Western Carolina University - Residential Living

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Policies and Regulations

Computer Policy (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 19)- Theft or abuse of computer time, including but not limited to: unauthorized entry into a file to use, read or change the contents or for any other purpose, unauthorized transfer of a file, Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or password, use f computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or University official, use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages, use of web cameras or any computer video recording devices without the verbal consent or knowledge of those being recorded, use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the university computing system, use of computing facilities for the purpose of private enterprise, or any violation of the Computer Center policy which can be found here .

Sanction- Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include probation, loss of computer port privileges, community service or possibly suspension.

Disorderly Conduct (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 2)- Behavior which is disruptive to orderly community living or the daily operation of the residence halls or the University is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: playing in the halls, throwing items in the hallways, bouncing balls on the floors or walls, pranks, wrestling, outdoor games, fighting, paintball guns, water guns, or any other behavior which may cause community disturbance, physical injury, damage to property or is potentially dangerous to the health and well being of residents.

Sanction- Students who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action.

Drugs (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 10)- In compliance with state law, the possession, use, sale or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances is prohibited. Drug paraphernalia is not permitted in the residence halls. For detailed information regarding the University Drug Policy, refer to the Western Carolina University Student Handbook.

Elevators (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 2)- Flagrant misuse of the elevator’s emergency apparatus is prohibited. Report all problems with an elevator immediately to a residence life staff member. Misuse or abuse of the elevators is prohibited.

Sanction- Students found misusing the elevators or the elevator’s emergency system will be subject to disciplinary action.

Escorts (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 7)- All residence hall visitors and guests (including parents) must be escorted at all times (excluding the main entrance lobbies of each residence hall). All visitors must enter the residence hall through the main lobby entrance of the building and call their escort on one of the house phones located in the main lobby. Escorting is to begin and end in the main lobby or at the outside entrance door of the residence hall.

Sanction- First time violators will face a minimum of 2 weeks loss of visitation privileges. Additional violations will face disciplinary action.

Failure to Comply (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 6)- Failure to comply with the request of a residence life staff member, University official or law enforcement officer acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so is prohibited.

Firearms, Weapons, Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 12)- Possession and/or use of these items (including but not limited to bottle rockets, firecrackers, and any other fireworks, paintball guns, chemical or explosive bombs of any kind, BB guns, stun guns, guns, rifles, bayonets, bow and arrows, switch blades, darts, knives, numchucks, martial arts weapons, medieval weapons, and sling shots), are not permitted in the residence halls. Flammable liquids and solvents (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, propane, etc.) may not be stored in student residence hall rooms.

Sanction- Any student found in violation of this policy will face a minimum sanction of probation, an educational sanction and will be subject to removal from University Residential Living and legal consequences.

Fire Safety (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 12)- The setting of fire, tampering with fire safety equipment (including smoke detectors, pull stations, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, etc.), pulling false fire alarms, or failing to immediately evacuate the building during a fire alarm are violations of the state fire code.

Sanction- Any student found in violation of this policy will face probation, an educational sanction and will be subject to a large fine, removal from University Residential Living and legal consequences. The financial sanction for tampering with a fire safety or evacuation sign is $25. The financial sanction for tampering with fire safety equipment is $50. (Other fines and restitution may be incurred based on severity of incident.)

The number of people permitted in a residence hall room at any time is limited to eight (8) for fire safety precautions.

Sanction- Any student found in violation of this policy will face probation, an educational sanction and possible additional disciplinary action.

Furniture (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)

Public Area Furniture- Furniture is placed in public areas of residence halls for the use of all residents of the building. Public area furniture is not to be removed for use in resident rooms or moved from one public area to another.

Sanction- Students found with public area furniture in their rooms will be assessed a fine of $100 per piece of furniture. Furniture must immediately be returned to the common area from which it originated or additional fines may be assessed.

Residence Hall Room Furniture- All furniture assigned to a student room must remain in the room. Bed frames, mattresses, or other room furniture are not to be placed in any public area. University Residential Living cannot provide storage for residence hall room furniture to make room for personal items.

Sanction- Upon checkout, residents will be held financially responsible for furniture missing or damaged during that student’s occupancy. Residents will also be billed for furniture that is not properly assembled.

Guests (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- Residents are permitted to have guests visit with them in their residence hall rooms. Guests of the opposite sex may only visit during designated visitation hours (Sun.-Thurs., 12 noon to 12 midnight; Fri.-Sat, 12 noon to 2 am). Residents are responsible for informing guests of residence hall policies and procedures. Residents will be held responsible for the behavior and actions of their guests.

