Res Life Policies & Procedures
Alcohol Policies
In accordance with the University of Nebraska Lincoln Alcohol Policy, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited throughout the Courtyards/Village building and grounds, regardless of the age of the resident.- Possession or display of containers with residue that held or were intended to hold alcoholic beverages is also not permitted.
- Alcohol-related conduct that infringes upon the rights of others to a quiet, orderly living environment or that poses danger to self or others is not acceptable under any circumstances.
- Residents in violation of this policy are subject to relocation or cancellation of their contract (removal from Courtyards/Village), UNL judicial system and/or state and local laws pertaining to alcohol possession, use and distribution [e.g., minor in possession (MIP), procuring for a minor.]
- Your guests are likewise subject to this policy and residents will be held similarly accountable for the actions of their guests.
- Any resident who hosts a gathering where alcohol is present is in serious violation of University regulations.
- The host(s) may be placed on conduct probation for a full calendar year, or may have their Courtyards/Village contract cancelled. Should such an action occur, full cancellation fees will apply.
- Additionally, individuals responsible for secondary hosting of a gathering at which alcohol is present are also in violation of University policy. Secondary hosting is defined as awareness or knowledge of such a gathering in one's own unit with the resident taking no steps to discourage its occurrence.
Community Standards
As with any community, certain regulations have been developed to assist in protecting your rights and the rights of other community members. Many policies are a matter of courtesy. Some policies, however, are for the protection of the community members. Inappropriate behavior or unlawful activities may result in immediate termination of your Housing contract, your relocation to another unit and/or referral to Student Judicial Affairs or the appropriate law enforcement body. Such policy violations include, but are not limited to the following:- Possessing, using, or selling drugs (including alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, or prescription drugs intended for use by another individual)
- Tampering with fire equipment or arson (i.e., fire extinguishers, alarms, exit signs, smoke detectors, sprinkler system)
- Abuse (physical or verbal) and/or battery of a resident or staff member
- Possession of explosives (including fireworks), firearms, or other weapons
- Throwing or dropping objects out of windows or off balconies
- Trespassing in other residents' rooms
- Possession of stolen property
- Tampering with the mail or mail boxes
- Disruption of the unit or floor community
Compliance
Students are expected to respond to all reasonable directives, written or verbal, from University staff members and must not interfere with the performance of any duties of University, Residence Life or University Police Department staff. This includes the following, but is not limited to the following:Aiding and Abetting:
- Aiding and abetting others in violation of residence hall policies, rules and regulations, as well as city, state, or federal laws are prohibited.
Failure To Comply:
- Identification: For the welfare of all students and to protect the property of the residence halls, students are expected to have their NCard in their possession at all times, and to show their card each time they enter the residence hall after midnight.
- Should you forget your NCard, the desk will be able to verify your residency. Excessive requests for verification could lead to a reprimand or judicial sanctions.
- Residence Life staff may request proof of identity of any person in the residence hall. Failure to correctly identify yourself or your guests, and to show proper identification to a University staff person upon request is a violation of University rules and regulations. It is also not allowed to falsely identify yourself or to allow your guest(s) to give false identification.
- It is a violation of University policy to loan your key and card key to anyone else.
- Misrepresentation or misuse of student identification is prohibited.
- Disposing of alcohol as outlined in the Community Standards.
- Abusive language or other behavior which is threatening and directed toward University staff, including student staff, is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action. Cooperation with staff in the event of an emergency is required.
- Cooperating with the confiscation of items as outlined in the University Housing Community Standards policies.
Failure to Meet:
- Failure to respond to a notification to schedule and/or maintain an appointment with residence hall staff regarding investigation of alleged violations of Community Standards is prohibited.
Failure to Fulfill Sanction:
- Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed by a judicial hearing officer is prohibited and may result in additional sanctions.
Drug Policy
Response to Suspected/Actual Marijuana or Other Illegal Drugs/Possession In the Residence HallsFirst Offense
Residence Hall Students who are ticketed by law enforcement for possession of marijuana ,drug paraphernalia, or other illegal drugs in the residence halls or for whom there is a preponderance of evidence that indicates that they used marijuana or other illegal drugs in the residence halls will be subject to the usual minimum sanctions which include BASICS for marijuana , 24 hours of community service, University probation for one calendar year. The resident will also be notified that a second violation of the Housing drug policy will result in the termination of their Housing Contract. Housing Staff will also contact the resident's parents/guardian to inform them of the violation and the sanctions assigned. Parents/guardians will be made aware that a second violation of the Housing drug policy will result in termination of the termination of the resident's Housing Contract and referral of the Office of Student Judicial Affairs.Second Offense
Residence Hall Students who are ticketed by law enforcement a second time for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, or other illegal drugs in the residence halls or for whom there is a second occasion where the preponderance of evidence indicates that they used marijuana or other illegal drugs in the residence halls will have their contract terminated and their case referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs for adjudication.Preponderance of evidence includes
- identification of the smell of marijuana or other illegal drugs by law enforcement personnel or other credible person
- concealment activities such as, but not limited to: a plastic bag over room smoke detector or otherwise interfering with the operation of the smoke detector; fan in the window blowing air out of the room; open window when temperatures are very cold or very hot; rug or similar barrier under the room door; smell of air freshener/perfume/cologne; burning incense; lighted candles; use of drier sheets, candle warmers, etc.
