Chapter 5 – Community Standards and Conduct Process

• I. Academic success
  1. Academic Community Expectations. Residence Halls provide an environment for students to live together, study, and interact.  Residents are responsible for meeting standards of academic performance. Attendance and participation in classes are expected of all residents. Any resident with a high frequency of absences and/or found not participating in or attending classes is in violation of residence hall policy and may be subject to cancellation of License Agreement, residence hall probation, and/or other sanctions at the sole discretion of the University. 
  2. Full-Time Status Required. All residents are expected to successfully complete full-time credits at the University (refer to the University catalog for more information on what qualifies as full-time status).  Any resident who drops below full-time status must receive special permission from Residential Life to remain in the residence halls.  Failure to do so may result in cancellation of License Agreement, residence hall probation, and/or other sanctions at the sole discretion of the University.
  3. GPA Requirement. A minimum of 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA is expected of all residents and those not meeting this requirement may be subject to cancellation of License Agreement, residence hall probation, and/or other sanctions at the sole discretion of the University.  
  4. Disturbance to Academic Community. Any resident creating a disruption or disturbance to other student's ability to sleep or study during finals week may be required to leave the residence halls immediately and remain banned from the facility until a conduct hearing to address the violation occurs. 
  5. Academic Intervention. Residents who do not meet academic standards will be required to participate in an academic intervention program should they remain in the residence halls.
• II. Quiet hours and noise
  1. Courtesy Hours. Common courtesy hours concerning noise are in effect 24 hours a day. Loud voices and other activities in close proximity to the residence halls 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.
  2. Excessive Noise. Excessive noise is not permitted at any time in or around the residence halls. Excessive noise in the residence halls is considered to be noise that can be heard more than one door (or residence hall room) away. Congregating in hallways and on balconies creates excessive noise, which should be avoided by moving into rooms, lounges, or suite common areas. Stereos are a frequent source of noise disturbance and high-powered stereos (including low-frequency speakers and "sub-woofers") are discouraged. Speakers should never be placed in or near windows and your door should always be closed when playing your stereo. Vehicles near the residence halls and loud music outside the halls can echo between buildings and create disturbances. Most musical instruments can easily create excessive noise such as guitars, drums, bongos, and other instruments. Residents who wish to use and practice these instruments may inquire at the practice room in the Music Building. Stereos, speakers, musical instruments, etc. that cause disturbance may be required to be removed from the residence halls as a condition of continued occupancy.
  3. Quiet Hours. During designated quiet hours, particular courtesy should be shown to enable others to concentrate on their studies and get sufficient sleep. 
  4. Designated Quiet Hours. Academic Pursuit/Quiet Living Options quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Students living in a quiet study area are expected to sign a quiet study contract and abide by the terms of that agreement. Students who fail to maintain appropriate quiet study standards may be reassigned to another area and may have administrative action taken. 
  5. Established Quiet Hours. Quiet hours are established as follows: Sunday - Thursday: 10 p.m. - 8 a.m. Friday - Saturday: midnight - 8 a.m. 
  6. Extending Quiet Hours. Quiet hours may be extended by floor vote, but they may not be shortened. If you experience a problem with noise, you are encouraged first to speak directly with the responsible individuals. Then, if you are still not satisfied, seek your Residential Life staff for assistance. 
  7. Final Exam Quiet Hours. During the final exam period, including prep day, quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day. It is essential that a person's needs for sleep and study be particularly respected during final exams.
• III. Guests and security

  Other than staff and authorized personnel, only residents and their guests are permitted in the residence halls. Any individual not assigned to the hall to which they are visiting is considered a guest. Residents may be asked to verify their identity by showing their WolfCard or government-issued ID. This security measure is in place to ensure the safety of residents and the residence halls. Having a guest or visitor in the residence halls is a privilege that may be revoked if the resident or guest violates the Community Standards.

  Furthermore, the University reserves the right to limit guest access when it deems such limits necessary to protect the health or safety of residents.

  Residents are responsible for informing their guests of residence hall policies and to encourage compliance. Residents are also responsible to ensure guests’ presence in the hall will not threaten the health and safety of others.  Guests must be accompanied at all times while they are in the building.

  Every member of a community has obligations to others in their community. Consequently, the people who bring a nonresident into their living environment must be willing to assume responsibility for that person's behavior. This policy fosters more judicious decision making by residents, encourages residents to give more consideration to whom they bring into the residence hall, and promotes responsible guest behavior. While you cannot control another person's behavior, you can control whom you choose to have as a guest.

  To verify that you are a resident of the hall, you may be required to show your WolfCard or government-issued identification. Your cooperation will help protect the security of your building. Being a guest is a privilege, not a right.

  1. Guest Behavior. Residents are responsible for informing their guests of the Community Standards and appropriate behaviors that would protect the health and safety of others in the building. Residents are held accountable for the behavior of their guests. If a guest violates a policy of the Community Standards, the resident with whom they are checked in will be held responsible for the policy violation.
  2. Guest Check-Ins. During designated hours, residents are responsible for following the guest check-in process and accompanying their guest at all times. Residents are also responsible for upholding and adhering to policies that restrict guest access. Residents may check in a guest at the residence hall's front desk. The guest check-in process requires the guest to present a government-issued ID to the front desk staff. The ID will be kept at the front desk until the resident checks their guest out of the residence hall. WolfCards and credit/debit cards may have cash value, are not government-issued IDs, and cannot be accepted as forms of identification for the purpose of guest check-in. Residential Life is not responsible for IDs that are not retrieved upon check-out. Individuals not properly signed in are considered trespassers and are subject to citation or arrest.
     1. Minor Guest Check-In. Residents may check-in guests who are under the age of 18 by following the front desk's minor guest check-in process. With the consent of the resident and guest, the minor's parent or guardian will be contacted to provide permission for the minor to be checked in as a guest in the residence hall.
  3. Guest Escort. Residents are responsible for ensuring that their visitors are properly checked in and escorted while in the building. Additionally, residents must escort their guest to the front desk to check out and collect their ID. Residential Life is not responsible for IDs left at the front desk due to improper check-out. Delivery personnel and unescorted guests must be met at the building entrance.
  4. Propping doors. Residents and guests are prohibited from propping open any wing or exterior doors. Propping doors is a security issue that can endanger the safety of the residence hall community. Do not let unknown individuals into the building. Refer them to the front desk for assistance. As part of your commitment to community living, it is essential for you to assume responsibility for helping maintain a safe and secure environment for all residents.
  5. Emergency Exits. Opening a fire exit door is prohibited at all times except during an emergency. Many exterior doors have limited hours for use. Failure to abide by the limitations is deemed a serious breach of security for the residence hall community and may result in severe administrative action. An alarmed door should only be heard in times of a fire or similar emergency. Therefore, intentionally causing an alarm to sound is the same as causing a false fire alarm and is a violation of state law.
• IV. Building access & keys

