housing@d.umn.edu

www.d.umn.edu/housing/policies.htm

Policies & Procedures

The University of Minnesota Duluth, as well as the Office of Residence Life, have established policies and procedures to enhance the academic and social environment of our facilities and to insure the safety of residents. Violations of the following policies may lead to disciplinary action by the Office of Residence Life and/or the University. Where such action is necessary, residents may also face civil or criminal prosecution. Resident Advisors and Student Security Personnel serve as authorized University officials.

Alcohol Beverages and Containers

The possession, consumption, and/or association with possession of alcoholic beverages and/or possession of alcohol containers (e.g. boxes, cases, bottles, cans) regardless of the student's age, is prohibited in University residences and grounds. Students with substance abuse problems usually come to the attention of Housing staff through policy violations or by exhibiting behavior which is not socially acceptable. Students may expect that in addition to any disciplinary sanctions, staff will address use/abuse behaviors. In addition to disciplinary sanctions staff may suggest and/or mandate counseling.

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Controlled Substances (Drugs)

The possession of, association with, use or sale of controlled substances (illegal drugs, including marijuana) is not permitted in University residential facilities or on University grounds. Drug-related paraphernalia (bongs or pipes) is not permitted in University housing facilities or on University grounds.

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Identification and Compliance

Willful refusal, false identification, or failure to comply with a University official will be referred for disciplinary action. Resident Advisors and Student Security are authorized University officials.

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Pets

No pets are allowed at any time in the residential facilities, except for fish in aquariums.

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Cohabitation

The University's residential facilities are designed for single sex occupancy. In the event that a vacancy occurs in a residence hall room, apartment or suite, it may not be occupied by a member of the opposite sex.

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Guests

All guests must comply with the policies and regulations of the University of Minnesota Duluth. A resident is entirely responsible for the behavior of his/her guest(s) and is held liable for property damage and/or violation of University policies. A guest of the host resident may not infringe upon the rights of the other roommate(s). Guests are permitted for a maximum of 72 hours. Roommates are strongly encouraged to talk about guest arrangements and their potential disruption before guests are invited. A guest staying longer than 72 hours or returning with unreasonable frequency will be considered an illegal resident. Residents of the living unit will be liable for rental charges and/or disciplinary action. Hosts are responsible for their guests' actions and behavior including making guests aware of Housing policies. A resident of the immediate living area must escort guests between 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Any visitor exhibiting inappropriate behavior must vacate the residential facilities.

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Sexual Harassment

The Statement on Sexual Harassment defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. An act constitutes sexual harassment when:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic advancement in any University activity or program
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting this individual in any University activity or program
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment in any University activity or program Sexual harassment can occur in situations where one person has power over another, but it can also occur between equals. Both men and women can be sexually harassed. Sexual harassment can be as blatant as rape or a subtle as a look. Harassment under the third part of the definition often consists of callous insensitivity to the experience of women.

If you feel you have been sexually harassed, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (255 Darland Administration Building at 726-6827.

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Staff Harassment

The harassment of University staff, particularly Resident Advisors and Residence Life Security will not be tolerated. Any such behavior is disruptive to the residence community and will be treated as disorderly conduct. Residents can expect strong consequences, including the possibility of the immediate termination of their Housing Contract.

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Telephone/E-mail Harassment

Use of the telephone or e-mail to threaten, harass, intimidate, or coerce another person is a violation of federal and state law and UMD policy and will not be tolerated. Residents are responsible for the use of and all calls made from the telephone in their room, apartment or suite as well as all communication from their personal e-mail accounts . Therefore residents are strongly encouraged to lock their doors when not in their apartment/suite or residence hall room and not share their computer passwords with others. Individuals identified as being involved, directly or indirectly, with misuse of the telephone system will be referred for disciplinary action. The UMD Police Department can request the source of a telephone call be tracked, but UMD does not monitor actual telephone conversations. Individuals identified as taking part in harassing phone calls can be ticketed by the UMD Police Department and referred to Student Conduct Code, where they are subject to fines and/or University issued sanctions.

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Reporting Telephone/E-mail Harassment

If you receive harassing telephone calls, report this to the UMD Police Department by dialing 726-7000. Write down the date and time of the telephone call. If the call is on voice mail, save the message by depressing "7" after you listen to the message. Do not erase the message until directed to do so by the UMD Police Department. Any calls that may threaten your life, safety or property should be reported immediately by dialing 911. In addition, individuals who have experienced sexual or racial harassment should also contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (255 Darland Administration Building, 726-6827).

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Parties/Private Events

A private event/party is a group of ten or more people per apartment/suite and six per residence hall room. The maximum number of people allowed at a private event/ party is twenty-five in an apartment/suite and six in a residence hall room. All private events/parties must be registered with the duty RA at least 24 hours in advance. No private events/parties will be allowed until after the first day of classes each semester. Also, no private events/parties will be allowed during finals week of each semester or during breaks. Printed advertising of private events/parties is prohibited. The residents of the suite/apartment or residence hall room must be the hosts of the private event/party. The hosts must be present at the private event/party throughout its duration. Hosts of a private event/party are responsible for their guests' actions and behavior. The hosts are also responsible for any damages or special costs that may result because of the event. All residents and guests must abide by Housing and University rules and regulations.

