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Policies and ProceduresView all answers If you become ill, are involved in an accident or for some other reason are going away from the Residence Hall for more than one day, please inform your RA so that staff will know how to contact you. Additionally, leaves are available (for emergency, non-medical reasons) from the Office of Student Life.
Residence Life occasionally receives calls from residents' parents/guardians regarding their whereabouts. By informing your RA of your travel plans, etc., you enable us to keep your family informed in the event of an emergency. By contract, residents of Birnam Wood and Buchanan Towers have access to their room during break periods. Residents who need to access their rooms in BW or BT but cannot due to lost/misplaced keys should contact University Police or the on-duty Resident Advisor for access. Residents of other buildings do not have access to their rooms or to the buildings.
Residents of buildings other than Birnam Wood or Buchanan Towers who need to gain short-term access for non-emergency reasons must contact University Residences during normal business hours. Residents who wish to move out during the break must make arrangements with University Residences during normal business hours. There is typically an access charge of $35 for moves that occur over the break in a locked building. Entry into or moves from a room must take place during normal business hours (9 a.m.-3p.m.). Residents of other buildings who need to gain short-term access for emergency reasons (e.g., retrieve medication, etc.) may do so by making arrangements with University Residences during normal business hours or by contacting University Police after normal business hours. No access is allowed to non-residents. In University residential facilities, you will be held responsible for violating the alcohol policy. The
following policy is in effect for students and their guests while living in University Residences:
Students abusing alcohol generally come to the attention of the University by exhibiting behavior that is not acceptable. They may be referred to the Alcohol and Drug Consultation and Assessment Services and/or the student conduct process. University Police officers and Residence Life staff are trained to identify behaviors that are likely to be associated with drug use or abuse. When drugs or alcohol are involved in policy violations, evaluation and treatment may be required, in addition to other appropriate disciplinary action. If evaluation indicates a drug or alcohol problem, treatment may be required in order for the individual to remain in University Residences or as a condition of continued attendance at the University. Students may be referred for evaluation or treatment in any of the following ways:
Verbal or written threats or acts of physical violence will not be tolerated in the residential communities. If you are involved in such behavior, you will face severe disciplinary action which may result in your removal from University Residences. Barbecue grills are a potential fire hazard in a community living environment. BBQ grills may be used on balconies and patios in Birnam Wood and on the Edens Hall Deck. You must monitor your barbecue grill at all times. You must extinguish charcoal and dispose of it properly. If you live in a community other than Birnam Wood and you wish to barbeque, contact your Resident Director. He/she will direct you to an appropriate grilling location. Gas grills are prohibited. Most residence halls and University apartments have parking areas for bicycles either in front of or adjacent to the building. Some buildings have bike storage rooms. You should keep your bicycle locked at all times. Bicycles found in hallways, stairwells, and public areas of residence halls and apartments, INCLUDING BICYCLES CHAINED TO WALKWAY RAILINGS OUTSIDE, will be subject to impound due to the hazard they pose to people exiting a building in an emergency and to those using wheelchairs. Bicycles must be removed from exterior racks and interior bike rooms prior to the end of the academic year or they will be impounded and disposed. Bulletin boards and other tackable surfaces notify residents about activities, issues, and events. Approved Associated Students and other general campus activity notices will be posted when space is available and must be approved for posting by the Viking Union staff and posted by the residence hall staff. Submit 33 copies of the flyer to the Viking Union, fifth floor front desk. Commercial or obscene material will not be posted.
Residents should speak with their Resident Director if they are seeking to have something posted in their community. All posted material must be placed on tackable surfaces, i.e., bulletin boards. Do not use Scotch, packing, masking, door or duct tape on painted or wooden surfaces. Please use removable foam adhesive squares or removable blue painters tape available through Residence Life to post temporary signs. Items improperly posted or not current will be removed. The Bellingham Fire Department regulations mandate that posting may not exceed give percent of the wall surface. No postings are permitted on landings or exiting stairwells. See Solicitation and Commercial Activity As a means of fire prevention, you are prohibited from using candles, incense or other open flame in student rooms and adjacent areas. Appliances with open coil burners are also prohibited. The use of candles or incense is permitted for birthdays or religious purposes if monitored at all times; please first consult with Residence Life staff. During the first two weeks of each academic quarter, room changes within the buildings or between buildings will not be permitted, to allow all new students to be assigned to available spaces.
