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University Judicial System
URI
Student Handbook:
Policies for Residential Students
University Judicial System
330 Memorial Union, Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: 401-874-2101 Fax: 401-874-5574
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6. Policies for All Resident Students
Community standards set forth in this handbook pertain to all students;
the following policies pertain especially to students living in residence
halls, on-campus apartments, fraternities and sororities. The following
definitions pertain.
a. Student Residence/residential building: A room, suite, or apartment occupied
by a student or students, and owned by the University or located on University
property or contractually related to the University.
b. Period of Occupancy: The period of time during which a student has been
permitted to reside in a student residence by written agreement with the
University or the fraternity or sorority, specifically excluding designated
University holidays or between semester breaks during which the residence
hall, apartment, suite, or fraternity or sorority house is officially closed.
6.1 Fire Alarm. Every resident must immediately vacate a building
when a fire alarm sounds.
6.2 Guests. Residents are responsible for their guests' conduct and
may be held accountable for any damages and/or loss of property caused by
their guests.
6.3 Noise. The University has established guidelines which allows
all students to live on campus without being subjected to disturbing sounds.
A disturbing sound is defined as noise that interferes with study, sleep,
or any other legitimate educational or residential activity regardless of
the time. If, in the judgment of a University staff member, the noise level
has the potential to interfere with any educational or residential activity,
those responsible for the noise will be held in violation of the noise policy.
This includes any noise outside of a residential building that may be heard
inside the building.
6.4 Pets. Animals are not allowed in residential buildings with the
exception of fish, and animals trained and used as disability aids. Fish
are permitted in properly maintained aquariums of 20 gallons or less which
must have noise-free compressors for the filters. Any and all damage caused
by the fish or the aquarium is the financial responsibility of the owner
of the fish or aquarium.
6.5 Combustible Materials. Gasoline operated machinery, such as motorcycles
or mopeds, and any other combustible items including combustible engines
(regardless of their state of dismantlement), non-electric lanterns, and
large combustible decorations including live Christmas trees or any part
of them, are not permitted in residential units. The burning of candles,
incense, or any other substance other than tobacco is strictly prohibited.
Violation of this policy can result in the confiscation of such materials
by Campus Police or through administrative search.
6.6 Posting. The posting of any paper, cardboard, poster, or other
flammable material is prohibited in all common areas in residential buildings,
except as otherwise designated by appropriate university officials. Posting
in individual residence halls can be done only with the approval of the
residence Hall Director. Memo boards and/or pads on residence hall room
doors are also prohibited.
6.7 Appliances. An electric clock, razor, hair dryer, curling iron,
blanket, stereo, small television, and small fan are the only appliances
allowed to be in residential rooms. Each room may also have one refrigerator
not to exceed 3 cu. ft. capacity. Air conditioners and any other appliance
with a rating of 1,000 watts or higher and all cooking appliances except
approved microwave ovens are prohibited. All quartz halogen lights are prohibited.
6.8 Trash. Residents must clean their rooms regularly, remove waste
material, and maintain reasonable sanitation and safety standards. Residents
must keep their trash in their own rooms and empty it into dumpsters when
necessary. Students living in residential buildings with suites are also
responsible for cleaning their semi-private bathroom. Students may not place
trash in lounges, hallways, stairwells, closets, suite areas, bathrooms
or on balconies. Nothing may be thrown from windows, doors, or balconies.
6.9 Recycling. Rhode Island has a required recycling policy and students
are required to dispose of recyclables in the designated receptacles located
in each residence building. Contaminating recycling receptacles by putting
in items not designated for that container is prohibited.
6.10 Roof. Students are not allowed on roofs of any residential buildings.
6.11 Waterbeds. Waterbeds are not permitted in students' rooms.
6.12 Bicycles. In buildings where bicycle racks are available, bicycles
may not be kept in rooms or apartments.
6.13 Entry and Search Procedures. University officials and employees
are not permitted to enter or search private student rooms during the period
of occupancy except in accord with the following procedures.
6.14 Entry and Search by Consent of the Student
a. Any authorized University employee may enter a student residence
if a student who is a resident gives voluntary consent. The student's consent
must be freely given and must not be based on coercion or threats by the
University, and must not be occasioned by the student's fear of reprisal
for failure to give consent. Consent includes request for repairs.
b. The intrusion by the employee must be limited to the scope of the consent
given by the student; for example, if the student consents to entry
by the employee, the employee is not entitled to search the student's
belongings without obtaining further consent to do so.
c. Any student who is a resident of the room, suite, or apartment may consent
to entry of the authorized University employee and to the search of student's
personal belongings. However, no student may consent to the search of another
student's bedroom, closets, locker, suitcases, or other areas under the
primary control of another student. Whenever a student's area or belongings
are searched by consent, a consent to search form is to be completed by
the staff member making the search and signed by the student(s) whose belongings
are to be searched.
