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​​Table of Contents 

SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION

The Department of Residence Life and Housing at ҹ�����о��� will enhance your entire college experience. As an active member in our residential communities, you will further develop your academic skills, find a sense of belonging, and foster connections with the greater campus community. Guided by caring staff members, you will learn about yourself and grow individually. We will also help you navigate the unique opportunities presented by living in the heart of Downtown Cleveland. In our living communities, you will learn, grow, and engage.  

Residence Life and Housing Offices

Residence Life and Housing Central Office in Euclid Commons (Room 198) 

Phone: 216-687-5196 

Address: 2450 Euclid Avenue, EC 198, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 

Euclid Commons Community Desks are located on the first floor of Euclid Commons 4 and Euclid Commons 2. 

The Edge Office: 

Phone: 216-202-0294 

Address: 1750 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 

The Edge Community desk is located on the first floor of the Edge in the lobby. 

The Langston Office: 

Phone: 216-306-0636 

Address: 2303 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114 

The Langston Community Desk is located on the first floor of building 7.  

After Hours Assistance 

On-Call Staff  

• Resident Assistant On-Call: There will be a resident assistant “on duty” to complete regular rounds of the building, to respond to emergencies, and to assist residents, as needed, when the Department of Residence Life and Housing is closed (Monday through Thursday 5:00 PM - 8:00 AM; Friday 5:00 PM through Monday 8:00 AM).
• Professional Staff On-Call: In addition to the On-Call RA, a professional staff member is on call each night to help support the RA on call and aid in any potential emergency. 

You can contact the On-Call staff via the community desks:                           

• Euclid Commons Building 4 Desk: 216-687-5102
• The Edge Desk: 216-202-0294
• The Langston Desk: 216-306-0636 

Police – ҹ�����о��� Police Department (216-687-2020) 

• Report any emergency and crime on campus (theft, assault, suspicious individuals, etc.) to the ҹ�����о��� Police by calling 911 on any campus phone, or just pick up an Emergency Blue Light Phone. 
• RAVE Guardian App: Resident are encouraged to download the RAVE Guardian app to connect with the ҹ�����о��� Police Department's 9-1-1 dispatchers with a simple push of a button. The app also allows members of the ҹ�����о��� community to submit confidential tips concerning suspicious behavior, unsafe situations, crimes and other hazards.  It also includes a safety timer which provides a virtual escort wherever members of our community go. 

Safety Escort Service (216-687-2020)&�Բ�����;

• The ҹ�����о��� Police provides a free safety escort service to students, faculty, and staff to all locations on campus property and some adjacent sites. 

Supplemental Security Staff 

• Security staff provides additional support every night for each community.  

Equipment Check Out 

Carts, vacuums, and a variety of other items can be checked out from the community desk. Please inquire at your building’s desk to see what items are available. Your Viking Card (ҹ�����о��� ID) will be held at the community desk until the item is returned. 

Housekeeping – Public Areas  

The Department of Residence Life and Housing is responsible for maintaining the general cleanliness in common areas of the communities. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their rooms and for helping to keep public areas tidy.  

Internet Access  

• Euclid Commons - Each resident room is provided with internet access through the University. In the event troubleshooting is required to access the network, residents should contact ҹ�����о��� Information Services & Technology (IS&T) Help Desk directly. Residents are expected to follow all policies related to acceptable networking and technology use as stated by IS&T. Information on those policies can be found . �į
• The Edge - Wireless Internet access at The Edge is through Airwave - it is a open network with multiple booster networks throughout the building. Residents should connect their device to the Airwave network with the strongest signal.
• The Langston - Wireless Internet access at The Langston is through Whitesky – The Langston. Each building has their own router and password. Passwords will be distributed upon arrival but you can also receive the password for your unit by contacting the Langston office.

Laundry Facilities  

All residential communities have washers and dryers which are maintained by the Department of Residence Life and Housing for use by residents only. In the Edge and the Langston, the washers and dryers are in each unit. In Euclid Commons, community laundry rooms are located throughout the building. 

Live-In Staff Members 

Residence Life and Housing has numerous staff members that live and work on campus to support our residential communities.  

• Community Directors: The Community Directors are full-time staff members who live in our residential communities as well as maintain office hours to meet with students. They are responsible for the management of their communities through the supervision of Resident Assistants.
• Resident Assistants: Resident Assistants (RAs) are undergraduate students who are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful to residents. All residents are assigned an RA who will post announcements, initiate floor meetings, plan and host events, help residents resolve conflicts within the community, and more. RAs should be resident’s first point of contact for any questions, problems, or concerns.
• Desk Assistants: The community desks are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Community Desk Assistants monitor the traffic that comes in and out of the building to ensure that non- residents do not gain access to the community. The Community Desk Assistants are responsible for checking IDs, signing in all guests, answering informational questions, and transferring incoming phone calls. 

Lost Keys

If you lose your mailbox and/or room key, you are required to report it immediately to the Department of Residence Life and Housing. You will be assessed applicable fees for key and/or lock replacement. (See: Residential Fines & Fees) &�Բ�����;

Lock-Outs

If you are locked out of your room, you must contact the community desk in your residential community for assistance. There is a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee assessed per incident. Residence Life and Housing (RLH) staff members are not permitted to unlock a room for anyone other than its registered occupant(s).  