Overnight Guests- Residents may have a person of the same gender stay as an overnight guest in their residence hall room. Guests may not stay for more than three consecutive nights in one room, or in University Residential Living for a period of one week, without special permission of the Area Coordinator. Guests of the opposite sex may not spend the night with residents. Overnight guests under the age of 18 are discouraged, and approval is need by both the underage guests' parent or guardian and the Area Coordinator prior to overnight visits.

Sanction- Residents violating the guest policy will be subject to losing their visitation privileges or other appropriate sanctions and guests may be asked to leave immediately.

Harassment (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 3)- Harassment of any student or University official is prohibited under the Western Carolina University Code of Student Conduct.

Sanction- Residents found in violation of this policy will face disciplinary action that may include, but may not be limited to, probation, community service, or educational sanctions.

Lock Out Policy (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- Residents are issued room and entrance keys when they check in and are expected to be responsible for those keys. If a resident is locked out of his/her room, he or she may wait for his/her roommate to return or find an RA to assist him/her. A resident must show student identification and sign the lockout documentation form before a staff member will let the occupant into the room.

Sanction- Residents will be charged a fee of $10 each time a staff member must let the student into his or her room, starting with the first lockout.

Loft Construction (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- Lofts may not be constructed until a “Loft Construction Form” is completed, signed by both roommates and submitted to the Area Coordinator or Resident Director. The Loft Construction Form contains specific guidelines that must be followed in order for the loft to pass inspection. The construction will be inspected by residence hall staff. If it does not meet specified guidelines, residents will be required to bring the construction up to standard within a certain amount of time or disassemble the construction.

Sanction- Residents who do not comply with loft construction guidelines, a request to disassemble the structure or leave lofts in a room after check-out will be assessed a $100 fine and the construction will be disassembled by the Department of University Residential Living.

Motorcycles (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 14)- Under no circumstances are vehicles with gasoline powered engines allowed in residence halls or on covered pedestrian walkways.

Sanction- Illegally parked motorcycles or mopeds will be impounded by University Police.

Noise (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 15)- Each resident is responsible for keeping noise levels to a minimum at all times. In order to provide an environment conducive to positive group living, studying, and sleeping, certain hours have been established as “RESIDENCE HALL QUIET HOURS.” These hours are 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. During these hours, the atmosphere is to be one that is conducive to studying. Loud music, shouting, yelling, slamming doors, and other unnecessary noise are not acceptable. Use of amplifiers and musical instruments are not permitted in the residence halls. Yelling out windows, as well as placing radios or stereo speakers in windows, is not permitted. Noise levels should be contained within one’s room and low enough so as not to disturb others.

Regardless of the time, “COURTESY HOURS” are always in effect. Courtesy Hours are defined as “residents being considerate of all others and the demands of living in a group environment.” Noise should not exceed a reasonable noise level at any time.

To limit the level of noise, and also due to fire safety regulations, there should be no more than eight students in a residence hall room at any time.

EACH INDIVIDUAL HAS THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND THE RIGHT OF FREEDOM TO STUDY AND QUIET TIME IN HIS/HER OWN ROOM.

Sanction- Residents in violation of any part of this policy will be subject to educational and/or community service sanctions, as well as additional sanctions.

Non-Smoking Areas (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- Unless specifically designated as a “Smoking Area,” all public areas in the residence halls are non-smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted in non-smoking areas (e.g. elevators, bathrooms, TV lounges, hallways, study rooms and lobbies). However, smoking is permitted in residence hall rooms on designated smoking floors with the door shut. There are wings/floors that have been established for residents who do not smoke. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on these wings/floors.

Sanction- First time violators will be subject to educational and/or community service sanctions. Residents smoking on a non-smoking floor will be subject to being relocated to a different community.

Personal Safety and Mental Health (Code of Student Conduct IV.B.3)- If an enrolled student living in a residence hall exhibits a pattern of threatening suicide, attempts suicide, is hospitalized for psychiatric reasons (either voluntarily or involuntarily), or obtains a mental health University withdrawal, his/her current residence hall status will be reviewed by the Counseling and Psychological Services Center and the Department of University Residential Living. The student must meet with the Area Coordinator, the Associate Director of Residence Life or the Director of Residential Living before returning to his/her residence hall room. Upon this evaluation, the student’s residence hall status may be temporarily revoked if the student’s behavior is found to be in violation of University or Residential Living policies. The student’s eligibility to return to a residence hall the following semester will be determined in this evaluation. If the student is unable to secure Residential Living off campus to continue in WCU classes, the student will then be withdrawn from the University for the remainder of the semester.

