Personal Responsibility
Residents will take responsibility and be accountable for their behavior and for the choices they make as a member of the University community. They are not to engage in behaviors that could endanger themselves or others. This may include but is not limited to mental health, physical wellness, hygiene, medical/first-aid care, academic behaviors, decision making, etc. RLSH staff can serve as a resource and referral agent to assist residents in achieving this expectation. Resident behaviors or choices that negatively impact themselves or others are not permitted. Residents are responsible for taking ownership of their actions and the consequences of their actions.
Failure to Comply
Residents and guests are expected to adhere to reasonable verbal, written, or published instruction given by university staff, including Resident Assistants, when working within the appropriate performance of their duties.
Failure to comply can include, but is not limited to:
- Using abusive language or other behavior(s) which are dismissive and/or threatening towards university staff and resident assistants.
- Failure to remove yourself from a situation or make a reasonable effort to stop a violation(s) of policy.
- Knowingly being in the presence of a policy violation (Student Code of Conduct or RLSH policy) may indicate acceptance of the alleged behavior.
- Failure to abide with direction given by university staff acting in an official capacity.
- Failure to provide official identification upon request by university staff.
- Being in possession of and/or providing false identification to a university official.
- Knowingly providing false, deceptive, or distorted information.
- Failure to follow processes and procedures outlined by RLSH.
- Failure to attend a scheduled meeting or respond to a notice to schedule a meeting
Alcohol
Southern Methodist University is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to academic achievement and personal growth. Recognizing that the misuse of alcohol does not enhance or contribute to the academic success or growth of students, the following policy has been set forth in addition to the SMU Student Code of Conduct.
- Texas law declares the legal age for consumption of alcohol is 21.
- Individuals who are under the age of 21 are prohibited from consuming alcohol, being in the possession of alcohol, and being in the presence of alcohol.
- The manufacturing and distribution of alcoholic beverages on University owned housing premises is prohibited.
- If under the age of 21, possession of alcohol containers or paraphernalia is prohibited. This includes but not limited to any items purchased with alcohol in it such as empty cans, bottles, “yards,” bongs, kegs and stills, even if they are intended to be “decorative.
The following applies to residents who are 21 or older:
- Alcohol can only be consumed in a resident's room/apartment or in the room/apartment of another resident that is 21 or older that is present.
- Residents and guests may not consume alcohol in a room/apartment where none of the assigned residents are 21 years old
- If a resident is over 21 and has a roommate that is under 21, they may consume alcohol in their room/apartment but cannot provide alcohol to their roommate or any guest that is under the age of 21
- Alcohol must be from containers readily available as off-the-shelf packaging. This does not include kegs or large-volume containers
- The use of beer bongs and playing alcohol drinking games is prohibited.
- Having open containers in the common area and/or similar activities is prohibited.
- There may be only one open container of alcohol per person of legal drinking age.
Bicycles, Electric/Motorized Vehicles, Hoverboards and Electric Scooters
Bicycles, scooters, or similar motorized vehicles must be parked/stored outside university owned housing at all times and in accordance with bicycle parking policies and vehicle regulations as established by the University. Non-motorized, non-electric vehicles may be stored in a resident's during winter break if the room is not occupied.
Electric scooters, hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, electric skateboards, Segways (hands free or otherwise), and similar devices are not permitted in any university housing at SMU. This is in accordance with SMU policy restricting all motorized scooters in buildings. Students may not charge or use these devices in any SMU building. For more information, see SMU policy 9-14 on electric scooters.
Disruptive Behavior
Residents will not act in a manner that will disturb the academic pursuits or infringe upon the privacy, privileges, health, or safety of other persons. Any activity that has a negative impact on others will not be tolerated.
Drugs and Paraphernalia
Southern Methodist University is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to academic achievement and personal growth. Recognizing that the use of illicit drugs and misuse of legal drugs does not enhance or contribute to the academic success or growth of students, the following policy has been set forth in addition to the SMU Student Code of Conduct,
- Resident will not possess, use, produce, manufacture, sell, share, nor distribute illegal drugs, controlled substances and its paraphernalia (such as but not limited to hookahs, bongs, vapes, pipes)
- Resident will not share their prescription drugs with anyone else
- Residents will not use prescription drugs not prescribed to them
- The misuse of prescribed and over-the-counter medication is prohibited.
