Policy Descriptions

As a member of the UW-Whitewater community, each student is responsible for knowing and abiding by the policies of the residence hall system, as well as the policies of each hall entered. Residents are also expected to play an active role in enforcing community standards for behavior by confronting others who are violating Residence Hall policies and reporting any actions that are not in keeping with acceptable standards of student behavior. Violations of Residence Life and University policies can be confronted and documented by staff and fellow residents both inside and outside the residential facilities.

Establishment of policy. An important part of residence hall living is becoming part of a large community. Both the University and the Office of Residence Life have some expectations about student behavior in terms of how they manage their own lives and how they interact with other members of the community. A community of 3,800 students requires some guidelines that will assure a healthy living environment where rights will not be infringed upon. The Office of Residence Life has the responsibility for developing and enforcing policies in the residence halls and works with the Residence Hall Association to establish these policies.

These policies, together with those mandated by the University and state/federal laws, constitute the expectations of the residence hall community. Failure to abide by these policies will result in disciplinary action.

Alcohol. The alcohol policy has been developed according to state laws and UW System Board of Regents guidelines. It is expected that alcoholic beverages will be used responsibly, within legal guidelines, and in moderation to ensure other residents right to privacy, sleep, and study within their own rooms. Loud or disruptive behavior, interference with cleanliness of the residence halls, or inappropriate drinking habits which are injurious to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her are reasons for disciplinary action by the University. UW-Whitewater permits the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in University Residence Hall rooms by residents and their guests who are of legal drinking age within the following guidelines:

• Possession, but not consumption, of alcohol is permitted while transporting the unopened beverage from the point of acquisition to the residence hall, or from the residence hall to a point off campus, by residents and their guests who are of the state legal drinking age.
• Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in common areas, such as floor lounges, main lobbies, corridors, stairwells, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
• If both residents of a room are UNDER the legal drinking age, NO alcohol is allowed in the room, even by guests who meet the legal age requirement. All students present will be considered in violation of this policy regardless of alcohol consumption.
• If both residents of a room are of legal drinking age, they are allowed to possess and consume alcohol in their room. Their guests may consume alcohol if the guests are of the legal drinking age.
• If one roommate is of legal drinking age and the other roommate is under the legal drinking age, the of-age roommate and his/her guests of legal age are allowed to possess and consume alcohol in the room. Of age guests cannot possess or consume alcohol unless their host is present. The underage roommate and his/her guests of any age are not allowed to possess and consume alcohol in the room. If the of-age roommate is consuming alcohol, the under-age roommate and his/her guests may be present.
• The possession of beer kegs, beer bongs, or any other common source alcohol in the residence halls is prohibited. Students found in violation of this policy will be subjected to disciplinary action and the University Police will be contacted.
• Empty alcohol containers may not be possessed by underage residents.
• Alcohol is not allowed at Leadership Involvement Team (LIT) functions.
• Inappropriate behavior, being under the influence while under-age, incapacitation, and/or the need for medical attention because of alcohol or other drug use is considered a violation of policy.
• The brewing of production of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
• Violations of the alcohol policy will result in referral to the Student Conduct System or University Conduct.

Students are also subject to police issued citations for violations of state laws regarding alcohol.

Bicycles. Because of liability concerns and potential damage to floors and carpets, bicycles are prohibited in the residence halls. Bikes are not allowed to be stored in student rooms. Special exceptions may be available by contacting your Hall Director.

Campaigning in the residence halls. Solicitation by political candidates in the living areas of residence halls, including student rooms, door-to-door, floor lounges, floor bathrooms, hallways, or in shared common spaces in various locations in the residence halls is prohibited.

Candidates are only allowed to campaign in public and reservable areas with prior permission. In each residence hall complex, the Hall Director will handle requests for reserving a table in the lobby or a meeting room location. These requests are handled on a first come, first serve basis.

Candidates who wish to speak to the Leadership Involvement Team (LIT) require prior approval by the LIT. The Assistant Hall Director in each residence hall complex can provide the contact information for LIT.