  A resident's WolfCard is used to gain access to their residence hall (and room/suite in some buildings). Upon check-in/move-in day, residents may be issued a "hard" key to access their room/suite. Both WolfCards and keys provide access to the residence hall communities. As a responsible community member, every resident has a duty to protect and secure their WolfCard and keys. Adhering to this building access and key policies will help ensure the safety and security of the residence hall communities. Violating these policies may result in administrative action up to License Agreement cancellation and removal from the residence halls.

  Always close and lock your door whenever you leave your room, even if only for a short time. Never leave your room open or unlocked if your roommate is asleep! This leaves your roommate especially vulnerable. Violations to the security of the building as listed below may lead to disciplinary action up to and including License Agreement cancellation.

  1. Building Entry. Entry into the building exterior entrances is made by using the individual resident's WolfCard. In some halls, the WolfCard is also used to access wing, suite, and even individual room doors. For this reason, all residents are required to obtain and carry their student ID card or an authorized equivalent. If a resident should lose their WolfCard, they need to notify housing staff immediately so the card's ability to access the building is canceled. The resident may be issued a temporary card to access their room, but they need to obtain a new WolfCard and have it programmed as soon as possible to obtain full hall access. Replacement ID cards are available at the WolfCard office located at the Joe Crowley Student Union.
  2. Lockouts. If a resident is locked out of their room, they may request a lockout key or access card for their room. These lockout keys and access cards are available for up to 15 minutes. Residents who keep lockout keys or access cards are subject to charges and fees. Residents are granted 3 opportunities to check out a lockout key or access card. After three (3), residents are charged a $5.00 fee per lockout. Keys or access cards not returned in a timely manner (within 1 business day) will be presumed lost; residents will be charged for any subsequent lock changes or replacement costs.
  3. Lost Keys. Residents are required to immediately report lost or stolen keys to the residence hall front desk. Residents may be issued a temporary key for 24 hours. After 24 hours, if the keys are not recovered or found, residents will be charged for any subsequent lock changes and replacement keys.
  4. Lost WolfCard. All residents are required to obtain and carry their WolfCard. Residents are required to temporarily deactivate their WolfCard and immediately report it lost or stolen to the residence hall front desk. Temporarily deactivating a lost/stolen WolfCard will ensure that building access is revoked until the WolfCard is found or the resident buys a replacement ( find out more about what to do about a lost Wolfcard). A replacement WolfCard can be purchased at the WolfCard office on the 3rd floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union. Building access and room access (for certain residence halls) for new replacement WolfCards may take up to 24 hours. If the new WolfCard does not provide building and/or room access after 24 hours, residents may visit their residence hall's front desk for assistance.
  5. Failure to Report. Failure to immediately report missing keys or WolfCards creates a breach of security for everyone and is considered a serious offense to the residence community.
  6. Building Access. You are responsible for carrying your WolfCard with you whenever you leave the building. It is not the responsibility of desk staff to open the door for those without their WolfCards.
  7. Unauthorized Use. Duplicating, borrowing, or loaning room keys or WolfCards to guests or friends is strictly prohibited. Residents possessing any key or WolfCard other than their own are in violation of the Community Standards which may result in administrative action up to License Agreement cancellation. Loaning your key or WolfCard may also result in the cancellation of your License Agreement.
  8. False Requests for Access. Misrepresenting yourself in an attempt to gain access to a room may result in cancellation of your License Agreement.
• V. Failure to comply

  Developing safe and comfortable communities requires cooperation from residents. At times, residents may question the Community Standards and policies. Residents who wish to voice their concerns regarding the Community Standards should make an appointment with the Resident Director, Graduate Resident Director, Assistant Director of Safety and Conduct, or other administrative staff. However, residents who fail to comply with the instructions provided to them by hall staff or other University officials are in violation of the Community Standards. The following actions are prohibited:

  1. Failure to Comply. Failure to comply with the directions of a University official, including a residence or dining hall staff member acting in an official capacity. This includes the failure to complete a sanction assigned in response to a policy violation.
  2. Identification. Failure to produce an official ID card upon request of any staff member.
  3. False Identification. Providing or being in possession of false identification or providing false information to a university official. False IDs will be confiscated and the resident may be referred to the University Police Services or the Office of Student Conduct.
  4. Encouragement/Involvement. Active or passive participation in a violation, aiding or encouraging others to violate hall policies, remaining present while policy violations are occurring, or failure to report a violation by others when having direct knowledge of that violation.
  5. False Information. Providing false, deceptive or distorted information to a staff member.
  6. Roommate Contracts. Failure to establish and abide by reasonable roommate/suitemate agreements.
  7. 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 administrative action.
  8. Health Guidelines. Failure to observe university and Residential Life issued guidelines and expectations in regards to the preservation of health and safety.
• VI. Disorderly conduct/unacceptable behavior

