• Residence Halls
• Housing Information
• Fall 2009 Housing Form
• Rights & Responsibilities
• Room Draw
• RA Selection
• Student Orientation Video
• Staff & Contact

Home > Student Life > Residential Life > Rights & Responsibilities

Rights & Responsibilities

The goal of the Residential Life Department is to provide quality services, facilities, information, advice and support regarding campus living. This section of the web site specifies the community and behavioral standards expected in university residence halls. It also identifies what a student can expect from the Office of Residential Life in terms of their rights and responsibilities as a resident. The regulations described reflect a perspective toward citizenry through educationally based sanctions. The preferred approach to developing responsible behavior by and among residents is through advising, counseling, and positive role modeling. Where accountability for inappropriate behavior is necessary, the discipline and judicial processes described in the following pages are designed to enforce adherence to the rules and community standards, and protect the interests of individuals who are being injured or victimized as well as the community at large. Each disciplinary situation is handled on a case-by-case basis and follows a structured set of sanctions.

Rights

As a member of the residential community, each resident has the right to:

• Read and study free from inappropriate interference in one's room. Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right.
• Sleep without disturbance from noise, roommate's guests, or other distractions.
• Expect that roommates will respect each other's personal belongings.
• A clean, sanitary, and orderly environment in which to live.
• Free access to one's room and facilities without pressure from a roommate.
• Personal privacy.
• Host a guest with the expectation that guests are to respect the rights of community members.
• Redress of grievances. Residence hall staff members are available for assistance in conflict resolution.
• Be free from intimidation, physical and/or emotional harm.
• Expect reasonable cooperation in the use of shared equipment and appliances (telephone, refrigerator, etc.).
• Bring forward in an appropriate and timely manner to staff or other residents concerns about violations of community living standards as described in this publication.

Campus Residency Requirement

As a residential institution, Salve Regina University places great value on the contributions a quality residential experience can make to student development. Experience has shown that campus residency in the first two years of a student's college career is crucial to personal growth and the refinement of social skills. As a result, all full-time freshmen and sophomores who are not commuting to campus from their parents' permanent residence (legal domicile) are guaranteed housing and are required to live on-campus.

Room Reservation and Occupancy

All rising juniors and seniors interested in housing must place a Housing Deposit by the appropriate date prior to the year of desired residency requirement. This deposit is non-refundable and obligates the student to a full academic year of housing. Upon the receipt of a room or apartment in the Room Draw, the student must sign a Student Housing Contract and agree to abide by all regulations found therein. All students must vacate their rooms or apartments in December and May, no later than 24 hours after their last exam or at hall closing time whichever comes first. During the final closing at the end of the spring semester, all students must follow the check-out process established by their hall staff or face an administrative fee. Special accommodations are made for graduating seniors.

Withdrawals and Refunds

A student who assumes campus residence in September is accountable for a full academic year of housing unless that student withdraws from the University or commutes from a parent or guardian's primary residence. A dependent student who wishes to change from resident to commuter status must submit for approval a notarized letter from a parent or guardian requesting the change to the Office of Residential Life. Resident students withdrawing from the University must report to the Office of Residential Life and other campus offices to facilitate this process. Any refunds, if due, are processed through the Business Office. (See Undergraduate Catalog.) Upon withdrawal, students must return keys to the Residential Life staff and complete a check-out inventory form. Students who withdraw either voluntarily or involuntarily from University residence prior to the end of the contract period are not eligible for a refund of the Room Deposit or Damage Deposit. If Residential Life staff find that a student's behavior does not meet University standards, the student may be required to withdraw from University housing. Immediate or twenty-four hour vacancy may be required if a student is considered to be a danger to the campus community or to him/herself, or if a student is a disruptive factor to the residence community. This provision applies even in situations when a behavioral appeal is in process.

Note: Students removed for violations of University policy are not eligible for a room and board refund.

Room Assignments

The assignment process, including roommate selection and room changes, is made under the supervision of the Office of Residential Life. All room changes require formal documentation, available in the Office of Residential Life. Room changes made without formal documentation are considered policy violations, which may result in disciplinary action. The Room Draw for the next academic year is conducted in the Spring Semester. Only currently enrolled students may participate in the Room Draw.

Campus Apartments

The on-campus apartment program provides less supervision and staff services and is a privilege specifically designed for responsible students. Therefore, students may be relocated for any alcohol violations and other policy infractions.

Vacation Periods

All residence halls are closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring and Easter Break periods. All students are expected to vacant the residence halls by the specified time scheduled. Only those students who make a request through the Office of Residential Life will be considered for approval to stay during the break periods and may be charged a fee for that service.

