Off-Campus Policies and Procedures

Alcohol and Other Drugs

As adults, students are expected to know applicable laws and to be responsible for their own behavior. Students are expected to obey the laws and all University rules and regulations (a complete listing of all University policies related to drugs and alcohol can be found in Bearings). The following guidelines apply to alcohol and drugs in university apartments:

Alcohol

Washington University students are expected to be familiar with the alcohol policy. Underage possession of alcohol is prohibited by Missouri state law and is also a violation of the student judicial code. Any student violating the University's alcohol policy is subject to sanctions. The University places its highest enforcement priority on enforcing violations that are repeated, disruptive, dangerous, and/or flagrant.

• All public spaces, including lounges, lobbies, hallways, etc., are substance-free.

• Open containers and bottles are not permitted outside of the your apartment. This includes balconies and window ledges.

• Pictures, posters, and signs that refer to alcohol or drugs and are displayed for public view are prohibited.

• Kegs containing alcohol and large common containers are not allowed anywhere in university apartments.

• Students may not engage in drunk or disorderly behavior that disrupts the community.

• The mailroom will not accept and deliveries of alcoholic beverages regardless of the recipient's age.

Students who violate any alcohol policy are required to meet with a Residential Life Staff member and may be referred to an alcohol Health Educator or the Judicial Administrator.

Drugs

• Use, possession, sale or manufacture of any illegal drug including marijuana, cocaine, nitrous oxide and other inhalants, methamphetamine, heroine, rohypnol (roofies), Gamma Hydroxy-Butyrate (GHB), ketamine (Special K), etc. is strictly prohibited.

• Drug-related paraphernalia is not permitted under any circumstance and may not be used as decoration.

• Hookahs and/or other tobacco smoking devices are prohibited.

• Students who violate any drug policy will be required to meet with a Residential Life Staff member and will be referred to the Judicial Administrator for disciplinary action.

Apartment Condition Reports

A copy of the Apartment Condition Report (ACR) will be given to you at August check-in. Please be sure to complete this form accurately and return it to you RA promptly as it describes the condition of the room upon check-in. This report will be reviewed at check-out to determine damage charges if necessary.

Appliances

Any appliance with open coil heating elements is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to gas grills, hibachis, hot plates, and toaster ovens. If you are unsure about a specific appliance please consult a staff member. Barbecues are permitted outside of the building, provided that they are not used within 10 feet of the building.

Balcony Guidelines

No banners or university furniture may be put on balconies.

Bicycles

Due to fire safety regulations and apartment floor damage, bicycles are not permitted in common areas within the buildings. Bicycles should be registered with University police and may be secured to bicycle racks outside or kept within student apartments. Visit University Police headquarters to obtain a bike lock.

Candles/Open Flames

Open Flames, including candles and incense, are not permitted in the building. If your religion or faith requires candle burning for certain occasions/holidays, contact a Residential Life staff member for special consideration.

Chalking Policy

Chalking is allowed on uncovered sidewalks and pathways. Cahlking is not allowed on buildings, walls, trees, covered sidewalks, or any other surface other than uncovered sidewalks and pathways.

Courtesy Hours

Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day. While quiet hours are not in effect in the University Apartments, it is each resident's responsibility to be a respectful neighbor to other residents in the building. Disruptive behavior to the community is prohibited at any time of day. Students who observe other students acting in a disruptive way should confront that individual(s) prior to contacting a staff member.

Damages

At the end of your stay with us, Residential Life staff members inspect all resident apartments. Any damages encountered will be charged to the resident(s) of the room/apartment.

Dart Boards

Metal tipped darts and cork dart boards are not permitted

Discrimination

Washington University's policies and programs are non-discriminatory. The University administers all programs without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Emergencies

If there is an emergency (fire, ambulance, etc.), dial 9-1-1. If your emergency requires a University staff presence, try to find one of your RAs first. If they are unavailable, please call Washington University Police at 935-5555, and the dispatcher will contact a staff member who will call you, or come to the building.

Failure to Comply

All students are expected to comply with requests from University staff members (RAs, RCDs, police, etc.). This includes inquiries with regard to identification, behavior modification, sanctions and the like.

Fire Alarms & Safety Equipment

Tampering with fire safety equipment is a federal offense and subject to penalty. This includes fire extinguishers, fire alarm pulls, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire panels, etc.

Furniture

Common space furniture should not be moved or taken outside. Residents who move common space furniture from its appropriate location will be fined. Misuse and/or damage of the furniture is not permitted.

Guests

Students who wish to host overnight guests may do so, provided the guests are not staying beyond a three day period. Students may not rent rooms within their apartments out to other individuals. Please remember you are responsible for your guests' behavior. Lending keys, identification, and door access cards is not permitted.