6.15 Entry Without Consent in a Health or Safety Emergency The Director
of Security, the Director of Safety and Risk Management or his/her designee,
the Director of Housing and Residential Life, an RHC/HD, or a Security Officer
may enter a student residence without consent when the employee believes
such entry is necessary on an emergency basis (when time is not afforded
to make alternative arrangements; i.e. during assault, fire, building damage,
etc.) to protect the health and/or safety of persons or to make emergency
repairs to University facilities to avoid damage to University or student
property.
6.16 Entry for Routine Inspections and Scheduled Repairs The Director
of Housing and Residential Life or his/her designee may enter residence
hall rooms or on - campus apartments and the Assistant Vice President for
Campus Life or his/her designee may enter fraternity or sorority rooms without
student consent to conduct general and routine inspections/repairs for health,
safety, and building maintenance purposes. Such inspections/repairs may
be conducted only after the University has posted a notice indicating the
purpose of inspection/repairs and stating that the inspection/repairs will
take place no sooner than 24 and no later than 72 hours after the notice
is posted. The employee authorized to conduct the inspection/repairs may
not enter the room without first knocking on the door and announcing the
purpose for entry.
Scheduled renovation projects in residence halls sometimes requires access
to student rooms. Any renovation project requiring room access will be posted
no less than 24 hours in advance.
6.17 Entry Without Consent on Suspicion of Violation of University Regulations
or Federal or State Law
a. Where federal, state, or local law enforcement officers, including
URI campus police, are involved in an investigation of possible violation
of state or federal law, any search of a student residence will be conducted
only in accord with legal standards applicable to police searches of private
residences. No University employee or agent other than a URI police officer
is authorized to conduct a search of a student's residence in connection
with such investigation. URI officials may, however, cooperate with the
law enforcement officers executing a search authorized by an appropriate
federal or state judicial officer.
b. If no federal, state, or local law enforcement officer (including URI
campus police) is involved in an investigation of a possible violation of
University policy, and if a URI employee (other than a URI campus police
officer) or student has reason to believe that the search of a particular
room will yield evidence of violation of a University regulation by a particular
student, that employee or student should contact the Director of Housing
and Residential Life, the Dean of Students, or the Assistant Vice President
for Campus Life. If the director or Assistant Vice President believes that
a search of the residence will produce evidence of a violation of University
regulations, or evidence of the identity of a person participating in such
a violation, s/he may issue an administrative search warrant. Once the administrative
warrant has been granted, the search will be conducted only by the Director
of Security, the Director of Housing and Residential Life, or his/her designee.
Any evidence found in the administrative search that indicates a violation
of University policy has occurred may be used for internal University action.
6.18 Emergency Removal from On-Campus Residence. Pending final student
disciplinary action on violation of University regulations, the privilege
of a student to live in or visit residence halls, on-campus apartments,
fraternities, or sororities may be withdrawn for reasons of imminent danger
to his/her physical or emotional safety or well-being, or for reasons which
seriously jeopardize the safety, well-being, or rights of other residents
or staff. The decision to remove a student from residence halls or on-campus
apartments will be made only by the Director of Housing and Residential
Life or a designee who may consult with the Office of Student Life and other
University officials as necessary. The decision to remove a student from
sororities or fraternities will be made by the Office of Campus Life in
consultation with the Office of Student Life. When a student is removed
from on-campus housing under these circumstances and is subsequently charged
in writing with violation of University regulations, the rights and responsibilities
of the University Student Discipline System will apply. A Hearing or Administrative
Action must be scheduled within 15 workdays of the emergency removal. The
student may request a hearing delay in writing. If a student is separated
from campus by this authority, the student must remain separated until the
hearing is held.
6.19 Enforced Reassignment and Removal. If, in the judgment of the
Director of Housing and Residential Life or his/her designee, reassignment
is necessary to protect the community, ensure the rights of other residents,
or for reasons of health and safety, enforced reassignment may be initiated
prior to formal action through the University Student Discipline System.
Any student removed from an on-campus residence unit for disciplinary reasons
may not live in another on-campus residence unit without advance permission
from the Dean of Students. This includes, but is not limited to, fraternities,
sororities, on - campus apartments and residence halls.