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Noise

The realities of community living dictate that individuals respect community needs for the moderation of noise. Residents are expected to exercise good judgment and consideration in maintaining a living environment conducive to the achievement of the educational mission of the University. This includes accepting responsibility for one's behavior at all times and respecting the rights of other individuals. All residents have the right to study and sleep in their living unit, at any time, without unnecessary interruption. All residents are expected to confront any noise problems that are of concern to them. If assistance is needed, a resident may call upon the RA. Residents must comply with all policies and regulations regarding sound equipment and recreational activities within the residential facilities. Residents are not permitted to make noise that disturbs others or exhibit disorderly conduct within the residential facilities or on University grounds.

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Sound Equipment

Stereos, radios, and televisions should be played at volumes that cannot be heard outside the resident's living unit. The use of headphones for stereo equipment is recommended. Stereo speakers are not allowed in windows. Electronically amplified instruments are allowed in the apartments and suites, however, the use of headphones is encouraged. If excessive noise results from abuse of volume levels, the resident may be required to remove the equipment from the residential facilities.

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Quiet Hours

During final's week, 24 Hour Quiet Hours will be observed in all Housing facilities. During Quiet Hours residents must keep the noise level very low and refrain from any loud activity. Residents must refrain from playing sound equipment (e.g. stereo's, radios, TV's etc.) at any level that can be heard outside their living unit. Specific study hours in the Heaney Hall Service Center will be established at the beginning of Fall Semester.

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Recreational Activities

To protect residents and Housing facilities, the following recreational activities are prohibited inside Housing facilities: floor hockey, baseball, softball, tennis, soccer skateboarding, bike riding, in-line skating, basketball, water fights, throwing frisbees and other acts that may be disruptive. Snowball fights, snow boarding and skate boarding are not permitted on Housing grounds. Most residential facilities have some type of recreational equipment which may be checked out at the area offices.

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Gambling

Gambling is not permitted in University Housing facilities.

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Damages

Residents are held responsible for damages caused by themselves or their guests in their living units and public areas. Damage repairs, billed to the resident(s), appear on their billing statement. The resident's academic record is held until cleaning and/or damage bills are paid. Individuals responsible for vandalism subject themselves to Housing and University disciplinary consequences. Vandalism to a living unit must be reported immediately to your RA and Campus Police (287 Darland Administration Building, 726-7000), or you will be charged for damages. Individuals responsible for vandalism subject themselves to Housing and University disciplinary consequences. Vandalism must be reported immediately to your RA and Campus Police (#7000).

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Explosives and Weapons

Firearms, bows and arrows, darts and dart boards, sling shots, water balloon launchers, other weapons, ammunition, paint ball guns, fireworks, firecrackers or any other material which may create a health hazard or inflict bodily injury is strictly prohibited in campus facilities and on campus grounds.

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Candles/Incense

Candles, incense and other items that may produce open flames, lit or unlit, are not allowed in UMD housing facilities.

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Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all residence hall and apartments/suites, including all public areas and stairwells.

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Halogen and Torchiere Style Lamps

Lamps with halogen bulbs and/or torchiere lamps are not allowed.

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Smoke Detectors

Tampering with smoke detectors causing them to malfunction is prohibited. Residents of a living unit in which a smoke detector is disconnected, turned off or tampered with causing the device to malfunction, will be referred for disciplinary action and charged for repair/replacement of the device. According to State Fire Marshal Codes, "An occupant who willfully disables a smoke detector or causes it to be malfunctioning, resulting in damage or injury to persons or property, is guilty of a misdemeanor." Smoke detectors will be checked over breaks. If your smoke detector malfunctions or is unusually loud, call Building Maintenance at 726-8400.

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Fire Equipment

Tampering with fire prevention equipment, a federal offense, creates a severe safety hazard. Violators will be referred for University disciplinary action and/or civil prosecution. Violation of this policy may result in termination of the resident's Housing contract and immediate eviction.

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Fire Drills

Fire drills will be scheduled at the beginning of each school year. Notices will be posted. If a fire alarm sounds, all residents, except mobility impaired students must leave the building via the nearest exit. A student not complying with the evacuation procedure is subject to disciplinary sanctions Mobility impaired students should remain in their room and wait for evacuation by the fire department.

An RA should be contacted immediately if a fire alarm has sounded, if fire is seen or if smoke is present. An RA should be notified no matter how small the fire, even if it has been extinguished.

