Duke Community Standard and Residential Policies
All communities need to have rules in order to maintain safety and order. The Duke Community Standard at Duke University applies to the residence halls and apartments and is educational in nature. Its primary purpose is to help residents learn from choices they make and become positive contributors to their residential community. As members of this community, you share the obligation to establish and sustain a living environment that supports individual needs and university values.
The policies below have particular relevance to our residential communities. All residents are expected to review these policies. In addition to these policies, all students should review the following policies as published in the Duke Community Standard guide.
- Advertisements
- Alcohol
- Decorations and Theme Parties
- Disorderly Conduct
- Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia
- DukeCard
- Failure to Comply
- Harassment
- Noise
- Physical Abuse, Fighting, and Endangerment
- Sexual Misconduct
- Stalking
- Weapons, Firearms, and Explosives
Air Conditioning Only RLHS air conditioners are allowed in student rooms. Students may not install individually owned air-conditioning units in their room.
Alterations, Additions, And Painting
No alterations or additions may be conducted within the premises by or at the request of the resident(s). Residence hall students may paint their rooms providing they restore the color back to an RLHS-approved color and condition prior to checkout. Students will be charged for repairs needed for rooms not returned to RLHS-approved color and condition.
Bathroom Access All residence hall bathrooms are secured with key- access to residents. Bathrooms may be unlocked based on a voting process, which is administered by RLHS. If a community votes to have its bathroom unlocked, it may be billed for any damages that occur in the bathroom area.
Benches
Approval: The specific design, including sketches noting dimensions, and desired location of a bench in a Quad must be submitted in writing to the Residence Coordinator of that Quad or House at least three (3) weeks prior to the desired construction date. Approval for a bench must be received from the Residence Coordinator prior to construction.
Design: The maximum dimensions of the bench include: 12' in length, 5' in height from the ground, and 6'in depth. Preapproved bench plans are available upon request. Note: Due to potential health hazards and adverse impact to the environment associated with burning of pressure treated or chemically treated wood, it is required that benches that may be used in celebratory bonfires not be built from these materials. Untreated wood, which is properly sealed and painted, will last for quite some time if it is not buried in the ground and is exposed only to the weather.
Placement: Only approved living groups and houses/quads may place benches on university property, unless an exception is granted by RLHS. Benches will be permitted only in the area immediately adjacent to a particular residence unit, as approved in advance by the Residence Coordinator. Benches constructed by selected living groups or residential fraternities assigned to Few, Craven, Crowell or Kilgo quads will be permitted only in the inner courtyard area adjacent to the residential area of the group. Only quad councils, with the approval of the Residence Coordinator, can construct benches for the main quad area.
Relocation: Living group benches may have to be moved temporarily (e.g., for special events or summer programming). Every effort will be made to retain the integrity of the bench if it is necessary to move it; however, the university will not be responsible for repairing benches as a result of a move. Otherwise, removal of benches from their designated locations is not permitted. Such action only serves to lessen their structural integrity and places the health and safety of those moving these heavy objects in serious jeopardy. Additionally, benches placed in unauthorized areas disrupt the normal use of public areas and unreasonably divert university employees from their assigned duties for the retrieval or removal of these structures.
Expectations: Living group benches are intended to serve as locations for relaxed social interaction. House residents are expected to maintain them in good order, routinely making certain that damaged wood is replaced and fresh paint is applied as needed, including to cover acts of vandalism.
Individual residents, and potentially their living groups as well, will be subject to disciplinary action if they are identified as being responsible for moving benches. Each group has an obligation to deter its members and residents from tampering with the property of other groups, for a living group can be held accountable for the action of its individual members. Disciplinary measures taken against students identified as participating in the relocation/damaging of house benches may include, but are not limited to, having their housing licenses placed in imminent jeopardy of revocation, being placed on disciplinary probation, and being assessed repair/replacement costs should a bench be damaged. A living group found responsible as a cohesive unit may have its bench dismantled, and denial of the privilege to build a new bench may extend for a period of time not to exceed one calendar year. Should a living group be found responsible for the damage or destruction of another living group's property, the offending groups should anticipate loss of its bench and responsibility for the requisite replacement of the property it damaged or destroyed, and possible loss of selective living group status.