Whitewater Student Government has special guidelines for political campaigning.

Common Area DamagesStudents are expected to support and maintain the hall environment. When damages, thefts, messes, or other acts occur in common hall areas bathrooms, hallways, lounges, etc.), the Responsible Learning Community is jeopardized. Whenever possible, the Office of Residence Life will hold the students responsible for all incurred charges. Students in the community can often help identify those responsible. If an individual does not take responsibility, the community as a group will take responsibility to pay for these damages. If the person(s) responsible are not identified, the community will be charged for common area damage. A charge is posted to a student’s account at the end of the academic year if the allocated billable damages are $5.00 or greater for that student.

Computing. Please see ResNET for the most up-to-date Computing Policies:
http://my.resnet.uww.edu/acceptable_use.php .

Courtesy and quiet hours. In all residence halls, the following hours of the day have been designated as quiet hours:

BEGIN: Sunday-Thursday / 10:00 pm
END: Monday-Friday / 9:00 am
BEGIN: Friday-Saturday / Midnight
END: Saturday-Sunday / 10:00 am

During these hours, noise must be kept to a minimum to allow study and sleep. Any audio equipment (e.g. radios, stereos, computers, TVs) must be played at reasonable volume levels that will not disturb other residents. At no time may speakers be played out of the windows. The remaining hours of the day will be designated as courtesy hours. Even during these times, reasonable noise levels should be maintained. During final exams, extended quiet hours are in effect. In order to maintain an academic environment, residents have a responsibility to avoid excessive noise that may be heard outside of residence hall windows and doors. Staff may confront noise issues that occur outside the buildings.

Drugs. The possession and/or use of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia is in violation of state and federal law and UW-Whitewater policy. In addition, being in the presence of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia and misuse and abuse of legal drugs are also considered violations of the drug policy. Suspected violations may be referred to the University Police, the Student Conduct System, or University Conduct.

Equipment and electrical appliances. Use of electrical appliances such as toasters, frying pans, sandwich grills, George Foreman-like indoor-grills, hot plates, waffle irons, or other cooking devices are prohibited in areas other than residence hall kitchens because of fire safety regulations. Small coffee pots are permitted in rooms. Use of halogen lights, floor lamps with plastic shades, and space heaters not provided by the University are also prohibited. All power strips, extension cords and adapters must be UL approved, and due to fire risk, only one power strip, extension cord or adapter may be used per outlet. The Office of Residence Life reserves the right to remove any unauthorized or dangerous electrical appliances. Refrigerators are permitted in student rooms, but may not exceed 4.2 cubic feet. Microwave conventional ovens are permitted, but may not exceed 900 watts. Only university provided air conditioners are allowed in the residence halls.

Failure to complete sanctions. Students are expected to complete all assigned sanctions that are the result of a previous conduct case that was adjudicated in the Office of Residence Life. Failure to complete an assigned sanction may result in further charges and sanctions.

Fire safety. The safety of every individual in the residence hall is critical to residence hall staff, and fire is of particular concern. It is important that all students become familiar with the stairwells and exits in the buildings, and practice caution when decorating their room. Due to the potential fire hazard, students are not allowed to hang anything such as fishnets, parachutes, sheets, etc. Students are prohibited from decorating with paneling or plywood, or blocking the doorway with furniture. Wheelchairs may not be stored in hallways except in approved areas. Candles, (including candles without wicks) candle warmers, and incense are not allowed at any time. Smoke and/or fog machines and halogen lights are also prohibited. If a student intentionally starts a fire, or if a fire results from negligence, students may be held financially responsible for property damage or personal loss, and may be removed from the residence halls.

Smoke detectors are located in each room and should not be tampered with or unplugged. If a smoke detector is not working, an RA should be notified. Tampering with these or other fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms, fire alarm covers, fire hoses, or fire extinguishers, may be just cause for removal from the residence halls.

