Students are considered adults and university-student relations are founded
on this principle. All residence hall students are governed by the University
Student Conduct Code. It is expected that residents and their guests will
at all times be respectful of the rights of others. The policies which
follow pertain specifically to residence hall living.
Rights and Responsibilities
Each student has the right/responsibility to:
- Read, study, and sleep without interference, unreasonable noise
or other distractions.
- Have personal privacy within one's residence hall room.
- Live in a clean and safe environment.
- Have guests with the understanding that guests will honor other's
rights.
- Be free from physical and emotional intimidation and harm.
- Expect that his/her personal belongings will be respected.
- Comply with residence hall staff.
- Report residence hall and university violations to appropriate
staff.
Abandonment of Property
When ORL staff finds items and have knowledge of who the items belong to they will notify the appropriate resident. Once notified, the resident has 60 days to pick up the items or they will be disposed of.
Alcohol Policy
Residents under the age of 21 are not allowed to drink or be in the presence of alcohol in the residence halls. The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by residents who are of legal drinking age is permitted in specifically designated areas of University residence halls by Board of Regents policy, subject to the following guidelines for the UMM campus:
- Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be allowed in students’ rooms by residents of the room who are 21 years of age or older.
- Guests who are 21 years of age or older may only possess or consume alcoholic beverages in rooms where the host(s) is/are 21 years of age or older.
- Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed in the common areas of any residence hall.
NOTE: Public area is defined as an area for use by all residents and/or can be seen by an individual from a public area.
- Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of alcoholic beverage containers is not permitted by individuals who are not 21 years of age or older. This includes empty alcohol containers.
- Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by residents who are 21years of age or older will not be allowed in the presence of residents/guests not 21 years of age or older.
- Kegs and party balls are not permitted in the residence halls.
- Alcohol paraphernalia is not permitted in the residence halls (example: beer bongs and containers)
In addition, violations of the alcohol policy will be seen as serious breaches of housing contractual conditions and University policy and could result in eviction from on-campus housing. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of individual residents to know, understand, and comply with existing state and local statutes, codes and regulations relating to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Violators of the regulations must accept full individual responsibility for their actions and cannot expect the University to provide them with immunity from civil or criminal prosecution.
Sanctions for violation of the alcohol policy increase in severity through a three step process. Parental notification can happen any time we feel there is a health and/or safety risk.
First Violation
Students found in violation will:
- Meet with their RD and review the alcohol policy and future sanctions. The student will receive a letter verifying this information
- Check out a copy of “Alcohol 101” from the Wellness Center, view the DVD, complete an “Alcohol 101” worksheet, and turn in the worksheet to their RD at the agreed upon time.
- Develop and turn in to their RD an outline for a one hour residence hall or classroom educational program on substance abuse.
Second Violation
Students found in violation for a second time will:
- Meet with their RD and review the alcohol policy and future sanctions. The student will receive a letter verifying this information.
- Be reassigned to another residence hall and placed on probation. Continued Residential Life policy and rule violations could negatively impact their ability to live on campus.
- Provide three hours of community service to the campus community; this will include at least one presentation of the educational program on substance abuse that they developed after their first violation.
- Notify parents.
Third Violation
Students found in violation for a third time will:
- Meet with the Assistant Director of Residential Life for Staff and Conferences to review previous alcohol policy violations and sanctions.
- Forfeit their housing contract without refund. Students will be asked to vacate their on-campus residence.
- Receive a directive prohibiting their return to the residence halls or on-campus apartments as a resident or guest.
If the severity of the incident related to any alcohol violation should warrant immediate removal from on-campus residence that action may be taken by the Office of Residential Life. This would include but not limited to harassing or assaultive behavior.
The timeframe for completing sanctions will be communicated in writing. Failure to comply with any of the given sanctions within the specified timeframe may result in immediate removal from on-campus residence and referral to the Student Behavior Committee.
Balconies
If you are found to be throwing anything off of a balcony without permission from the Residence Director you will be charged $25 for your first offense.
Bicycles
Racks for bicycle storage are provided outside the residence halls, on-campus
apartments and other areas on campus. Bikes may not be left in stairwells,
hallways, or other public areas inside buildings. Bicycles may be stored
in your residence hall room/apartment with agreement from your roommate.