Bicycles Bicycles may be kept by the owner in her/his assigned room space. Hangers and other means of suspending bicycles may not be attached to any wall, ceiling or door. Bicycles are not permitted in other areas of the residence halls such as commons rooms, bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, study rooms, and entrances. In compliance with Durham Fire Marshall regulations, bicycles found in unauthorized areas of the residence halls will be removed without warning and the owners will be required to pay a removal charge in order to recover them. The University is not responsible for damage to bicycles or devices used to secure them. Abandoned bicycles will be removed at the University's discretion.
Cable TV - Common Areas Cable television on the Duke Network is provided in selected residence hall commons rooms. Connecting televisions in bedrooms to the commons room cable or otherwise tampering with the cable is prohibited.
Cleaning RLHS cleans each room/apartment prior to occupancy. Thereafter it is the responsibility of the resident(s) to clean the space. The residence is expected to be kept in a sanitary condition during the year, and in a clean condition upon vacating. If a room requires extraordinary cleaning during occupancy or upon checkout, the cost will be charged to the resident(s).
Common Areas
Each quad/house has common areas for use by residents. These areas include commons rooms, hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, study rooms, and laundry rooms. It is the responsibility of each community to see that these areas are kept in good condition and that the furnishings are not damaged or removed. Items not belonging in common areas may be removed by RLHS without warning for safety reasons.
Commons furniture owned by RLHS may not be removed from its intended location. Anyone doing so may be subject to disciplinary action. Commons furniture found in bedrooms may be removed by university personnel at the expense of the occupant(s).
Computer Labs Students and staff with a valid DukeCard may access labs with an outside entrance. Only those with a valid DukeCard for a building may access a lab in that building.
Damage to Student Room
Use of nails, screws, hooks, tacks, decals, or adhesives which damage walls, ceilings, furniture, doors, windows, or fixtures is prohibited. Students may be billed for damage beyond normal wear and tear to buildings, building equipment (including plumbing), and furniture (including missing furniture). The assigned occupant(s) is (are) responsible for reporting to RLHS defects or damages found in a room within two working days after occupancy. The resident(s) of a room will be charged for any damages or modifications found in the room after occupancy unless previously noted on the room condition report.
Decorations And &"Theme" Parties
All individuals, living groups, and cohesive units must adhere to university safety policies when planning a theme party, event, or meeting. The following policies are in place regarding such events. For additional safety guidelines, contact the OESO-Fire Safety Division, 684-5609, 72 hours prior to the event/party or placement of the decorations.
Open flames: Open fires, cooking fires, campfires, bonfires, candles, incense, or any apparatus, device or machine utilizing an open flame is prohibited. The only exception to this policy is the use of candles during recognized religious ceremonies. Those individuals wishing to utilize candles in observance of a religious holiday should first contact OESO-Fire Safety Division to obtain permission and information concerning fire prevention.
Party/holiday decorations: All decorations must be non-combustible, inherently flame-retardant or treated with an approved fire retardant in accordance with the manufacturer specifications that will pass NFPA 701 test. Decorative materials must not exceed 10% of the aggregate of walls and ceilings. Straw, hay, corn fodder, dried flowers, bamboo, and other similar combustibles are prohibited as decoration inside facilities without written authorization from the Fire Safety Division. All doors (i.e., exit, smoke, fire, interior, exterior), hallways or any other means of egress may not be covered or blocked in any manner by decorations. All combustible party decorations must be removed from the area immediately following an event. Exception: During the holiday season, decorations should be removed no later than December 30th. Residence hall decorations should be removed no later than fall closing. Live greenery, such as live Christmas trees, wreaths and holly, are prohibited inside the residence halls, and may not be used in other areas without approved automatic sprinkler systems. Artificial greenery in the shape of trees, wreaths, and holly are allowed in facilities, provided that such decorations are flame-retardant and/or flame-resistant, placed away from heat sources, and not placed in an area dangerous to occupants of the building.
