Residence Life & Student Housing

RESIDENCE LIFE & STUDENT HOUSING

Community Standards

By becoming a member of the SMU community, students agree to abide by and be held accountable to the policies and procedure outlined in the SMU Student Handbook. The handbook includes the Student Code of Conduct, the Judicial Code, Honor Code and other important information. In addition, Community Standards have been developed for the residence halls which provide a framework to help residents succeed in a community living environment. The Community Standards are included in the Resident Edition of the 2006-07 Student Handbook, beginning on page 64.

Community Standards Statement
Alcohol
Bicycles & Motorized Vehicles
Disruptive Behavior
Drugs & Paraphernalia
Fire Safety
Furniture
Guests & Visitation
Hall/Wing Meetings
Hall Sports & Games
House Rules
Keys
Noise
Passive Participation
Personal Responsibility
Pets
Respect for Property & Environment
Safety & Security
Smoking
Unauthorized Access
Weapons
Windows

COMMUNITY STANDARDS STATEMENT

By signing a Residence Hall contract and living in an SMU residential facility, I understand that I am a member of a living and learning community. As a member of this community, I have certain rights as a resident and as a student. I recognize as well that other members of this community have these same rights, and that my rights stop where another’s begin. For this reason it will be important to learn to compromise with others in order to maintain an environment in which all members of the community may grow as individuals and may pursue learning as a fundamental part of the campus residential experience.

Community Standards are established to assist in shaping this environment, to protect our rights and assert the responsibilities we each have to one another. In recognition of the University’s relationship to the United Methodist Church, I understand and appreciate the Church’s position on issues that may impact the residence hall experience. These include values that affirm abstaining from the use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs and other controlled substances, and abstaining from sexual relationships outside the sanctity of marriage. I also recognize that SMU is a community of free and open inquiry in which adults are encouraged to make responsible decisions in their lives. I accept that freedom of conscience determines such decisions, but agree further that this freedom does not imply license or encouragement to violate the law or University policy.

As a member of the residential community, I agree to abide by Local, State and Federal laws, as well as by these Community Standards (and others as may be developed to further support this community), University policies and the University Code of Conduct at all times while I am a resident of University Housing at Southern Methodist University.

(a) ALCOHOL

In addition to the SMU Student Code of Conduct Policy 3.01 (See page 10), the following standards are specific to the residential communities:

I understand that the legal drinking age in Texas is 21 years of age. I agree that I will not consume or possess alcohol unless I am 21 years of age or older and understand that this restriction applies equally to my residence community and elsewhere. I further understand that I may not possess alcohol containers or paraphernalia if I am under 21 years of age. (Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, cans, bottles, flasks, "yards", bongs or stills, even if they are intended to be "decorative".)

I understand that absolutely no alcohol is permitted in the first year communities (Boaz Hall, McElvaney Hall, or Perkins Hall), and in the Smith Hall Wellness Connection, regardless of a resident’s or guest’s age.

I understand that the manufacture of alcohol is prohibited in SMU-owned Housing.

If I am 21, and choose to consume alcohol, I will do so only in my room/apartment, or in the room/apartment of another 21 year old resident who is present at that time. I understand that neither any guest nor I may consume alcohol in a room/apartment where none of the assigned residents are 21.

If I choose to consume alcohol, and I am at least 21, I will only purchase/consume alcohol from containers readily available as off-the-shelf packaging. I understand that off-the-shelf packaging does not include kegs, beer balls or other large volume containers. I understand that using beer bongs, playing drinking games, having open containers of alcohol in common areas, and/or similar activities are not permitted in SMU-owned Housing.

I understand that there may be only one open container of alcohol per person of legal drinking age, and also understand that the amount of alcohol present during a violation will influence the degree of sanctioning imposed.

I agree further that I will at no time provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 or, by my action or inaction, actively or passively condone consumption of alcohol by someone under legal drinking age.

(b) BICYCLES and MOTORIZED VEHICLES
I agree to keep my bicycle, scooter or similar conveyance (owned or borrowed) parked/stored outside SMU-owned Housing at all times and in accordance with bicycle parking policies established by the University. Bike lockers are provided for student use.

(c) DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
I will not act in a manner which will disturb the academic pursuits or infringe upon the privacy rights, privileges, health or safety of other persons. I understand that any activity that has a negative impact on others will not be tolerated.