During the University break between the fall and spring semesters, all residence halls are completely closed and all residents must vacate the premises. The only exceptions will be those given permission to remain on campus during the break.

Students may not enter into residence halls or apartments during University vacation periods. Moreover, students must leave rooms, hallways, and lounges clean and orderly by:

• Emptying trash and taking it to designated collection points
• Emptying and defrosting refrigerators
• Unplugging all electrical equipment
• Locking windows
• Checking out with the RA

Early Arrivals and Late Departures

All students are expected to arrive and depart the residence facilities on the dates predetermined by the University. These dates are set for specific reasons and apply to contracted room and board rates. Therefore, students who need to extend this period may be charged a fee of $25.00 per day for room services only.

Miley Dining Hall

All regulations governing food services will be coordinated by the Director of Food Services and promulgated in an appropriate manner. Appropriate behavior and dress in the Dining Hall is expected.

Community Living Standards

Residence hall rules and regulations are known as community living standards. All residents are expected to be familiar with and abide by these standards, the terms and conditions of the residence hall contract, and the Code of Student Conduct. The community living standards are categorized into specific areas of concern such as Alcohol and other Drugs, Visitation/Guests, Noise & Quiet Hours, Compliance, Personal & Community Safety and Security. Violations of these standards or policies are handled by disciplinary action under the Residence Hall Judicial System or through the Dean of Students' Office.

Any resident who commits, attempts to commit, and/or aids others in a violation of any of the following standards shall be subject to disciplinary action. Residents may also be subject to disciplinary action due to misconduct of their guest. Nonresident students who engage in misconduct in any residence hall may be subject to disciplinary action under the Code. Residents are expected to read these standards carefully and to address questions about any section for which they need further clarification to their RA or any other Residential Life staff member.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

The University is strongly committed to achieving a living and learning environment that promotes the University's mission. University policy is intended to educate members of the University community about the health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and about the campus and community resources available for counseling and therapy.

Alcohol

Salve Regina University does not allow alcoholic beverages or related drinking paraphernalia of any kind in residence facilities. Students who are found in possession or in the presence of alcohol are in violation of university policy. Moreover, intoxicated students will be subject to disciplinary action and may be required to be transported to the hospital for treatment. Empty alcohol bottles used in a student's room for decoration are prohibited.

Drugs

All federal, state, and local laws regarding illegal drugs will be strictly enforced. Specifically, the transport, possession, possession with intent to manufacture, purchase, sale, distribution, use, or being in the presence of illegal drugs or controlled substances is prohibited and may be punishable by suspension or dismissal from the University. Prescription drugs must be taken by patients only for the intended use and in the prescribed manner as directed by their doctor.

Possession of drug-related paraphernalia is prohibited (e.g., marijuana rolling papers, bong or pipe). All chemicals, substances or other products that have mood-altering capabilities are prohibited except for their intended use.

Smoking

Salve Regina University promotes a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted at any time in any University building.

Visitation/Guests

Visitation by guests of the opposite gender to a residence hall floor, room or apartment is permitted during the following times: 10:00am to midnight before class days (usually Sunday-Thursday) and 10:00am to 2:00am before non-class days (usually Friday and Saturday).

Visitation privileges require the approval of all roommates residing in that unit. Sharing a room with a member of the opposite gender (cohabitation) is a violation of University policy. Non-University guests are subject to the same rules and regulations as Salve Regina University students and must be informed by their host of Residential Life/University policies and conduct. As hosts, students are responsible for the action of guests at all times. The following rules apply to all guests who visit any residence facility:

• Hosts are to notify the RA of an overnight same gender guest.
• Hosts must accompany the guest at all times while in residence hall living areas. Hosts will report violations to the RA who will inform the Area Coordinator.
• Guests are welcome only when the roommate(s) and RA have been informed.
• If guests do not comply with residence policies they will be told to leave the campus.
• Opposite gender guests may not remain overnight in residence facilities and must conform to the visitation policy.

Generally, students are limited to one guest at a time. Situations where two guests could safely and comfortably be housed will be considered by the RA and the Area Coordinator. Guest-related activity that distracts residents from study or rest during quiet hours will not be tolerated. Overnight guests may stay for a two night maximum. Guests must be at least 16 years of age.

Noise and Quiet Hours

Students are expected to consider other residents as well as neighbors at all times and to maintain nose levels that do not extend beyond the immediate listening area or outside the residence facility. Loud or boisterous behavior is disruptive and unacceptable. Each resident is responsible for keeping noise levels to a minimum at all times. Noise and other conduct, which disrupts study, sleep, and “quiet hours” as determined below, or other normal activities within a hall are strictly prohibited. Specifically, quiet hours in all residence halls are 9:00pm to 9:00am.