7. Policies for Residence Halls and On-Campus Apartments Welcome
to on-campus community living. Each residential life staff member believes
in the residential living experience and is committed to helping resident
students achieve academic success and personal growth.
Although life in a residence hall proves to be beneficial and enriching
to most students, it is not for everyone. Sharing a room and common areas
with others requires patience, flexibility, and a certain amount of give
and take. For those who are willing to make the necessary adjustments, residence
hall living can make the college experience much more memorable.
An important mission of the Department of Housing and Residential Life (HRL)
is to maintain an environment conducive to community living and academic
pursuits, in which the needs and rights of individual residents and those
of the community as a whole are equally protected. We are also aware of
the importance of a diverse community and therefore of an environment which
respects varying lifestyles, backgrounds, and orientations. All residents
will be responsible for abiding by all regulations and stipulations contained
within this handbook and the HRL Housing Contract. All residents and their
guests are expected to cooperate with HRL staff.
Within our on-campus living communities, residents are afforded certain
rights and responsibilities. Personal rights will be balanced with responsibilities
to the community. Each resident is entitled to sleep, study and pursue interests
without the undue influence of others.
7.1 Bathrooms. Entering a bathroom facility designated for members
of the opposite sex is prohibited. Students living in residence halls with
suites are also responsible for cleaning their semi-private bathroom.
7.2 Athletic Equipment and Activities. Athletic equipment is to be
used only in areas specifically designed for that equipment. Examples of
unacceptable activities are: frisbees, ball-playing, darts, hockey, rollerblading,
racquetball, tennis, squash, weight-lifting, bicycling or other disruptive
behaviors in corridors, lounges, or rooms.
7.3 Use of Residence Hall Lounges, Study and Recreation Rooms. These
areas are designed for use by residents, and their related functions will
have priority. Any request for use of these areas beyond their intended
function must be cleared through the Residence Hall Coordinator (RHC), Hall
Director (HD) or hall council.
7.4 Social Events. HRL recognizes that socializing is an important
part of the university experience. To ensure that all social events do not
infringe upon the rights of others, and comply with state laws, students
must adhere to the following guidelines and regulations and to those appearing
in Sections 2 and 4 of this handbook.
a. While impromptu socializing in residence hall rooms is encouraged, no
more than seven persons may occupy a student's room at any one time.
b. A social event is described as any planned gathering involving more than
seven people and when food or beverages are purchased in advance of the
event . Any resident(s) planning an alcohol-free event in a residence hall
must complete an Event Permission Form (available from the RHC/HD) at least
72 hours before the event is to occur. The appropriate HRL staff must sign
the Event Permission Form.
c. Only a small percentage of residence hall students are of legal
drinking age. Therefore, it is expected that most residence hall socializing
will be alcohol-free. Residents of legal age are asked to act responsibly
and not to have excessive amounts of alcohol in their rooms. If a student
(over 21 years old) has excessive quantities of alcohol in his or her room
or on his or her person, he or she may be asked to remove it from the residence
hall or dispose of it. Generally, staff will consider an excessive quantity
to be more than a case of beer or its equivalent for residents who are of
age. Guests 21 years and older may not bring into the residence hall more
than one six pack of beer or equivalent for their individual consumption.
See sections 2.18-2.34 of this handbook for a more complete list of regulations
and guidelines concerning alcohol & other drugs.
7.5 Safety. All residents are responsible for taking reasonable measures
to protect their own person and property and also that of their roommate(s)
by routinely locking their private room door, by exclusively retaining their
assigned key or lock combination, and by supporting and cooperating with
efforts of University security personnel to provide a safe and secure residence
hall community.
7.6 Unauthorized Entry. Unauthorized entry by any means into
a residence hall is strictly prohibited. Allowing anyone entry during those
hours when the exit doors are locked for security purposes, either directly
or through negligence (including propping doors), is strictly prohibited.
During the times when the doors are locked, all residents must use their
access card to unlock the main entrances. If students do not have their
room key or access card on their person, they must go the Key Office in
Roger Williams to borrow a key. No student may enter or exit a magnetically
locked door.
7.7 Keys and Combinations. Only residents and authorized staff are
permitted to have access cards, room combinations (combo's) and keys to
the residence halls and rooms within their residence halls. Altering a door
lock, unauthorized use of access cards and room and room combinations (combo's),
having additional keys made or installing locks is prohibited. Due to safety
and security needs, any missing, lost or stolen keys will require a lock
change at the resident's expense.