Bicycles may not be ridden indoors, and must be carried to and from a
resident's room. Limited winter storage is available for on-campus students.
Look for signs listing storage times during late fall semester.
Courtesy
Out of consideration of others, please consider the door and whether it should be open or closed for the activities you are taking part in (i.e. late night video game parties, louder movies, sleeping, etc.). Damages
You are responsible for any damage in your room not indicated on the Room
Condition Report. If individual responsibility cannot be established,
you and your roommate(s) will be held jointly responsible for damages
that occur during the year.
Damage, other than normal wear and tear, occurring in public areas
will be billed to the individual responsible. If the individual responsible
cannot be determined, then all residents of the area where the damage
occurred will be charged for repair or replacement of the damaged item.
*Please note that all damage charges include material and labor costs.
Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex,
national origin, handicap, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation
will not be tolerated in UMM housing facilities. Violations of these policies
will be referred to the Director of Residential Life and/or the Student
Behavior Committee for appropriate action. Also see harassment policies
under University Policies and
Regulations Disruptive Behavior
Behavior which is disruptive to other residents and may alarm, anger,
disturb, or endanger the safety of others is prohibited. This includes
but is not limited to fighting, disruption of meetings, and prank activities.
Drugs (Controlled Substance)
The illegal use, possession, sale or consumption of controlled substances,
drugs, or paraphernalia as governed by federal and state laws (e.g. marijuana,
narcotics) is prohibited.
Sanctions for violation of the drug policy increase in severity through a two step process.
First Violation
Students found in violation will:
- Meet with their RD and review drug policy and future sanctions.
- Be reassigned to another residence hall and placed on probation. Continued Residential Life policy and rule violations could negatively impact their ability to live on campus.
Second Violation
Students found in violation for the second time will:
- Meet with their RD and review policy.
- Forfeit their housing contract without refund. Students will be asked to vacate their on-campus residence.
- Receive a directive prohibiting their return to the residence halls or on-campus apartments as a resident or guest.
Electrical Appliances
You may use portable hair dryers, razors, radios, stereos, and similar
appliances in your room. The use of other electrical devices such as
popcorn poppers, microwave ovens, and coffeemakers is limited to the kitchen
or utility area where appliance outlets are provided. All cooking is limited
to these areas. Only UL (Underwriter Laboratory) approved extension
cords are allowed for a single electrical appliance and must be plugged
directly into the wall outlet. A UL approved fused multi-strip outlet
may also be used.
Fire Hazards
Here are a few things that are classified as fire hazards and are not permitted in the residence halls:
- Halogen Lamps
- Holiday lights
- Explosive materials (i.e. fireworks)
- Draping any type of material over lamp shades or items on lights
- Things hanging from the ceiling, this includes things hanging from light fixtures, smoke detectors, sprinklers and ceiling tiles,
- Excessive wall covering NOTE: Walls can only be covered up to 30% with posters, pictures, etc.
- Excessive door coverings NOTE: Doors can only be covered up to 30% with posters, pictures, etc. on either side. NOTE: Things that dangle in the door way, such as beads and other such designed things are not allowed at all.
- Propping exit, wing or fire doors open (this allows for fires to move more rapidly)
- Candles or incense
- Smoking is not permitted in students’ rooms,
- Electrical cords under carpet/rugs
- Extension cords with frayed or broken wires
- Extension cords with more then one thing plugged into them
- Extension cords plugged into extension cords or extension cords plugged into power strips (If you want to use an extension cord, it must be plugged directly into the wall outlet)
- Use of multi outlet plug-ins with out surge fuses. (Power strips with fuses are permitted)
- Use of kerosene lamps, camp lanterns, camp stoves or other flammable fueled devices. Storage of gasoline, lighter fluid, oil or oily rags in the residence halls is also not permitted
- Refrigerators placed in closets (there must be proper circulation behind the unit to allow heat that is displaced to circulate)
- Microwaves, toasters, hot plates, coffee pots, hot pots, popcorn makers etc. (only allowed in kitchens)
The possession or use of fireworks
is prohibited on campus and is a violation of both city and state laws.