During quiet hours, residence halls should be free from interfering noises. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours daily. Non-quiet hour periods do not necessarily mean "noisy" periods. At no time should amplified sound be directed out of windows.

Compliance

Individuals who refuse to accept a roommate, or who impede Residential Life's effort to make an assignment into a vacant space, may be subject to disciplinary action. Aiding and abetting others in violations of residence hall policies, rules and regulations, as well as city, state, or federal laws are prohibited. All students must comply with verbal or written instruction by Residential Life staff, when such official is working within the appropriate performance of his/her duties. Abusive language or other behavior which is threatening and directed toward University staff is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action. Additionally, residents are required to present proper University identification to staff in a cooperative manner when requested.

All students must respond to a notification to schedule, and/or appear for an appointment with residence hall staff. Students are expected to contact residence staff and reschedule if a conflict occurs. Failure to meet with staff will not preclude the continuation of the judicial process. A decision about a student's responsibility may be made in absentia should the student not attend a scheduled meeting to address policy violations. Additionally, failure to meet constitutes a separate and additional violation, and may incur further sanctions.

Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed by a hearing officer is prohibited and may result in more severe disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, referral to the Dean of Students' Office for further adjudication.

It is a violation to knowingly supply staff with false or misleading information that is needed for an official purpose, including the misrepresentation of identity or misuse of identification cards.

Personal and Community Safety

Behavior that is disruptive to orderly community living but does not cause serious physical injury is considered disorderly conduct and is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, throwing items in the hallways or creating a health or safety hazard. Any behavior that results or could reasonably cause life threatening physical injury or serious property damage is prohibited.

Room and Common Area Responsibilities

Students are responsible for the condition of their rooms or apartments and all of the University property found therein. Relative to contents and conditions, all rooms are inventoried at the beginning of each academic year and as a part of the room change process. To avoid room damage, students are asked to decorate with care and leave the room in the condition it was in when they arrived. This includes removing trash and repositioning furniture to its original location. Students are not allowed to drill holes, hammer nails, or cause any other kind of damage to their room. Postings of any kind, other than a nametag and non-flammable message board, are prohibited on room doors. The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to inspect or inventory a room at any time. Cinder blocks are prohibited in all residence facilities because of the damage, maintenance and safety hazards they pose. Corridors are areas of egress and must be kept clear of all objects such as trash, bicycles, furniture, drying racks, athletic equipment, etc.

Bunk Beds and Lofts

Students are not permitted to tamper with or remove any university furniture. Bunking, debunking or removal of beds or any other university furniture is prohibited. Certain rooms on campus have been provided with loft units when needed to accommodate residents due to the size of the room. Loft units are not to be moved to other rooms. Should you wish to lower the loft unit or bunk/debunk a bed, please call x3499 and request assistance.

Trash

The disposal of trash or refuse anywhere on campus, including residential facilities, except in properly designated trash receptacles, is prohibited. This includes placing cigarette butts in the correct receptacles.

Damage Billing

Students will be held financially accountable for all room damage, other than normal wear and tear and the restoration of a room to its original condition. Whenever possible, individual students identified as responsible for damage will be billed. However, when an individual cannot be identified, all occupants of the room may be charged for damages. End of year damage bills are placed on students' account after all buildings are closed and a full assessment is completed. Students must respond in writing to convey disagreement with any of the charges within six months of the reported damage bill.

Common Area Damage (Group Billing)

All members of a community share responsibility for all vandalism that occurs within the common areas of residence (study rooms, halls, lounges, elevators, common bath, etc.). Costs associated with common area damages are shared equally among all the residents of that area. However, if, after a full investigation, the Residential Life staff is able to ascertain the parties responsible for damage, then all financial and judicial charges will be redirected to those individuals.

Vandalism

Destruction of University property violates the principle of commutative justice and is contradictory to the development of a campus living and learning environment. Students identified as vandalizing property are subject to judicial sanctions in addition to financial restitution.

Personal Property Damage or Theft

The University does not assume responsibility for damage or loss of any personal property during the school year or vacation periods. No storage is provided in any residence facility other than in a student's room. National Student Services, Inc. provides a full-service, low-cost insurance program to protect the personal property of students living in University housing and off-campus apartments. Insurance coverage is therefore advised. The University will not tolerate the theft of personal or university property.