Electrical: All electrical equipment to include lights, wires, plugs, cords, connections, and sockets must be UL listed. The use of improvised wiring or tying wiring into the existing electrical services is strictly prohibited. Only indoor lights are permitted inside facilities. Any light string with worn, frayed, broken cords, loose bulb connections, and empty sockets should not be used. Each living group or office should have an appointed representative to ensure that electrical decorations are de-energized at the end of the day. Holiday lights should not be energized for more than three hours daily to reduce overheating. The use of lights and wiring on a metal Christmas tree (aluminum trees from the 50s and 60s as defined by the NC Department of Insurance) are prohibited. No more than three strings of lights may be connected to each other. Light strings may not be mounted or supported in any way that might damage the cord’s insulation. Light strings should be plugged directly into an outlet or surge protector.
Animals: Animal(s), regardless of size or species, are strictly prohibited to attend or participate in any event, party, or meeting.
Additional Items:
• Water, waterfalls, pools, spraying water, running water, or utilizing water in any way is strictly prohibited.
• Strippers may not be invited or paid to perform at events sponsored by individual students, residential living groups, or cohesive units.
• The use of portable charcoal, gas, or electric grills, and gas heaters within 10 feet of all residence halls is prohibited. Grills must be at least 10 feet away from any structure when in use.
• The event host at the close of the event must remove all trash.
• Fog machines may not be used at indoor events.
Violations reported to the Dean of Students Office or Residence Life and Housing Services will be considered serious offenses and living group and cohesive unit officers will be held accountable.
If you have any questions as to whether your party decorations fall within the limits allowed by university safety policies, please contact OESO Fire Safety at 684-5609, 72 hours prior to the date of the actual event or party.
Fire Alarms - Evacuation To further assure life safety, fire alarm systems are located in each residence hall to alert the occupants in case of fire. Residents must comply with all fire alarms/drills. Failure to evacuate may result in disciplinary action. Activating/reporting false alarms or tampering with the alarm system is strictly prohibited.
Fire Extinguishers, Sprinklers, Smoke Detectors and Other Fire Fighting Equipment (Tampering Prohibited) Fire extinguishers are located in all residence halls. The presence of this equipment can help quickly control fires, thereby avoiding injury or loss of life. Relocating, removing, tampering with, or destroying fire-fighting equipment is strictly prohibited and will likely result in revocation of the housing license for students found responsible for violating this policy. Damage and/or theft of fire equipment are punishable under North Carolina state law.
Fire safety: RLHS has installed numerous life safety mechanisms to decrease the risk of damage due to fire. Please review the full fire safety policy and expectations.
Furniture University owned furniture must remain in the student's room. Personally owned furniture may be added to student rooms/apartments provided all residents of that room/apartment consent and the residents remove the furniture at the end of occupancy. Costs for removing any remaining personal furniture will be charged to the residents.
Waterbeds are prohibited.
Each residential space is equipped with furniture by RLHS. The resident(s) of a room/apartment will be charged for any damaged furniture and/or furniture missing from their space.
Grills Residents may borrow barbecue grills on a short-term basis from the Service Offices. North Carolina law prohibits the use of portable charcoal, gas or electric grills within 10 feet of all residence halls. In areas where pine straw or bark mulch has been applied to grounds, grills must be 10 feet away from the perimeter of these materials. Storage of charcoal lighter fluid or other flammables, including gas grills, in the residence halls is strictly prohibited. Failure to obey these regulations may result in a fine by the Durham Fire Marshall and or be subject to Duke disciplinary action.
RLHS reserves the right to require a guest to leave if university policies and/or residence hall policies are not obeyed or if complaints are received from members of the residential community. Violation of any of these policies may lead to nonresidents being charged with trespassing and residents (both guest and host) having their housing licenses revoked.
Students are responsible for the conduct of their guests. Any violation of RLHS/ university rules and regulations by a guest, whether the host student is present or not, shall constitute a violation of the same by the hosting student.
Keys - General Keys are issued to students to provide access to their room, bathroom, and other areas to which they have authorized access. Use or possession of residence hall/apartment keys, including possession of master keys or keys other than those assigned to the student, is prohibited. Keys are not transferable; switching keys with other students is prohibited. Reproduction of keys is prohibited.
Locks may not be tampered with or changed by residents or their guests. For safety and security reasons, students should not carry their key on the same ring as their DukeCard.
