and department posting policies. In addition, you must get prior approval from the community director.
11. Electronics/Wiring: Running wires or attaching lights outside of your apartment is prohibited.
12. Wheeled Activities: Activities such as cycling, rollerblading, roller-skating or skateboarding in the hallways, building entrances and exits, and parking lots are not permitted. Motorized vehicles such as mopeds are prohibited on the walkways and sidewalks
13. Smoking: As of August 1, 2015, the University campus is smoke-free and tobacco-free. Therefore smoking (E-cigs included) or chewing tobacco is not permitted inside any unit or next to any building on campus.
14. Parking: Parking is enforced by the University's Office of Parking & Transportation Services.
15. Inappropriate Access: Entering any unassigned apartment or location without consent will result in legal, university conduct action and/or cancellation of your lease.
16. Community Equipment: Misuse of common area games or equipment; failing to return checked-out equipment promptly.
17. Activities Prohibited by Law: Any item, activity or behavior that is illegal under local, state or federal law, or deemed by University Staff as not conducive to community living is prohibited. In addition, as a condition of continuing occupancy, a resident may be required to authorize the University to conduct a background check of any possible arrest record or other possible criminal history.

1. Distressed Residents: The University has protocols which may restrict a resident access to campus locations if they pose a threat to themselves or others.
2. Fire Safety: Tampering with or disabling any part of the fire alarm system, altering door closing or latching hardware, unnecessarily discharging an extinguisher, activating or causing a false fire alarm, or setting a fire can endanger life and property. Items may not be attached to or hung from any smoke detector or any part of the sprinkler system. Failure to report damage to fire or life safety equipment may also be considered a violation.

1. Alcohol : Possession (internal or external) or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the apartment is permitted only by residents and their guests 21 years of age or older, all residents and or guests consuming alcohol must be inside their apartment, with doors closed.
2. Excessive Quantities: Regardless of the age of those present, large amounts of alcohol such as kegs are not permitted at any time, including brewing kits. 
3. Common Areas:  Open or unconcealed containers of alcohol are not permitted in common areas such as entrances, hallways, or lounges, or on adjacent grounds. A person who is found in any public place under the influence of alcohol, in such a condition that they are unable to exercise care for their own health or safety, or the health or safety of others, must be placed under Civil Protective Custody by a peace officer (NRS 458.270).  
4. Drugs/ Substances:  The department follows state and federal law as related to drugs and other illegal substances. These violations are considered serious and if appropriate, sanctions for violation of drug and illegal substance policies will include referral to education and/or treatment programs.
5. Ponderosa Village Actions:  To preserve the positive community environment, we reserve the right to take specific actions to address issues involving the use and or abuse of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Behavior while under the influence of substances will not be excused by substance impairment.

The only pets allowed in Ponderosa Village are non-hazardous fish in up to a 10 gallon tank.

Residents who wish to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or Service Animal in their unit must complete the following steps to gain approval prior to the animal entering the property.

1. If the resident is a student, they must meet with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) on campus and provide appropriate documentation and records. Residents qualifying as faculty or staff will need to contact the Equal Opportunity and Title IX office for this process.
2. Once receiving approval and documentation from the appropriate office, the resident will meet with the Assistant Director of Residential Life where they will review guidelines for having an ESA or Service Animal at Ponderosa Village.
3. Residents in a shared unit will also need to get confirmation from their roommate that they are okay sharing their living space with an ESA or Service Animal.
4. Once the previous steps have been completed, a letter will be sent to the Resident and kept on file with the Ponderosa Village staff.

1. Solicitation/Business: All door-to-door solicitation or hand distribution of printed material near, around, or within Ponderosa Village is prohibited without special permission from Residential Life, Housing, and Food Services. Residence halls, Ponderosa Village, and public areas may not be used for any business or remunerative purposes, including storing of commodities. Sales demonstrations or soliciting is not allowed. Because door-to-door solicitation is prohibited, should someone come to your door offering to sell something or provide services - you should refuse to do business with them and notify your clubhouse staff immediately.
2. Storage: Each resident must keep all of their possessions in their room or apartment. No storage space is available, in which to store suitcases, boxes, trunks or additional furniture. Residents may not store any items such as bicycles or personal property in hallways, stairwells, or other common space.
3. Noise: As residents of Ponderosa Village community residents must respect and value the concept of an "academic community". Therefore, being courteous and respectful to your neighbors in terms of the level of noise generated is a priority.
   1. Community quiet hours as stated in your lease (Exhibit B Resident rules and regulations) are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
   2. Common courtesy hours concerning noise are in effect 24 hours a day. Loud voices and other activities in close proximity to the Ponderosa Village may also create excessive noise levels. The right to sleep and study always supersedes the right to make noise. Even an isolated outburst of excessive noise can wake someone from a much-needed nap or break one's concentration during a study session. This regulation recognizes that in any community consisting of so many diverse individuals, basic courtesy is always required for people to be able to pursue their own activities and schedules.
   3. If you are found responsible for committing a noise violation the below process will be followed:
      1. 1st Offense: Verbal Warning
      2. 2nd offense: Written Warning
      3. 3rd offense: $100.00 Fine
      4. 4th Offense: Cause for Eviction

1. Trash bins located in the quad area are designed for Ponderosa Village resident trash. Furniture and other large items that do not fit into the bins are not allowed.
2. All resident unit trash must be dumped into the large trash bins located in the parking lot. Residents leaving trash on the ground by the dumpsters may be subject to a fine.
3. Recycling
   1. The following items can be recycled if cleaned and dried:
      1. Glass and Plastic Bottles
      2. Aluminum, Tin and Steel Cans
      3. Paper and Cardboard
   2. The following items cannot be recycled and should be placed in the trash:
      1. Plastic Bags
      2. Containers with food remnants or liquids
      3. Styrofoam
      4. Clothing
      5. Cords or wires
      6. Electronics

1. Abandoned Items: Residential Life, Housing, and Food Services is not responsible for items left in common areas in or around Ponderosa Village.
2. Emergency Contact: We reserve the right to notify the emergency contact on file in cases of health, safety and/or a medical emergency.
3. Insurance: The University does not accept liability for loss, theft or damage to any personal property, including during times you are away from your apartment. Any thefts should be reported immediately to your Community Assistant and the university police. We recommend that you buy Renter's insurance for your personal property and engrave a personal identification number on your valuables.
4. Children: it is Municipal Code from the city of Reno that it is unlawful for any person who is a parent or guardian, or for any person who has been entrusted by a parent or guardian, to fail to supervise and attend a child or children under the age of ten years. Therefore, children under the age of ten (10) must always be supervised in areas such as the clubhouse, tot lot, quad area, etc.