Fire Safety Inspection

At least three fire safety inspections of student rooms, corridors and common areas will be conducted during the academic year by a member of the Residential Life staff and, at times, a member of the Office of Safety and Security. One announced inspection will occur before the end of September. A notice with date and purpose will be prominently posted in residence halls at least 24 hours ahead of time. Unannounced inspections can occur at any time. When a student's room is unoccupied at the time of inspection, a passkey will be used to gain entrance and a copy of a report noting any violations will be left in the room. When a room has violations, the Area Coordinator will forward a written report to the student(s) involved. All violations are subject to fines. Prohibited items will be confiscated in the interest of safety and may not be returned.

Room Inspections/Search

A room or apartment is a student's home while at Salve Regina University and students have the right to privacy in that space. However, the University reserves the right to enter a student room to provide maintenance or housekeeping services, to conduct sanitation and safety inspections, or to recover University property. Residential Life staff have the right to enter a student room in the event of an emergency to protect life or property. Residential Life staff also have the right to enter a student room if they have any reason to believe that an imminent hazard to the property and/or resident(s) exists and to remove or correct any hazard discovered. The University reserves the right to investigate and conduct a search throughout a student's room and personal contents when there exists a clear indication or reasonable cause to believe that there is a gross violation of an established regulation such as the presence of alcohol and other drugs. A search will be conducted by a Safety Officer accompanied by a Residential Life staff member. The occupants of a room or apartment being searched need not be present.

Keys

Upon arrival, residents are issued room keys by their RAs. Keys may not be duplicated. If lost, the Office of Residential Life should be notified and a lost key report filed with the Office of Safety and Security. Students will be charged for each key or for the cost to restore building safety. Students will be allowed two assisted lockouts free of charge per semester. All other lockouts will be charged a fee of $25.00.

Athletic Equipment and Residence Hall Sports

The storage of athletic equipment in common areas is prohibited. Placement of this equipment in rooms is based on the approval of the athlete's roommate(s). The use of sporting equipment including, but not limited to, balls, bats, hockey sticks, frisbees, surfboards, roller blades, etc. is prohibited within residence halls and apartments.

Screen, Window and Balcony Policy

Students are prohibited from removing or tampering with window screens in any part of a residence facility. Under no circumstances are students allowed to sit in, lean, climb, or throw objects out of any window in a residence hall or apartment. Moreover, students are prohibited from going out on any balcony, roof or fire escape in a residence facility except in case of fire.

Fire Safety Regulations

In the event of a fire, the nearest fire alarm pull station should be pulled. If possible, telephone the Office of Safety and Security using the emergency telephone number (401) 341-5555. The Safety and Security Office has direct telephone lines to the Newport Fire Department. If you decide to telephone 9-911, be sure to provide your specific building/room location. If possible, after calling 9-911, telephone Salve Safety and Security at (401) 341-5555.

Fire safety regulations are established and maintained by the Director of Safety and Security. All fire and safety hazards are prohibited in residence facilities. These include but are not limited to: open flames and objects that create them, and flammable material and decorations or furnishings that use them. Specific examples are: candles, incense, cooking appliances, hot plates, decorative lights, irons, ceiling decorations, wall coverage beyond 10%, space heaters, halogen lamps, neon signs, and multi-sockets. All extension cords, with the exception of a single socket heavy duty cord, are prohibited. This cord should be used to extend the reach of a surge protector. Areas of ingress and egress, from both individual rooms and common areas of residence facilities must be kept unobstructed. Tampering with or misuse of fire safety equipment is prohibited and may result in dismissal from the Residential Life Program and the University, in addition to a fine of up to $500. Students who do not immediately vacate a building during fire drills are subject to judicial proceedings. As a result of judicial proceedings, students are held financially liable for replacement of items damaged or destroyed as a result of a fire and/or safety violation and may face criminal charges.

Candles

Listed below are sanctions that may be implemented if a candle is found in a student's room:

• First Offense: $75.00 fine, attendance at a fire safety meeting which will include specific education requirements
• Second Offense: Suspension from campus housing. Residence suspension is explained on page 25 of the Student Handbook

Fireworks, Explosives or Dangerous Chemicals

Transport, possession, manufacture, use, sale, or distribution of fireworks, ammunition, explosives, inflammable liquids, and all other hazardous materials are not permitted in the residence halls.

Weapons

Possession, manufacture, use, sale, or distribution of firearms, ammunition, BB and pellet, paint guns, knives, martial art weapons, and all other dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited in the residence halls.

Pets

Pets, other than fish in ten-gallon or smaller aquariums, are not permitted in any residence facility.