University Housing 2011-2012 Student Handbook

 

University Housing Policies

University Housing policies help create a secure and appropriate living environment for all students. Through the active participation of all residents and their guests in abiding by the policies, a community, conducive to living, learning, and personal growth is established. Therefore, residents are responsible for demonstrating their understanding of these policies, in addition to the Student Code of Conduct and University Policies. Should you choose to disregard any of the stated University Housing policies, or the Student Code of Conduct, elements of the conduct process may be administered to hold you accountable for your actions. Each resident is responsible for the actions of their guests and the actions that take place within their room. Residents and guests must comply with the directives of university personnel, including hall staff, university police officers, and community emergency agencies while in the halls and around the surrounding properties. If you have any questions, contact your residence hall staff.

ALCOHOL POLICY
All residents and guests are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol; or, hosting or being in the presence of others consuming alcohol in any of ASU’s residence halls or on ASU grounds. In addition, all provisions of Arizona state law regarding alcohol are in effect at all times, including but not limited to the minor in consumption (returning to the hall intoxicated), minor in possession, and public consumption laws. Devices designed for rapid consumption of alcohol (e.g., beer bongs, funnels, etc.) are prohibited and subject to confiscation. Kegs and other common source containers are prohibited. Due to health risks and the negative message sent to minors, residents are not permitted to possess/decorate their rooms with empty alcohol containers and or paraphernalia (e.g. neon signs, shot glasses, alcohol boxes, etc.). This policy includes all upper-class residential communities.  

BICYCLES
University Housing does not permit bicycle storage in the hallways; locked bicycles to exterior stair rails or bicycles blocking fire escapes. Students should lock bicycles to bicycle racks located adjacent to each residence hall. Bicycle storage is permitted in student rooms (excluding Taylor Place at Downtown Phoenix Campus).

CHRONIC MISBEHAVIOR
Residents are prohibited from establishing an unacceptable pattern of misconduct.  An unacceptable pattern of misconduct occurs when he/she is frequently documented for violations of policy.

CIVILITY AND RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS
Residents are prohibited from conducting themselves in a manner that exemplifies disrespect for people of any gender, races, religions, sexual orientation, abilities, ages, ethnic groups or other identity.  Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES/ILLEGAL DRUGS & PARAPHERNALIA
Arizona state law and university policy prohibits student involvement in the use, possession, distribution, presence of or sale of illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia.  Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

COOKING
Cooking in student rooms is allowed where kitchen facilities are a standard part of the room’s facilities, and in community cooking locations.  Microwaves are permitted when limited to 700-watt usage.  Excluding University Towers and Cholla Apartments, only small refrigerators (no more than 4.0 cubic ft) are allowed in residence hall rooms. All cooking in kitchen facilities must be monitored at all times. Students who fail to clean up after cooking may be held accountable for their actions.   University Housing is committed to sustaining our environment, therefore encourages students to utilize energy-star appliances.

Note: Due to safety concerns, students are prohibited from lighting stove pilot lights in Cholla Apartments. If you smell natural gas, call your front desk immediately.  Please submit a work request online http://workrequest.vpsa.asu.edu:8300/  

COOPERATION AND COMPLIANCE
Students are expected to provide accurate and truthful information and to comply with the directions of university officials or agents (which include hall staff, law enforcement, or security officers) who are acting in good faith and in the performance of their duties.  

COURTESY AND QUIET HOURS
University Housing has two policies related to noise in the common and private areas of the residence halls for the maintenance of an atmosphere conducive to academic success: courtesy hours and quiet hours. Noise in common areas, including balconies, must be kept to a minimum. Noise made inside your room should not be audible outside of your room.

Courtesy Hours: Courtesy hours are in effect at all times in the residence halls. You have the right to ask others to refrain from making noise when that noise interferes with your study, sleep, or general use of your room. If a resident requests another resident to lower the volume or reduce the amount of noise, the expectation is to accommodate the request and reduce the amount of noise.