In a fire emergency:

• Pull the fire alarm
• Call the RA in your living area
• Remain calm and act quickly
• Close your room door and windows
• Wear protective clothing such as a coat and shoes, andcarry a damp towel for use in heavy smoke
• Walk in an orderly manner to the nearest exit
• Move a safe distance away from the building and out of the way of fire department personnel
• Remain outside until you are told to return by the staff

If you think there is a fire in the hallway, feel the door before you open it:

• If the door does not feel hot, open it slightly, holding your head away and brace the door with your foot
• Put your hand across the opening to test the heat of the air
• If the door is hot and the hallway unsafe, plug any opening or cracks through which smoke may enter using wet towels, sheets, blankets, etc.
• If smoke does enter the living unit, open the window for ventilation; break it if sealed
• Do not jump
• Make your presence known
• Wait for rescue

In case of minor fire:

• Pull the fire alarm
• Use a wastebasket full of water, a fire extinguisher or a blanket to smother the fire. (Fire hoses are used only for major fires; water may damage your personal belongings.)
• Call the RA in your living area
• Do not use water on electrical or grease fire
• Never risk your personal safety!
• Violations of fire safety rules puts other residents' lives in jeopardy!

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Severe Weather

In case of a tornado warning or severe weather warning, do the following:

1. Go to the basement, pedestrian tunnel or inner hallway on a lower floor
2. Stay away from building entrances and windows

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Suicide Policy

All suicide threats or attempts are considered to be serious events that may require intervention. Medical and/or psychological evaluation and treatment that includes involvement of the University counselors is required to insure that students will receive necessary help. University Housing staff are supportive of those who seek help and firm with those who refuse help. The response to those who exhibit suicidal behavior or attempt suicide may include:

• Outside medical evaluation or hospitalization
• Clearance before a resident can return to UMD Housing following hospitalization
• Termination of the UMD Housing contract if the resident is unwilling to take a measure of responsibility for addressing underlying problems
• Reassignment to a temporary space pending decision regarding the Housing contract

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Entrance Guidelines

The University respects the student's right to freedom from illegal or unreasonable searches and invasions of privacy. Nevertheless, the entry into or search of the living quarters of a student may be conducted. The following are the entrance guidelines:

Living units may be entered:

1. By authorized University personnel with 24 hours advanced 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 living unit, whether or not you are home
4. By authorized 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
6. By law enforcement officers in the performance of statutory duties and in accordance with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure
7. By authorized University officials without notice for check-in/check-out, for safety checks at quarter/holiday breaks, and work orders submitted prior to occupancy. Policy violations (alcohol alcohol containers, candles, etc.) which are in plain view, will be written up and all residents of the room, apartment/suite referred through the disciplinary process
8. By authorized Housing and/or Facilities Management personnel where a major remodeling project is taking place (e.g. replacing shower walls). The residents involved are notified of such projects.

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Solicitation

Door-to-door solicitation for any reason is prohibited in the residential facilities except by candidates campaigning for public office who have filed for election. Any candidates seeking to campaign or distribute campaign materials in the residential facilities must make prior arrangements at least 24 hours in advance with the appropriate Assistant Director of Housing for that community. Campaign literature may not be placed in mailboxes nor under room doors.

Individuals or organizations that wish to distribute noncommercial literature or communicate their beliefs to residents will be allowed to set up tables in designated public areas of the residential facilities once per academic quarter. To avoid scheduling conflicts, any group or person seeking access to University Housing for this purpose must submit a written request to the Office of Residence Life (189 Lake Superior Hall) at least 72 hours in advance. Soliciting funds or selling products or services is prohibited except by organizations directly connected with the University that have obtained approval from the Housing Office (149 Lake Superior Hall).

Residents are not permitted to conduct or solicit business activities from their living units. Flyers are not allowed to be placed under room doors.

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Postings

Space must be reserved for large posters to be hung in the Griggs/Lake Superior Hall Lobby. Contact the LSH Information Desk All posters, flyers and banners to be posted in any residential facility must be approved and stamped at 189 Lake Superior Hall. General guidelines for posters are:

• All groups requesting to hang posters must be a recognized University organization.
• Alcoholic beverages cannot be mentioned or portrayed on any posters.
• Sliding flyers under doors, or the mail box distribution of pamphlets, leaflets or flyers, is not permitted
• Literature concerning activities sponsored at least in part by the Office of Residence Life will be distributed in the most feasible manner by Housing staff.
• Any large posters which are to be hung in the Griggs/Lake Superior Hall Lobby must meet the following requirement: **The poster size must not exceed 8 feet by 2.5 feet

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Traffic Control Devices

Signs or traffic control devices which are the property of federal, state, county or city governments are not permitted in any residential facility. Residents found in possession of such described signs/devices will be referred to the Campus Police.

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Windows, Roofs, Screens

Residents are not allowed on window ledges or roofs of any residential facility. Any resident seen on a roof will be referred for disciplinary action and charged for any damages.

Screens are not to be removed except in cases of extreme emergency. Windows are not to be used as an entry or exit. Residents will be charged for replacing missing or repairing damaged screens. Items are not allowed to be fastened to the outside or hung out any residential facility.

Any repair or damage resulting from misuse will be charged to the residents of the apartment.

Discarding of items of any type is not permitted from windows.

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© 2001 Regents of the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

Page Design: Dan Darvell

Last Upadate: January 30, 2007 15:27