It is the hope of University Residences that you and your assigned roommate will be compatible. Getting acquainted takes time, so give yourself a chance to adjust to your new roommate and surroundings. If you find that your room assignment is not working out, contact your Resident Advisor or Resident Director. He or she will have up-to-date information regarding the proper procedures for moving within your hall or to another hall. When you vacate your room, it is required that you turn in your check-out form and your key(s) to the residence hall staff prior to your departure. You are responsible for any damages, missing items, and/or cleaning charges pertinent to your room (see Damages). See your Resident Director for the appropriate check out forms. If you are leaving at the end of the quarter, make an appointment with your Resident Director by Friday of dead week. Students who do not plan to continue through the following academic quarter must check out no later than 4 p.m. on the Friday of finals week. Students who check out after 4 p.m. are subject to a daily fee charged for each day of the break period beginning Saturday following finals week and ending the day before move-in day of the following academic quarter. This fee is in addition to the contract breakage fee. Any time you fail to check out properly, you shall be subject to an improper check out fee of $35.00. These improper procedures include, but are not limited to:
The lounges and main lounges (hereby referred to as "common areas")
within Western Washington University's residence halls provide living
spaces for students to study, to relax and to gather with other residents
of their community. Peer interaction, especially regarding academics, is a
valuable component of students. educational experiences. Residents wishing
to organize activities for their community can contact their resident
advisor or resident director. Common areas are to be used according to the priority order below:
The cleaning and re-setting of a common area is the responsibility of those using the area. Overnight sleeping is not permitted. Sundecks and balconies Sundecks and balconies are available in some buildings for general resident use. Community guidelines apply to these areas as well. Smoking is not allowed on any sundeck or balcony. Sundecks are not available during inclement weather. Please keep in mind that staff may restrict use and availability as they deem necessary. Custodial staff members are not authorized to allow students access to public sundecks. Common Space Use for University functions On rare occasions, common spaces within the residential communities are used for University functions (e.g. to promote the University to prospective students, for academic advising, etc.). University Residences will communicate with residence hall staff regarding these activities to avoid scheduling conflicts and to minimize inconvenience for community residents. Western Washington University's Policy for Acceptable Use and User Agreement is available at http://west.wwu.edu/atus/helpdesk/AcceptableUsePolicy.shtml These activities may fall under the jurisdiction of Residence Life, Academic Technology & User Services (ATUS) or the University Judicial Officer. Examples of misuse may include, but are not limited to, the activities in the following list.
If you continue to attend Western and decide to move off campus, you will be subject to the contract breakage fee (also see the Housing Agreement/Contract).
Residence Halls: the student shall pay to the university room and/or board charges required to be paid by the student up to the time of termination and shall further be liable to the university for liquidated damages in the amount of $5.25 per day for the remainder or un-expired portion of the term of the Agreement, not to exceed $400. Apartments: the student shall pay to the university room and/or board charges required to be paid by the student up to the time of termination and shall further be liable to the university for liquidated damages in the amount of $2.67 per day for the remainder or un-expired portion of the term of the Agreement, not to exceed $200. In order to ensure that you are maintaining timely progress toward the achievement of your degree, you must generally carry a minimum of 10 undergraduate or 8 graduate credits per quarter to reside in University Residences. You should be aware that many financial aid programs require students to carry a minimum of 12 credits to receive aid.
If you drop below the minimum number of credits, you will receive a letter which will remind you of academic support and other services that are available to you, and ask that you contact staff to discuss your credit load. Students who drop below the minimum credit load, AND who are not in good standing due to misconduct, may face termination of their University Residences housing agreement. When you move into your room, you will find a Room or Apartment Inspection and Inventory Form that indicates the room or apartment's condition. This form is designed for your protection. It must be signed by you and returned to your Resident Advisor within seven days of the date you move in. If the form is not returned, it will be assumed that you agree with the room condition as stated on the duplicate copy filled out by the residential staff, and you will be charged for any new damages in your room at the time of check out.
