Policies on Residence Life and University Housing

Policies and Information

Bathrooms: Residents and guests are not permitted to enter bathrooms designated for the opposite sex.

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Candles: Candles (including unburned, decorative candles), incense and other objects with open flames are considered extremely dangerous due to the potential for fire and are prohibited in both private and public spaces.

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Cooking: All cooking in residence halls is prohibited. The residence halls are not designed or equipped for cooking. Residents may use hot pots, coffee pots and hot air popcorn poppers. All other cooking equipment, including, but not limited to the use of toaster ovens, rice cookers, steamers, electric frying pans, electric grills (George Foreman Grills), portable stoves and toasters are prohibited.

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Damage Assessment:
 

• Residents are responsible for the condition of their rooms, the furnishing and equipment. Students will be billed for any damages not due to normal wear and tear. Residents must carefully review and sign the Room (RCR) form that has been supplied by residence life staff This form gives residents the opportunity to document the conditions of their room at move-in time and will be used when students move out to assess any damages.
• In individual rooms, damage charges will be divided equally among all residents unless the Residence Life Office is informed immediately that the roommates are not equally responsible for the damages. Students who move out at any time during the academic year must have their room inspected by a staff member prior to being released from the financial responsibilities by the Residence Life Office.
• Damages to common areas (hallways, lounges, bathrooms, etc.) will be charged to all residents of a particular wing, floor or living area unless it can be determined specifically who is responsible.
  

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Damage or Loss of Personal Property: The University does not assume liability directly or indirectly for loss of damage to personal property caused by fire, theft, water damage or by any means except to the extent provided by law. Additionally, the University is not responsible for personal property left behind by students upon checkout. Information for personal property insurance is available from the Office of Residence Life.

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Decorating:

• Only non-marring adhesive may be used to hang posters, pictures. Small tracks masking tape and gum poster adhesive work well in mot cases.
• Stickers and decals many not be applied to windows, walls or doors.
• No decorations of any kind should be placed on or hung from the ceiling. Given the unstable nature of the California terrain, stacking any type of container on the windowsills is unsafe and prohibited.
• Dart boards are prohibited.
• All decorations should reflect University standards and values and comply with the University policy. Posting of signs or promotional material involving alcohol or drugs in not permitted.
• Cut or live Christmas trees are prohibited.
• Residents may not paint any part of their room or apartment. Contact paper is also prohibited when decorating any part of the room. It is difficult to remove and will cause damage.
  

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Evacuation Procedures: Specific evacuations procedures for each building will be explained by the residence life staff and are posted on room doors. When the alarm sounds, everyone must evacuate the building. The Residence Life Staff will call Oakland Fire Department/Police. Do not panic! Follow these simple instructions:

• Turn off rooms lights.
• Close windows and doors. The Residence Life Staff will attempt to check each room to make certain that everyone has evacuated (as the nature of the emergency permits).
• Grab a coat and shoes and leave in an orderly fashion as instructed in the evacuation (as the nature of he emergency permits).
• Do not use the elevator.
• Use exits closets to your location.
• Stand away from the building in the designated area.
• The Residence Life Staff will inform students when they may return to the building.
• Deliberately remaining in a building during an evacuation is a danger to yourself and to others who will enter the building to find you. This policy also applies to fire drills.
  

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Fire Safety: Fire safety starts with prevention. To prevent fires and accidents residents must use common sense and follow these simple guidelines:

• Use only approved electrical appliances.
• Use caution when using electrical appliances.
• Don't leave electrical appliances unattended.
• Halogen lamps are not permitted in student housing.
• Be certain that any materials used for decorating are fireproof.
• No open flames of any type, burning of incense, possession of combustible chemicals; multiple outlet adaptors or ungrounded electrical appliances are allowed in University Housing.
• There are fire extinguishers located throughout the residence halls. They are to be used only in the event of a fire, and are not to be tampered with.
• Exit signs, which indicated exit routes, particularly during an emergency, are located strategically throughout the building.
• When an alarm is activated, it will sound throughout the entire building, and the entire building must be evacuated.
• All hallways and walkways must be kept clear to allow for safe entry and exit to and from all rooms in accordance with fire and safety codes.
• Do not tamper with fire equipment. Individuals who are found tampering with first alarms or fire safety equipment will be subject to disciplinary action, with eviction from housing being a possible sanction.
  

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Furniture: All residence halls are fully furnished. We encourage students to bring items from home to personalize their living area, although waterbeds are prohibited. Only University personnel can remove furniture that is supplied with the room without prior written authorization from the Office of Residence Life.

• Residents may not remove furniture from rooms or put it in the hallway outside of the room. Residents may not reconfigure the bed furniture; this requires special tools and training and should only be done by facilities staff. Requests can be made via a work order.
• The room must be returned to its original condition before move out. Residents will be charged for any items which are missing at check out and inspection, and will also be charged for removal of any personal items left behind.
• Furnishings in common areas are for use by all members of the community. Residents may not remove furniture from the common areas for any reason.
• Removal, without prior authorization, of any Residence Hall property, including but not limited to signs, lounge and bedroom furniture, and trash cans, is also prohibited.
  