Fire Safety
Fire safety and prevention is of paramount importance in a residence hall living environment and the responsibility of this safety rests on each resident living in the hall. The interference with and/or the non-adherence to emergency evacuation procedures in a residence hall is prohibited; all passageways must be clear at all times. Starting a fire, pulling a fire alarm without just cause, tampering with smoke detectors, exit signs, falsely reporting an emergency to police or fire department, and the unauthorized use or damage done to emergency or safety equipment is a violation of the Uniform Fire Code and university policy. Violations will result in university disciplinary action as well as possible legal action.
Minnesota Statues classify several degrees of behavior related to false fire alarms, tampering with or injuring a fire alarm system (1998, Chapter 609, 609.686).
A misdemeanor includes: intentionally giving a false alarm of fire; OR unlawfully tampering or interfering with any fire alarm system, fire protection device, or the station or signal box of any fire alarm system or any auxiliary fire appliance; OR unlawfully breaking, injuring, defacing, or removing any such system, device, box or station; OR unlawfully breaking, injuring, destroying, disabling, rendering inoperable, or disturbing any of the wires, poles, or other supports and appliances connected with or forming a part of any fire alarm system or fire protection device or any auxiliary fire appliance. (subd. 1)
A felony includes any violation listed above as a misdemeanor by tampering and knowing or having reason to know that tampering creates the potential for bodily harm or the tampering results in bodily harm. Sentencing involves imprisonment for not more then fiver years or payment of a fine of not more then $10,000, or both. (subd. 2)
Tampering, for the purpose of this section, means to intentionally disable, alter, or change the fire alarm system, fire protective device, or the station or signal box of any fire alarm system of any auxiliary fire appliance, with knowledge that it will be disabled or rendered inoperable. (subd. 3)
Fire alarms are a serious matter. It is unacceptable and a violation of university policy to not exit a building in the case a fire alarm goes off. If you are found not having left a building after an alarm has gone off sanctions for your behavior will apply.
If you pull a fire alarm or break a sprinkler head you will be held responsible for the cost of the damages done.
In Case of a Fire...
If you see a fire:
1. Pull the alarm nearest you.
2. Call the Morris Fire Department at 911.
3. If possible, notify your RA.
4. Leave the floor via the safest evacuation route.
When a smoke detector sounds, be aware that it is not connected to
the main fire alarm system. When the building fire alarm sounds, always
assume that there is a fire in the building. Do not ignore it.
If you are in your room, check the door and door handle before leaving.
If the door and door handle are not hot:
1. Take your coat, shoes and leave the building via the safest
evacuation route.
2. Shut your window and door; this will help stop the spread of fire
if it reaches your floor.
3. Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency
personnel or Residential Life staff.
If the door and door handle are hot:
1. Stay in your room. Your chances of surviving are better
if you stay in your room if the fire is nearby. It only takes minutes
for the fire department to respond.
2. Place a wet towel rolled up against the crack at the bottom of
the door. This will help stop the smoke from seeping in.
3. Keep your window open slightly to allow good air in and bad air
to escape.
4. Stay close to the floor, as the smoke will rise. Good air will
stay close to the floor. Take short breaths.
5. Keep calm!
Fire Safety Precautions
Here are a few things to keep in mind to prevent the possibility
of fire:
1. Burning candles or incense is not permitted in the residence halls.
2. Never use kerosene lamps, camp lanterns, camp stoves or other
flammable fueled devices. Never store gasoline, oil or oily rags in
the residence halls.
3. Avoid use of flammable room decorations.
4. Do not overload circuits. Use only approved extension cords and
never use frayed or broken wires. All multiple plugs on power strips
must have a power surge fuse. Never run extension cords across the
traffic areas, through windows or doors.
Furniture
Furniture located in the floor lounges and other public areas are for the use of all residence hall students. Furniture in these areas may not be removed or placed in individual student rooms.
There is no storage facility available in the residence halls for student room furniture. For this reason, all University owned furniture must remain in your room. To prevent yourself from being charged for damages, do not remove closet doors.
Also, for everyone’s convenience and use, no personal furniture or furniture from your room is allowed to be left in public areas.