Repairs to residence hall and apartment facilities must be performed by University personnel. The cost of these repairs includes materials and labor; the latter can be as high as $75 per hour. In all cases, trained University craftspeople must do the work in order to comply with building codes and construction standards. If your room is damaged, DO NOT attempt the repairs yourself! It is unlikely your work will meet University standards, and you will be charged for the cost of the repairs done by craftspeople to complete the work correctly. If you lose or damage residential property, even accidentally, you will be billed for it. This includes any portion of the facility itself, and does not preclude prosecution for vandalism, destruction and/or theft of state property. Report any such damage to your residential staff immediately. All charges for damages will be assessed to your University account or any refund due you at the end of the period of your occupancy. If the amount of the damage exceeds the damage deposit, you will be billed for the additional amount. Creating a "home" while living in University Residences makes the room or apartment more pleasant and comfortable. Extras such as small pieces of furniture, plants, lamps, rugs, bedspreads and/or posters help personalize the room. When planning to decorate, it is important to keep in mind that no permanent changes may be made to the spaces, and any damage done in decorating your room (or by removing decor at the end of the year) will result in a charge. The furniture provided by University Residences to student rooms must remain in the room. Storage space is unavailable.
Fire codes and safety standards prohibit construction of lofts, platforms or other bunking structures. Furniture must remain on the floor. Additionally, these codes and standards prohibit hanging anything from your windows, balconies or building exteriors (e.g., birdfeeders, banners, etc.). You may not paint your room. The painting is done by University craftspeople on a six-year rotation. If the painted walls in your room are in need of repair, please fill out a Maintenance Request form or contact your Resident Director. If you believe personal items in your room have been damaged by painters, contact Risk Management to fill out a claim. Because the exterior of your room door faces a public living space, exterior door decorations need to be in good taste and must not create a harassing/hostile living or working environment. If you post decorations that prompt significant community disruption, you will be requested to move the item(s) to the interior of your room. If you decorate your room door, leave the room number uncovered.
The Bellingham Fire Department requires permits signed by their representative under Article 4 of the Uniform Fire Code for all indoor use of resin bearing, cut trees and cut vegetation, including swags, wreaths, and garlands in public buildings. Live trees in soil are exempt from the permit requirements. The process of obtaining a permit requires four things: completion of a permit and floor plan, treatment of the decorations with an approved flame retardant, tagging the decoration, and calling to arrange an inspection by the Bellingham Fire Department. As a service to the University community, permits and tags for decorations are available from Environmental Health and Safety, Old Main 345, x3064. You may not participate in a demonstration that materially and substantially disrupts the work or normal operations of the University Residences. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, obstruction and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person is prohibited. You are expected to cooperate with one another, with residential staff and other University officials. Students who do not cooperate with University officials (including Resident Directors, Assistant Resident Directors, Resident Advisors, and University Police officers), acting in the performance of their duties, will face disciplinary action. Providing false identification or information, as well as failing to complete sanctions, is also prohibited. The use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances is prohibited except as expressly permitted by law. Use or possession of drug paraphernalia is also restricted. You may be held responsible if you are in the presence of those using controlled substances or others use controlled substances in your room. Being under the influence on campus constitutes a violation of this policy. In most cases, repeated violations of the drug policy will result in eviction from University Residences and referral to University Judicial Affairs. Western Washington University lies within earthquake country. To live in Washington is to live with earthquakes, past, present and inevitably in the future. Washington is part of a geological ring along the Pacific coasts of North and South America and Asia. Historically, the greatest seismic activity in Washington has occurred within the Puget Lowland area between Olympia and the Canadian border.
It is unpleasant to contemplate an emergency, but both the University and its residents must recognize the possibility that an earthquake can occur and be prepared to meet it and its effects intelligently. Safety is not a one-sided responsibility, and in an emergency, your knowledge can be as important as the proficiency of our professional staff. The actual earth movement of a quake, frightening as it is, seldom is a direct cause of death or injury. The earth movement, however, can cause buildings and other structures to shake, crack or even collapse. Most casualties result from falling objects and debris, splintering glass, fires, and panic. The following information is designed to give you concise, usable information, which will enable you to plan for, and deal intelligently with, the effects of an earthquake. Please take time to familiarize yourself with the contents of this publication; knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake could mean the difference between being seriously injured or not. Our chances during even the most serious earthquakes are excellent if we follow these Emergency Procedures for Earthquakes. Think safety. Utilities are sometimes damaged during an earthquake. Natural gas lines can break and present a fire danger. Electrical power will be disrupted. Phone lines can be cut. Water and sewage lines can be broken resulting in a contaminated water supply. Also, emergency services may be limited after an earthquake. Fire and police departments will be forced to deal with larger emergencies first. We thank you for your cooperation and recognition of your role in ensuring the safety of all residents in our housing system. Preparation for an Earthquake The most important thing you can do is give the matter some thought now, before the fact. Forethought prevents the panic and confusion that can lead to loss of life in a disaster.