7.8 Guest and Room Use Policy. A person in a residence hall who is
not a resident of that hall and is not the guest of a resident of that hall
will be considered a trespasser.
a. Residents are responsible for their guests' conduct and will also be
held accountable for any violations of University rules and regulations,
damages and/or loss of property caused by their guests.
b. Whether or not they are present, students are responsible for the use
of their room by guests or others.
c. Night Receptionists are present on varying nights of the week in residence
halls. When a receptionist is present, all guests must present identification
and sign in when entering the building.
d. Overnight Guests. Residents may have an overnight guest in the residence
hall provided permission from the roommate is received and the laws of the
state of Rhode Island and all University regulations are observed in all
cases. Any one guest cannot stay in a residence hall longer than 4 nights
within a month. Any exception must be granted in advance by the RHC/HD.
7.9 Emergency Exits. Stairways, corridors, and doors are emergency
exits, and objects of any type cannot be kept in these areas at any time.
Objects of any type, including bicycles, left in these areas will be confiscated
at the owner's risk and expense.
7.10 Smoking. Smoking in public areas within the residence halls
is prohibited. Smoking is also restricted to those rooms in residence halls
designated as smoking rooms, and should not be occurring in any room designated
as non-smoking. If, in the judgment of a HRL staff member, the smoke from
a resident's room is interfering with the rights of others, the individual(s)
responsible will be instructed to shut their doors.
7.11 Window Coverings and Carpets. Regulation window coverings have
been provided in all residence hall rooms and all common areas. These may
not be replaced except by HRL. All carpets provided by students must have
a "fire spread" rating below 25 and a "low smoke generation."
A certificate from the manufacturer, adhering to the above, must be available
to the HRL on request.
7.12 Balconies. Balconies may not be used as storage areas for personal
and/or University belongings. Only furniture designed for outdoor use is
permitted. University issued furniture is not permitted on balconies. Climbing
between and throwing items from balconies is strictly prohibited.
7.13 Damage Billing. Students who are identified as being responsible
for damages to residence hall furnishings, structures or equipment will
be charged by HRL for the labor, materials, and administrative costs necessary
to complete the repair. When the damage or loss is caused by a student(s)
within the living unit but that student(s) cannot be identified, as a last
resort, the cost of repair will be charged to all members of the appropriate
residential unit (building, floor, or suite). The students in question will
be notified in writing when community billing is to occur and may appeal
that billing through the established grievance process. In cases of malicious
damage or other violations of community standards within a residential community,
disciplinary action may be taken against the student(s) in addition to their
being billed.
Bills must be paid promptly, and excessive or repeated damages will result
in warnings and/or termination of the student(s) HRL Housing Contract. While
repairs will be made as soon as possible, the damage billing process operates
separately from the repair/replacement process. Students may contact their
RHC/HD or the HRL for a price list of standard charges.
7.14 Check-In and Check-Out. Each resident must officially check
into and out of his or her residence hall with the RHC/HD or designated
staff during the posted scheduled hours. In the check-out process, each
resident is responsible for turning in his or her room key and having the
room inspected before departure. Upon check-out, a room must be left in
the same condition as at the time of check-in. If a room is left in unsatisfactory
condition, the resident will be billed for restoration charges. If a semi-private
bathroom is left in unsatisfactory condition, the assigned resident(s) will
be billed for any related restoration charges for the facility.
7.15 Modification of Student's Room or Furnishings. Occupants may
not dismantle, refinish, paint, dye, or alter in any way the furniture or
furnishings in the room without permission from HRL. Lofts or any bed support
systems of any kind (except those provided by HRL) are prohibited. Repair
or renovations of room by any external source is not permitted without the
expressed approval of HRL. Residents are not allowed to have any University
furnishings in their room except those present at check-in. With the exclusion
of beds, students may add their own furnishings to the room. Residents are
not allowed to relocate their beds to any room other than that to which
the student is registered without the hall director's approval.
7.16 Room Painting. Students are not allowed to paint their rooms
unless approved by the RHC/HD. In many residence hall locations, students
may paint their rooms by completing a Paint Authorization Form, which is
available through their RHC/HD. UNIVERSITY PROVIDED PAINT MUST BE USED.
7.17 Changes. Students will not be allowed to initiate any room changes
during the first three weeks of the start of a semester unless there is
a problem of a serious nature that can only be alleviated by changing rooms.
Prospective roommates are not subject to any preconditions or approval that
would deny them access to any room, and students may not refuse prospective
roommates. If, at the end of the fall semester, a student wishes to move,
then that move must occur before the intercession, or by the date and time
specified by HRL during the spring semester opening period.
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