  This University has always created an environment for raising challenging questions and the discussion of significant issues. There is perhaps none more significant than the challenge and issue of free speech. Our residence and dining halls exist to complement the educational mission of an institution of higher learning. Our expectations and standards of acceptable behavior are reflective of our purpose. Violating these policies may result in immediate removal from the residence halls:

  1. Disruptive Behavior. Any behavior or action, physical or verbal (including social media posts), in which the mode of expression, irrespective of its content or viewpoint, is lewd, obscene, or indecent, 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 institution, including, but not limited to, that which constitutes discrimination or harassment relating to race, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected class.
  2. Threatening Behavior. Threatening behavior, whether written, verbal or physical to others or self may result in immediate removal.
  3. Sexual Harassment. Any form of sexual harassment or coercion, any nonconsensual sexual contact, including date or acquaintance rape. Incidents of suspected sexual harassment or assault may incur further University action.
  4. Physical Violence. Any use of force or physical violence. This includes intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causing physical harm to self or others.
  5. Damage to Property. Any act which causes damage to the residential halls or the property of another person is not permitted. This may include acts perceived as “pranks” against members of the residential community. Rewiring, the placing of attachments, or attaching unauthorized devices on a telephone, computer or other electronic device is also prohibited.
  6. Trepassing. Trespassing, entering or remaining in any room or location without the resident's or staff's permission.
  7. Community Living. Residents are expected to practice appropriate personal hygiene and to maintain an environment within their room and community which is sanitary. Any behaviors or actions, which demonstrate an inability to abide by the requirements for group living are prohibited. This may include, but is not limited to, cleanliness, odors, or any other environmental issues or concerns. Further, Residents diagnosed with one or more communicable conditions may be directed to self-isolate, move to a room where they can be quarantined, or remove themselves from the residence halls in order to protect community health and safety.
  8. Restrictions and Posting Signs. Two (2) exceptions to protected speech (expression which may be restricted) are: violent and obscene speech which are not constitutionally protected.
     1. Incitement to Violence. Signs may be prohibited based upon written or graphic expressions which are an incitement to imminent lawlessness. The University will give careful consideration to the actual circumstances surrounding such expression, and posting of a sign will be prohibited only if the sign is an incitement to immediate violence or illegal acts.
     2. Obscenity. Posting of signs may be prohibited based upon obscenity. In determining what constitutes obscene material, a three-part test applies:
        1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, is designed to appeal to the prurient interest; and
        2. The work depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law; and
        3. The work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
• VII. Prohibited items

  Many items are not permitted in the halls. Such items may be confiscated and held until they can be removed from the hall permanently. Items prohibited include, but may not be limited to: 

  1. Weapons. Any weapons, including firearms, BB guns, paint ball guns, pellet or "air soft" guns, bows and arrows, bullets or other ammunition, martial arts weapons, Tasers or conducted electrical weapons, stun guns, knives or any item that is a reasonable facsimile of the listed weapons. Possession of these items may result in administrative action up to License Agreement cancellation.
  2. Flammables & Explosives. Flammable liquids, harmful chemicals, photo chemicals, barbecue grills (including propane canisters), charcoal, gasoline, blow torches, explosives, flares, firecrackers, fireworks, and any other items that may be determined to be hazardous. Possession of these items may result in administrative action up to License Agreement cancellation.
  3. Open Flame. Candles, incense, potpourri or any burning ember or open flame burning.
  4. Fire Hazards. Space heaters, power tools, air conditioners, personal lamps that have bulbs higher than their rated capacity, or any bulbs 150 watts or greater, halogen lamps without wire or glass guards over the bulb, multi-plug extension cords and multi-plug adapters are prohibited. Surge-suppressors and multi-outlet cords with circuit breakers, however, are permitted. Residential Life is not responsible for damage to items due to power surges. Possession of these items may result in administrative action up to License Agreement cancellation.
  5. Cooking Appliances. Other than in units with designated kitchen areas which are the exception, prohibited items include: cooking equipment, hot-plates, toasters, electric fry-pans, grilling devices, or anything with an exposed heating element. Authorized items include: crockpots, rice cookers, hot-air popcorn poppers, blenders, coffee makers, one refrigerator per room (under five cubic feet in size), and one microwave per room (the maximum wattage may be limited). Food must be disposed of properly in all halls. Do not dump food into sinks or drinking fountains.
  6. Adhesive Decorations. Decals, stickers, glow in the dark stars, contact paper, darts, dartboard or other items which may damage walls or furniture.
  7. Lofts or waterbeds. Bunking beds in a way other than for which they were designed is also prohibited. This includes lofting bed frames or furniture on heaters, desks, dressers, chairs, concrete or wood blocks, etc. No lofted beds are permitted other that those supplied by Residential Life. Waterbeds or other non-supplied beds or furniture are prohibited.
  8. Stolen Property. Possession or storage of stolen property in your room, such as signs, lounge furniture, shopping carts, and items obtained through theft, etc.
  9. Pet Standard. No pets or animals allowed, except tropical fish or goldfish. Fish tanks of up to 10 gallons are permitted. There is no heat during semester break, so take your fish home for the holidays.
  10. Flammable Decorations. Live Christmas trees or wreaths are prohibited. Strings of lights around the edges of the window are permitted but must be unplugged when residents are not in the room.
  11. Motorized Vehicles/Transportation. Motorcycles, mopeds and automotive parts or components, may not be kept in or around the buildings, except in designated parking areas. Bicycles may not be kept in hallways, stairwells, balconies, or public areas, except in designated racks. Use, possession, and storage of hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and similar devices is prohibited.
  12. Attachments. Nothing may be attached to furniture, the building, exterior poles, railings, trees, etc., or placed in hallways, window sills/ledges, and balconies. This includes satellite dishes and antennas.
  13. Health & Safety. Residential Life reserves the right to confiscate, ban, or remove any item that may pose an immediate health or safety risk to the residence hall community.
• VIII. Prohibited activities

