Policies for the Residence Halls
In keeping with Student Housing's mission, policies have been created and are enforced for the benefit of all residents, and to encourage all residents to be courteous, successful community members.
Each policy was created with at least one of the following priorities in mind:
- Local state and federal laws must be upheld in the residence halls
- The safety and security of all residents need to be protected
- Each student has the right to sleep and study in her/his home environment
- Community needs are important
It is understandable that students will occasionally test residence hall policies, and Student Housing has a process in place for such infractions. In support of a commitment to the developmental process, Student Housing combines intervention and education with student accountability: residents are generally provided with the opportunity to correct their behavior
The Guide to Residence Hall Life
All residence hall students are responsible for knowing and understanding residence hall policies. Policies are outlined in The Guide to Residence Hall Life.
Policy Highlights
Respect for Others
Student Housing promotes an environment of inclusion, awareness and respect for all residents. Specifically, the following are prohibited: verbal or written abuse, threats, harassment, physical assault, intimidation, or other forms of violence against any member, or group of members, or a community.
Noise
In a large community where residents live in close proximity, noise levels must be regulated. Therefore, rules were developed to ensure noise volumes remain at acceptable levels during various times of the day. “Quiet Hours” require that sound levels remain low to ensure residents have the ability to study or sleep. “Courtesy Hours” keep noise volume to reasonable levels, and residents can request that others make less noise if necessary. Regular hours prevail throughout most of the day; hour designations vary depending on the day of the week.
Alcohol & Other Drugs
The Guide to Residence Hall Life prohibits the violation of all federal, state, and local laws regarding the use of alcohol and drugs, as well as any inappropriate behavior that may result from the use of said substances. Student Housing promotes a healthful living environment free from abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs. Residents under the age of 21 may not consume, distribute, manufacture, or possess alcohol, and students age 21 and over may only consume alcohol in their own rooms, provided there are no others under age 21 present.
Responsibilities
In addition to knowing and understanding residence hall policies, both residents and Student Housing staff have a role in the conduct process.
Student Role
- When in doubt about the intent of a policy, seek clarification from residence hall staff. "I didn't know the policy," is not an acceptable answer
- When residence hall staff confronts possible policy violations, they act as university officials; students are expected to comply in a respectful manner
- Understand that there is a process in place that provides an opportunity for all perspectives to be heard
- It is the student's responsibility to respond to all communications and meetings, and to complete all sanctions resulting from policy violations
- Students must accept responsibility for their behavior
Student Housing's Role
- Student Housing will, in a respectful and consistent manner, hold students accountable for policy violations
- Student Housing will administer an educational conduct process that is consistent, fair, and provides students with the opportunity to be heard
- Realizing that student behavior is often the result of underlying issues, Student Housing staff will make referrals to various campus resources. These resources may include Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment [ADAPT], Counseling & Psychological Services, Cowell Student Health Center, Women's Resource & Research Center (WRRC), Learning Skills Center, and others.