When an earthquake hits, it may come as a series of tremors strong enough to knock you off your feet. You have only seconds to react. If you are inside, do not run outside! Take refuge in a hallway, door frame or under strongly secured furniture to reduce the chance of being struck by breaking glass or falling objects. If you are outside, get as far away as you can from buildings and structures that could pelt you with broken glass or collapsing debris.
Remain calm. Take actions to prevent injuries and further damage.
The use of electrical appliances with exposed heating elements and open coils are prohibited in student rooms and corridors. Electric blankets are strongly discouraged as they pose a severe fire hazard when residence hall beds are used as couches.
The use of space heaters is prohibited to protect the integrity of building electrical systems for life safety and to reduce the risk of fire. Residents may be charged for costs associated with resetting circuit breakers due to unauthorized electrical appliances. In the event of an extended breakdown of a building heating system, University owned space heaters may be distributed for a limited duration until building heat is restored. Residents in the building will be asked to reduce their use of other electrical appliances to keep from overloading the electrical service. To report heating problems see "Maintenance Service" on page 29 of your Residential Community Handbook. Those found responsible for tampering with an elevator, or engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior that places themselves or others at risk, will face disciplinary action. University staff respects your right to privacy. The University maintains the right to have authorized personnel enter any residence hall room or apartment for the purpose of inspection, repair, health/safety of residents or other official University business. If, while in the room, University personnel discover policy violations, appropriate conduct follow-up will occur. In the event of a fire, it is important to follow these procedures:
What to do If you discover or suspect a fire, pull a fire alarm and leave the building by the nearest exit. While exiting, make an attempt to warn your neighbors by banging on doors that you pass. When you reach the evacuation location, contact a staff member and give him/her as much information as possible. Mobility and hearing impaired students We notify University Police of the location of permanent or temporary mobility or hearing impaired students. In case of fire the Bellingham Fire Department will go to your room immediately. The Equal Opportunity Center can assist persons with a disability in developing an evacuation plan; more information is available from EOC or at http://www.wwu.edu/depts/eoc/EvacuationGuideForPWD.pdf Where to go When an alarm, a shouted warning, or the sensation of smoke or fire has alerted you:
Evacuation Locations Whenever the building must be evacuated (bomb threat, fire alarm), students should be directed to the following locations. Go to the building's main lounge unless indicated otherwise. Alpha to Delta Beta to Kappa Birnam Wood to another BW building Buchanan Towers to Fairhaven Main Lounge Delta to Alpha Edens to Higginson Fairhaven to Fairhaven Main Lounge Gamma to Kappa Higginson to Edens Highland to Sigma or Omega Kappa to Ridgeway Commons, first floor hallway Mathes to Nash Nash to Mathes Omega to Sigma Sigma to Omega Smoke Alarms, Heat Detectors and Related Annunciator Panels Hard-wired, regularly maintained Smoke and Heat Detectors are provided throughout the buildings for your safety. Definition of terms -
Testing and Maintenance - ALL devices in University Residences are tested per the Bellingham Fire Department Confidence Testing Manual. Different types of structures are tested under varying methods dependent upon height and occupancy. All residence halls are tested annually per this manual. Smoke detectors are cleaned and tested annually. This coincides with the other mandatory confidence testing for the elevators and emergency generator systems. We are required to certify that these types of systems work in conjunction with the elevator recall system and on backup power. The system is also tested on battery backup power annually. Most of this testing for the more stringent requirements is completed in August and September of each year prior to the students moving in for Fall quarter. What You Should Do If/When an Alarm sounds General alarm ringing on your floor or in your building Evacuate the building following the plan above. Smoke detector in your room sounding a local alarm Assess whether the alarm has been activated by a legitimate fire hazard. If so, evacuate the building following the plan above. If the smoke detector has been alarmed inadvertently (e.g., cigarette smoke, cooking), wait for the smoke to clear. Once it has cleared, the local sounding device will automatically reset itself and the sounding device will silence. There is no need for further action. In some cases, the smoke detector may become over-sensitive and tend to activate for no apparent reason. A malfunctioning smoke detector may also beep intermittently. A malfunctioning detector should be reported by calling x3556 during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). If the detector is causing a disturbance after-hours, contact the on-duty Resident Advisor in your area. Fire Aisles and Exits The Bellingham Fire Department requires that all exit aisles, hallways, and stairs be kept clear of any obstruction. Items left in these areas will be subject to impound by the Residence Life Staff. Fire Doors in hallways and stairwells are to be kept closed at all times, unless they are held open by a magnetic device that releases the door when a fire alarm is activated. Phone Numbers