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

  1. Vandalism. Vandalism, damage to, tampering with University or personal property of another. Residents are required to immediately report accidental damage of University or the personal property of others. Causing damage or failure to report damage may result in administrative action.
  2. Theft. Unauthorized borrowing, stealing, or removal of another's personal property.
  3. Throwing Items. Throwing or discharging anything from, toward, or inside the building including water balloons, bottles, cigarette butts, litter, food, balls, rocks, spit, etc.
  4. Water Games. Water fights in or around any part of the building's structure. Such activities can cause damage and injury and tend to escalate beyond what one or more of the parties intended. This includes using water guns of all types, buckets, cups or any other item that may be used in a water fight.
  5. Elevators. Playing in or around elevators or causing damage to elevators. Accidents can result in serious injury or death.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 to provide surge protection devices for any sensitive electronic equipment they use in the facilities.
  8. Sports/Activities. Any activities or games in hallways, common areas, balconies, rooms or suites, or adjacent parking lots which can cause or contribute to injury, damage or excessive noise, such as Frisbee, darts, wrestling, tossing balls, bouncing balls, etc. Shining flashlights and laser lights into another room or building is prohibited.
  9. Prohibited Gatherings. Any activity or gathering where the number of attendees exceeds any limits prescribed by Residential Life or the university. Exceeding social and/or physical distance guidelines increases the likelihood of placing resident/guest health and safety in jeopardy.
  10. Doors. Attaching any items to the door of your room or hallway area. A small memo board may be attached beside the door, on the wall, using masking tape. Items attached to doors typically cause more damage/wear & tear than post-it notes on the wall.
  11. Ceiling/Fire Devices. Attaching any items to the ceiling, water pipes, sprinklers, smoke detectors or other items on or near the ceiling in your room. All items hung in the room must be 18” below the ceiling.
  12. Painting. Painting or drawing on the walls of your room. Unauthorized murals will be subject to charges and repainting.
  13. Common Area Items. Removing furniture from common areas (charges for removing, repair and replacement will be assessed). Furniture in common areas, including suite common areas, is there for the common good. Removal of it is, in short, theft. In addition, removing items (cups, trays, silverware, etc.) from the dining hall is prohibited.
  14. Room Furniture. Removing furniture from residence hall rooms or bringing unauthorized furniture (couches, beds, chairs, etc.) into the building or room. Residence hall furniture may not be stored elsewhere, on or off-campus.
      1. Removing University furniture from residence hall room is prohibited. Residence hall furniture may not be stored on or off-campus.
      2. Outside/Additional Furniture. Residents are not permitted to bring upholstered furniture into the halls. For the health and safety of the residence hall, residents must request to bring additional furniture into the residence halls. The furniture approval form is provided by the Resident Director. Additional furniture must be approved before items are brought into the residence hall. Unauthorized furniture found within the residence hall will be removed and discarded. Residents responsible for the items may be charged for furniture removal.
  15. Windows. Many of our screens are custom made and not easily replaced. Removing or tampering with window screens or blocks is not permitted. Residents will be charged for damage to windows to cover the cost of repair or replacement. Secured screens are for security and there are no valid reasons to remove one except in case of fire or other emergencies.
  16. Cooking. Cooking using a flame or open element, barbecuing or grilling food inside buildings or in unauthorized exterior areas is prohibited. Grills or devices used to cook outside the building must meet department guidelines and are only allowed in designated areas.
  17. Storage. Storing or placing items outside rooms, windows, on ledges, on balconies or on railings.
  18. Posting. All posted signs and objects in the room/suite, including those which are visible from outside, must be in accordance with the roommate/suitemate agreement and the Restrictions on Posting Signs policy in Section VI Disorderly Conduct/Unacceptable Behavior. All signs for posting in public areas must be consistent with the time, place, and manner guidelines and the posting policy of Residential Life.
  19. Electronics/Wiring. Connecting cable, speaker, phone, or other wire between rooms, inside or outside the building. Attaching devices such as flat-screen monitors or televisions to walls or furniture is prohibited. Our halls do not have walls designed to hold such devices, and residents will be charged for any damages caused by installing these or similar items.
  20. Wheeled Activities. Activities such as cycling, rollerblading, roller skating or skateboarding in the buildings, on balconies, building entrances and exits, & hall parking lots. Motorized vehicles such as mopeds are also prohibited on the walkways and sidewalks around the residence halls.
  21. Tobacco. In accordance with University policies, tobacco products, tobacco paraphernalia, and smoking is prohibited in the residence halls, including residence hall rooms, public areas, hallways, balconies, lounges, laundry rooms, lobbies, and outside areas. Any and all forms of smoking are prohibited inside residence halls. This includes traditional methods (cigarettes, cigars, varieties of pipes, etc.) as well as non-traditional devices (e-cigarettes, vapor pens and similar items). Smoking in a residence hall room will result in additional room cleaning charges.
  22. Parking or Driving. Parking or driving in unauthorized areas near the residence halls. Parking in fire lanes, etc., may obstruct emergency vehicle access, threatening the safety of the entire residence hall community.
  23. Hall Equipment. Misuse of residence hall games or equipment. Failing to return checked-out equipment promptly.
  24. 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
  25. University Conduct. Any actions or activities prohibited in the Student Code of Conduct or this Handbook.
• IX. Resident dining facilities

  It is expected you will abide by all policies at any food service location. To maximize everyone's satisfaction with resident dining, we ask you follow these simple guidelines:

  1. Meal plan participants must present and swipe their WolfCard before each meal.
  2. Appropriate behavior and attire is required at all campus dining facilities. Shoes must be worn at all times. Inappropriate behavior may result in denial of access and residence hall/University administrative action.
  3. Please help us keep the dining facilities neat and clean. It is your responsibility to return your dirty dishes to the designated area and/or dispose of trash appropriately.
  4. You may take all that you want to eat, but please eat all that you take. Only designated take-out meals and ice cream cones may be taken from the DownUnder Café.
  5. All campus and residence hall policies are in effect in residential dining facilities.
• X. Computing and Network Resources

  Computing and Network Use Agreement is prohibited.