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Guests

• Residents must escort their guests at all times and are responsible, and held accountable, for the conduct of guests.
• Students are responsible for any activity that occurs in their rooms, whether or not they are present at the time. Residents should not allow others to use their room without their presence or supervision. Guests who infringe upon the rights or residents will be asked to leave campus.
• HNU is a Catholic Institution, rooted in Catholic traditions. In accordance with these values, students should refrain from sexual activity in the residence halls.
• Overnight guests of the opposite sex are strictly prohibited.
• Guests of the same sex may stay overnight in a residents room. A particular guest may stay no more than 3 consecutive nights and no more than a total of 10 nights per semester. Residents must always obtain the approval of their roommate before hosting an overnight guest.
  

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Hallway and Stairwell Sports: All sports activities including but not limited to Frisbee, football, wrestling, soccer, basketball, or hockey are strictly prohibited in hallways, lounges and stairwells, as these activities can present a danger to other residents.

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Identification Cards: Students are required to carry their HUN student ID at all times, and to present it to university officials upon request.

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Keys and Lockouts

• It is illegal to duplicate, knowingly misuse, or be in unauthorized possession of a key that is the property of HNU. Unauthorized use of a master key is also grounds for suspension or eviction.
• Residents are expected to lock their rooms and carry the key.
• Residents who accidentally lock themselves out may check out a temporary key at the front desk. When the front desk is closed, students should contact the RA on duty for assistance.
• Residents may not allow other individuals to access their Residence Hall room with their keys.
  

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Littering: Littering is prohibited. Members of the University community have a commitment to preserve the appearance and cleanliness of the campus.

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Motorized and Non-Motorized Vehicles: Motorcycles or any other gas or electric powered vehicle or machines may not be taken inside university housing facilities. For fire safety reasons, bicycles may not be stored in hallways, stairwells or lounges. Bicycles may be stored in student rooms, subject to roommate approval, or on bike racks outside the building. Vehicles, including but not limited to bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or skates may not be used in the interior of buildings, on balconies, exterior corridors or in any areas where such activity might cause injury or damage to facilities.

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Non-compliance with University Officials: Office of Residence Life Staff are authorized to make reasonable requests of residents while performing their duties. All residents are obligated to comply with these requests, and failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

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Parties

• A party is defined as a gathering in a facility at which there are six people in a room. Parities with over six people in a room are prohibited.
• Parties are prohibited on nights preceding classes.
• No parties with alcohol will be authorized for residents who are not at least 21 years old. Parties must be held compliance with all state laws and University policies. Violators of the party policies will be subject to sanctions ranging from loss of party privileges to eviction from campus housing.

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Pets: Animals are not permitted in student sections of the residence halls. This includes pets of guests or visitors who may be present in the building for a short time. This policy does not apply to fish, in a tank of 20 gallons or less, or service animals.

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Posting and Mailing Policy

The Office of Residence Life is responsible for monitoring all literature distributed or posted in the public areas of residence hall facilities. All literature to be distributed or posted needs to be approved in advance by Student Affairs and the Office of Residence Life. Information is approved and posted based on the following criteria:

• HNU departmental information, academic information, student services, and activities information. We will accept up to 20 copies of these fliers to be posted on each floor and in the lobbies of the Residence Halls.
• Fliers attempting to sell goods and services, including personal tutoring. We will accept 5 copies of these fliers to be posted in the lobbies of the Residence Halls.
• Fliers that advertise alcohol-related events or which violate the University's Publicity Regulations will not be accepted or approved for posting or distributing in the residence halls.
• Posting materials is permitted only on designated bulletin boards. Any materials posted in other areas will be removed, and no more than one poster advertising the same item or event is permitted per bulletin. Students found responsible for violating this policy are subject to a monetary fine and the loss of the privilege of posting materials in University-operated housing.

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Pranks: Pranks which result in disturbances or distress to others, or cause damage to University or personal property (or those that foresee ably could have caused such disturbance, distress or damage), are prohibited. Examples include water fights, shaving cream fights, penny-locking and other actions which cause disturbances, damages, or potential injuries.

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Propping of Residence Hall Doors: The propping open of or intentional tampering with the locking mechanisms of external residence hall doors is considered a serious breach of safety and security for the students of that building their guests, and the other community members. Such conduct is unacceptable and will be viewed from a “zero tolerance” standpoint. Any student who, or whose guest, is responsible for violating this policy will be subject to sanctions up to an including removal from University Housing.