Gambling
State laws and University policy prohibit gambling in the residence halls.
Guests
You are welcome to have a guest come to stay with you as long as your roommate approves. Speak with you roommate days before your guest would arrive to make sure they are alright with it. If you decide to have some one come to stay with you, here are a few things to be aware of:
- Guests can stay no more then 72 hours. (A single guest cannot stay for more then 72 hours on a weekly basis. After a single guest stays for 72 hours they should not stay again until at least two weeks later).
- Your RA must be notified if your guest is under 18 years of age before they arrive.
- All guests must abide by and will be held to all state, university and residence hall policies.
- Residents of a room where a guest is staying are responsible for any policy violations or damages done by their guest (this includes alcohol violations).
Guests may NOT sleep in lounges in the residence halls. If found doing so the host will be fined $25
Guns
Guns of any variety are not allowed within the residence halls. This includes water guns, dart guns, Nerf guns, pellet guns, paint ball guns, hunting guns, etc. Guns must be stored at the campus police storage facility
Halogen Lighting
Halogen Lighting is not permitted in the residence halls or apartment
areas.
In-line Skates, Roller Skates and Skateboards
In-line skates, roller skates, and skateboards may not be used inside
the residence halls. These items must be carried (i.e. not worn) when
inside the buildings.
Knives
Knives with blades longer then 2 inches are allowed in the residence halls as long as they are used for and designed for cooking purposes. ALL other blades/swords etc. must be stored at the campus police storage facility (exception: fencing equipment with blunt edges and a ball on the tip.
Lock-Out Policy
The security of your room and personal property depends on responsible care of your room key. You should conscientiously lock your door and carry your key each time you leave your room.
If you are locked out of your room, a Residential Life staff member may assist you. Staff members are not expected to routinely unlock doors for residents. Staff members may unlock a resident’s door in emergency situations, but residents should understand this service is provided at the convenience of staff members. If you go to the Office of Residential Life for a replacement key, you must bring your ID or some sort of identification with you. The first time you come to ORL for a key it will be free. Each repeated time that you come you will be charged a $10 fee.
Lofts
Please direct all questions to 1-800-875-0457 or Fax 712-948-3260 or
to order online use code: BP53. For more information Click
Here
Noise Policy
Residents have the responsibility to be considerate of others at all times (24 hour courtesy Hours). This means respecting another’s right to sleep, study and not be disturbed. Each resident has the responsibility to confront any noise problem that is of concern to him/her and to call upon an RA if assistance is needed. Each floor will decide on guidelines to help maintain an atmosphere that will respect the rights of those residents who are studying or sleeping. No stereos or sound equipment should be audible outside one’s room. The University reserves the right to confiscate sound amplification equipment for repeated or flagrant violations of the above housing noise policy.
Again, out of consideration for others we require all residents to observe “Quiet Hours.”
Quiet Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 11:00 pm-8:00 am
Friday & Saturday 1:00 am-10:00 am
During Finals week there are 24 hour quiet hours that are enforced starting on the night before the study day.
Fall Semester: Thursday night through the end of finals week
Spring Semester: Sunday night through until graduation.
Pets
Pets other then aquarium fish are not allowed. If a pet is found, you will be given a 24 hour notice to remove the pet from all on-campus housing. There will be a minimum charge of $60 if an animal other then a fish is found. If it is not removed or another pet is found, ORL maintains the right to remove the pet from the premises. Tenants can also face eviction from housing. Fish are allowed in the halls. Aquariums should not exceed a 5 gallon maximum per room.
Public Areas
Public areas in the residence halls consist of all lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and stairwells. Conduct in these areas is to be appropriate, not offensive and respectful; this includes conversations, language, postings and activities. Also, for everyone’s convenience and use, no personal furniture or furniture from your room is allowed to be left in these areas. The cutting and dying of hair is not permitted in any public areas (this includes bathrooms, kitchens and lounges). Public areas, such as the kitchen or lounge area, should not be used for personal hygiene. Please use your designated bathroom.