  Please visit the  Residence Hall Network Use Policy webpage for more information.
• XI. Health and safety
  1. Personal Health & Hygiene. Residents are responsible for upholding standards of personal hygiene.  This includes but is not limited to: maintaining room cleanliness, sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces, hand washing, showering, and when directed by Residential Life, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and maximizing social and physical distancing.
     1. Residents are also responsible for taking care of their personal health. Personal health includes physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of students’ wellbeing. Students are encouraged to seek resources both on and off campus to ensure that their health is a priority.
  2. Restricted Residence Hall Access. Any person who, based upon current medical knowledge and/or the best available objective information, poses an actual danger to the health or safety of themselves or others may not be allowed entry or access to the residence halls. This includes those who exhibit: actions or behavior that indicate a likelihood of physical violence to themselves or others; high levels of alcohol and/or controlled substance impairment; unconsciousness or reduced levels of consciousness; or other physical/ medical conditions that put themselves or others at risk. Should a resident be denied access to the halls due to health or safety concerns, conduct actions and/or health related issues, Residential Life is not responsible for charges incurred by the resident for off campus housing.
  3. Distressed Residents. The University has protocols which may restrict a student's access to campus locations in situations where current medical knowledge and/or the best available objective evidence demonstrates that they pose an actual threat to themselves or others. In accordance with these protocols, residents in distress may be denied entry or access to the halls. Any conditions or requirements for reinstatement of access will be based on an individualized assessment of the resident, including consideration of current medical knowledge and/or the best available objective evidence. Careful consideration will be given to the opinions and recommendations of the resident's treating physician or mental health professional, if available.
     1. Before denying any resident with a disability entry or access to the residence halls, the University will do an individualized assessment to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that would permit the resident to continue in their housing status. Any decision to deny entry or access to a resident will be based upon actual risk, and not mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about individuals with disabilities.
     2. Any decision to restrict a resident's access to the residence halls may be appealed to the Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Safety for Residential Life pursuant to the Appeals Process described in these Community Standards.
  4. Fire Safety. Tampering with or disabling any part of the fire alarm system, altering door closing or latching hardware, discharging an extinguisher, activating or causing a false fire alarm, or setting a fire can endanger life and property, and may result in cancellation of your License Agreement, restitution, administrative action, and/or criminal prosecution. 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.
  5. Vaccination Requirements. Regulations passed by the Nevada Division of Health require that, any freshman college student under the age of 23 may not live in university housing unless vaccinated against Neisseria meningitides (Meningococcus) unless excused because of medical or religious reasons. Due to lifestyle factors, such as group living situations and sharing of personal items, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population. Residence hall students who do NOT need this vaccination include those who: a) lived on campus last year and are returning to the residence halls, b) are over the age of 23, or c) Upperclassmen. All other residents, including international students enrolled in the IELC or OISS programs, must receive this vaccination as a condition of occupancy in the residence halls.
  6. Room Entry. University officials reserve the right to enter and inspect residence hall rooms at any time without prior notification. Inspections will occur when necessary to protect and maintain the property of the University, the health and safety of its students or whenever necessary to aid in the basic responsibility of the University regarding discipline and maintenance of an educational atmosphere. Police will be contacted in incidents which may involve drugs, weapons, stolen property or other criminal activity. If determined to be an immediate threat to the community, items may be confiscated. In addition, emergency personnel may remove residents or guests from a room if they are unable to care for themselves or when their health or safety is at risk.
• XII. Alcohol
  1. Possession or Consumption. Possession (internal or external) or possession through the consumption of alcoholic beverages in and around the residence halls is permitted only by residents and their guests 21 years of age or older, in student rooms, with doors closed, and with no minors present.
     1. Legal Drinking Age. Residents 21 years of age or older consuming alcohol with minors (those not of legal drinking age) is strictly prohibited. Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited in all situations, including those activities intended to encourage consumption of alcohol, regardless of the age of the person(s) involved.
  2. In Presence Of. Alcohol may not be consumed or stored in rooms/suites (including refrigerators) if any resident or guest is under 21 years old. If alcohol is consumed or stored in rooms/suites (including refrigerators) and residents or guests under 21 years old are present, everyone present is considered as involved in a policy violation incident and subject to the conduct process. Everyone present will be included in the incident report and contacted by the Resident Director, Graduate Director, or other designee.
  3. Guests & Alcohol. Regardless of age, individuals who are not residents, are not permitted to bring alcohol in to any residence hall or dining facility.
  4. Excessive Quantities & Large Containers. Regardless of the age of those present, large amounts of alcohol are not permitted in the residence halls at any time. Brewing kits, kegs, pony kegs, beer bongs, funnels, taps, and party balls, whether empty or full, are prohibited.
  5. Empty Containers. Empty containers of alcohol, including those used for "decoration," may be considered evidence of prior consumption in the room or suite.
  6. Drinking Games. Any activity in which a consequence or reward is to drink is prohibited, regardless of the liquid being consumed. Water pong and other drinking games that may not involve alcohol is a violation of this policy.
  7. Common Areas. Alcohol is not permitted in any residence hall common area such as entrances, hallways, or lounges, or on adjacent grounds. Parcels and bags in public areas or being brought into residence halls are subject to inspection. Staff members are authorized to take reasonable action to ensure that alcohol is not inappropriately brought onto residence hall property.
  8. Civil Protective Custody. A person who is found in any public place under the influence of alcohol, in such a condition that the person is 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).
• XIII. Drugs and other substances

  Residential Life follows state and federal law as related to abused 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. Use or possession of medical marijuana is not permitted. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct for additional information.