Quiet Hours: These are enforced in the residence hall as a supplement to the courtesy hours. Quiet hours are in effect in all residence halls from 9 p.m. - 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 1 a.m. – 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. During finals week, quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day, beginning on Reading Day. Individual floors and/or halls may add restrictions on noise, but may not reduce what is noted above.

DAMAGE/VANDALISM
Residents are prohibited from vandalizing, damaging, or destroying university or personal property.  Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

DECORATING YOUR ROOM
Personalizing your living space is an important part of making your room your home. Please be advised that you may not make any permanent alterations to your room or furniture unless approved by hall staff.  Damages not listed on the room inspection report will be billed to your account.  You are responsible for thoroughly completing a room inspection form and returning the completed form to hall staff accordingly. Students are not permitted to paint their rooms. Floor projects to paint and personalize floor common areas may be arranged but must be approved in advance by your hall staff.  The following are additional guidelines and regulations regarding decorations. These regulations have been developed by the Fire Marshal and ASU’s University Services cfo.asu.edu/cfo-education-awareness.  Residents and guests are required to comply with the room decoration policy.

The following items and actions are prohibited in resident’s room due to their association with facility damage, fire hazard and/or high-energy use.
Holiday Decorations

  • All holiday decorations must be removed prior to fall, spring and summer residence hall closing.
  • Any decorations on or around the artificial tree must be non-combustible or properly treated with fire retardant material.
  • Decorations for holidays and celebrations should be of noncombustible material.

Lighting/Candles

  • Any electrical lighting must bear the label of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) and be in good condition (free of frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets).
  • Candles, incense, neon signs, halogen lamps or holiday/string lighting in your room or any hallway is prohibited. (Candle warmers are not permitted in the halls.)
  • Light bulbs must be arranged so they do not ignite any combustible materials. No combustible material can be near the bulb or any part of the electrical connection/s.
  • Lighting strings may not be plugged in one to another.
  • Lights should not hang more than three inches from the ceiling.
  • Only low wattage (less than 12 watts) lighting shall be used.
  • Possession of or use of any candles, ember, glowing or open flame articles are prohibited in all university buildings, including residence halls (Permits can be authorized through the building manager and the fire marshal for special events on a case-by-case bases).

General Safety

  • Artificial trees shall not block or obstruct an exit or passageway.
  • Clothing, banners, flags, blankets, lights, or messages may not be hung on the outside of the buildings.
  • Combustible materials can be used only if the items bear a “flame-proof” label on the wrapper.
  • Elevator lobbies or stairways must be free of obstruction and combustible material.
  • Ensure exits are not obstructed and that all exit lighting is visible.
  • Extension cords are only for temporary use, must be at least a minimum of 16 gauge or heavier with a ground three-prong plug, cannot run in series, and must not cause a safety hazard.
  • Hallways must be clear of obstruction.  Therefore, no decorations (unless on residents room door) outside of resident room is allowed.
  • Live trees and cut vegetation are prohibited (exception: cut flowers and/or house plants are acceptable for temporary display in a personal area as long as it does not create a fire or health hazard).
  • Lofting your bed is not permitted.
  • It is not permitted to put nails, staples, duck tape or holes in the walls (see hall staff for recommendations on appropriate methods to hang items on walls).
  • Painting your room/hallway or furniture is not permitted.
  • Paper products should be fire retardant and decorations must be limited to no more than 25 percent of the wall space (including room door).
  • Plugging any electrical cords, devices, appliances, lighting, etc. into anything but the wall directly or into a surge protector. (No cords are allowed to go from one room to another, including through a doorway, floor or ceiling)
  • You may not connect your decorations to or obstruct the operation of any fire equipment. This includes but is not limited to smoke detectors, fire sprinkler heads or pipes.
  • You may not have any heavy or oversized furniture in your room. This includes but is not limited to a waterbed, any furniture containing liquid, wood structures or bars.
  • You may not have any university furnishings in your room other than the furniture provided upon checking in. This includes but is not limited to, lobby, conference room and/or lounge furniture.
  • You may not use any alcohol containers to decorate your room.
  • You may not use any sort of real, toy or fake weapon to decorate your room.