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• Mailboxes for all residents are located on the first floor of your residential community.
• If you receive a package, an email will be sent to you indicating it may be picked up. If you live in Euclid Commons, you will pick up your package from the Euclid Commons building 4 desk. You may claim your package with proper identification24/7 from the Euclid Commons Building 4 Desk. If you live at The Edge or Langston, you will pick up your package in the package room, open 24/7.
• Packages that are not picked up after 30 days may be returned to the sender.
• Upon moving out, residents are responsible for having their mail forwarded. Any mail received in your name after you check out will be returned to the sender. 
• Delivery Services: Residence Life and Housing does not accept packages or deliveries from courier services or other delivery services (such as but not limited to pizza, dry cleaning, DoorDash/Uber Eats, Instacart/Grocery/food deliveries, etc.) Courier deliveries must be accepted directly by the resident. RLH staff will not accept or hold any courier deliveries and are not responsible for any deliveries left at the desk by couriers.
• For mailing addresses for each building please see our Mailing Address Guide.  

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Routine Maintenance 

If the equipment provided in your room, in the community kitchen, in the floor lounge and/or in a public area is not functioning properly, you are encouraged to immediately. Failure to file a timely maintenance request may result in further inconvenience and/or delays in the repair. 

Emergency Maintenance 

For emergency maintenance concerns, such as loss of electric power or extensive flooding, etc., immediately contact your community desk. 

Residential Community Life  

For many college students, living in a community is a new experience. The Department of Residence Life and Housing does not expect roommates to become best friends. However, you and the other residents assigned to the room are expected to make every reasonable effort to live together in a respectful environment. If one resident infringes upon the rights of another, all of the residents are required to make an effort to work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect to resolve their differences. If you need assistance, please contact your RA or community desk staff.  

Roommate Agreements are available on the to help guide important conversations about shared living. We expect that you and your roommates complete a Roommate Agreement during the first few weeks of the semester and use this tool to support a positive living experience.  

If you are experiencing frustration as a result of the behavior of a roommate or a neighbor, approach the person about the problem, state your issue(s) in a civil manner, and explain what you would like them to do differently.  

If you are approached by another resident about your behavior, listen to the individual’s concern(s) or issue(s); consider what the person would like you to do, and respond in a civil manner.  

If your efforts to discuss the situation do not result in a resolution, your next step is to get an RA involved. The RA may recommend a roommate contract, neighbor contract, or mediation, which can help resolve the issues. The RA will assist the parties in developing a roommate/neighbor contract or in convening a mediation.  

If the mediation session(s) does not resolve the situation, you are encouraged to contact your Community Director.  

Residential Community Security  

All residents are expected to assist in creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming space. We encourage you to take the following steps for personal and community security:  

• Keep your room door locked at all times, regardless of where you go or for how long, and lock your door when you or your roommates are sleeping.
• Do not loan your room key, fob or Viking Card to anyone.
• Use only the main doors. If you notice any door propped open, close the door and report the situation to the community desk in your residence hall. 

SECTION II: HOUSING PROCEDURES

Break Period Accommodations 

• A “Break period” is defined as a period in the academic year during which regular classes are not held for three (3) or more consecutive days. Scheduled break periods are Winter Break between the fall and spring semesters, and Spring Break which is usually scheduled in March.
• During these break periods, only students who have signed a Residence Life Contract that includes break periods (Academic Year Plus Breaks) are eligible to stay on campus for the entire break.
• If you have a need to stay on campus for dates not included in your Housing Contract, you must complete a Break Housing Application, which will be available prior to the start of each period in the Housing Self-Service Portal, and provide supporting documentation. The Department of Residence Life and Housing will review your request and make a determination based upon the following criteria:
• You have a Saturday class and you have provided proof of class registration. If this is your situation, and you are approved to stay, you may remain in your room until 5:00 p.m. on the Sunday before a break period at no additional charge.
• You have a documented need to remain on the ҹ�����о��� campus during the specific period, including but not limited to academic necessity, hardship related to your ability to return home, and/or your employment with a University department.
• You have proof of payment of all applicable housing and meal plan fees. For spring break, fees assessed for the current semester are applicable. For winter break, fees for fall and spring semester are applicable.
• You are in satisfactory judicial standing with the University including Department of Residence Life and Housing.
• Your residential community is available for break period housing. The University, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to restrict access to communities for the purpose of completing facility cleaning, repairs, or improvements.  

You must submit your application to the Department of Residence Life and Housing no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before the break period. You will be notified of the decision within one (1) business day after you submit your application. If you are granted break period accommodations, you will be assessed a fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per night. You will be assessed the fee based upon the number of nights for which you were approved. This fee will be charged to your ҹ�����о��� student account and must be paid in full prior to the start of the break period. There are no refunds for nights you do not use. In emergency situations, a break period application may be considered after the stated deadline.  

Building hours for open access through the main doors of your community and service levels may vary during a break period. There will be limited dining options on campus during break periods. 

All policies and procedures outlined on your individual Housing Contract and in the Resident Handbook remain in effect during a break period.  Any allegation of misconduct may result in immediate removal from the residential community for the balance of the break period with a forfeiture of the fees paid.  

Check-In Procedures (Move-In) &�Բ�����;

You must pay for your room fees and meal plan prior to the beginning of each semester. If you are a returning resident, you must also pay all housing fees and fines from prior semesters. If financial aid has not been credited to your account prior to move-in, you may apply for the Budget Payment Plan through the Bursar’s Office, which may require payment of a portion of the fees at the time of enrollment. You must complete a Room Condition Report, in the resident portal, noting the condition of your room at the time of your arrival. 

You must submit an emergency contact form for each year you live on campus. The information collected is important to the University’s emergency preparedness efforts.  

Due to the number of persons moving into their rooms in a brief period of time, the Department of Residence Life and Housing, in its sole discretion, may limit access to various floors to ensure a safe and productive move-in process for all involved.  