The Office of Residence Life assumes no liability for damages related to the Wells Hall sprinkler system. Individuals responsible for interfering or tampering with the sprinkler system may be held financially responsible for damages and may be subject to removal from the residence halls.

Persons causing false fire alarms, interfering with the proper functioning of the fire alarm system, including pull box covers, or interfering with the lawful efforts of emergency personnel are subject to prosecution under Wisconsin Statutes. In addition, individuals may be removed from the residence halls and/or the University. Every student is responsible for immediate evacuation of the building in the event of a fire alarm. Failure to evacuate will result in referral to the Student Conduct System and possible police involvement.

Firearms and weapons. Firearms, ammunition, hunting knives, switchblades, laser pointers, paint ball guns, slingshots, wrist rockets, airsoft guns, BB guns, any toy guns and other weapons are not permitted in the residence halls. Weapon storage is not provided on campus. Residents possessing these items may be subject to removal from residence halls.

Flammable materials/explosives. Explosives, fireworks, gasoline or any other flammable materials that might create a hazard are not permitted in residence halls. Possession or use of such materials is a violation of state law and may result in referral to University Police and/or disciplinary action by the University. Use of such explosives may also result in immediate cancellation of the residence hall contract.

Food storage. Food may be kept in rooms if stored in sealed containers or refrigerators. Storage of food between the window and the screen or on the window ledge is prohibited.

Furniture. University owned furniture must be left in rooms and common areas to which it has been allocated. Lobby, lounge, and basement furniture or other University property is not permitted in student rooms, and a charge of $10 per day may be assessed for the unauthorized possession of furniture. Students will be held personally responsible for damage sustained by themselves or others in the room resulting from modifications made to the room or its furnishings. Examples include construction of bunk beds, partitions, or lofts.

Gambling. Gambling, including on-line gambling, betting on athletic events, or the possession of gambling devices in residence halls, is prohibited by state law and University policy.

Grills. The grill policy has been developed in accordance with Chapter 18 of the Administrative code. Specifically, UWS 18.06.11.a reads:

No person may light, build or use, or cause another to light, build or use, any fires, including but not limited to burning candles, burning incense or gas or charcoal cooking appliances, on university lands or in university facilities, except in such places as are established for these purposes and designated by the chief administrative officer.

• Barbeque grilling is limited to permanent grills established around our residential facilities.
• Residents are encouraged to use "charcoal chimneys" (available at the front desk) to start charcoal rather than lighter fluid or other flammables. NOTE: Lighter fluid, charcoal or other flammables may be not be stored in the residence halls, unless used by an approved student organization and is stored in university fire-proof boxes.
• Residents must dispose of ashes in provided ash cans.
• Residents are responsible for cleaning the area and disposing of all trash appropriately at the conclusion of grilling.
• Because of the close proximity to the residence halls, residents should be considerate of other residents while grilling. Noise should be kept to a minimum especially during quiet hours.

Guest policies. A guest is defined as any individual who is not a resident of that complex.

• Guests must be escorted at all times.
• Guests are subject to all the rules of the University and the residence hall in which they are staying.
• Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests, whether the residents are present or not.
• The host of the guest staying in the residence hall must have the approval of all occupants of the room in which the guests will be staying.
• The rights of a roommate supersede those of a guest in the room. If a roommate is inconvenienced by the presence of a guest, even if it is a time where guests are permitted in the residence hall, the guest can be asked to leave.
• If a guest and/or host do not respect the rights of the roommate, a staff member may be contacted for assistance.
• Any group of four or more guests staying in the hall must have prior approval of the Office of Residence Life.
• Overnight guests must be hosted by a resident. Non-sponsored guests are not permitted.
• A resident whose guest does not comply with the conditions listed above may face disciplinary action including being found responsible for the specific policy violated. University personnel reserve the right to direct guests to leave the premises.
• Guests will be allowed to stay for a consecutive three day period for a reasonable number of times per semester.
• Children are not permitted to reside with their resident parent or guardian in the residence halls.