Harassment

Washington University advocates a positive and safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Harassment is defined as any behavior or conduct that is injurious, or potentially injurious to a person's physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, as determined by the sole discretion of the University. Such behavior is subject to disciplinary action.

Inspections

The Residential Life staff as well as maintenance staff conduct routine facilities and safety checks. The staff will inspect each room for damage, missing furniture, etc. and the end of the summer.

Lock-outs

If you are locked out of your apartment between 8:30am-12:00am(M-F), or 5pm -12am on Sat and Sun: Go to the Small Group Housing office in SG #3 to sign out a key. Otherwise, try to find your RA. If s/he is not available call WUPD at 5-5555 to have a staff member paged who will come to unlock the door.

Lost Keys & ID Cards

Residents who lose their keys must notify the Residential Life staff immediately. A charge will be incurred for core and lock changes. If a student ID card is lost, notify the staff, then visit the Office of Student Records.

Painting and Decoration

Painting of resident apartments is not permitted. Residents should not use abrasive adhesives (duct tape, masking tape, glow stars, etc.), which might remove paint. Nails, screws, and other tools that damage the wall surface are also not permitted. Talk to a staff member for recommended decorating tips.

Pets

Due to health department standards, students are not allowed to have pets in university apartments. Guide dogs and fish are the only exceptions.

Postings

This policy applies to all recognized student groups and all departments. Any organization with student members who live on campus will be responsible for posting its own materials. Nonresidents will not be given access to the halls for posting purposes. This policy does not apply to entrepreneurs, business, and other commerical interest groups whoe material may be displayed on bulletin boards in Wohl Center. Advertising material found in other locations will be removed and destroyed.

• No more than one flyer will be allowed, per open bulletin board.

• Flyers may not be attached to official RA/Associate/RCD/AD bulletin boards, painted surfaces, glass doors, of any type, floors, ceilings, trees, and sidewalks.

• Flyers may be posted only once per event

• No posting on top of other flyers. We request that you use tacks and not staples or tape when posting: if using staples please limit to two or three per flyer.

• No reference to alcohol or drugs is permissible; no sexist or discriminatory material is allowed.

• Clearly identify sponsoring organization on all materials allowed.

• Banners are allowed only on the exterior balcony of Wohl Center and the cork strips inside of Wohl Center pending approval of the Wohl Center Coordinator. No banners are permitted to hang from resident hall balconies.

• Materials need not be pre-approved for posting, as long as these guidelines are followed.

• Door-to-door solicitation is prohibited in the residence halls

• Posters, flyers, handbills, notices, and other publicity such as promotions may not be placed under the doors of the residents in residence halls. Arrangement may be made through Residential Life for placing advertisements in resident mailboxes in Wohl Center

• No permanently affixing adhesive materials may be used on any surface.

Violations of this policy will result in materials being removed and the sponsoring organizations being subject to disciplinary action. The official posting policy, which applies to all residence hall areas, is available from Residential Life.

Screens

Screens should remain in the windows at all times. If your screen is loose, please fill out a maintenance request.

Search and Seizure

The University retains its right to search your room if staff has reason to believe you might be in danger or are in violation of the law.

Sexual Assault

The Office of Residential Life is dedicated to creating a respectful learning community, free from any form of sexual assault or harassment. Sexual assault affects all members of the University community, and we must be responsible for one another. Campus resources for sexual assault prevention and survivor support are available to all members of the University community. No one asks to be sexually assaulted and sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside any University Apartment building. Please use urns outside of each building to dispose of cigarette butts.

Solicitation

Solicitation of any kind is not permitted in the residence halls. This includes but is not limited to door-to-door sales, flyers, or product parties. If you witness solicitous behavior, call the police immediately.

Vandalism

Destruction, defacement, or damage of any public space or property (bathrooms, lounges, hallways, etc.) is not permitted. Resident(s) responsible for such damage will be fined appropriate costs for repair, replacement, and labor. Public area damages not blamed on a specific individual may be charged to residents of a floor, building or unit.

Weapons, Firearms, & Explosives

The unauthorized possession, storage, or use of firearms, fireworks, combustibles, explosive devices or components, weapons, or ammunition is prohibited.

Discipline Process

Discipline Reports

A Discipline Report is a document used by Residential Life staff members to report violations of University and/or Residential Life policies. The Discipline Report is turned in to the Apartment Director (AD), who will start the disciplinary process. A file will be maintained in the Residential Life Office.

Consequences for Inappropriate Conduct

Consequences vary depending on the specific violation. They may include, but are not limited to, educational sanctions, fines, referral to the Judicial Administrator, and removal from University Apartments.

Copyright 2007, Office of Residential Life
Washington University in St. Louis
Campus Box 1250
6515 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105-2298
(314) 935-5050