Residents will be emailed individualized move-in instructions to their ҹ�����о��� emails prior to all move in dates. 

Check-Out Procedures  

You will have until 12:00 p.m. noon on your last date of occupancy (unless otherwise established in writing) to remove your belongings, clean your room to the state you received it in, complete the following check-out procedures, and vacate the building. If you fail to comply with these procedures, you will be assessed a one hundred dollar ($100.00) fine; you may be subject to additional conduct action; and you will not be permitted to re-enter the residential community or your room without an escort from the Department of Residence Life and Housing. Any and all items left in your room will be stored for thirty (30) days. At the end of that time period, all unclaimed items will be discarded by the University.  

Residents must arrangements to have their mail forwarded to another address after moving out. The Department of Residence Life and Housing will not accept mail for students after they have vacated their room.  

For academic year contracts, you must vacate your room within 24 hours of your last final exam or no later than 12:00 pm noon on the Saturday of exam week, whichever is earlier. If you believe you need an exception to this requirement, you may submit a Extended Stay Request Form. An Early Check-Out procedure is applicable to a resident who is vacating their room prior to the established end date of their Housing Contract.  

If the resident will still be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credit hours at ҹ�����о���, the resident must request and receive approval for early termination of the housing contract through the Contract Cancellation Request Process, which can be started by completing the request in the Housing Self-Service Portal.  

  Once approved for early termination, the following steps are required in the Early Check-Out procedure:  

• The resident will remove all personal belongings and clean the room to the state in which they received it.
• Return keys by signing off on the check-out envelope (provided at each community desk), placing room and mailbox keys inside, and leaving the envelope at the community desk. The room will be inspected by a residence life staff member at a later time. Any issues/damage will be recorded and the resident’s account will be billed accordingly. �į  

An End of the Contract Check-Out procedure applies to a resident who is vacating their room at the end of their respective contract, whether academic year or annual, and who has not been assigned accommodations in the same room for the summer session. The following steps are required:  

• The resident will remove all personal belongings and clean the room to the standards described here.
• Residents will return keys by signing off on the check-out envelope (provided at each community desk), placing room and mailbox keys inside, and leaving the envelope at the community desk. The room will be inspected by a residence life staff member at a later time. Any issues/damage will be recorded and the resident’s account will be billed accordingly.  

**Before placing your keys in the envelope, make sure you have moved all of your belongings out and cleaned the room.  

Graduating seniors: You are welcome to vacate your room during finals week or to remain in your room until 12:00 PM noon on the Sunday following Commencement. There will be no additional charge assessed. You are required to notify the Department of Residence Life and Housing of when you plan to vacate your room by completing a Extended Stay Request Form, which is available in your Housing Self Service Portal. You are expected to comply with the applicable Check-Out Procedures.  

Law Students: The Department of Residence Life and Housing is aware that the academic calendar for law students may vary from that of graduate and undergraduate students. You are expected to vacate your room twenty-four (24) hours after your last final exam or by 12:00 p.m. on the Saturday following exams, whichever is earlier. You are expected to comply with the applicable check-out procedures.  

Contract Termination  

Please refer to the terms of the ҹ�����о��� Housing Contract for more information.  

Damages

Damage to Resident Rooms  

When you move in, you are responsible for filling out a Room Condition Report on the . This document is used to establish the condition of your room and inventory the university equipment provided for your reasonable use. When you vacate your room, Residence Life Staff will review the Room Condition Report completed at the time of your arrival and the staff member will complete a post assessment of the condition of your room. This assessment will determine your financial responsibility for the condition of your room at departure. You are responsible and accountable under your Housing Contract and Student Code of Conduct for all damages resulting from any negligence and/or misuse. You and your roommate(s) will be held jointly and severally liable for any and all damage to the room during your occupancy. In situations when the university can clearly establish individual responsibility, that individual will be the only person assessed for the damage. 

Damage & Assessed Fees – Appeal Process  

If you wish to appeal a damage fee assessment, you must submit a damages appeal request in writing (via electronic mail). In your correspondence, you are asked to identify the damage fee assessment that you are appealing, your reasons for the appeal, and your contact information. Any such appeal of damage fee assessments must be received in the Department of Residence Life and Housing within ten (10) days of the notice that you received regarding the damage fee assessment.  Appeals decisions will be made on a case by case basis within ten (10) business days of receipt.  

Emergency Accommodations  

The Department of Residence Life and Housing, in its sole discretion, may provide emergency accommodations to residents on a case by case basis. If you are in need of such accommodations, please contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing for more information on occupancy criteria, rates, and availability.  

Health and Safety Inspections  

Department of Residence Life and Housing staff will conduct health and safety inspections of resident units periodically. An incident report is written for all violations. Prohibited items or safety concerns may be removed immediately at the discretion of Residence Life and Housing staff.  

Meal Plans  

All residents are required to participate in a residential meal plan as a part of your residence hall contract.   

Room Changes  

The Department of Residence Life and Housing does not grant any room change requests during the first two (2) weeks of each semester as a means of encouraging newly-assigned roommates to make a sincere effort to live together in a mutually respectful environment. �į  

A resident requesting a room change must complete a Room Change Request form in their . You may be required to participate in a mediation or meeting with a member of the Professional Staff prior to any room change being made. Room changes are made at the discretion of Residence Life and Housing Staff.  

If you relocate within your suite or the community without the prior written permission of the Director of Residence Life or a designee, you will be assessed a $500 fee and be subject to additional judicial action depending on the circumstances. Please refer to the terms of the Housing Contract. 

Room Consolidation  

If a vacancy develops in your room/suite, the Department of Residence Life and Housing may assign another roommate to that space. In addition, at the end of the second week of each semester, the Department of Residence Life and Housing may consolidate residents to fill vacancies in student rooms.   

