Rights & Responsibilities section pages:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

This page:Bill of Rights, Policies
Page 2:Residence Hall Rules, Section A
Page 3:Residence Hall Rules, Section B, Noncompliance and Staff Entry
Page 4:Safety & Security Prohibtions
Page 5:Documentation, Adjudication Process, Resident Life Sanctions
Page 6:Other Actions, University Sanctions, Mitigating Circumstances, Appeals, Records
Page 7:Soliciting, Commercial Activities, Parties , Policy Statements, Reporting Abuse, Residents Assistants
Page 8:Discrimination, Harassment

Living in a residence hall with other individuals requires responsibility, respect and consideration. Resident Life has a set of standards that serve as guidelines to foster these qualities. The rules listed within this booklet define behaviors which are prohibited in or near campus residence halls (including South Campus Commons) and at Resident Life sponsored activities. Violations of any of these rules by a resident may result in an administrative and/or judicial sanction. This section will also reference the rules set out in the Code of Student Conduct which is found in the Undergraduate Catalog and online.

Bill of Rights

As a member of the residence hall community you have certain rights and responsibilities. Read the following list, and think about these rights and responsibilities. Make them a part of what you do during your stay.

You have the Right to ...

• a reasonably peaceful and quiet space in which you can sleep and study;
• privacy and equal space in your room;
• choose your means of recreation and relaxation;
• the assistance of Resident Life and University staff members when you need help;
• know the rules of the residence halls.

You have the Responsibility to...

• keep your room and suite/apartment safe–lock doors, don’t prop them or let strangers in;
• observe quiet hours;
• let your roommate know your wishes and preferences about sleep, study and guests;
• know and abide by the laws of the State of Maryland;
• notify a staff person of problems and cooperate with them on solutions;
• read your Residence Halls/Dining Services Agreement and the entire Community Living Handbook

Policies

In your residence hall community the action of each individual can have an impact on all of the members. As a community member you have an obligation to yourself and others to help support the Resident Life policies that assure a safe, secure, nurturing environment. Residents are expected to obey the rules of the University and to know and obey the laws of the state of Maryland. Violations of these rules may result in resident(s) receiving an administrative and/or disciplinary sanction. Serious or repeated violations of these policies could result in resident(s) having his or her Residence Halls/Dining Services Agreement terminated.

Drug Policy

Students found to be involved with drugs in or around the residence halls will be referred to Resident Life’s Office of Rights and Responsibilities. The case will be resolved in accordance with the Office’s adjudication process set forth in Community Living and in the Code of Student Conduct. Where applicable, sanctions will address both the residence hall status and the student status of the respondent.

Violations of drug policy, in all likelihood, will result in Immediate Housing Termination and Suspension/Expulsion from the University. In cases where the respondent is not deemed to be an immediate threat to the campus community, an alternate sanction of Suspension Withheld, in conjunction with a substance abuse program and random drug testing (at the individual’s expense) may be granted. However, this would still include Housing Termination. Additionally, adjudication reports are routinely forwarded to the University Police when students are found to be responsible in drug cases.

Alcohol Policy

• Possession/use of alcohol by minors is prohibited
• Kegs are prohibited
• Parties involving alcohol are prohibited
• Sale of alcohol is prohibited

State of Maryland Law

• It is unlawful for any MINOR* to possess or consume alcoholic beverages
• It is unlawful for any MINOR* to knowingly and willfully make any misrepresentation or false statement as to his or her age in order to obtain alcoholic beverages
• It is unlawful for any person to obtain alcoholic beverages for consumption by an individual who is known to be a MINOR*

* MINOR is defined as any person under the age of 21.

Space Reservation approval will not be granted for group activities which involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Resident Life acknowledges, however, that students of legal drinking age may choose to consume alcohol in their room, apartment or suite. If found in possession of any open container of alcohol anywhere else in or near the residence halls, ALL students will be instructed to pour it out in the nearest appropriate receptacle.

Violations will result in administrative and/or disciplinary sanctions. Serious or repeated violations will result in the responsible residents having their Residence Halls/Dining Services Agreement terminated.

Misconduct Related to University Sponsored Events

The University of Maryland strictly prohibits misconduct related to University-sponsored activities including but not limited to post athletic event celebrations, whether these Universitysponsored activities occur on or off campus. Misconduct that endangers others, damages property, or disrupts the community, including rioting, theft, vandalism, setting fires, and breach of the peace, are violations of Section 9 (d) of the University Code of Student Conduct. Students who violate the residence hall rules in a manner that is addressed by Section 9 (d) will face presumptive dismissal from the University.

Alcohol Poisoning

In the event that a student requires transport to a hospital emergency room solely due to excessive alcohol consumption, Resident Life staff may take the following actions:

• Notify the student’s parents if the situation was a medical emergency
• Require an alcohol assessment by the Director of Substance Abuse programs at the University Health Center
• Require a psychological assessment with a mental health professional at the University Health Center

Immunization Policy

Maryland state law requires every student who resides in the on-campus residence halls to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease or to decline this requirement by submitting a written waiver stating that he or she has received the information and has chosen not to be vaccinated against the disease.

Additionally, the University of Maryland requires all new students to provide documentation of current vaccination from Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Tetanus/ Diphtheria.

Smoking Policy

• All areas of residence halls are designated non-smoking
• Smoking in any form is not allowed within any residence hall room or space
• Smoking in any area outside of a residence hall which would cause smoke to enter any residence hall space is also not allowed

Computer Use and Data Jack Policy

• All residents have direct Ethernet access to the UM computer system and the Internet
• Once you activate a data jack in your room you are responsible for all activity on your data jack
• Should a violation of Residence Hall Rules, the Code of Student Conduct, or the University’s Acceptable Use Policy originate from your data jack or wireless connection to the UM network, you will be held responsible for those actions

Since you could be held responsible for any violations, you should take care not to allow any users to access your data jack or computer from your room or through the Internet.