Harassment. The Office of Residence Life firmly believes in the rights of individuals and cautions students about the harassment of others. All reports of harassment will be dealt with according to UWS Chapter 17 guidelines and or Residence Life policies.

Housekeeping and trash disposal. Students are expected to maintain their rooms in a reasonably neat and clean manner. In addition, students are expected to remove trash on a regular basis and dispose of it according to established recycling guidelines. It is a violation of policy to leave your room garbage in the bathroom or lounge. At all times, hallways, should be kept free of furniture, garbage, or other personal items.

Students who need to dispose of needles or syringes should place them into puncture resistant and leak proof containers. Containers should then be labeled with biohazardous stickers available from the University of Health and Counseling Services, which can also dispose of the containers for students. Additional information about disposal of containers may be obtained from the Office of Residence Life or the University Health and Counseling Service.

Identification. Students are required to carry their HawkCard (University ID card) at all times and must present it to University staff members upon request. Students may not impersonate a University staff member, including student staff members.

Inappropriate Behavior. When living in such a large community, it is important that the rights and property of others are respected. Consequently, behavior such as horseplay, pranks, the making of a mess, or any actions which damage property or disturb others will be considered inappropriate for the residence hall environment and the surrounding area. Unauthorized production of audio, video, or photographic images of a person in a location in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, shower/locker rooms, residence halls rooms, and restrooms, is prohibited. Other behavior that would reasonably be considered inappropriate conduct for a residence hall community, and not addressed in other specific policies, is prohibited.

Lobby displays and fliers. Commercial vendors, political candidates, or others who desire to have materials placed in lobbies for students to pick up if they wish must contact the Associate Director of Residence Life. Limitations apply due to availability of space.

Locks and keys. Tampering with locks to student rooms, front doors, or any other hall rooms is prohibited and may result in immediate contract cancellation. Unauthorized possession or duplication of university keys or ID cards is prohibited. It is also against residence hall policy to replace keys or lock cylinders and/or to add locks or security alarms to any residence hall rooms.

Lofts.

• Pressure lofts, which exert force between the floor and the ceiling or walls, are not allowed. Students who are buying/building lofts for the first time should be considering only completely freestanding units.
• Designs should utilize untreated wood and bolts. Nails, fiberglass, metal sheeting, chains, ropes, wires, and PVC pipe are not allowed.
• The bed frame, head, and footboards are the only pieces of residence hall furniture that may be integrated into the design of a loft/bunk.
• Any loft design should utilize the bed frames, bed legs, and mattresses which are already in the room. There is no storage for these components. Furniture and components must not leave the residence hall.
• Lofts or bunked beds may not be placed parallel to the window unless the bed is at least 3 feet from the window and/or at a height which is below the window ledge (no more than 3 feet high.) This will prevent accidental falling against the window and/or screen.
• The distance from the top of the mattress to the ceiling must be at least 18 inches. Students should be aware of the potential for falling from a loft.
• A loft must be positioned so the door can open freely. A loft should not hinder a door from being opened all the way.

Mail. Mail will not be delivered during vacation periods, so students should make alternative arrangements if necessary. When students move, it is their responsibility to notify magazine and newspaper publishers several weeks in advance to minimize disruptions in delivery. U.S. Postal packages are delivered to each residence hall desk. Packages delivered by other carriers, such as UPS or Federal Express, can be picked up on the first floor of Goodhue Hall during office hours.

Recognized student organizations may submit mailbox stuffings if the items are individually labeled with student names and room numbers. The organizations must first receive approval from the Associate Director of Residence Life and then may submit the stuffings to the Office of Residence Life in Goodhue Hall. Exceptions are granted for governance and programmatic items from Whitewater Student Government and the Residence Hall Association.

Student organization mailing rules apply when student organizations sponsor mailings which include items from commercial vendors or political candidates. The sponsoring organization must be clearly displayed on the items, and prior notice through the Office of Residence Life is required to ensure proper delivery.