SECTION III: RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY POLICIES

The Department of Residence Life and Housing has set these policies, in addition to your housing contract, to provide a safe, respectful environment that is conducive to the academic success, health, and wellbeing of all ҹ�����о��� residential students. 

These policies are also enforced under the Student Code of Conduct, 3344-83-01(B),(4) with the full policy available here.

1. Alcoholic Beverages
   • The Residence Life staff and other University representatives are authorized to dispose of any and all prohibited items immediately. The legal drinking age as established by the State of Ohio is twenty-one (21) years of age.
   • FOR RESIDENTS WHO ARE NOT OF LEGAL DRINKING AGE AS ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE OF OHIO
     • You may not possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages.
     • You may not permit any guest(s), regardless of their age, to possess or consume alcoholic beverages in your room.
     • You are not permitted to be in the presence of an individual who is in possession of alcoholic beverages.
     • You are not permitted to possess any empty alcohol containers in your room as decorations or trash.
     • You may not exhibit disorderly conduct or inappropriate behavior as a result of your decision to consume alcoholic beverages.
   • FOR RESIDENTS WHO ARE OF LEGAL DRINKING AGE AS ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE OF OHIO
     • The number of alcoholic beverages per person twenty-one (21) and older cannot exceed:
       • Six (6) 12-ounce containers of beer/malt liquor; OR
       • One (1) 375 ml. bottle of liquor OR
       • One (1) standard bottle of wine, defined as 750 ml
     • You may not possess, serve, or consume from a common source container (e.g. keg, containers with multiple servings).
     • You may not possess and/or use any apparatus or engage in any drinking game to accelerate or intensify the consumption of alcoholic beverages (i.e., beer bongs).
     • You may not possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages from an open container (broken seal), glass, paper cup, or other receptacles in any area other than a student room, including areas outside of the residence hall.
     • You may not provide alcoholic beverages to any individual who is not 21 years old.
     • You may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages in the presence of an individual who is not 21 years old (including storage of alcohol in a common space of your unit with roommates who are under 21.)
     • You are not permitted to possess any empty alcohol containers in your room as decorations or trash.
     • You may not exhibit disorderly conduct or inappropriate behavior as a result of your decision to consume alcoholic beverages.
2. Cleanliness
   • You and any roommates are expected to maintain the room in safe and sanitary conditions.
   • Room trash is to be bagged and deposited in designated garbage disposal areas.
   • No cardboard boxes may be thrown down any trash chute. Instructions for removal of carboard boxes will be posted in designated garbage disposal areas.
   • At the time you vacate your room, you are expected to return the room to the standard of cleanliness in which surfaces have been cleaned, carpets have been vacuumed and trash has been properly removed. Failure to return the room in the same condition that it was when it was assigned to you, normal wear and tear excepted, may result in a cleaning fee. 
   • You are required to report any damage that occurs or any University equipment in your room that needs repair immediately to the Department of Residence Life and Housing.
   • Please see our Cleaning Guide for more details and expectations around cleanliness.
3. Common Areas
   • Common areas include all lounges, game rooms, laundry rooms,, outdoor courtyards, and hallways. Residents and guests are expected to abide by all residence hall policies when using common areas. All non-residents must be checked in as guests in order to be present in common areas. All people in common areas must be fully clothed. Sleeping in common areas is prohibited.
4. Disruptive Behavior
   • Quiet and Courtesy Hours:
     • Courtesy hours exist on all floors twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Excessive noise is always prohibited. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 pm until 8:00 am Sunday through Thursday nights, and 12:00 am until 8:00 am Friday and Saturday nights.  Any loud music, parties, or other noises are prohibited during quiet hours. Residence Life staff are authorized to take action to curb excessive noise by persons or equipment.
       • During exam weeks in the fall and spring semester, all residential floors are required to maintain twenty-four (24) hour quiet from 12:00pm, noon, on the Sunday before exams through 12:00p, noon, on the Friday of exam week.
   • Hall Sports:
     • You may not ride or use bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, etc indoors in the residence halls. You are required to store bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, and scooters in your room in such a manner as to not obstruct entry or exit.
     • You may not play indoor/outdoor sports (including but not limited to bouncing or throwing balls or frisbees, darts, or swinging clubs, bats, or rackets.)
   • Other Disruptive Behaviors (including but not limited to):
     • You may not exposes breasts and/or genitals in common areas.
     • You may not engage in theft and/or knowingly possessing stolen property.
5. Doors
   • You are not permitted to alter or add any additional locks, chains, or latches to your room or bathroom doors. You may not tamper with doors for common areas and/or secured areas. You may not place permanent stickers on any door in the residence hall.
   • You may not prop open any exterior door to the residence halls. You and your guests are required to enter your residence hall via the main doors. The Department of Residence Life and Housing may announce and post exceptions to this policy during move-in and at the end of the academic year. You may not enter a secured area without the express permission of a resident in the case of a locked resident room or of the Department of Residence Life and Housing for all other areas. You may not let someone in through a No Entry Door, regardless of whether or not they are a resident. �į
6. Drugs
   • The Department of Residence Life and Housing, prohibits the use, possession, or sale of drugs or narcotics against local, state, federal law. You may not possess or use any drug-related paraphernalia. The Department of Residence Life and Housing is authorized to confiscate any prohibited items immediately. Any such item(s) will be turned over immediately to the ҹ�����о��� Police for storage and/or disposal.
   • Marijuana is prohibited.