** Offensive includes (but not limited) derogatory/demeaning remarks, swearing/swear words, private or sexual comments and/or actions**
Lounge Areas
If a floor feels so inclined they may decorate their lounges as long as it is approved by all residents of that floor, the RA/RD and by the Custodian. Decorations should not block any hallways or doorways, cover emergency doors, signs, or stairwell door windows, hang from the ceilings and should cover no more then 30% of the vertical wall surface. Seasonal decorations should reflect that of the seasons rather then holidays. If a floor feels the need to decorate for holidays they must include all holidays in their decorations that occur during that month
Sleeping in lounges is prohibited. If you are found doing so repeatedly you will be fined $25.
Blakely: Residents here are fortunate to have a real working wood fire place. With this in mind we ask that residents exercise caution when using the fire place. Also, as a fire precaution, flames from fires are not to be higher then 2 and a half feet high. All fires must be kept contained within the fire place and may not protrude onto the hearth. If you are the last resident in the room it is your responsibility to extinguish the fire.
Kitchens
You are welcome to leave appliances in the kitchens that you are not allowed to use in your room, such as a toaster, pizza cooker, coffee machine, etc. However, when not in use, there should be no more then one of each type of appliance out on the counter top of any kitchen at any given time. There are cupboards in every kitchen that you may store you appliances in if you desire. ORL does not assume any responsibility if any of your property is damaged, lost or stolen.
Dirty dishes are not to be left in the kitchen or bathroom sinks. This is considered a health hazard and the RA on-call will dispose of any dishes left in the sinks and any dirty dishes left on counter or table tops on their second set of rounds.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms have been designated as men’s and women’s. For safety and comfort reasons you may only use the bathroom designated for your sex. Cutting and dying hair is not permitted in bathrooms
Hallways
Your room door is considered part of the hallway and therefore part of a public area. Thus, disrespectful, in-appropriate and offensive postings are not allowed on the outside of your door.
All posters that are hung in public areas of the on-campus housing facilities must be approved by an ORL employee. ORL staff members reserve the right to ask students to remove any postings deemed inappropriate, offensive, or unapproved (if a poster has been found inappropriate by an ORL staff member or if an RA is notified by a resident that they find it offensive). Unapproved, inappropriate or offensive posters will be taken down. Postings cannot be posted on any exit, fire, floor or wing doors or in stairwells (Exception: If the poster is posted on a door and taken down the same day).
Postings in general
Postings in any area must be appropriate and un-offensive. This includes the outside of your personal room door, as it is in a public area, and in windows that can be viewed by other individuals.
Public area is defined as anything in that area and/or can be seen by an individual in a public area.
Students and/or staff members have the right to ask for the offensive posters to be removed/taken down.
Refrigerators
Students
may bring their own small compact size refrigerator, no larger then 4.2 cubic feet, but only one to a room in the residence halls. There is a shared refrigerator in the kitchenettes in the residence halls and each on-campus apartment has a refrigerator.
Rights of Privacy
As a matter of policy as well as obligation, the University respects the
renter’s right to freedom from illegal or unreasonable searches and invasion
of privacy. Nevertheless, the entry into, or search of the living quarters
of a student may be conducted by the following people for the purposes
and under the procedures detailed below:
1. By authorized University personnel with 24 hours advance
notice to ensure that health, fire, and safety regulations are maintained.
2. By authorized University personnel with 24 hours advance notice
to make improvements and repairs and to provide routine maintenance
services.
3. By authorized University personnel without notice if you request
repair or maintenance work to be done in your room.
4. By authorized University personnel without notice in emergency
situations to protect the health and welfare of the student, or to
make emergency repairs to prevent damages to the property of the student
and the University.
5. By authorized University officials without notice when there is
clear and present indication that a violation of University or civil
regulations is being committed, and that the delay required in procuring
a warrant would endanger the health and safety of the residents or
result in the probable destruction of the evidence of the violation.
Room Cleanliness
Room cleanliness is the responsibility of the students. We do, however, require that there must be at least a 3 foot wide clear path to all doors and windows, from any given point in your room, to prevent injury in the event of an immediate evacuation for your room. Clear path means that nothing is on the floor other then traditional floor coverings (i.e. rugs or carpet).
Food, beverages or dishes that are molding and/or rotting are considered a health hazard and will not be allowed.