Keys - Room One bedroom door key is issued to each resident. If you lose the key, you must obtain a new one from the appropriate RLHS Campus Office. Residents have one week to find the lost key. If the key is not found within one week and brought to the RLHS Campus Office for verification and return of the loaner key, the lock will be changed for your protection. A charge for the lock change will be placed on your Bursar account. Circumstances may require a shorter time period to produce the missing key, at the discretion of RLHS. Any key that you cannot present to the RLHS Campus Office will be considered lost, even if you dropped it down the drain or threw it away because it was broken. A new key will be issued in exchange for a damaged key at no charge if you return the damaged key to your RLHS Campus Office. Residents who do not return their key(s) when checking-out of the residence halls will be charged for a lock change.
Kitchens Residents are responsible for removal of perishable items from the refrigerator and for cleaning utensils, pots and pans. Kitchens that are abused or not kept in good order may be locked.
Lofts Only lofts provided by RLHS or an RLHS approved vendor may be used in the residence halls. Lofts are not allowed on Central Campus. Please review the full loft policy before making a decision to get a loft.
Obstruction of Hallways, Stairwells, Sidewalks, and Lawns
North Carolina fire safety codes prohibit the obstruction of hallways and stairwells. The Durham Fire Marshall mandates the immediate removal of all items obstructing hallways and stairwells. RLHS will remove without warning or reimbursement furniture, bicycles, lumber, and all other items found obstructing hallways or stairwells. University furniture will be removed from hallways and stairwells and residents may be charged for missing furniture when they vacate the room. In addition, access to room windows as a secondary means of egress is required.
Sidewalks, stairways, and entryways must not be used for purposes other than ingress or egress.
Bicycles may not be left in these areas or other locations where they may cause harm to persons or grounds keeping equipment.
All vehicles, including motorcycles, must be parked in parking lots. Delivery trucks, automobiles, motorcycles, scooters, and minibikes are not permitted on lawns and walkways, patios, or stairwells. These vehicles must be parked in legal parking spaces.
Pets Fish are allowed provided they are kept in an aquarium no larger than 25 gallons, the container is cleaned regularly, and no illegal species are kept. With the exception of seeing-eye dogs, no other animals are permitted in the residence halls. If it is reported that you have brought an animal into the residence halls, you will receive a letter requesting you remove the animal immediately and sign a statement that you have done so and will never again allow an animal to be brought into the residence halls. If you do not remove the animal and sign the statement, or if an animal is again reported to have been taken into the residence halls, you will be referred to RLHS or to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action. Each resident of a room is held equally responsible. If your roommate or a guest brings an animal into the residence halls and you do not report the violation, you will be subject to the above procedure. If an animal enters your room you will be charged for the pest control treatment, which is done to protect the future residents from fleas or other vermin. When you vacate your room you will be charged for cleaning (if needed) and damages. The charges resulting from animals can be very expensive.
Propelling Objects/Liquids Out Windows Throwing or in any other way propelling objects or liquids from windows is prohibited. Screens must remain in place and secured at all times.
Propping Doors Open Propping open residence hall entrance and/or bathroom doors or in any way tampering with the security system of the residence hall violates hall security and is prohibited.
Room Condition Reports & Inspections Room condition reports are provided to each resident during the check-in process. Updates to room condition reports must be submitted to your RA within two days of your occupancy. This document will protect you from charges for conditions which existed when you moved into your room. Carefully review the room condition report and amend it as necessary. If there are maintenance needs, which need immediate attention, please call your RLHS Campus Office as well as noting them on your room condition report. Immediately report a faulty or missing smoke detector to your RLHS Campus Office. When you move out, your room will be inspected. Any repairs or cleaning required by conditions beyond normal wear and tear which you did not list on your room condition report will be considered damages and charged to you. We strongly recommend you be present when your room is inspected at checkout. Please make an appointment with your Hall Staff per established checkout procedures and instructions. An inspection cannot be done until you vacate the room and all personal belongings are removed and all keys are returned. Keep in mind there are peak periods when Hall Staff may not be able to schedule appointments, so signup as soon as you know your plans.
Trash Removal Students are required to dispose of trash in designated containers. Trash may not be placed in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, commons rooms, courtyards, or in any other place.
Unauthorized Possession (Keys/Property) Possession of keys or other property for which one does not have appropriate authorization or ownership is a violation of university policy.