     • While Ohio legalized the possession and use of limited amounts of marijuana in non-public places for individuals 21 and older, the possession or use of recreational or medical marijuana, in any form, including edibles and extracts, remains prohibited on ҹ�����о��� property. ҹ�����о��� must comply with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act, which continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule I drug, and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, which requires institutions receiving federal funding to prohibit the use and possession of illicit substances on campus.
7. Elevator Use
   • You are required to use the elevator(s) in a manner consistent with the posted instructions and limitations, including, but not limited to remaining in the elevator car, use of emergency stop button and alarm in emergency situations only, and not overloading the elevator car with persons or property. You are required to report any service issues to the community desk.
8. Exercise Equipment
   • You are permitted to keep free weights, other weightlifting equipment, and other exercise equipment in your room if such equipment represents no more than ten (10) pounds of total weight.
9. Failure to Comply with Residence Life Staff
   • You are required to cooperate and comply with requests and lawful directives from Residence Life staff who are acting within the scope of their duties.  
10. Fire Safety
    • You are required to evacuate the building when the fire alarm sounds.
    • You are not permitted to tamper with any fire safety equipment or signs. This includes, but is not limited to, sprinklers, detectors, extinguishers, horns, pull stations, and exit signs. Do not block or otherwise obstruct hallways or building exits. Do not activate a false fire alarm or make any false report that may cause building evacuation (e.g., bomb threat).
    • Residents should also follow all of the following fire safety regulations:
      • Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved electric cords and products and follow manufacturer directions.
      • Do not overload any electrical outlets. Only power strips with surge protector/circuit breakers are permitted. Extension cords that do not include a surge protector are prohibited.
      • Nothing may be hung from or touch ceilings, smoke detectors, or sprinkler heads.
      • No living holiday decorations such as pine trees, wreaths, or garland.
      • Passing electrical cords through doorways to facilitate the hanging of decoration “string” lights is prohibited; hanging of decoration lights around the unit door prohibited.
      • Do not hang any objects in front of your closet.
      • You may not possess or utilize candles, incense, Halogen lamps (including lava lamps), hazardous materials, chemicals, gasoline, kerosene, charcoal, propane, lighter fluid, containers that have been used for storing gasoline, smoking paraphernalia,
      • To avoid accidental activation of the fire alarm system, residents are required to use the ventilation hood above their stove when cooking on the stovetop. Residents should also refrain from using aerosol sprays near or under smoke detectors.
      • Residents are prohibited from displaying decorations on their external unit doors (door facing the hallway), as these are fire doors. The only items that are permitted are signs issued by Residence Life and Housing staff.
      • No items, signs, window clings, sticky notes, or posters may be displayed in or on the residential windows in such a way that they are visible from outside the building and should not hinder the view of emergency personnel in identifying the source of a fire.
11. Firearms & Weapons
    • You are not permitted to possess, store, and/or use a firearm, dangerous weapon, or look-a-like in the residence halls or on campus. Such weapons include, but are not limited to any firearms, bows and arrows, slingshots, darts, knives or swords longer than 2 inches (except kitchen knives), BB guns or pistols, Nerf guns, flare guns, water guns, air pistols, tasers/stun guns, and martial arts implements and equipment.
    • You may not possess or use any explosive device of any type, including, but not limited to, firecrackers, fireworks, cherry bombs, and bottle rockets.
    • You are required to report the possession, use or storage of firearms, weapons, or explosives to a member of the Residence Life staff immediately.
12. Furniture
    • Your room furniture is not to be removed, transferred, or interchanged among other rooms or public areas. The furnishings provided in your room may be arranged in any reasonable manner that does not endanger residents' safety. You may not possess bedframes or mattresses not provided by Residence Life and Housing.
    • You are not permitted to move lounge furniture from its assigned location to any other location in the residence halls at any time.
13. Guests & Visitation
    • Any individual not assigned to the room is considered a guest. Guests may not stay more than three (3) consecutive days within a seven (7) day period beginning the first day a guest arrives.. Residence Life and Housing reserves the right to remove a guest at any time.
    • You are not permitted to host a guest(s) at such frequency or in such a manner as to disrupt the living environment of your roommate(s).
    • You are responsible for the behavior of your guest(s).
    • You must escort your guest(s) at all times when they are in the building. You may not delegate this responsibility to another resident. You may not leave a guest in your room or elsewhere in the building without you being present.
    • All roommates must agree to have guests. If one roommate does not agree with the other having guests, then guests are not permitted in that room.
    • You are permitted to host a guest(s) of eighteen (18) years of age or older at any time, twenty-four (24) hours a day.
    • You are not permitted to host more than two (2) guests at the same time.  An exception may be made by the Residence Life staff if the guests are family members and/or if there is a special event occurring on campus (Commencement, Little Sibs Weekend, etc.) 
    • Guests must be signed in and signed out by the host each and every time they enter or exit the building at the community desks. Residents must show their ҹ�����о��� ID to the community desk attendant and your guest(s) must relinquish a state-issued ID or a valid ҹ�����о��� ID to the community desk while a guest is in the residence hall.
      • A Viking Card is considered valid if the person is a current student at ҹ�����о���. A valid State ID will be required for all other guests.
      • A special guest pass may be issued to individuals needing to check-in with either a) a passport, b) military ID, or c) international ID by a member of staff.
    • Underage Guests 

      • Guests under the age of 16 are not permitted in the residential communities at any time unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  

      • Guests who are 16-17 years of age are permitted to enter ҹ�����о��� residential communities with parent or legal guardian approval by utilizing the following process: 