- comments overheard from the parties in the room related to possession or use of marijuana or other illegal drugs and/or the concealment of its possession or use
- presence of drug paraphernalia: glass pipes, bongs, tobacco pipe, toilet paper/paper towel rolls with drier sheets, rolling papers
- signed incident reports from third parties such as roommates or floor mates
Furniture
Public Areas: Furnishings and equipment are provided in residence hall public areas (i.e. lounges, study areas, and other general purpose areas) for the use and enjoyment of all residents in the building. Proper care and use of this furniture is everyone's responsibility.Relocation of equipment or public area furniture to a student room makes it unavailable to other residents and is considered theft. As a result, students found in possession of College/University furniture, other than what was assigned to their room/apartment, will be charged for its removal or replacement and could face judicial action. Furthermore, furniture that is removed, damaged or stolen is the financial responsibility of the individuals involved, if known, or the residents in the community.
Student rooms: Personal furniture, with the exception of waterbeds, is permitted, as long as it adequately fits in the room. Furnishings provided must remain within the unit. Beds must remain on their frames, and desk units and other furniture must be left completely assembled. Beds are adjustable/loftable, and if a resident elects to lower his/her bed so that there are excess pieces of equipment, such excess parts must be stored within the confines of the unit. Waterbeds or self-assembled lofts are not permitted.
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior
As a member of the residence hall community, it is your responsibility to let others know if you think they are violating your rights, just as someone may let you know if you violate their rights. Staff members will also address inappropriate behavior when necessary. We view student conduct as another part of the learning process. Students who choose to violate University or Housing policy will be referred to the Residence Director or to the Office of the Director for Student Judicial Affairs.Possible sanctions include:
- Verbal warning
- University probation or warning
- Educational requirement
- Unit reassignment
- Contract termination
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Restitution
Self Destructive Behavior Policy
The University has a clear and distinct interest in maintaining a safe and sound educational environment in the residence halls, where most first year students experience life on their own for the first time. A residential setting designed to foster student interaction and interdependence can become by disrupted by self-destructive behavior. Among the most disruptive forms of misconduct are intentional attempts or threats to seriously injure oneself and reckless behavior which puts oneself or others in physical danger. Students who become incapacitated as a result of their own action and students who deliberately injure themselves are subject to University action.In light of the impact of self-destructive behavior upon the residential community, affected individuals are encouraged to utilize counseling resources provided to students free of charge. Residents interested in learning more about referral resources available on campus are welcome to call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 2-7450 which keeps all inquiries confidential.
Residents who engage in self-destructive behavior must accept responsibility for their actions and are subject to disciplinary sanctions under residence hall disciplinary policy and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Code of Student Conduct on the basis of their offense. In the event a resident with a recognized mental disorder engages in self-destructive behavior, the University will take into consideration before determining a response; the resident's medical diagnosis, the gravity of the injury, the impact of the behavior upon fellow residents, the appropriateness of reasonable accommodations, and other pertinent factors. When occurs a severe act of self-destructive behavior or an apparent threat of serious harm, the University reserves the right to notify the resident's parent or guardian.
Quiet Hours
Residents of your hall floor establish study hours that are monitored by the residents with staff assistance. Since everyone has the right to sleep and study, it is expected that everyone be considerate and keep noise to a minimum. Stereos, TVs, etc., can be a source of enjoyment to the listener; however, if played too loudly, they can also disrupt others' activities.You share the responsibility with staff members to ask others to be quiet, turn down stereos, turn off alarm clocks, etc., if you are being disturbed. At the same time, you will be expected to use your own stereo and other electronics in such a way that no one will be disturbed. Each semester, during dead week and finals week, quiet hours are in effect 24 hours each day.
Noise
Residents are expected to use discretion where noise is concerned both in and around the residential areas. Therefore, excessive noise is prohibited at all times. Courtesy hours are always in effect, and students are asked to be considerate of others' rights to study and sleep, see section on Quiet Hours.If stereos or other electronics are played out of windows, or are a problem in any area around the residence halls, owners risk removal of the equipment from the residence hall and may be held accountable for the expense of having their equipment boxed and shipped off campus. Due to the nature of these musical instruments, drums and amplified guitars are not permitted in any on-campus housing.
If a resident has a problem with noise, the first step is to talk to the resident(s) creating the noise. If the noise continues after a resident has discussed the situation with the other resident, your Resident Assistant (RA) should be contacted. If that RA is not available, contact the RA on duty for that building/area. During final examinations and dead week each semester, 24-hour quiet hours will be enforced.