Mailings will be accepted from commercial vendors and political candidates only through the US Postal Service. Items must be individually addressed.

Mailings distributed through the Office of Residence Life must be no larger than a 8.5x11 sheet of paper or a 5x7 envelope.

Musical instruments. Musical instruments may not be played in student rooms except for electronic instruments with headphones. Instruments may be played in designated areas in accordance with individual hall regulations. Musical instruments may not be played during quiet hours. Individuals who need extended practice sessions may ask to use the facilities provided in the Center of the Arts.

Off-campus student conduct. Through various Leadership roles, students often participate in scheduled off campus activities. These activities may include camps, conferences, programs, retreats, workshops, etc. Students participating in off-campus activities sponsored by and representing the residence halls, Office of Residence Life, or the University must adhere to the following:

• Office of Residence Life policies addressing student behavior
• Policies and procedures of the off campus host(s) for the activity of facilities (Camp, retreat policies, etc.)

University policies and related state federal law - Inappropriate behavior by students representing the Office of Residence Life at off campus activities may result in action being taken in accordance with Residence Life procedures. Documentation of incidents may be forwarded to the Residence Life Student Conduct System or the University Conduct System. Such incidents may also be reported to the respective host officials.

Pets. No pet may be kept in or near residence halls, and University personnel or their designee may remove pets from Residence Halls. The only exception to this policy is harmless fish in a twenty gallon or less aquarium and dogs trained to provide assistance to students with disabilities. However, the University assumes no responsibility for harm to, or loss of, an aquarium for whatever reason. Additionally, the University assumes no responsibility for harm to dogs trained to provide assistance to students with disabilities. Students with service animals must meet with the Center for Students with Disabilities to have the animal approved and must have a signed copy of the Service Animal Agreement Policy on file. Visiting pets are also prohibited.

Physical assault. All forms of physical assault including physical attacks, fighting, and sexual assault are prohibited in the residence halls and will be dealt with severely. Furthermore, such actions may invoke the Wisconsin Mandatory Arrest law for domestic abuse. This law provides for the mandatory arrest of any person who commits any of the following acts against a roommate or former roommate:

• Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or illness
• Intentional impairment of physical condition
• Sexual assault
• A physical act, or threat in conjunction with a physical act, that may cause the other to reasonably fear imminent engagement in the conduct described above

Postings

Postings. Event promotion in the residence halls occurs through the Event Calendar. We discourage the promotion of events through individual postings. Please see the Event Calendar section for details.

Exceptions will be granted to political organizations, commercial vendors, or individuals with items for sale who are permitted one 8.5x11 posting per residence hall.

Offices, departments, and student organizations with information that does not meet the definition of an event are allowed one posting per wing of each residence hall. Postings should be brought to second floor Goodhue Hall; they will be distributed to the halls from there. Postings must be approved, stamped, and displayed by residence life staff.

Whitewater Student Government has special guidelines for their elections regarding posting, which can be obtained from the Associate Director of Residence Life.

Recreation in and around residence halls. Organized athletic activities must be conducted on athletic fields to avoid disturbing residents and causing possible damage to the halls. In order to minimize potential personal injury, no games or equipment designed to be played outdoors are allowed in hallways or lounge areas.

Rollerblades, wheeled shoes, and scooters. Because of potential damage to floors and carpets, rollerblades, scooters, wheeled shoes and similar items may only be used outdoors.

Residence hall security. Students are responsible for helping to maintain a secure residence hall environment and may not prop open outside doors, allow building access to non residents who are not their guests, duplicate residence hall keys, or attempt to gain access to an area for which they are not authorized. Exiting buildings through emergency doors in non-emergency situations is prohibited.

Responding to directives of University staff. University staff members are trained to respond to emergency situations and policy violations; however, their effectiveness often depends on cooperation from students. Students are expected to respond to all reasonable directives, written or verbal, from staff members and must not interfere with the performance of any duties (this includes opening your door when it is requested by University staff). Furthermore, any verbal abuse, harassment, or intimidation of staff members will be immediately referred to the Student Conduct System and may result in contract reassignment or cancellation.