NOTE: Rearranging university furniture in your room must be in accordance with manufacture use.  See hall staff to verify.  All equipment, materials, decoration, etc. items, must be used in accordance to manufacture recommendations for use.

FIRE/EMERGENCY AND SAFETY
Residents and their guests are expected to promptly evacuate the building whenever a fire alarm sounds and to observe all fire/emergency guidelines. Hall specific fire evacuation procedures are outlined within your room or at your front desk.  Whether accidental or intentional, the misuse, damage and/or tampering with fire/emergency equipment (such as fire pull boxes, fire extinguishers, fire doors, fire hoses, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems) is strictly prohibited and will result in behavioral, student conduct and/or criminal action. Tampering with or disabling fire equipment and smoke detectors are a felony in the state of Arizona. Residents are encouraged to confront individuals disregarding this policy and to report the incident to their hall staff. The following items are prohibited in the residence hall due to their association as a fire hazard:

  • Banners
  • Barbecues
  • Candles (candle warmers)
  • Coffeemakers
  • Combustion engines (examples: motors for bicycles, scooters, mo-peds, etc.)
  • Decorations connected to or obstructing the operation of any smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire sprinkler heads or pipes
  • Flags
  • Flammable materials such as paint thinner, gasoline or motor oil
  • Gasoline or electrical powered vehicles or engines regardless of their state of dismantlement
  • George Foreman grills
  • Halogen lamps
  • Holiday/string lights (unless low wattage, less that 12 watts)
  • Hookahs
  • Hot plates
  • Hot pots
  • Incense
  • Microwaves over  700 watt usage
  • Neon signs
  • Refrigerators larger than 4.0 cubic ft.
  • Sandwich makers
  • Space heaters
  • Stoves (wood, charcoal or gas)
  • Tapestries
  • Toasters/toaster ovens
  • Waffle maker
  • Window drapes
  • Any appliance with a heated coil (if you are unsure whether your equipment has a heated coil, please ask hall staff to verify before brining item into your room.)

FIREARMS/AMMUNITION/WEAPONS
The university Student Code of Conduct prohibits explosives (including fireworks), firearms, black or smokeless powder ammunition, and/or weapons of any type in the residence halls, resident rooms, or campus grounds. Possession of firearms, weapons, and/or ammunition in the residence halls could be grounds for the immediate termination of the Residence Hall License Agreement. For the definition of “weapon” for residence hall policy, weapons may include, but are not limited to: knives, paint guns, air guns, CO2 guns, stun guns, tasers, martial arts weapons, mace, laser pointers, tear gas, sling shots, and pellet and spring guns.  Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

GAMBLING
Residents are prohibited from gambling in the residential halls.  Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

GUESTS/VISITATION
Guests must be signed in by their host (ASU resident for that specific community) when entering a residential community. Guest(s) must present a valid form of identification.  Any minor (under the age of 18) not presenting a valid ASU ID must be signed in by a parent or legal guardian, including a valid emergency contact number in the event of an emergency.  The host must escort guests at all times. See your hall staff for the maximum number of people in a room at one time.
Residents and guests are responsible for their own safety and for the actions of their guests while in the residence halls and on the surrounding properties.  Residents will be held accountable for their guest behaviors by the conduct system.
Overnight guests are welcome after consideration is given to the roommates/suitemates’ needs and rights. Residents should register their overnight guest(s) with hall staff and obtain written approval prior to their stay. Overnight guests are limited to a maximum of three consecutive nights and not more than six nights per month. Overnight guest(s) under the age of 18 must be accompanied by legal guardian (non-resident) during their stay (except where family housing is provided).  Exceptions to this policy must be approved in advance by Executive Director of University Housing or designee.