- Resident may be requested to provide proof that a prescription is for them.
Room and Community Furnishing
All furniture provided by the University must remain in student rooms and may not be removed. Furniture in common areas (i.e., lounges, classrooms) must remain in its intended location and may not be moved into student rooms. Items such as waterbeds, bed risers, bricks/boards to elevate furniture or other construction are prohibited.
Damage
Residents should complete a room inventory through the SMU Housing portal upon moving into a new room. Residents are responsible for any damages, not documented at move-in and may be charged to their student account.
In addition, damages that occur in common areas for which no resident accepts responsibility will be charged to residents of the residential community on a prorated basis. Depending on the circumstances, common damages will be charged to all residents of the community or to a subset of residents.
Guests and Visitation
A guest is defined as anyone not assigned to the designated community. Guests must be escorted at all times by the resident whom the guest is visiting. Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests, including any vandalism, violations of Community Standards, or University policies. Residents are also responsible for informing their guests of these policies.
The right to sleep, the right to study, and the right to privacy take precedence over visitation privileges. Roommate(s) and/or suitemate(s) must agree in advance about guest expectations, specifically if the guest will be staying overnight. Overnight guests are allowed for a maximum of three nights per week and not allowed during the last two weeks of the semester. Guests may not stay overnight in common areas.
Sports and Games
Any kind of sport, horseplay, or physically active game inside University owned housing, including but not limited to football, basketball, soccer, hockey, golf, rollerblading, frisbee tag, bowling, and water fights is not allowed. Additionally, I will refrain from playing sports/games outside the residential 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.
Package and Food Deliveries
SMU does not permit deliveries directly to a resident’s room. When ordering food or other delivery services, residents should give their phone number to the vendor and request a call from the deliverer to meet them at the building entrance to gather the items. Residents must pick up the delivery at the building entrance. Food or groceries that are delivered and not received directly by the resident may be removed and discarded, as they create health issues and can attract unwanted pests. All other packages should be addressed to the residents’ campus mailboxes in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
Keys/Access
Residents are responsible for any issued keys and cards. Keys and cards cannot be lent, duplicated, or modified at any time. Any lost or broken keys and cards must be replaced immediately. For lost SMUIDs, please refer to Parking and ID Card Services.
Residents will not enter restricted-access areas unless specifically authorized to do so by RLSH staff. Restricted areas may include but are not limited to Area Service Desks, roofs, porches, balconies, attics, or mechanical rooms of any University owned housing. Residents will not allow “tailgating” or others to gain access when they are entering or departing University owned housing. It is prohibited for a nonresident to be in a residential community while unescorted or after being restricted from visitation. Residents will not allow access to University owned housing by any person who has been criminally trespassed by SMU.
Lock-Outs and Lost Keys
Residents locked out of their rooms may go to their Area Service Desk during designated hours to be issued a temporary key or temp ID. Residents may contact their Resident Assistant (RA) on call outside of operating hours for the desks. Community-specific on-call phone numbers can be found on posted signs in and around the building.
Losing a temporary key/ID or not returning in the allotted timeframe will result in being charged for an lock changes or card replacements. Charges will be placed on student account.
Noise
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 10:00 a.m. Friday through Saturday. 24/7 quiet hours go into effect at 7:00 p.m. on the last day of class through the end of final exams.
Noise that is disruptive to other residents is prohibited, both inside and outside of University owned housing. Noise may be deemed disruptive if it can be heard through a wall, closed door, or window. Excessive noise at any hour is not acceptable and that at no time should amplified sound or yelling be directed out of or toward resident windows. Courtesy and consideration for others is expected at all times and 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. Any noise reported to RLSH staff can result in documentation.
Pets
Animals are not allowed in University owned housing, even if just visiting. Residents may have one 10-gallon fish tank. Any assistance animals must be approved by RLSH and Disability and Access Student Services prior to the animal entering university owned housing.
Recording Devices
Residents may not use any video monitoring devices, including “smart” doorbells or cameras within University owned housing unless if all residents of a room/apartment consent to the device.
Respect for Property and Environment
Residents will respect personal property, as well as property belonging to other members of the community and the University. Residents will not damage property nor condone damages committed by others. Residents will promote a clean and safe environment in their residential community, including their room/apartment, bathroom, trash/recycling room, and common areas. Residents may be billed individually or collectively for any damages or for excessive cleaning necessary as a result of individual-resident or group behavior. Residents will be charged a minimum of $25 per item/bag for inappropriately discarded trash.