        • To host a 16-17 year old guest, a resident must submit a request through the (Roompact) by using the 'Underage Guest Registration Form' at least two (2) business days in advance of their stay. This form requires contact information for the parent/guardian of the underage guest. A member of the Residence Life staff will contact the parent/guardian to confirm approval.
        • If the request is approved, the resident will be contacted, and an Underage Guest Pass will be placed at the community desk prior to the guest's arrival.
    • No underage guests will be permitted to check into the residence halls without an Underage Guest Pass.
    • No requests will be considered for approval if they are submitted less than two (2) business days in advance.
    • Guests under the age of eighteen are not permitted to stay longer than forty- eight (48) hours. An exception may be granted by the Department of Residence Life and Housing if there is a special event on campus.
14. Harm to Others
    • You may not: cause physical harm to any person; endanger the health, safety, or welfare of any person; engage in conduct that causes a reasonable person to fear harm to their health, safety, or welfare; or make oral or written statements that an objectively reasonable person hearing or reading would interpret as a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of violence or threat to a particular individual or group of individuals.
    • You may not interfere with another person’s personal safety, academic studies, employment, or participation in residence life events. This includes any behavior that causes another person to have reasonable apprehension that such harm may occur. This behavior includes but is not limited to behaviors targeting a person’s race, color, national origin, relation, gender, sexual orientation, age veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.
15. Identification
    • You must always have your ҹ�����о��� ID or some form of government ID with you in the residence hall. You may not give your Viking Card to another person to gain access to the residence halls.
16. Keys
    • You assume complete responsibility for the keys issued to you by the Department of Residence Life and Housing until you return them when you vacate your room. You may not duplicate any key. You may not give your keys to another person to gain access to the residence halls.
17. No Modifications
    • You are not permitted to repair, replace, paint, or adjust any property, furniture, or equipment. If any repairs are required in your room, please put in a at the Community Desk for your building.
    • No permanent stickers, Command Strips, or screws may be used on the doors or walls. Please use small nails, small tacks, removal tape (such as painter’s tape) if you need to hang something on the wall.
18. “Persons Not Allowed” Status
    • In cooperation with the ҹ�����о��� Police, The Department of Residence Life and Housing maintains a “Persons Not Allowed” list of individuals whose access privileges to a residence hall(s) and/or other campus building(s) have been revoked or suspended. For purposes of such revocation or suspension of access privileges, a residence hall is defined as the entire facility including public and common areas. Residents found knowingly bringing persons not allowed into the residence halls may result in judicial action.
19. Pests
    • The Department of Residence Life and Housing takes seriously any question or concern about pests in the residence halls. The residence halls are treated regularly to reduce any instances a resident may encounter an insect or pest. Please see our Cleaning Guide for expectations.
    • In the event an encounter does occur residents should submit a work order immediately. Once a report is received:
      • Residence Life professional staff will provide the affected residents with information pertaining to inspection, treatment, and/or any further information as necessary.
      • A professional exterminator will be contacted to complete an inspection of the resident’s room to ensure any and all sources of pests are located and identified. Once the inspection is completed, the exterminator may recommend treatment as necessary.
      • Residents should follow all directions from the exterminator to ensure successful treatment.
    • If required as a result of the required treatment, the Department of Residence Life and Housing will work with the residents to provide temporary housing.
    • The professional exterminator may inspect the room again to check for any further treatments that may be needed.
      • In the event the infestation is bed bugs:
        • Residents will be instructed to run their clothing, bedding, curtains, and any other fabric material through the dryer on the highest setting.
        • Residents will also be instructed to place all belongings in plastic bags and put the closed plastic bags on the non-carpeted area of their room.
        • Residents should not relocate themselves to a different room before completing any and all recommended steps by the professional exterminator as that could cause the insects to spread to the new room.
    • The above information is for residents’ awareness only and should not be taken as official steps required in the event of an insect or other pest infestation. Formal information will be provided to the resident after the recommendation of the professional exterminator. If it is determined that a resident’s action or behavior has caused the infestation, the cost of treatment will be charged to the resident’s student account.
20. Pets
    • The only pets allowed are fish in a single aquarium with a capacity of no more than ten (10) gallons. Only one such aquarium is permitted in each room regardless of the number of individuals assigned to the room. You are required to unplug any and all electrical aquarium accessories during times that the residence hall is closed and/or during break periods when you have not been granted permission to reside during a break period. Residence life staff are not responsible for caring for fish left in a unit during a break period
    • All other animals must be Emotional Support Animals or Service Animals in accordance with applicable university policy and local, state, and national laws.
      • Emotional Support Animals must be registered with the Office of Disability and Testing Services before coming to campus.
21. Photographic & Recording Equipment
    • You are expected to adhere to ҹ�����о���’s Privacy which is as follows: invasion of another person’s privacy when that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy including, without limitation, using electronic or other means to make a video or photographic record of any person in a location in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the person’s knowledge or consent, including but not limited to, making a video or photographic record of a person in showers, locker rooms, or restrooms. The storing, sharing, and/or distributing of such nonconsensual recordings by any means is also prohibited. Please see the university's Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Violence, and Retaliation for more information.
    • You are not permitted to use video, photographic, listening devices, or recording equipment (including, but not limited to, web cameras, camera phones, doorbell cameras, and tape recorders) in common areas (including, but not limited to hallways, lounges, and stairwells).
22. Prohibited Items
    • The Residence Life staff is authorized to confiscate any prohibited items and to hold those item(s) in the Department of Residence Life and Housing until you can make arrangements to remove it from the residence hall – or until check out.
    • Electrical Appliances
      • All electrical appliances in use in the residence hall must have the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) approval.
      • You may possess and use a refrigerator with a capacity not to exceed five (5) amps, and no taller than three (3) feet in height. For those rooms without a kitchenette, you may possess and use a small microwave oven with no more than nine hundred (900) watts.
      • Prohibited Electrical Items
        • Space Heater(s)
        • Extension cords
        • Outlet splitters
        • Any appliances with open heating elements (i.e., hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, deep fryers, air fryers, electric skillets, indoor grills, waffle makers, coffee pots without auto shut off, etc.)
    • Fire Safety (for more detailed policies, see Fire Safety)
      • You may not possess or use a Halogen lamp or Halogen light bulbs (including Lava Lamps) as they are a fire hazard.
      • Do not possess or burn candles, incense, kerosene lamps, lighter fluid, propane, or charcoal.
      • No living holiday decorations such as pine trees, wreaths, garland
      • Pumpkins, squash, or other food-based decoration must remain inside the unit and disposed of properly after use.
      • Do not store or possess materials hazardous to the health and safety of residents in residence halls including, but not limited to, chemicals, gasoline, kerosene, charcoal, lighter fluid, and containers that have been used for storing gasoline.
    • Room & Décor
      • Empty alcohol containers used as decoration or display.
      • No permanent stickers, Command Strips, or screws may be used on the doors or walls. Please use small nails, small tacks, and removal tape (such as painter’s tape) if you need to hang something on the wall
      • Exercise Equipment over 10LBS of the total weight
      • Any bed, bedframe or mattress not provided by Residence Life and Housing
23. Room Capacity
    • No more than eight (8) persons may be present in a residence hall room at any time.
24. Sales & Solicitation
    • Sales and solicitation activities, including door-to-door, by individuals or organizations external to ҹ�����о��� are prohibited in the residence halls.  Recognized student organizations, academic departments, or administrative units affiliated with ҹ�����о��� may host information tables in the lobbies of the residence halls with prior written permission from the Department of Residence Life and Housing. 
    • Residents are not permitted to operate a business from their residence hall room or from any of the common areas within the residence halls.
    • Individuals or groups who wish to distribute questionnaires or undertake other research projects involving residents or staff must contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing in writing for prior written permission. Requests should be made at least two (2) weeks before the project is scheduled to begin.  Permission will be granted on the basis of whether the distribution interferes with the operation of the residence halls.  Only research that has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), or is not required to be approved by the IRB, may be conducted in the residence halls.
25. Smoking
    • Smoking or tobacco use of any kind is prohibited in or around all residence halls. This policy is in accordance with the University’s Tobacco-Free Campus policy. The use of electronic cigarettes (whether they contain tobacco or not) and vape pens is also prohibited.
26. Student Status
    • You must be an active ҹ�����о��� student and enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours for each academic term(s) encompassed within into your contract period to be eligible to live on campus. RLH reserves the right to make exceptions to the required number of credits to live on campus.
27. Unauthorized Access
    • Residents may access only the apartment/suite for which they are assigned and are permitted only in common areas such as the hallway, lounges, game rooms, laundry rooms, etc. Residents may not enter any other space whether or not it is marked as “Private.”  
    • Residents may not access the residence halls outside of the dates and times permitted within their individual housing contracts. If a resident requires access to or accommodation in the residence halls outside of the dates listed in their housing contract, the resident must request accommodation through a Break Housing Application or contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing to request an escort to your room during break periods.
28. Vandalism
    • You are required to treat your residence hall, your room, common areas, and the equipment provided for your reasonable use with respect and to make every effort to use the equipment properly. You are also required to treat your roommates’ property with respect. You are not permitted to deface any facilities or property.
29. Vending & Laundry Machines
    • You are not permitted to tamper with or damage any coin-operated, or similar, machine. You are also not permitted to sit on any of these machines.
30. Windows, Roofs, & Ledges
    • You may not loosen or remove the stops or seals on your room windows or windows in common or public areas. You may not remove the screen(s) from your window(s).
    • You are not permitted to throw or otherwise cause any objects to exit a window located in the residence hall.
    • You and your guest(s) are not permitted to enter and exit the building through windows.
    • You and your guest(s) are not permitted on any of the roofs, window sills, or ledges of any residence hall. No items may be placed on roofs, window sills, and/or ledges.  