Fire Doors Many of the doors in our buildings are required to be "fire doors." This means that the doors are designed to block a fire from passing through that doorway for a period of time that is established by fire codes and regulations. Doorways into public corridors and stairwells are generally required to be fire doors. These doors must remain closed in order to fulfill their intended purpose (blocking fire). Student room doors that exit into these corridors must never be propped open when unattended. Doors which separate corridors into smaller areas and which connect to exit stairwells must never be propped open. Room doors in Alpha, Delta, Sigma, Omega, Kappa, Edens Hall, Edens North, Mathes, and Nash are equipped with spring loaded, self-closing hinges that automatically close the doors for fire safety. Students should not tamper with these safety devices. Evidence of tampering or disabling these devices will result in damage charges of at least $25. Fireplaces Please see your Resident Director for your community's policy on fireplaces. Fire Safety Equipment Any person who willfully tampers with or breaks any fire alarm apparatus or any fire fighting equipment or gives, transmits or sounds any false alarm of fire is guilty of a misdemeanor. Any such violation will result in conduct proceedings and could carry a maximum fine of $500 and six months in jail. Extinguishers and alarms are for your use, should the need arise. The cost of refilling a misused extinguisher, as well as any damages resulting from an extinguisher being discharged unnecessarily, will be charged to whomever was responsible. Firecrackers and other explosives pose a danger to people as well as to property and are prohibited on or around University property. Possession of, igniting and/or throwing a fireworks or explosive in, or around a University residence hall or apartment is prohibited. If you are involved in this behavior, you can expect disciplinary action, possibly resulting in eviction, and/or civil proceedings. Illegal gambling is prohibited in the residence halls. Guests are individuals who are not contracted residents of the specific room, suite, apartment or hall in question. Each guest must have a host and be escorted while in the building. The host will be responsible for the behavior of their guest(s). Guests are expected to comply with State and University regulations and policies. Persons who are not residents may be asked to leave the hall, unless they are able to demonstrate that they are a guest of a resident of the hall or carrying out University business. Guests may not adversely affect the living community by use of hall facilities. Guests of residents may be asked to leave if they are violating policies, damaging property, or show the potential to cause harm to themselves or others.
Only the people assigned to a room may reside in that room. Overnight guests are permitted only with the permission of the roommate/suitemates or apartment mates. Overnight guests may not stay for more than three nights in a row or more than seven nights per quarter. This applies even if you do not have a roommate. Roommates are strongly encouraged to take some time to talk about arrangements for guests, and how all parties feel about the potential disruption guests can cause before the guests are invited to stay. It is important to note that a room is a private space that should be shared equally by both roommates. As a responsible roommate, it is not appropriate to engage in any activity that would deny your roommate access to the room, or make them feel uncomfortable while in the room. While the current policy allows for 24 hours visitation, the intent of the policy is to allow students greater freedom, but not to encourage people to misuse that freedom at the expense of their roommates. The secret to being successful roommates is having open and honest communication. When one roommate has a friend or friends visiting, it should always be with the consent of the other roommate. When this isn't happening and roommates cannot figure out how to confront the problem, we suggest involving one of the Residence Life staff. Please be aware that if roommates are not able to come to a resolution, or should one roommate continue to exhibit behavior that is inconsiderate or inappropriate, Residence Life staff may take further action to resolve the conflict. Individual halls, floors, or roommates have the right to make this policy more restrictive. No persons other than invited guests, resident students, or University staff on University business may enter the private areas of residence halls. The private areas are those areas beyond the lobby or "common area" at the main entrances in the residence halls. For additional housing options, see Guest Housing. See Disruptive Behavior Policy and the Student Code found in the WWU Bulletin. See Candles and Open Flame See Absence from the Halls Property: Information about the University's Student Personal Property Insurance Program is available from University Residences (see Loss of Damage to Student's Personal Property below).