HALL RECREATION
Rollerblading, roller-skating, skateboarding (including freestyle skating, skateboarding tricks, and any time all 4 wheels leave the ground), or biking inside the residence halls or adjacent grounds is not permitted. Playing with, throwing, bouncing, kicking or rolling any ball, or using any sports equipment except in designated areas inside the residence halls is also prohibited. No wrestling, sparring, or rough play of any kind is permitted in the residence halls.

HARASSMENT AND HARM
Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

HAZING
Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

KEYS
Keys (room key, mailbox key, or any other residential key) issued to resident by University Housing may not be duplicated or given to unassigned persons (friends, family members, others). All keys must be surrendered at time of official hall check-out.

PASSIVE PARTICIPATION
Residents are obligated to remove themselves from any situation where a violation is occurring. Residents present during a violation of hall policy and/or code of conduct can be held responsible for that violation

PETS
No pets, except fish and specially approved service animals, are permitted in the residence halls. Fish tanks larger than 10 gallons are not permitted in the halls. A certified service animal is permitted for a resident with approved medical documentation (see Disability Resource Services for guidelines). Service animals that are found to be aggressive, create a nuisance or sanitation concern, or threaten the safety of others will not be allowed to remain in the hall. Guests are not permitted to bring pets into the residence hall at any time. Please note that failure in the timely removal of the pet from the residential hall (as determined by hall staff) may result in the enlisting of animal control services.

POOL REGULATIONS
Residents swim at their own risk. University Housing does not provide lifeguards for its pool facilities. Glass containers are not permitted in the pool areas. Residents are required to act in a manner that will not disturb or violate the rights of others when using the pool facilities. Pool hours are 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. Use of pool outside of the posted designated hours is subject to disciplinary action. Pool use is limited to residents and their escorted guests only. Failure to maintain the facilities, vandalism or damages, may result in the closing of the pool and surrounding area for all students, and may result in community damage charges. Nudity is prohibited.

PUBLIC AREA FURNISHINGS
Public area furnishings are for the use of all residents and are not to be removed from the public areas or to be used in residents’ rooms. The removal of public furnishings is considered theft of state property and individual or community damage charges may result.  

ROOFS AND LEDGES
For safety and maintenance reasons, no student is allowed on any residence hall roof or ledge for any purpose.

SCREENS, OPEN WINDOWS, BALCONIES, AND LANDINGS
Screens must remain on windows at all times. All permanently sealed windows must remain closed to regulate the air conditioning and ensure safety. Throwing any object, solid or liquid, out of a residence hall window or off any balcony or landing is strictly prohibited. Clothing, banners, flags, lights, or messages may not be hung or posted on the outside of the buildings. Food, plants, or other items are not permitted on outside windowsills, balconies, landings, or ledges.

SMOKING
Residents are not permitted to smoke in any residential facility.  Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.  See your hall staff for locations and information about designated smoking areas.

SOLICITATION
Solicitation is prohibited in all residence halls. Solicitors should be immediately reported to a residence hall staff member or the hall front desk. Residents are not allowed to use their rooms, telephones, computer lab facilities, or mailboxes for commercial or business purposes.

STALKING
Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION
Each residence hall room contains a bin for collecting trash and a blue colored bin for collecting recyclable materials.  Residents are encouraged to participate in the ASU Recycling Program and to use these bins accordingly.  All residents are required to dispose of their own trash and recycling by taking it to the designated dumpster locations.  Dumpsters for recycling are clearly labeled and residents are asked to not contaminate them with non-recyclable materials.  Guidelines for materials that are recyclable can be found at the front desk or from your CA.  For information on keeping the ASU campus clean and beautiful, go to recycle.asu.edu

THEFT
Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

THREATS
Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY
Residents are prohibited from entering the residential halls illegally, improperly, without authorization, or during non-contract periods without proper permission.  This includes your or another resident's room or any room you are not authorized to enter, including alarmed exit doors.

Additional University policies that all ASU students must adhere to:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
COMPUTER, INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

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