The use of paint, craft, or any other art supplies inside the residence hall may result in a cleaning or damage fee. Further, spray paint is not allowed in any University owned housing. Coolers may only be decorated outdoors and away from all University property.
Community Spaces
Lounges and classrooms are available for all residents of the building to use. Some lounges and community classrooms may be reserved through the Residential Community Director (RCD) for study groups, meetings, and University-related activities. Sleeping in a shared community space is not permitted. Furniture in common areas (i.e. lounges, classrooms) must remain in its intended location and may not be moved into student rooms. Items such as waterbeds, bed risers, bricks/boards to elevate furniture or other construction are prohibited.
Room Decorations
Residents are encouraged to personalize their room, however, care must be taken when personalizing the room. Any damages to the room, including damage to walls, will be charged to residents when they check out of their rooms. To avoid unnecessary charges and damages, RLSH provides these guidelines for how to hang things on the walls.
- All furniture provided by the University must remain in the rooms and may not be removed.
- Nothing can be mounted or attached to university furniture or walls
- Wall and Ceiling
- Walls and Ceilings may not be painted or wallpapered
- Painter's tape, poster putty, and sticky tack are permitted for hanging posters and lightweight items on the walls.
- Painter tape is approved for short-term use only.
- Residents may also use up to 10 tacks/pushpins and small picture hangers (20-pound max) per resident to hang items.
- Martin House is an exception where items cannot be hung from walls.
- Tension rods are the only mechanism that may be used to hang curtains.
- Decorations may be hung using the approved method for a specific residence hall, so long as they are flush to the wall and do not cover more than 10% of the wall.
- Decorations may not project away from the walls, be suspended in the air, or be hung from the ceiling (for example: flags, posters, tapestries, bed canopies, etc.).
- Fire Safety
- Door decorating is allowed for specific time periods for holidays and special occasions. Doors may be decorated for up to one week for holidays and for up to two days for special occasions.
- Decorations cannot be on or hung from a soffit or overhang in a student room and cannot hinder exit from the room.
- Attachments or decorations near, on, or covering a sprinkler head, smoke detector, or water pipes (must have 18” clearance around fire systems equipment).
- Blocking the flow of water from sprinkler heads.
- Any wiring running through ceiling or hard wiring.
- Electrical wiring cannot touch metal.
- Beads or curtains may be hung over closet doorways (using a tension rod) and curtains may be hung in front of the window (outside of the window casing).
- Artificial or live plants under 18” (Plants may not have lights on them).
- Access to windows or exits must not be blocked
- Approved lighting will be fluorescent or LED bulbs, battery-operated LED lights, and UL-approved lights
- All extension cords must be UL Approved and have surge protection
- Power cords of any kind cannot be plugged into each other (daisy-chain)
Approved and Prohibited Items
The following list are to show what items are approved and prohibited in specific spaces. These list include the following but not limited to them.