  1. Possession/Consumption of Drugs and Substances. The illegal use, distribution or possession (internal or external), of drugs or substances, including paraphernalia, in or around the residence halls is prohibited.
  2. In Presence of Drugs and Substances. Anyone present during an incident involving the illegal use, possession, or distribution of drugs or substances is considered as being involved in a policy violation incident and is subject to the conduct process.
  3. Residence Hall Actions. To preserve the positive community environment in the residence halls, Residential Life reserves the right to take specific actions (e.g., ban or removal from the halls) to address issues involving the use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Disorderly conduct and disruptive behavior while under the influence of substances or other drugs will not be excused on the basis of impairment.
     1. Referral. If there is reason to believe you may be involved with alcohol or other drugs, whether on or off campus, you may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct to participate in educational sanctions.
     2. Removal. Residents unable to care for themselves or who pose an actual threat to the community due to impairment or the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances may be temporarily removed from or denied entry or access to the residence halls. The resident may be allowed to return to the residence halls if law enforcement or medical professionals determine the resident no longer poses a threat to themselves or others.
• XIV. Residence hall community
  1. Solicitation/Business. All solicitation or hand distribution of printed material near, around, or within the residence halls is prohibited without special permission from Residential Life. Residence hall rooms and public areas may not be used for any business or remunerative purposes, including storing of commodities. Sales demonstrations or soliciting within the residence halls is not allowed. In addition, campus computer labs may not be used for business purposes. Residents should refuse anyone attempting to sell a product or provide services. Immediately report any solicitation occurring in the residence halls. Because door-to-door solicitation is prohibited in the residence halls, should someone come to your room offering to sell something or provide services, you should refuse to do business with them and notify Residential Life staff immediately. Experience has shown that most of the sales people who would enter the halls in violation of our policy are not legitimate and are often trying to "scam" residents.
  2. Damage. If responsibility for damages or excessive cleaning cannot be determined, charges will be billed as follows:
     1. For damage within a room or suite/apartment: charges will be divided equally among all residents living in the room, suite or apartment. This includes damage to or cleaning of bathroom and kitchen areas.
     2. For damage to public areas: charges will be divided equally among all students on the floor or in the hall.
  3. Banned Individuals and Trespassing. Residential Life reserves the right to restrict access to any department facilities at any time to any persons or groups. Individuals may be banned from the residence halls; individuals not adhering to the conditions of their ban are considered trespassers and law enforcement may be contacted.  When a student's License Agreement has been cancelled, the student may not be in or around the residence halls, even as a guest or visitor, for the remainder of the academic year or date indicated on their cancellation letter.
  4. Storage. Residents may not store any items such as bicycles or personal property in hallways, stairwells, or other common space. Each resident must keep all of their possessions in their room or suite. No storage space is available at the residence halls in which to store suitcases, boxes, trunks or additional furniture.
• XV. Additional policies and practices
  1. Abandoned Items. In those instances where items are left in the residence facilities after the owner or resident has moved from the hall, Residential Life shall declare the items abandoned in favor of the University. Residents may be charged for removal, shipping and/or storage of items.
  2. Unauthorized Move-In. No students are authorized to move until they have received official written approval. It is the responsibility of each resident to inform his/her roommate(s) when a room change has been processed. Room and roommate changes made without official written approval will result in administrative action, including but not limited to, a $50 improper room check-out charge and the requirement that you move back to your original room.
  3. Notification of Parents. In certain situations, such as medical emergencies, underage drinking, drug or substance use, behavioral misconduct, or financial issues, Residential Life reserves the right to contact residents' parents, legal guardian, or other emergency contacts.
  4. Directory Information. Any violation of UNR Privacy Notice and Request for Confidential Status of Directory Information policy is prohibited.
  5. Insurance. While the University has a Student Health Center to treat minor health issues at a reduced cost, residents should ensure that they have health insurance coverage available for serious health concerns, either through their parent's policies, and /or specific policies that include student health coverage.
     1. The University is not liable for loss, theft or damage to any personal property, including during times you are away from the hall. You may wish to take home or store your valuables over holiday periods. Any thefts should be reported immediately to the front desk and the University Police Services. We recommend that you buy insurance for your personal property and engrave a personal identification number on your valuables. We also strongly recommend that you purchase health insurance if you are not covered under your parents' policy.
• XVI. Resident responsibilities

  You will be held responsible for conduct occurring in your room or suite. You may be held responsible for a violation discovered in your room or suite even if you are not present when the violation is discovered. You have accepted responsibility for your living area. Consequently, anyone in your room or suite is either a guest or trespasser.  Trespassers should be reported immediately.

  1. Check-In. You and your roommate or suitemates share responsibility for the condition of your room and/or suite. When you check-in, be sure all damages are listed on your inventory form. At the end of the year, you will be billed for any damages not listed at check-in. If you find damage after you move in, report it to your RA/CA immediately. Moving into a room without written authorization will result in a $50 administrative charge.
  2. Checkout. You are responsible for your room and its contents until you are officially checked out. To check out, you must make an appointment with your RA/CA, turn in your keys, and sign your inventory form. Failure to make and keep an appointment to check out by the time the halls close will result in a charge of $50 for improper checkout. All of your belongings must be out of the building by the time the hall closes or at the completion of your last final exam, whichever is sooner.  Your RA/CA will indicate possible charges on the form; however, Residential Life, not your RA/CA, will make the final determination of charges.  You will be charged for cleaning if your room is left dirty and for any trash you leave in the building.
  3. Cleanliness. You are also responsible to keep your room and suite area clean and free of any health or fire hazards.  You may check out a vacuum at the front desk for up to a half hour.  Hall staff may make routine inspections of rooms and suites to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Charges will be assessed for cleaning any room which is found unsatisfactory. Continued failure to meet adequate standards may result in cleaning charges and/or cancellation of your License Agreement.
  4. Visitation. We try to allow great flexibility in the area of visitation, which is why we allow it 24 hours a day, unless restricted by hall vote. Residents are permitted to have up to five guests at one time - this does not mean that each resident may have five guests at the same time. Due to the size of the rooms, the maximum number of persons (including guests, other residents, and residents of the room) allowed to be in any room may be limited for safety considerations.
  5. Roommate Rights. Either roommate has the right to refuse or revoke room access to any unwanted guest at any time. A roommate's right to enjoy the room they pay for takes priority over the entertaining of guests by another roommate.
  6. Overnight Guests. Guests staying overnight are permitted occasionally for up to three days per month, as long as your roommate(s) agrees and you notify the student staff on your floor beforehand. All overnight guests must be signed in each time they enter the building during designated sign in hours. A non-resident may not be an overnight guest in the residence halls for more than three days per month. Residents who violate this requirement may be responsible for charges assessed for their guest's overnight use of the facilities.