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Quiet Hours

• An atmosphere conducive to normal living and studying must be maintained 24 hours a day in all living areas. As a courtesy, loud televisions, stereos and radios, as well boisterous and excessively noisy activities, are expressly forbidden at all times.
• Specific Quiet Hours are in effect from 9:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. on days (Sunday-Thursday) preceding classes and from 1:00 a.m. until 8:00a.m. on days not preceding classes (Friday and Saturday).
• All residents must refrain from causing any noise or disruptions that could infringe on other students' right to study or sleep during these times. The general guideline is that noise from one's room should not be audible outside the room door nor in adjacent rooms. All residents and guest must be sensitive their neighbors, who may need quiet during times other than Quiet Hours.
• Use of amplified musical instruments and drums is prohibited in the residential housing facilities.
• During final exam week, 24-hour Quiet Hours will be enforced beginning at 5.00 p.m. on the last day of classes. The building staff will post quiet hours during breaks. Quiet Hours during academic holidays are the same as above.
• Students attending University functions in facilities adjacent to residential facilities are expected to be courteous at all times.
  

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Roofs and Ledges: For safety reasons, students are not allowed on the roofs or ledges at any time.

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Solicitation: Only registered student co-curricular organizations, with approval from the director of Residence life, are allowed to solicit membership or sell approved goods in residential facilities. Permission is never given to any campus group or business or solicit door-to-door. Residents should notify a staff member or GRD if they observe people soliciting door-to-door.

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Limitations to Privacy: Holy Names University recognizes the basic right of each resident to privacy in his or her university-operated residence hall room. Although every effort will be made to respect this right of privacy, the University reserves the right to enter any resident's room to conduct a search for health, safety, and/or maintenance reasons, as well as suspected violations of University policies or procedures, local, state or federal law.

It should be clearly understood that the guidelines outlined herein for search and entry are intended for the protection of the individual resident and the University. It is anticipated that the spirit of this search and entry policy will reflect an attitude of good faith in maintaining the integrity of the individual and the University.

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Right of Entry

• Authorized University personnel may enter student rooms for normal maintenance of University property or to inspect or make necessary repairs to rooms or equipment or when there is reasonable cause to believe a policy violation is occurring.
• Entrance to student rooms is permitted without notice where there is determined to be imminent danger to life, health, safety, or property.
• The Residence Life staff makes periodic inspections.
• Authorized personnel must carry appropriate University identification and show it upon student request. If entry is made when the student is not in the room, notification of the entry will be left in the room.
• University personnel will not grant access to student rooms to friends, relatives or other students.
• Where vacancies exist in a room, such vacancies may be shown to prospective occupants when accompanied by a member of the staff. Insofar as is reasonable, advance notice will be given.
  

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Administrative Search Warrants: An Administrative Search Warrant authorizes only University officials to search a room. Any search by local police or other civic officials must be conducted with a search warrant issued through a court having competent jurisdiction.

An Administrative Search Warrant must include the following information:

• The violation(s) suspected;
• The basis for suspicion and the particular items which the search is being conducted;
• The room number to be searched and the occupant(s) names(s); and
• The date and approximate time of search.

The Vice President of Student Affairs or designee must authorize the Administrative Search Warrant.

Procedures for Room Entry and Search

• No resident's room should not be entered without first knocking. Entry, following the knock, shall be preceded by a time lapse of sufficient duration to provide occupant(s) with ample time to open door him or herself. In case in which a room is entered in the absence of its occupant(s), authorized personnel will leave written notification.
• Residents will be given a receipt with belongings removed following the search or discovered upon entry. Their belongings will be returned, if and when it is safe and lawful to do so, after the disposition of the case by the appropriate University or civil authorities.
• Two University representatives must be present when searching a room if an occupant is not present.
  

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Vandalism: Vandalism is prohibited. Vandalism is defined as acts of malicious mischief as well as willful and wanton damage or destruction of personal or university property. Vandalism is grounds of eviction from university housing.

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Weapons and Explosives: Possession of weapons or explosives, including, but not limited to firearms, knives, BB guns, paint ball gun, bows/ arrows, hunting knives, swords, billy clubs, brass knuckles, blow guns, dart guns, wrist rockets, pellet guns, catapults, switchblades, martial arts equipment, fireworks, ammunition, and firecrackers, on University-owned or operated property is grounds for eviction from University housing and/ or Suspension from HNU.

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Windows and Screens

• For safety and security reasons, neither people nor objects are permitted to pass through windows in residential facilities.
• Throwing objects or substances at other people, into or out of window, though doorways, or in the interiors of the buildings is prohibited at all times.
• Residents may not install or place objects, appliances, or equipment in or on windows, sills, roofs or ledges. Prohibited equipment includes, but is not limited to satellite dishes, air conditioners, fans, lights, plants, and clothing.
• Removing or tampering with the screens that have been installed in the window is prohibited. Screens found damaged or missing will be replaces. The cost for replacement will be charged to the occupants of the room or apartment. If screens or windows are vandalized, residents should immediately report the incident to a member of the residence life staff.
  

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