Health: The Student Health Center strongly recommends that all students have some form of health insurance to defray the substantial costs associated with serious accidents and illness. For more information, including information regarding health insurance policies coordinated by Western, contact Student Health. The University assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to any resident's personal property from any cause. The University strongly recommends that you obtain insurance coverage by purchasing a renter's insurance policy or verifying that coverage is available under your parent's homeowner's insurance policy. As an option, you may purchase coverage under the University's Student Personal Property Insurance Program. A brochure and application form is available from University Residences' Assignments office or WWU Risk Management office.
Protect Your Property The University strongly recommends that you take all necessary precautions to protect your own personal property. Personal property is vulnerable to all kinds of loss and damage. Examples include theft, water damage, fire, and sudden weather change. You are urged to take valuable personal property home with you at quarter breaks.
University Property Be alert when using University furniture and equipment. Help protect it from theft, unauthorized use, or vandalism. Report any suspicious activity to your hall staff or University Police. In the long run, you and other students help pay for University property, so it makes sense for you to help protect it! Nationally, between 100 and 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses every year, with 5 to 15 deaths of college students annually as a result of this infection. Certain college students, particularly freshmen who live in dormitories or residence halls, have a six-fold increased risk of this disease. A safe vaccine is available in the WWU Student Health Center that can be helpful in preventing this infection. Contact the Student Health Center at 650-3400 for more information. You may not store motorcycles, mopeds or other gas powered vehicles in your residence hall or apartment. University parking regulations and the Uniform Fire Code (1982 Edition, Section 11.415) prohibit such storage.
Storing vehicles in student rooms or apartments constitutes a violation of the parking regulations and presents a safety hazard. Mopeds or motorcycles discovered inside University residence halls or apartments over the break are subject to impound and will be removed at University request. Students will pay the cost of impounding and storage. The University will immediately notify students when the vehicle is impounded and students will be responsible for obtaining its release. See Quiet Hours You may be charged with obstructing an officer if, without lawful excuse, you refuse or knowingly fail to make or furnish any statement, or report any information lawfully required of you by a police officer.
If you knowingly give untrue statements, hinder, delay or obstruct any police officer in the discharge of his or her official duties, you may also be charged with obstruction. See Candles and Open Flame Safety in University Residences means protecting people and property. Western's campus is a great place for students to learn and grow. But like any other community, Western can have its share of accidents, crimes and injuries. Fortunately, the right attitudes and actions can help protect you, your belongings and fellow students. Campus safety depends on everyone, including you. Learn To Protect Yourself KEEP YOUR DOOR LOCKED!! Leaving it open for even one minute is an invitation to robbery or attack.
The only pets allowed in University Residences are fish and service animals (i.e., bona fide service dogs) which are not dangerous. You may not house or harbor a cat, dog or any other animal, fowl, arachnid or reptile in your residence hall room/apartment or in the vicinity of any residential complex. Students found in violation of this regulation will have a maximum of 48 hours to find an alternative off-campus living arrangement for the pet. A $35 charge will be assessed to cover the costs of pest inspection and mitigation. Students may also be subject to conduct proceedings. The University has a number of trained professionals who can provide counseling and support for students experiencing difficulties in their day-to-day lives on campus. If you are experiencing difficulties, you may contact the Counseling Center, the Office of Student Life, Health Services, or Alcohol and Drug Consultation and Assessment Services during normal working hours. A member of the Residence Life staff can help you to determine which service might best meet your needs. After working hours, you may contact a member of the Residence Life staff or University Police.