Residential Fines & Fees 

• Failure to Complete Judicial Sanctions - $50.00
• Failure to Schedule or Attend Judicial Hearing - $50.00
• Failure to Evacuate During Fire Alarm/Emergency - $100.00
• Fire Safety Fine (depending on offense) - $25.00 - $200.00
  • Tampering with Smoke Detector - $50.00
• Improper Checkout - $100.00
• Lockout - $25.00
• Lost Mailbox Key Replacement - $25.00
• Lost Room Key Core Replacement - $155.00
• Lost Key Fob Replacement - $100.00
• No Entry Door Violation - $50.00 (per offense)
• Roofs & Ledges Violation - $100.00
• Throwing Items Out Window(s) - $1,000.00
• Unauthorized Access
  • Guest - First offense warning and/or $50.00 fine, additional offenses will result in loss guest privileges and/or guest will be added to PNA list. Continual offenses may result in cancellation of your housing contract.
  • Unauthorized co-habitant - $150.00
  • Loaning keys to unauthorized holder - $25.00 - $75.00 per offense
• Unauthorized Room Change - $500.00
• Unauthorized Use of Furniture - $25.00 per piece plus any associated damages
• Smoking- Conduct Meeting & $150.00 fine per offense
• Trash - $25.00 per bag, additional charges vary in occurrence of loose trash
• Noise Complaint - $100.00 per verified incident
• Unauthorized Animal - $250.00 - 48 hour timeline to remove animal from community 

The Department of Residence Life and Housing reserves the right to change/alter additional charges and fees at their discretion. 