(d) DRUGS AND PARAPHERNALIA
In addition to the SMU Student Code of Conduct Policy 3.06 (See page 12), the following standards are specific to the residential communities:

I agree neither to possess, use, produce, sell, share nor distribute illegal drugs or controlled substances. I agree further that I will at no time, by my action or inaction, actively or passively condone the use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances by others. I understand that this standard applies to drugs, controlled substances and/or related paraphernalia (i.e., hookahs or "bongs") in or around SMU-owned Housing.

I understand that if I use prescription drugs or other controlled substances, I may be requested to provide proof that I am doing so under the supervision of a medical doctor. I agree to provide this proof immediately upon demand by a University official. I understand that it is illegal to provide my prescription drugs to another person. I understand that using another person’s prescription drug is also illegal.

(e) FIRE SAFETY
I will practice effective fire safety at all times by exercising prudent judgment and following fire safety guidelines established or revised for SMU-owned Housing. I will seek clarification from a RLSH staff member if I am unclear about these guidelines. I will use fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire exits, fire sprinklers and related equipment only for their fire fighting purposes. I understand that I may not hang anything from a fire sprinkler head or pipe and will not tamper with fire alarm, smoke or heat detectors, or other fire safety equipment. I agree to exit the building immediately and go to the designated gathering place my building has established whenever the fire alarm sounds. I further understand that I am liable for all damages by my misuse of fire safety equipment. I understand that violations of fire safety standards and guidelines are subject to significant fines and other judicial and possibly legal action. (See Fire Safety Guidelines on page 68.)

(f) HALL and ROOM FURNISHINGS

I agree to use University owned furniture only for its intended purpose. I further agree not to remove or relocate furniture from apartments, rooms, lounges, etc. I understand that water beds, "bricks and boards" for elevating furniture, and lofts (that are not provided or approved by the University) and other construction, including attaching shelves to walls, are not permitted in my room/apartment.

(g) GUESTS AND VISITATION
I

I understand and agree that the right to sleep and the right to study and to privacy take precedence over visitation privileges, and will at all times be considerate of these rights. I understand and agree that visitation is a privilege and that I will honor visitation hours established for my residential community. I agree to escort my guests whenever they are visiting me in my residence. I agree further to abide by this standard when I am a guest in another residence community.

I agree to be responsible and accountable for the behavior of my guests. I understand that it is my responsibility to inform my guests of all University policies, and that my guests are expected to abide by these policies.

I understand that my roommate (and suitemates) and I must agree in advance about having guests and, further, that overnight guest privileges are limited. I agree not to have any overnight guests during the first two weeks or last two weeks of the semester, and understand further that stays are limited to three nights per week unless approved in advance by my roommate (and suitemates) and a RLSH staff member. I understand that guests may not stay overnight in common areas (lounges, laundry rooms, etc.)

(h) HALL/WING MEETINGS

I understand that my Hall Director and RA will post notices about hall/wing meetings. I also understand that as a member of this community I am expected to attend these meetings, and that I am responsible for personally obtaining all information covered, whether or not I attend.

(i) HALL SPORTS AND GAMES

I will not participate in any kind of sport, horseplay or physically active game inside SMU-owned Housing, including but not limited to football, basketball, soccer, hockey, golf, rollerblading, Frisbee tag, bowling and water fights. Additionally, I will refrain from playing sports/games outside the residence community when or where it presents the possibility of injury, damage to persons or property, or undue noise. I understand, however, that I may participate in activities that are organized and/or approved by RLSH.

(j) HOUSE/FLOOR RULES

I agree to abide by House Rules, Floor Rules or Community Rules established for my residence community that clarify, broaden and enhance these Community Standards.

(k) KEYS

I agree that I am responsible for keys that are issued to me and for their proper use. I will not lend, duplicate or modify these keys and will not permit others to do so, nor will I permit others to use my keys or my SMU ID at any time. I agree further to immediately replace my lost or broken keys according to RLSH procedures and to obtain a new ID when lost. (See page 75).

(l) NOISE

I will not make or cause noise that intrudes on the privacy and the needs of others to sleep and study. I understand that noise which is disruptive to other residents is prohibited, both inside and outside of residence community, and courtesy and consideration for others is expected at all times. I agree to respond positively and courteously to requests to reduce noise and to respectfully approach others with requests for noise reduction before reporting the noise to RLSH staff.

I agree to be particularly sensitive to this issue during established "Quiet Hours" and understand that these hours extend for a minimum of ten consecutive hours daily, but may be established for longer periods in different University residence communities. I understand that 24-hour quiet hours go into effect during final exam periods beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the last day of class each term.

