Residence Hall Policies
Living Together Well
This sections contains policies on the following areas. Scroll down to see complete policy.
Benches
Damages
Guests
Pets
Propping Open Doors
Unauthorized Possession
Windows
Benches
Design: 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 Neighborhood 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. 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. 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.
Maintenance: 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.
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. 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 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.
Damages
Use of nails, screws, hooks, tacks, decals, or adhesives which damage walls, ceilings, furniture, doors, windows, or fixtures is prohibited. Small picture hanging nails provided by your RLHS Campus Office may be used; however, heavy items may not be hung. Advice on nondamaging ways of hanging artwork and other items is available from your RLHS Campus Office.
Students/living groups 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.
Guests
Students may have overnight guests for reasonable periods of time, typically not to exceed a 72-hour time period, contingent upon the advance approval of his/her roommate(s). However, continued use of a residence hall room or Central Campus Apartment by person or persons other than those to whom the room or apartment is assigned is prohibited.
Overnight guests may not be entertained during final examination periods.
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.
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 Dean of Students 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.
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.
Unauthorized Possession
Possession of keys or other property for which one does not have appropriate authorization or ownership is a violation of university policy.
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.