Safety
Items or behavior in residence halls which impose a threat to the safety
of the residents are prohibited. Semester checks will be made to ensure
there are no violations of health and safety codes (i.e., clean rooms,
no open flames, no unsafe physical structures or electrical equipment,
etc.). Storage is not permitted in interior or exterior stairwells. Building
evacuation routes must remain clear at all times.
Screens
Screens are not to be removed from the windows unless in emergency situations or with permission from RD (to clean your windows). If you are found to be throwing anything out of your window or removing your screen without permission you will be charged $25 for your first offense. If screen is not replaced or is lost you will be billed for replacement cost.
Sexual Assault
For information on sexual harassment and the University sexual assault
policy, see University Policies
and Regulations.
The UMM community is committed to developing an environment which will
not tolerate sexual assault. Sexual assault is a violation of the Student
Conduct Code.
Sexual assault is an act of aggression on and a violation of a person’s
body and mind. Behaviors constituting sexual assault range from unwanted,
unwelcome, inappropriate touching of private areas over clothing, to
attempted removal of clothing, to having sex with someone who is not
able to give consent (drunk; mentally impaired), to use of force or
coercion (verbal threats or intimidation; use of a weapon) to accomplish
penetration. Sexual assault is a crime, and a violation of the UMM Student
Conduct Code.
In order for you, ALL MEN AND WOMEN, to avoid being involved in a sexual
assault, you must take responsibility for the following:
1. Awareness of personal values and beliefs concerning what importance/place
sexual behavior has in your life;
2. Awareness of your own sexual desires and limits (what you’re willing
or not willing to do) BEFORE you’re at a point of deciding to initiate
or accept sexual advances;
3. Appropriate communication of your beliefs, desires and limits
regarding sexual activity. This is done by being assertive and direct
to those people you have or may have sexual relationships with;
4. Respect others. Give others the respect you expect from them;
5. Respect yourself.
Student Counseling can assist you with all of the above. 235 Behmler
Hall, Tel. 589-6060.
If you want more information, or if you’ve been involved in or know
of a sexual assault, call Student Counseling at 589-6060 or Someplace
Safe at 589-3208 or Campus Police, 589-6000 or 589-1155 after hours.
Further University policy information is available at University
Policies and Regulations and from the University
of Minnesota’s Policy Library .
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in any of the residence halls, apartments or balconies. If you are found smoking within the residence halls you can be charged up to $75 for room cleaning fees. Smoking is permitted on the University grounds, however, effective 9/3/2003 there is to be a distance of 25 feet from all entrances when smoking.
Solicitation
Conducting and soliciting business in the residence halls is prohibited.
Residence hall governments are the only organizations which may solicit.
Sporting Equipment
Any and all sporting equipment is to be used in designated areas (i.e. outside or at the RFC). This includes in-line skates, roller skates, and skateboards. These items must be carried (not worn) when inside the buildings. Also out of consideration of all residents, we ask that the bouncing of balls (basketballs, soccer, kick balls and the like) not be done with in the halls as it disrupts others around you on your floor and the floors below as well as pose potential breaking of sprinkler heads. If you are found doing this and have broken a sprinkler head you will be held responsible for the damages caused. Please no tap dancing as it is also disrupting.
Theft
Should a theft occur in your hall/room, contact your RA or Campus Police. Campus police will need serial numbers and descriptions of items taken.
TVs
The residence halls and on-campus apartments are not equipped to handle more than one TV set per cable outlet
Any additional wiring on the interior or exterior of the residnce halls/apartments is a violation of electrical codes. Residents may not wire into the cable outlet or remove the cable from the lounge for use in their rooms.
Water Beds
Due to structural limitations and potential water damage, water beds are prohibited.
Weight Lifting Equipment
Weight lifting equipment such as barbells may not be used in rooms because
such equipment can easily cause structural damage to the building.
Windows and Screens
Indy & Gay:
To protect yourself from being charged for damage to your windows, please do not open your windows to the full 90 degrees. This makes the windows more susceptible to damages (snapping off) from strong winds and adverse weather.
Throwing things (fruit, mud, eggs, snowballs, etc.) at the halls and windows is not permitted. You will be charged for any damages caused by your actions and a minimum of a $30 cleaning fee.
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