I understand that excessive noise at any hour is not acceptable and that at no time should amplified sound or yelling be directed out of or toward residents’ windows. I understand that reasonable quiet in areas near University residence communities must be maintained and that noise may be deemed disruptive if it can be heard through a wall, closed door or window.

(m) PASSIVE PARTICIPATION

I understand that I am expected to comply with all Community Standards, University policies, the University Code of Conduct, and all local, state and federal laws. I understand that it is my obligation to remove myself from any situation where a violation is occurring. At no time will I knowingly permit a violation to occur.

I realize that if I am present or have knowledge of a violation of the Community Standards, University policies, or University Code of Conduct, I can be held responsible for that violation. I am encouraged, when I am aware of a violation to report it, and understand that failing to report a violation may be cause for disciplinary action. I also understand that failure to provide information or giving false information is not acceptable.

(n) PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

I will take responsibility and be accountable for my behavior and for the choices I make as a member of the University community. I agree not to engage in behaviors that could endanger myself or others. I understand that if I violate the Community Standards or University Policies I am responsible for my own behavior and that harassment of other individuals involved in the situation will not be tolerated.

(o) PETS

I agree that the only pet(s) I will have in SMU-owned Housing will be fish, in one tank, and that the maximum permitted tank size is 10 gallons. I understand that residents with disabilities may have assistance animals.

(p) RESPECT FOR PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

I will respect my personal property as well as property belonging to other members of this community and the University. I will not damage property nor condone damages committed by others. I will promote a clean and safe environment in my residence community, including my room/apartment, bathroom, trash/recycling room, and common areas. I understand that residents may be billed individually or collectively for any damages or for excessive cleaning necessary as a result of individual resident or group behavior. I also understand that I will be charged a minimum of $25 per item/bag for inappropriately discarded trash.

(q) SAFETY AND SECURITY

I agree to actively promote safety and security within the University community at all times.

I will not prop open or otherwise disable the latching/locking mechanism of any door to the building and will unprop any door that I find propped open or otherwise unsecured. I will not permit access to the residence community by non-residents who are not my personal guests and will not condone others doing so. I will keep my room/apartment door closed and locked when not in the room and understand that I can enhance my personal safety and that of my roommate(s) by keeping the door closed and locked at all times.

I agree to immediately inform a member of the RLSH Staff and/or SMU Police about any unsafe condition or behavior that threatens the safety or security of this or another campus residential community.

(r) SMOKING

I understand that all SMU-owned buildings are smoke-free. I agree that, if I choose to smoke, I must be located at least 25 feet away from any building. I will also ensure that my smoking does not affect residents or guests when they are inside the building or as they enter or leave it. Cigarette or cigar butts, matches, etc. must be disposed of properly. I understand that hookahs and other water pipes are not permitted in or around SMU-owned Housing.

(s) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS

I will not enter restricted access areas unless specifically authorized to do so by RLSH staff. I understand that restricted areas may include, but are not limited to: area desks, roofs, porches, balconies, attics, or machine rooms of any SMU-owned Housing. I understand that I will not allow "tailgating" or others to gain access when I am entering or departing. I understand further that it is prohibited for a non-resident to be in a residence community while unescorted or after being restricted from visitation. I will not allow access to SMU-owned Housing by any person who has been criminally trespassed by SMU Police, RLSH or the Dean of Student Life Office.

(t) WEAPONS

In addition to the SMU Student Code of Conduct Policy 3.30 (see page 18), the following standards are specific to SMU-owned Housing:

I will not bring any type of weapon into SMU-owned Housing. I understand that "weapon" includes, but is not limited to: firearms (or CO2 cartridge guns), dangerous chemicals, any explosive device, numchucks, brass knuckles, hunting knives, toy guns, weapon replicas, decorative knives, paint ball guns of any kind and other materials that can be used in the endangerment of others. I understand further that anything used to threaten, endanger or harm others may be considered a weapon.

(u) WINDOWS

I will not remove, prop and/or damage the windows or screens in any SMU-owned Housing. I understand that it is dangerous and will refrain from leaning out windows, and from dropping, suspending, throwing, or shooting anything from or through them. I agree not to enter or exit SMU-owned Housing through a window, except in the event of fire or other similar emergency situation. I understand that I may not have anything extending from my window including, but not limited to, flags and satellite dishes.

revised May 2006