As students of the institution and occupants of the halls, residents are expected to follow federal, state and local law, adhere to the Student Code of Conduct as well as being required to abide by the restrictions listed or indicated in their License Agreement. Sections of the Student Code of Conduct and specific Community Standards relating to the residence halls are in addition to any laws or criminal statutes which may be applicable to the situation. 

The Office of Student Conduct has the responsibility to address violations of the Student Code of Conduct.  Violations of the campus code that occur in or around the residence halls are generally addressed by Residential Life staff members, who may act on behalf of the Office of Student Conduct. Due to the standards of behavior on the university, many violations that occur in the halls are violations of both the Student Code of Conduct and the License Agreement. Any violations of law or state statute on or near campus property are handled as criminal matters by the University Police Services. 

Violations of Residential Life Community Standards are generally treated as administrative actions. Residents will be required to address the issue or correct the violation as directed by the Resident Director or other Residential Life staff. Failure to comply may ultimately result in cancellation of the License Agreement and removal from the halls (which often involves the application of cancellation fees and charges). Actions taken relating to the Community Standards are separate from the Student Code of Conduct process and any city, state, or federal criminal or civil procedure. 

To summarize these three separate yet overlapping systems:

• the Community Standards relate to specific behaviors prohibited in the residence halls - as addressed by Residential Life staff.
• The Student Code of Conduct is a much broader document which deals with not only those behaviors occurring in the halls, but all student behaviors impacting the university - addressed either by direct action or action taken under the authority of the Office of Student Conduct.
• City, county, state, and Federal laws for which alleged violations are dealt with by local courts after being investigated by the University Police Services.

Even if a student moves out of the halls and is no longer subject to the License Agreement, the Office of Student Conduct retains jurisdiction over violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

• Conduct process

  The Residential Life conduct process is designed to encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that the rights of all members of the residence community are respected. The Residential Life conduct process includes administrative action and typically involves the following:

  • Residents suspected of Community Standards violations are documented by staff and an incident report is submitted to the Resident Director or Graduate Resident Director.
  • Cases of repeat violations or incidents involving a potential safety risk to the resident or community may be referred directly to the Assistant Director of Conduct and Safety or the Director of Residential Life.
  • Notification is sent to the resident(s) potentially involved in the violation of the Community Standards.
  • During a conduct meeting, the resident(s) will meet with the hall staff, the Assistant Director of Conduct and Safety, and/or the Director of Residential Life. The resident's involvement in the policy violation is typically decided during the conduct meeting (e.g. the resident is either found "responsible" or "not responsible" for the violation in question). Once a decision has been determined, the resident is given a Hearing Decision Letter outlining the result of the conduct meeting.
  • If the resident is found responsible for the Community Standard violation in question, sanctions consistent with the policy violation are assigned. Sanctions are typically educational assignments or tasks used to increase self-awareness and encourage appropriate behavior consistent with community living. See Typical Sanctions below.
  • If the resident disagrees with the decision made during the conduct meeting, they have the right to an appeal process.

  Failure to participate in the Residential Life conduct process will result in further administrative action up to cancellation of the License Agreement and eviction from the residence halls. The Residential Life conduct process is separate from the Office of Student Conduct's process.

  Students are responsible for what occurs in their room. As a result, they may be held responsible for violations occurring in their assigned room or suite, even if they are not present when the violation occurred. The process used for License Agreement and Student Code of Conduct violations has a standard of proof often much different than previously experienced by students. For conduct purposes, the decision on whether a violation occurred is based upon a preponderance of information and not "beyond a reasonable doubt." The Preponderance standard considers whether it is “more likely than not” that the alleged violation occurred.
• Accepting responsibility for your actions

  During the conduct meeting, the Residential Life staff member meeting with the resident will explain the process for determining responsibility. Our conduct process does not seek to punish but instead uses the incident as an educational opportunity. When a resident accepts responsibility for a violation, sanctions assigned are intended to provide the resident with an educational opportunity.  Sanctions are designed to provide opportunities for self-reflection, increased self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the impact of their behaviors on themselves and others in their community.
• Typical sanctions

  Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Residence Hall Warning: A written statement placed in the student's file, indicating that further violations will result in more severe administrative action. 
  • Restitution: Required repayment for damage to property, cleaning or as determined by the Residential Life staff member. 
  • Assigned Project: A task, assignment or community service undertaking, such as helping plan a hall activity or program. 
  • Loss of Privileges: A resident may lose certain privileges such as having guests, access to facilities, use of services, or computer network access. 
  • Educational Sanctions: May include writing assignments or attending a class or workshop. 
  • Educational quizzes surrounding health and safety (hand washing/wearing a mask/sanitizing their space)
  • Referral to Counseling: Attend a session(s) with counseling or health professionals.
  • Referral to Health Care Professional: Visit the student health center or a primary care physician
  • Room Change: Reassignment to a new room, floor, or hall.
  • Behavioral Contract: Signed behavioral contract, written agreement, or document that sets specific standards to be met or actions required to continue as a resident in the halls.
  • Notification of Parents: In some situations, parents or guardian may be contacted. 
  • Residence Hall Probation: This administrative decision is the final step before removal from the residence halls. A written notice is placed in the student's file, indicating that further violations may result in termination of the License Agreement. Probation is for a set period of time, during which the student may be ineligible to reapply for housing. 
  • Residence Hall Removal: The student's License Agreement is terminated and a date to vacate the residence hall is provided. This decision may take effect immediately if the student's continued presence constitutes a threat to the health and safety of the residence hall community.
  • Referral to the Office of Student Conduct: For violations of the Student Code of Conduct, the Office of Student Conduct may issue administrative action, such as a written reprimand, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University. Some sanctions may appear on the student's permanent transcripts.
• Sanctions specific to alcohol & substance violations