As a resident, you may know of friends or neighbors who appear to be in need of assistance. Please contact your Resident Advisor or Resident Director if you want to help another student make contact with one of the services listed above. If you exhibit behavior that indicates you may be a danger to yourself (including suicidal attempts or gestures, eating disorders, and substance abuse) or a danger to others (violent actions or statements), you may be referred for a psychological, psychiatric, medical, or alcohol/drug use evaluation. This evaluation may be required as a condition of remaining in University Residences. The results of this evaluation will be used to determine the best course of action for the individual and his or her residential community. You may also be required to enter into a behavioral contract in order to continue to reside in campus housing. Furniture in the lounges and other public areas of your residence is for use by all residents and their guests. Removal of furniture from public areas makes it unavailable to other residents. As a result, students moving furniture from any area of the building will be subject to conduct proceedings, may be prosecuted for theft, and may be responsible for financial restitution. You are expected to obey local, state and federal laws. City, county, state and federal law enforcement officials have jurisdiction on campus.
Students who jeopardize the safety or security of other residents by propping or otherwise disabling exterior doors, or by letting unauthorized individuals into the building (intentionally or carelessly) will face disciplinary action. The University maintains its own police department that is composed of full-time commissioned officers and student officers who patrol the campus. City, county, state and federal law enforcement officials have jurisdiction on campus. University Police and the Office of University Residences have agreed that residential staff should be contacted first in the case of minor infractions of University rules. To report any fire, personal injury, crime in progress, traffic accident or other emergency, Dial x3911. For students who continue their residence in these buildings, Birnam Wood and Buchanan Towers are open over break periods at no additional charge for students who are enrolled and continue their residence for a minimum of two weeks during the following academic quarter. Students who are not eligible must check out no later than 4 p.m. on the Friday of Finals Week, or be subject to a daily fee for each day they have not checked out. This fee is above and beyond the contract breakage fee. The remaining residence halls and dining services are NOT available during these breaks. If you remain in or return to residence halls officially closed for Winter or Spring Break, you will be considered to be trespassing and will be instructed to leave the building and not to return until it is officially opened. You will be charged a premium daily rate and the $35.00 student access fee for any time spent in the halls without authorization, and you may be subject to disciplinary action. Students needing housing during Winter and Spring breaks may arrange for temporary housing in Guest Housing for a nominal fee on a space available basis. Please contact Guest Housing at x7537 to request space. Students may not live as guests of Birnam Wood or Buchanan Towers residents if the hosting resident will not be present. (See Guest Policy.) The realities of community living require that individuals respect community needs for the moderation of noise (regardless of quiet hours). Excessive noise (loud stereos, amplified instruments, parties, etc.) is an infringement on the rights of other students and is unacceptable at Western. Students with audio systems are encouraged to use headphones. A "quiet" atmosphere conducive to sleep and studying must be maintained in all residence halls and apartments between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., Sunday through Friday, and 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (Friday and Saturday nights). *All other hours are called "courtesy hours." During these times it is expected that students will be considerate of the quiet related needs of others. Individual residence halls, by action of their hall councils, may choose to establish stricter polices if they so desire. While it is everyone's responsibility to control noise, it is also the responsibility of those impacted by noise to contact the offending party and request that the problem be eliminated. If this approach does not succeed, contact a residential staff member. If noise becomes chronic, University Residences staff will respond. The University Police can be called to deal with noise complaints as well. Dead Week and Final exam weeks During Dead Week (the week prior to finals), hall councils will designate extended quiet hours. During Finals Week, twenty-four (24) hour quiet hours are in effect from 7 p.m. on the Sunday evening prior to final exam week through 12 p.m. the following Friday. Because of the potential danger to yourself and others, you are expected to stay off residence hall and apartment roofs, with the exception of outside designated sundeck areas. If you are found on a roof, you will face a $35 charge in addition to disciplinary action.
Climbing through windows, on the sides of buildings or other interior ledges is also prohibited.
If items need to be retrieved from a roof area, you should contact your Resident Director. If a roommate leaves during the course of the academic year, the remaining student(s) will have at least one of the following three options. Students will be notified of their available options during the consolidation period.