Prohibited Items (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- Due to legal statutes, fire safety codes or environmental reasons, students are not permitted to have the following items in residence hall rooms:

• Air Conditioners
• Ammunition
• Amplifiers
• Antennas placed outside of rooms
• Aquariums (larger than 10 gallons)
• Archery equipment
• Cable TV connections that are unauthorized
• Candles (burning)
• Ceiling fans
• Cooking appliances with open coils (toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates)
• Darts
• Electric blankets
• Electrical items with open exposed coils
• Explosives (including gasoline, kerosene, or combustible substances)
• Fireworks
• George Foreman grills
• Halogen lights or lamps
• Incense (burning)
• Kegs, party balls, funnels, bongs, and other drug paraphernalia
• Pets (other than fish)
• Power tools
• Refrigerators (larger than 4.6 cubic feet or larger than 5 amps)
• Space heaters (electric, ceramic or kerosene)
• Waterbeds
• Weapons (including but not limited to: knives, BB guns, air/gas pistols or rifles, firearms of any type, pressurized guns, paint ball guns, stun-guns or martial arts weapons)
• Weights for body building or other large exercise equipment

Sanction- Students found with any of these items will face disciplinary action and the item will be removed from the room immediately.

Property Damage/Vandalism (to include graffiti and other damages) (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 4)- Property damage and vandalism involving hall or University property is the responsibility of all residents. Report any property damage or vandalism to a residence hall staff member immediately. When the damages occur to residence hall property, the Department of University Residential Living reserves the right to assess charges for damages to the responsible party (also see Community Billing Policy). The cost of repair or replacement of damaged property in a student room will be charged to the responsible occupant or occupants. When damage occurs on a particular floor or wing in a public area, the persons responsible will be assessed if they can be identified; otherwise all of the floor or wing occupants will be collectively (as a group) assessed for the damage. Damages to the public lobby areas will be assessed to the persons responsible if they are identified, otherwise the repair or replacement costs will be charged to the smallest possible group of students in the situation.

Sanction- Students involved in damage to property or vandalism will face disciplinary action as well as being billed for repair or replacement costs.

Public Common Area Use (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 7)- Public common areas (bathrooms, kitchens, ironing rooms, study rooms, TV lounges, hallways, stairwells and lobbies) are for the use of residents living in the respective residence hall. Any sponsored activity-taking place in the residence hall lobby or lounge must be reserved in advance through the Resident Director or Head Resident. Resident groups have priority over non-resident groups. Groups reserving residence hall space must be affiliated with the University. Any activity that creates a disturbance for other residents is not permitted in public common areas. Personal items are not to be left in public common areas due to health and safety regulations and will be removed and disposed of if left in a public area.

Sanction- Violators will be appropriately sanctioned and subject to losing privileges of facility use.

Room Change Procedures (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- All room changes are to take place during the designated room change period. Specific dates will be posted. All room changes must be approved by the Area Coordinator or Resident Director. Residents are permitted only one room change per academic year. All other room changes will carry a $20 administrative fee.

Sanction- Residents who make unauthorized room changes will be assessed a fine of $50 and may face further disciplinary action. Students granted a room change after the room change period will be assessed a $20 administrative fee.

Sexual Assault (Responding to)

The WCU community is committed to helping a survivor of a sexual assault feel empowered. Various services and interventions are available through campus, community, and law enforcement resources.

• Get to a safe place as soon as possible.
• Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing, if it can be avoided. If changing clothes is a must, put all clothing worn at the time of the attack in a paper bad, not plastic.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible to address physical health needs and to collect important evidence in the event of a later decision to take legal action. For the purpose of effective evidence collection, physical examination at a local emergency room must take place as soon as possible and no later than within seventy-two hours of the assault.
• Contact WCU University Police by calling 911. A call to the university police does not mean that one has chosen to bring criminal charges. Police officers are trained to assist in securing medical attention and professional counseling while assuring that evidence of the incident is collected and preserved in the event of a later decision to prosecute.
• Talk with a counselor who can provide emotional support and give information about resources while clarifying confidentiality. For university counseling services, call Counseling and Psychological Services, 227-7469 (M-F, 8-5) or 227-7301 (after hours emergency, ask for counselor-on-call). For community counseling services, call Smoky Mountain Counseling Center 631-9281 (M-F, 8:30-5) or REACH of Jackson County, 586-8969 (M-F, 8-4) or 586-1911 (after hours emergency, ask for REACH counselor).
• Confide in someone who can be trusted, a close friend or Resident Assistant, to turn to for support through recovery. If preferred, a member of the university staff who is knowledgeable about recovery resources can be chosen to be a support person.