Room decorations. Students are encouraged to personalize their rooms with decorations. In doing so, masking tape, pins and thumbtacks may be used as adhesives, but nails, duct tape, adhesive hooks, and scotch tape should not be used due to possible damage to the room. Decorative lights should be unplugged if you are not in the room. No decorations should hang from ceilings or raceways. Questions about room decorations should be directed to the Hall Director.

During the holiday season, students may not have natural trees or wreaths in their room due to the potential fire hazard. Indoor lights which are UL approved may be used. Indoor lights may not be wrapped around metal surfaces, bed frames, or any lofts.

Student room doors and rooms windows in residence halls are considered "private living space". If an item is posted on a student room door or room window that targets a specific individual in a harmful, harassing, or intimidating manner, the resident will be asked to remove it. If an item is posted that is generally discriminatory or distasteful, a dialogue between the student and the Hall Director will occur.

Sales and solicitation. Door-to-door solicitation is never allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, knocking on doors, sliding things under student doors and putting door hangers on doorknobs.

Sexual assault. Sexual Assault is a serious, violent crime, which has far reaching effects. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the Office of Residence Life make every effort to educate the community about sexual assault and to protect students. Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact with a person without the consent of that person. Students living in the residence halls who wish to make a complaint about a sexual assault may do so through the University Police, Residence Life Conduct System, and/or the University Conduct process.

Smoking. All of UW-Whitewater's residence halls are smoke free. Smoking is not permitted in any areas of the residence halls, including student rooms and foyers. Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of any residence hall.

Residence Life Tipline Students who have information regarding common area damages or other safety and security information, but who wish to remain anonymous, can call the Residence Life Tipline at 262-472-1612

Theft. Possession of another person's or the university's property, without prior consent, is prohibited. This includes property from individual student rooms, as well as from laundry rooms and other common areas.

Traffic Control Devices. Signs or traffic control devices which are the property of federal, state, county or city governments are not permitted in the residence halls, which includes but is not limited to stop signs, pedestrian traffic control, and street signs. Possession of such described signs/devices may result in referral to the University Police as well as the Student Conduct System.

Trespassing. Students who occupy or visit residence halls without appropriate authorization will be referred to the Student Conduct System. This includes students who violate a Residence Hall Ban sanction.

Vandalism. Damage to any residence hall furniture, fixtures, or facilities or damage to the property of students living in the residence halls is prohibited. Violators will be held financially responsible for such actions and will be referred to the Student Conduct System. Damages in common areas of the residence halls may be charged to all residents within that unit. See Common Area Damage section.

Verbal abuse. The Office of Residence Life makes every effort to ensure that each member of the residence hall community feels welcome, comfortable, and safe. It is expected that all members of the community refrain from abusive language in their interactions with residents and staff, including ResNET staff. Verbal abuse may include all forms of communication such as oral, written, telephone, computer, etc.

Visitation. A Board of Regents decision allows 24 hour visitation in the University of Wisconsin System Residence Halls. Visitation in the UW-Whitewater Residence Halls shall be defined as the right of the individual student to invite guests and to entertain guests in his or her room. All of our residence halls have twenty-four hour visitation.

Students should keep in mind that their conduct and the conduct of their guests should not inconvenience roommates or other students.

The enforcement and supervision of the policies governing visitation are primarily the students' responsibility. To insure proper channels of enforcement and supervision, the residence hall staff will assume a mutual responsibility. The coordination of enforcement responsibilities rests with the Residence Hall Director.

Waterbeds. Waterbeds are not permitted in residence hall rooms.

Weightlifting. Weight lifting equipment or barbells may not be kept in student rooms.

Windows. Objects and liquids may not be dropped or thrown from the window and such conduct may result in immediate contract cancellation. Yelling or playing music from windows is prohibited. Window screens may not be removed. If screens are removed without permission, there will be a referral to the Student Conduct System.

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