For the Residential Commons and Fraternity Houses:
Approved Items:
- UL approved surge protector with reset switch
- 1 mini fridge per room (4.5 cubic feet or smaller)
- 1 microwave per room (800 watts or lower)
- Clothing Iron, Curling Iron, Hair Straightener, Curlers (All items must be unplugged when not in use)
- Heating Pad, Electric Blanket, Space Heaters (must have tip over protection and no more than 750 watts)
- Wall Plug In Air Freshener and Electric Wax Warmers
- Air Purifier and Humidifiers
- Pod Style Coffee Maker
- Electric Kettle
Prohibited Items:
- Extension cords without reset switch
- Electric Scooters, Hoverboards and Bicycles
- Fog or Smoke Machines
- Gasoline powered equipment
- Headboards with built in electrical outlet/USB ports
- 3d Printers
- Cabinet covering fridge/fridge storage that hinders proper ventilation
- Candles/Incense
- Reed Diffusers
- Lava and Oil lamps
- Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs
- Electric Skillet, Grills, George Foreman grill, Deep Fryer,Air Fyer, Slow Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Rice Cooker, Toasters, Toaster Ovens, Hot and Induction Plates, Any other cooking devices with an open coil
For University Owned Apartments and Upper Division Housing:
Approved Items:
- Toasters Oven, Slow Cooker, Electric Skillet, Rice Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Air Fryer
- UL approved surge protector with reset switch
- 1 mini fridge per room (4.5 cubic feet or smaller)
- 1 microwave per room (800 watts or lower)
- Clothing Iron, Curling Iron, Hair Straightener, Curlers (All items must be unplugged when not in use)
- Heating Pad, Electric Blanket, Space Heaters (must have tip over protection and no more than 750 watts)
- Wall Plug In Air Freshener and Electric Wax Warmers
- Air Purifier and Humidifiers
- Pod Style Coffee Maker
- Electric Kettle
Prohibited Items:
- Deep Fryer or Grills
- Extension cords without reset switch
- Electric Scooters, Hoverboards and Bicycles
- Fog or Smoke Machines
- Gasoline powered equipment
- Headboards with built in electrical outlet/UBS ports
- 3d Printers
- Cabinet covering fridge/fridge storage that hinders proper ventilation
- Candles/Incense
- Reed Diffusers
- Lava and Oil lamps
- Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs
Safety and Security
Residents are expected to actively promote safety and security within the University community at all times. Residents will not prop open or otherwise disable the latching/locking mechanism of any door to the building and will unprop any door that are found propped open or otherwise unsecured. Residents will not permit access to the residence community by nonresidents who are not personal guests and will not condone others doing so. Residents will keep room/apartment door closed and locked when not in the room and understand that this can enhance personal safety and that of roommate(s) by keeping the door closed and locked at all times.
Residents are expected to immediately inform a member of the RLSH staff and/or SMU Police Department about any unsafe condition or behavior that threatens the safety or security of this or another campus residential community.
Smoking
All University owned housing is smoke-free. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping-type devices. The legal age to buy and consume tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products in Texas is 21 years old. This age restriction applies to all standard tobacco and vaping products. If a resident chooses to smoke, they must be located at least 25 feet away from any University owned housing. Residents will also ensure that their smoking does not affect residents or guests when inside the building or as they enter or leave it. Cigarette or cigar butts, matches, etc. must be disposed of properly. Hookahs and other water pipes are not permitted inside or within 25 feet of University owned housing.
Weapons
Weapons includes but is not limited to firearms (or CO2 cartridge guns), dangerous chemicals, any explosive device, num-chuks, brass knuckles, toy guns, weapon replicas, , paintball guns of any kind, any knife exceeding 5.5 inches in length with the exception of a kitchen knife, and other materials that can be used in the endangerment of others. Anything used to threaten, endanger, or harm others may be considered a weapon. For further information, review SMU Weapons Policy. https://www.smu.edu/policy/9-police-and-public-safety/9-5-weapons
Windows
Residents will not remove, prop, and/or damage the windows or screens in any university owned housing. Residents will refrain from leaning out windows and from dropping, suspending, throwing, or shooting anything from or through them. Residents will not enter or exit university owned housing through a window, except in the event of fire or another similar emergency situation.
Residents may not display or post any messages and/or have signs that are visible through a window outside of their room or apartment. Residents may not hang, drape, or post anything outside of their windows or attach to a building or display anything on a university owned housing. This could include but is not limited to posters, signs, flyers, flags, pictures, paper decorations, outdoor lights, and/or banners with any type of writing or messaging that can be seen or observed from outside of the room or building. See university policy 6.4, that requires that windows remain clear of signs, flags, or other materials.
Fire Safety Standards and Regulations
Fire Drill and Alarm
All University owned housing have emergency evacuation plans and conduct two drills per calendar year to ensure residents are familiar with the evacuation procedures. Residents are required to promptly exit the building and go to the designated location when the fire alarm system is sounding
Fire Safety Room Inspections
Once per academic year, University owned housing is inspected for fire safety violations. These inspections are done in all University owned housing where at least 10% of rooms in the building are checked.
Fire Protection Systems
All University owned housing is equipped and protected by automatic fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems to alert residents. Systems are monitored 24/7 by SMU Police. Tampering with, damaging, or misusing fire safety equipment including, but not limited to, pull stations, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, or exit signs; unauthorized burning of any material in any University building on or near University property; falsely initiating any report, alarm, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency; obstruction of fire escapes, corridors, or stairways is a violation of this policy.