Guests/Host Responsibility
These regulations apply to the residents of all residence halls, regardless of room type.- In every residence hall/living unit, you are responsible for informing your guests of residence hall policies, and for the behavior and actions of your guest(s), up to and including being charged for policies that your guests violate. Guests are defined as family members, friends, or other persons related to or affiliated in any way with the resident.
- Guests may visit your room at any time. After the fall term commences, any floor may vote to create a "no visitation" time block each day, if two-thirds of the occupants of that floor agree.
- Bathroom facilities in residence hall houses are designated either for men or women. Persons may only use bathrooms in the residence halls that are designated for their gender.
- Residents are not permitted to host guests who have any active trespass restrictions.
Residents may have same-sex overnight guests in their room subject to the limitations listed below:
- Overnight guests are only allowed with theconsent of other roommates. Visitation or overnight guests of one roommate should not infringe on the rights or access of other roommates.
- The stay of the overnight guest(s) may not exceed four days (96 hours) in one month and such guests may not disturb roommates or other residents. The privilege of having guests may be revoked if the privilege is abused or residence hall or University policy violations occur involving the guests.
- Same-sex overnight guests must be registered at the front desk and must carry their registration copy as ID.
Campus NCards
Please carry your campus NCard at all times. Failure to show your NCard to a staff member as requested is a violation of University and Housing policy. Giving false information to a staff member is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Allowing another person to use your NCard is a violation of UNL policy.Safety and Security
Your personal safety and the protection of your possessions require a joint effort between you and the University. Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of residents or staff is prohibited. In order to make living in the residence halls at UNL a safe and pleasant experience, here are some reminders:Keys and Building Security
- Each resident will be issued a key to his/her assigned room. It is a violation of policy to duplicate this key or loan it to anyone else. If you lose your room key, you are expected to report this loss immediately to the hall/complex desk. You will be billed for the cost of key replacement.
- Each resident will be issued NCard access rights to their residence hall's exterior entry doors. These doors are locked between midnight and early morning (times vary by building). You will need to utilize your NCard to get inside the building, and then must stop at the desk to show your NCard to the Night Clerk.
- If you lose your ID card, you are expected to report this immediately to the NCard Office.
- Students may not offer room keys or access cards to other individuals. Keys and access cards are for the sole use of the person to whom they are issued.
- Residence halls are only as safe and secure as residents help to keep them. To protect the safety and security of all residents, do not prop an outside door to a residence unless it is attended. Jeopardizing residence hall security (e.g. propping outside doors open) in any way is prohibited. Any unsafe situations you cannot correct, such as lights out in a stairwell, safety hazards, etc., should be reported to a building staff member as soon as possible.
- If you have guests, you are responsible for their actions and must escort them at all times.
- Husker, Fedde and Love Memorial Halls are locked 24 hours a day.
- Contact your RA, RD, Health Aide, or University Police if you need emergency assistance.
- According to the State Fire Marshal, the residence halls at UNL meet, and in many cases exceed, the state fire and life safety codes. Halls are equipped with safety equipment including smoke detectors and sprinklers in each room in high-rise halls.
- Any person who misuses fire safety equipment (including smoke detectors and sprinkler systems) will be subject to severe disciplinary action and/or arrest. If you are aware of anyone tampering with the equipment and report this to the staff, you may receive a cash reward provided by the Residence Hall Association.
- Follow posted procedures for evacuation during fire alarms or tornados.
The residence halls are not designed for athletic events or horseplay. It is important to keep hallways intact and maintain safety and minimize disruption of the sleep/study atmosphere, because of the risk of injuries, accidents and potential property damage. Sporting activities, including, but not limited to, skateboarding, bicycle riding, soccer, playing Frisbee, golf, hockey, rollerblading, throwing or bouncing balls, etc., in the hallways or public areas of the residence halls are prohibited.
Violations can result in confiscation of equipment, as well as disciplinary sanctions and/or restitution for damages.
Pranks:
Practical jokes and pranks may damage property, injure other students, and can also increase the noise level and disturb non-involved residents. Students who engage in practical jokes and pranks will be held responsible for damages and disciplinary action may be taken. Because of the danger to others, dropping or throwing any object out of, or into the residence halls is strictly prohibited. Violators will be referred for disciplinary action.
You will receive further information about safety when you arrive on campus.
Medical Emergencies
Should a situation occur in which medical attention appears needed, University staff may summon emergency medical assistance. The cost of such assistance will be borne by the student/parents.Cars, Bicycles, Etc.
Parking permits for many areas of campus (e.g. Area R) can be obtained by contacting University Parking Services, located in the Stadium Drive Parking Garage at 402-472-1800. If you apply by the Parking Services deadline, you will receive the permit at the time you check in at your hall.Parking permits (Area M only) for the Husker Hall parking lot can be obtained from the Residence Manager of Husker Hall for the first two weeks of fall semester only. After this two-week period, you will need to contact Family Housing, located at 1115 N. 16th Street.
Bicycle racks are located outside each hall. You may also store your bike in your room or in other designated indoor areas. You will need to bring a lock for your bicycle. Mopeds, motorcycles and electric/gasoline-powered scooters may not be stored in rooms/buildings.