  Sanctions for alcohol and drug-related violations will focus on education and services (when appropriate). The University has several educational, assessment, and counseling programs to individually address substance use and abuse issues. The type of program to which a resident may be assigned will depend on the nature and seriousness of the violation. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Individual substance abuse assessment by a trained counseling professional
  • BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening & Intervention for College Students)
  • CASICS (Cannabis Screening & Intervention for College Students)
  • SHIFT (Student High-risk Intervention for First Time alcohol violations)
  • STEPSS (Substance Treatment & Education for Personal Student Success)
  • OnTRAC (Treatment, Responsibility & Accountability on Campus)

  The severity of the violation will be used in conjunction with recommendations from health care professionals and program specialists to determine which program is most appropriate for the resident.
• Residence hall removal

  Residential Life reserves the right to summarily remove any resident from the residence halls in serious cases due to safety considerations, license cancellation, or situations where current medical knowledge and/or the best available objective information demonstrates that the resident poses an actual risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.

  Before summarily removing any resident with a disability from the residence halls, the University will complete individualized assessment to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that would permit the resident to continue in their housing status. Any decision to remove a resident will be based upon actual risk, and not mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about individuals with disabilities.

  Any decision to summarily remove a resident from the residence halls may be appealed to the Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Safety for Residential Life pursuant to the Appeals Process described below.

  The University and Residential Life are not responsible for making alternative housing arrangements or for payment or reimbursement of any costs any resident may incur as a result of being summarily removed from the residence halls.

• Basis for appeals

  Following the conduct meeting, a resident may not agree with the outcome of the meeting, the assigned sanctions, or any combination of the same. Any resident summarily removed from the residence halls and/or found responsible for a violation of a residence hall policy may request an appeal. The request for an appeal must be in writing and be submitted within three (3) business days of the date appearing on the Hearing Decision Letter.

  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:

  • New information has been discovered and was not provided at the original conduct meeting
  • The assigned sanction was inappropriate for the policy violation
  • Bias or discrimination was displayed during the conduct process
  • The conduct process as outlined in these Community Standards was not followed
• Appeal hearing options

  The Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Safety for Residential Life will determine if a resident has cause for an appeal. If the appeal request is granted, a formal appeal hearing will be scheduled. The decision of who will conduct the appeal hearing will be made based on the severity of the incident, the availability of board members, and the ability of those involved to impartially hear the case. Options may include:

  • Student Judicial Board
  • Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Safety for Residential Life (or another department designee)

  If the appeal relates to the summary removal of a resident from the residence hall, the appeal will not be heard by a Student Judicial Board.

  During the appeal hearing, the resident and representatives from Residential Life will have an opportunity to present their information. The resident has the right to have an advisor present during the hearing. The advisor will not be permitted to speak on behalf of the resident. The decision of who will conduct the appeal hearing and the scheduled time and location will be shared with the resident prior to the scheduled appeal hearing.
• Potential outcomes of an appeal

  After the resident meets with the Appeals Officer(s), a finding will be shared that will include one or more of the following:

  • The finding and original sanction may be upheld
  • The original finding (and therefore sanctions) may be dismissed
  • The resident's housing status may be reinstated
  • The resident may be found "responsible" for all or part of the violation(s) in question. Assigned sanctions may be adjusted
  • Sanctions may be decreased, increased, or remain equivalent to the original sanctions
  • Policy violations may be modified based on the information provided in the appeal hearing

  The Student Judicial Board, if applicable, will make recommendations to the Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Safety regarding any sanction or policy violation adjustment.
  
  Any Residential Life action for violations of policy in the residence halls are administrative and may affect a resident's ability to remain in the residence halls. University conduct action related to the Student Code of Conduct may impact a resident's student status.  Changes in student status may also affect a resident's ability to remain in the residence halls.
• Reinstatement

  In the event a resident's housing status is reinstated following an appeal of a summary removal, Residential Life may, if the circumstances of the resident's removal warrant it, establish specific prerequisites to such reinstatement.  The goal of such conditions, if any, is to prepare the resident for a successful return to the residence hall community.  If the removal was health-related, any conditions or requirements for reinstatement will be based on an individualized assessment of the resident, including consideration of current medical knowledge and/or the best available objective evidence.  Careful consideration will be given to the opinions and recommendations of the resident's treating physician or mental health professional, if available.
• Submitting the appeal form

  If the resident would like to appeal their conduct case, they must submit an Appeal Request form within three (3) business days of the conduct meeting date (located in the Hearing Decision Letter). Once submitted, the Appeal Request will be reviewed by the Assistant Director for Student Conduct and Safety or other designee.

  While the Appeal Request is being reviewed, the resident is still responsible for following all instructions provided to them during the conduct meeting and completing all sanctions as outlined in the Hearing Decision Letter. The resident will receive an email notification regarding their Appeal Request status (approved or denied to move forward with a hearing) within five (5) business days from the date it was received. If the Appeal Request is approved to move forward with a hearing, the email notification will include information regarding the date, time, and location of the appeal hearing. The Appeal Request form website link will be provided in the Hearing Decision Letter. If the resident would like additional accommodations, please contact the Residential Life office at 775-784-1113.