The room consolidation process begins the third week of the quarter, and is initiated by the Assignments Office depending on need. Consolidation will be the same for all quarters. Students will not be forced to move from their present room to a new location more than once during the academic year unless such a move is made for student conduct reasons. (This does not apply to temporary assignments in Guest Housing.) University Residences is committed to providing a living environment in which you can live, work, and study free from sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, sexual exploitation and sexual assault. University staff will take action to prevent and to eliminate inappropriate behaviors of this nature. Individuals who engage in this behavior will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University Residences' and University policies and may be subject to criminal and/or civil prosecution, including removal from University Residences. Definition of Sexual Misconduct Unacceptable sexual conduct is not limited to the extreme of sexual violence. Rather, there is a range of sexual misconduct that is unacceptable in University Residences. This includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, sexual coercion, sexual assault, and acquaintance or stranger rape. Sexual Harassment
Intimidation or Coercion Sexual activity obtained by anyone who psychologically pressures or threatens, takes advantage of their authority role (a staff member) or abuses their role of trust. Sexual Assault and Battery Attempted or actual nonconsensual sexual activity: unwanted sexual touching, attempting to disrobe a person without her/his willing consent. Rape Unlawful sexual intercourse, including intercourse between people who are acquainted with each other, against the will of one participant. The Washington Criminal Code includes prohibitions against:
Residence Hall Staff Role Residence Life staff follow up to a disclosure of sexual misconduct is based on a number of variables including the nature of the incident, potential for harm to the individual/campus community, and the desire expressed by the individual making the disclosure. Resident Advisors are required to consult with their supervisor in all cases. Responses may include, but are not limited to the following:
see Absence from the Halls Smoking is prohibited in all residence hall and university apartment rooms. This includes but is not limited to all balconies and all public spaces such as lounges, stairwells, hallways, food service areas, and laundry rooms. Smoking is prohibited at any outside area that may affect the air supply of residential buildings. Residents and guests who are smoking are expected to be responsive to requests to move to another location. Residents and guests who smoke must dispose of smoking refuse properly. University Residences Solicitation Policy Solicitation, as defined below, is prohibited in the residential communities. Solicitation is an attempt to make contact with a student in the residential communities for the purpose of trying to convince the resident to:
Exceptions: Opportunities are made available to University Residences groups (RHA, Hall/Tenants Councils, NRHH) and staff (Resident Advisors, Computer Lab staffs, and University Dining Services personnel) to promote University Residences related activities and programs. Opinion polls or fund-raising activities conducted by residents of a particular hall or apartment are permitted within the hall of residence or community building for apartments in accordance with the policy established by the Hall or Tenants' Council. Due to a variety of state, local and University guidelines, you may not use your room for the purpose of running a business (WAC-516-24-110). Sports and other recreational activities (i.e., riding skateboards or scooters, throwing balls, etc.) are not appropriate inside the residence halls (see also Projectiles policy). Due to the noise and potential for damage created, please do not bounce soccer, golf, tennis or basketballs indoors. Out-of-state students who are returning to the housing system in the fall may use secured storage facilities during the summer. Storage space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. .
You are encouraged to protect your belongings by locking your room and apartment/suite doors when you are not present. Students are expected to respect others' property and to not take others' belongings without permission. You may be charged with criminal trespass if you knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in or upon the premises of another, if instructed to leave by a student, any residential staff member, or University Police. Students who vandalize property on University premises will face disciplinary action and will be charged the full cost of a repair and/or replacement. Because of their extreme weight, waterbeds are prohibited in University residence halls. Waterbeds are allowed in Birnam Wood only for medical reasons and with the permission of the Director of University Residences. Conduct that endangers the safety of the residential community is prohibited. For this reason, no resident shall have in his/her possession any firearm (including BB guns, pellet guns, and paintball guns), explosives, dangerous chemicals, sling shot, sand club, metal knuckles, spring blade knife, or other dangerous weapon in or around University residential facilities. It is also unlawful and against policy to exhibit or display any weapon capable of producing bodily harm in a manner which intimidates another person or warrants alarm for safety of another person. Weapons may be stored free of charge at the Department of Public Safety and are accessible 24 hours per day. "Look alike" weapons (e.g., toy guns that look like real weapons) are also prohibited in the residential communities and "assassin" games are prohibited. Persons found storing or carrying weapons in residence halls or apartments will be removed from University Residences. see Roofs, Windows and Ledges |
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