Sexual Misconduct (Code of Student Conduct IV, B 22) (including but not limited to) Sexual Misconduct is prohibited under the WCU Code of Conduct. It is vital that as a responsible community member, you are familiar with all aspects of the Sexual Misconduct Policy below as well as the Sexual Harassment section of your Student Handbook. WCU defines sexual misconduct as:

1. Sexual assault-engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse with, or inflicting other sexual invasion upon, any person without that person's consent. "Other sexual invasion" is defined as the intentional touching of an unwilling person's genitalia, groin, breast, buttocks, or clothing covering them, or forcing an unwilling person to touch anothers intimate parts as listed above.
   
   An action is "without that person's consent":
   • When inflicted upon a person who has not freely and actively given consent.
   • When consent is given as a response to force or the threat of force.
   • When inflicted upon a person who one knows (or reasonably should know) to be physically incapacitated by the use (voluntarily or involuntarily) of alcohol and/or other drugs, including "date rape" drugs to the extent that they are either unconscious, unaware or otherwise physically helpless.
2. Nonconsensual sexual contact - engaging in any other physical contact not described in the above definition of sexual assault which is performed in a sexual context and without a person's consent as defined above.
3. Sexual exploitation - taking nonconsensual, unjust or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or benefit; or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited; and that behavior does not otherwise constitute rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment. Examples of Sexual Exploitation include, but are not limited to prostituting another student, nonconsensual video or audio taping of sexual activity, going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as letting friends surreptitiously watch you having consensual sex), engaging in voyeurism, and inducing incapacitation with the intent to rape or sexual assault another person or with the intent to create opportunity for a third party to rape or sexually assault another person.

Solicitation (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 7)- Unauthorized sales and solicitation in the residence halls are prohibited. Student groups interested in selling items in the residence halls must follow the procedures outlined below in order to obtain a “Solicitation Permit.”

1. Obtain and complete a “Solicitation Application.” Forms are available from the Director of the University Center in room 130 of the Hinds University Center.
2. Request approval from the Area Coordinator in charge of the residence hall of your interest. Plan to do this 1 to 2 weeks in advance. If granted permission to sell in the residence hall, the Area Coordinator will sign the application.
3. Return completed application, with signatures, to the Director’s Office in the University Center. A permit will be authorized for the dates, times and locations indicated.
4. Upon arrival for set-up in the residence hall, the group must present an approved solicitation permit and student I.D. to a hall staff member in the hall office.
5. Door to door solicitation is prohibited. All group sales must take place in the hall lobby.
6. Anyone not connected with the residence halls or a WCU student organization will not be authorized to sell in the residence halls. Non-University individuals will be sited for trespassing.

Sanction- Any student or organization found violating the solicitation policy will be reported to the Office of the Director of the University Center and will forfeit privileges to sell in the future.

Theft (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 4)- Attempted or actual theft of University or personal property is prohibited. As stated in the Residence Hall Contract, the Department of University Residential Living is not responsible for any missing or stolen items.

Sanction- Any resident found in possession of stolen property or found to be involved with attempted or actual theft will face a minimum of probation, educational and/or community service sanctions, and will be subject to removal from the residence halls, as well as legal consequences.

Throwing Objects from Windows (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- The throwing, dropping or pouring of anything from windows, balconies, ledges or landings is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.

Sanction- Any student violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and a fine.

Visitation (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- Residents are given the privilege of having guests of the opposite sex visit with them in their residence hall rooms during designated hours. Maximum visitation hours for visiting guests of the opposite sex are SUNDAY - THURSDAY: 12 NOON to 12 MIDNIGHT and FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 12 NOON to 2:00 a.m. All bathrooms are designated for a single gender. Students and guests are responsible to use the appropriate bathroom designated for their gender. Public facilities are located in the main lobby of each building. Visitors of the opposite sex may remain in the main lobby of the residence hall after the designated visitation hours provided that they are escorted at all times by a resident of that hall, and are not disturbing any residents of that hall.

Sanction- First time violators of this policy will face a minimum of 2 weeks loss of visitation privileges. Subsequent violations will result in additional sanctions.

Windows and Screens (Code of Student Conduct IV.B. 8)- Screens have been installed in all room windows to help secure resident rooms and keep insects out, as well as a safety precaution. Tampering with or removing screens from a residence hall window is prohibited. Residents are not permitted to personally replace damaged screens or broken windows. Residents who find a screen missing upon check-in should request screen replacement by filling out a Maintenance Request Card.

Sanction- Students found in violation of this policy will be fined $20 for each screen.

Western Carolina University
Residential Living
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Phone: (828) 227-7303
FAX: (828) 227-7304
Contact: west@email.wcu.edu

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