SECTION IV: RESIDENCE LIFE CONDUCT PROCEDURES

Residents and their guests are responsible for knowing and adhering to the policies and procedures set forth in this Handbook, the Residence Hall Housing contract, as well as the ҹ�����о��� Student Code of Conduct. Alleged violations of this handbook and the Residence Hall contract will be investigated, reviewed, and adjudicated by University officials. 

Interim Actions

Prior to a full investigation or resolution process, in circumstances involving a significant risk of substantial harm to persons or property or serious disruption of the educational process, interim actions may be imposed including removal from housing or interim suspension. 

Incident Report  

Residence Life staff members are responsible for documenting situations that involve possible policy violations via an incident report. If a resident observes or otherwise becomes aware of a possible violation(s), the resident may submit a Residence Life and Housing staff member. 

Conduct Meeting Process  

When a resident or guest violates a policy or procedure, Residence Life and Housing staff will schedule a conduct meeting that is intended to be a educational and developmental conversation for students to reflect on their actions and the potential impact on the community. �į  

• Residents will receive an email including the date and time of the scheduled conduct meeting. In the case of a violation by a guest, the resident who had signed the guest in will be held accountable for the guest’s behavior.
• If the resident is unavailable for the date and time of the conduct meeting, they are responsible for reaching out to reschedule, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.
• Failure to attend a scheduled conduct meeting may result in a rescheduled meeting, fines, or additional sanctions. 

Conduct Meeting Decisions  

Residence Life and Housing staff will review all information to decide based on preponderance of evidence standard, to determine if a resident is responsible or not. If a student is found responsible for a violation, they may be assigned sanctions. 

The decision letter will be sent to the resident’s University email address.  

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Sanctions are intended for residents to learn and develop personally and professionally while living in a residential community. The goal of assigning sanctions is to help residents reflect on the impact on themselves or on others and to ensure they are educated on our policies. The following are examples of sanctions Residence Life and Housing may assign: 

• A “Written Warning” represents written notification of a violation and informs the resident that their continued misconduct will result in further disciplinary action. A Written Warning is formal and official documentation of a resident’s misconduct and is included in the resident’s judicial file.
• “Educational Sanctions” may include, but are not limited to, posting quiet hour signs during finals weeks; writing a letter of apology; taking a fire safety quiz; creating a theme-based bulletin board display; entering into a behavioral contract; attending an alcohol awareness program; participating in a formal discussion or interview with a staff person; and/or completing an academically sound, original paper on a specific topic.
• “Meeting with a University Office” requires a resident to schedule and attend a session(s) with a qualified person(s) from a University department on the specific violations.
• “Residential Fine” requires payment of an amount established by the Department of Residence Life and Housing for violation of any stated residential policy or procedure. (See: Residential Fines & Fees)
• “Restitution” requires payment of an amount established by the Department of Residence Life and Housing for damage to and/or destruction ҹ�����о��� property or property of any person. The amount established by the Department of Residence Life and Housing may include the actual cost of repair or replacement of such property including the administrative oversight of such work.
• “Community Service” requires a resident to complete a specified type of work and hours to be served under the supervision of a community agency, Cleveland State University department, or member of the ҹ�����о���’s faculty or staff. The student will not be compensated for any Community Service.
• “Residential Probation” is a specified period with a start date and end date during which the resident is not considered in “good standing” with the Department of Residence Life and Housing; the terms and conditions of residency may be altered, and any additional infraction may result in a suspension or revocation of residence hall privileges, without a refund. The duration of the probationary period and conditions imposed will be in direct proportion to the degree and nature of the violation(s).
• “Restriction of Privileges” may include but are not limited to the removal of guest privileges, prohibiting the use of common areas or equipment, or any other restriction deemed necessary for the given violation.
• “Room Transfer” is a mandatory room change within the residence hall or to another residence hall.
• “Residential Removal” is the suspension of residence hall privileges for a specified period of time or the permanent revocation of residence hall privileges. Removal will result in the resident being placed on “Person Not Allowed” status (See: Persons Not Allowed Status). Residents who face Residential Removal may also be subject to additional sanctions through Community Standards and Compliance, which may include disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. 

Appeal Process  

A resident has the right to appeal the decision of their conduct meeting if there is new evidence not known at the time of the initial meeting; personal prejudice or bias by the Residence Life and Housing decision maker; or if there is a procedural error.  

All such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of Residence Life and Housing on or before the end of the fifth (5^th) business day after the decision letter has been delivered. In order to exercise the right to such an appeal, the resident(s) involved is required to submit a detailed appeal via ҹ�����о��� email. The appeal must include the specific rationale for the appeal as well as any new evidence or documentation of an alleged inconsistency related to procedure. �į  

Upon receipt of an appeal letter, the Department of Residence Life and Housing will contact the resident to schedule an appeal meeting. The appellant is expected to be cooperative in the scheduling process. The Executive Director of Residence Life or their designee will review the appeal letter and information shared in the appeal meeting to determine if the initial conduct process decision will be upheld, amended, or overturned. 

A decision by the Executive Director of  Residence Life and Housing or their designee is a final decision.  

University Community Standards and Compliance Process  

Residents are expected to abide the Residence Life and Housing Policies in addition to the Student Code of Conduct. As a result, some incidents may be referred to the Office of Community Standards and Compliance for review or adjudication. See the Office of Community Standards and Compliance website for more information.  

Future Changes, Amendments, & Modifications  

Note: The Department of Residence Life and Housing reserves the right to change, amend, or modify any of this information. Implementation of new community procedures will occur after reasonable notice to residents.