Alcohol, Marijuana, Other Drugs, and Related Paraphernalia top
As adults, students are expected to know applicable laws and to be responsible for their own behavior. Students are expected to obey the laws and all University rules and regulations (a complete listing of all University policies related to drugs and alcohol can be found in Bearings). The following guidelines apply to alcohol and drugs in Residential Life spaces (the South 40, Millbrook Apartments, The Village, and on-campus and off-campus apartments owned by Residential Life).
Alcohol
- Washington University students are expected to be familiar with the alcohol policy. Underage possession of alcohol is prohibited by Missouri state law and is also a violation of the student judicial code. Any student violating the University's alcohol policy is subject to sanctions. The University places its highest enforcement priority on enforcing violations that are repeated, disruptive, dangerous, and/or flagrant.
- All public spaces in Residential Life buildings, all window ledges, balconies, lounges, lobbies, hallways, etc., are substance-free. Open containers are not permitted outside your residence.
- Pictures, posters, full or empty containers, and signs that refer to alcohol and other drugs and are displayed for public view are prohibited.
- Kegs and large common containers containing alcohol are not allowed in or outside of any Residential Life building. Bars are not permitted in the Washington University Residence Halls. What constitutes a bar will be left to the discretion of the Residential Life Staff.
- Students may not engage in drunk or disorderly behavior that disrupts the community.
- The mailroom will not accept any deliveries of alcoholic beverages, regardless of the recipient's age.There may be formal disciplinary action taken for a student's failure to abide by the University's alcohol policy.
Students who violate any alcohol policy or policies are required to meet with their RCD and may be referred to a Health Educator and/or the Judicial Administrator. There may be formal disciplinary action taken for a student's failure to abide by the University's alcohol policy.
Drugs
- Use, possession, sale, or manufacture of any illegal drug including marijuana, cocaine, nitrous oxide and other inhalants, methamphetamine, heroin, rohypnol (roofies), Gamma Hydroxy-Butyrate (GHB), ketamine (Special K), ecstasy,etc. is strictly prohibited.
- Drug-related paraphernalia is not permitted under any circumstance and may not be used as decoration.Hookahs and/or other tobacco smoking devices are not permitted under any circumstances, may not be used as decoration, and will be confiscated and not returned.
Students who violate any drug policy will be required to meet with their RCD and will be referred to the Judicial Administrator for disciplinary action. In some cases the matter may be referred off-campus for criminal prosecution
Appliances top
Any appliance with open coil heating elements is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to gas grills, hibachis, hot plates, and toaster ovens. Halogen lamps are also prohibited in any Residential Life Building. If you are unsure about a specific appliance please consult your RCD.
Balconies top
Millbrook and traditional suite residents are expected to use balconies safely and responsibly. No banners or indoor University furniture should be put on balconies. The use of grills and/or other cooking devices on balconies is strictly prohibited.
Bicycles top
Due to fire safety regulations and to avoid hall floor damage, bicycles are not permitted inside the residence halls. Bicycles should be registered with University Police and secured to bicycle racks outside the residence halls. Do not lock bikes to fences or handrails. Visit University Police headquarters to obtain a bike lock. All bicycles are expected to be moved after the halls close in May. Failure to do so will result in the bikes being removed and donated to charity.
Candles top
Open flames, including candles and incense, are not permitted in any Residential Life-managed buildings. If your religion or faith requires candle burning for certain occasions/holidays, contact your RCD for special consideration.
Chalking Policy top
Chalking is allowed on uncovered sidewalks and pathways. Chalking is not allowed on buildings, walls, trees, covered sidewalks, or other surface other than uncovered sidewalks and pathways. This includes the raised limestone wall surfaces along the pathway next to Gregg House on the South 40. Groups that chalk in these areas may be charged a fine for clean-up costs and have their South 40 space reservation access restricted.
Conduct top
Incident Report Process
An Incident Report is a document used by Residential Life staff to document events or situations that occur in or around campus. In some cases, this includes documentation of violations of University and/or Residential Life policies. The Incident Report is submitted to the Residential College Director. The RCD will determine the next steps after the incident report is received. This may involve a meeting with the resident(s) named in the Incident Report. A file containing the Incident Report will be maintained in the Residential Life Office. If the misconduct is serious in nature, the matter may be referred to the University Judicial Administrator, the University or local police, or some other off-campus agency.
Consequences For Your Conduct
Consequences vary depending on the conduct they may include, but are not limited to, educational sanctions; fines; referral to the Judicial Administrator; referral to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; and removal from University housing.
See the University Student Judicial Code and the Office of Judicial Programs website for more information about possible sanctions.
Construction Sites top
The campus is in the midst of major facility improvements. Construction has been a way of life in recent years. With this in mind, and for safety reasons, only authorized personnel are permitted to enter any area where construction is occurring. All unauthorized entry by students will be referred to the Judicial Administrator and/or University Police.
Copyright top
The Internet, and WU Copyright law applies to all intellectual works (including articles, software, html code, computer graphics, sound recordings, movies, web pages, etc.). If you are the author/creator, you are the copyright owner. ONLY the copyright owner has the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, or display a particular work. This means that if you can see it, hear it, and/or touch it — it may be protected. So if you weren’t the author/creator, you don’t have the right to share it, modify it, or download it to your computer. Sharing copyrighted materials without the owner’s permission violates copyright law, with or without any money changing hands. So, if you didn’t write it, you don’t own it. If you don’t own it, you can’t share it, upload it, or download it.
Damages top
At the end of each semester, Residential Life staff inspect all resident rooms. Any damages encountered will be documented, photographed, and charged to the resident(s) of the unit. To avoid damage charge errors, be careful to fill out a Room Condition Report (RCR) as soon as you arrive.
Darts top
Metal-tipped darts and cork dartboards are not permitted.
Discrimination top
Washington University's policies and programs are non-discriminatory. The University administers all programs without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Disruptive Behavior top
Behavior that is disrespectful to the community will be subject to disciplinary action. This includes, but is not limited to, drunken behavior, "dorm-storming," sports in the hallways, loud voices or stereos, pranks, and any other disorderly conduct. All students are expected to comply with requests from University staff members (RAs, RCDs, police, etc.). This includes inquiries with regard to identification, behavior modification, sanctions, and the like.
Facebook/Electronic Communication top
Students are expected to be familiar with the University Computer Use Policy as well as expectations set forth in the “Thoughts on Facebook .”
Failure To Comply top
All students are expected to comply with requests from University staff members (RAs, RCDs, police, etc.). This includes inquiries with regard to identification, behavior modification, sanctions, and the like. Students who do not comply will be referred to the Judicial Administrator, off-campus authorities, and/or a non-University organization.
Fire Safety top
Tampering with fire safety equipment is a federal offense and subject to punishment by law. This includes fire extinguishers, fire alarm pulls, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire panels, propping fire doors, etc. Covering smoke detectors is strictly prohibited. This includes the hanging of tapestries or other items from the ceiling.
Furniture top
Common space furniture should not be moved or taken outside. Residents who move common space furniture from its appropriate location will be fined. Misuse and/or damage of the furniture is not permitted.
Guests top
Students who wish to host overnight guests (including visitors and Washington University students) must fill out a guest registration form by clicking here. Guests' stays are limited to three consecutive nights unless prior approval is granted from the RCD. The lending of keys, identification, and door access cards to guests is not permitted. Residents are responsible for all that takes place in their residence hall room, including their guests' behavior. As such, they will be held accountable for violations of policy or the Student Judicial Code which take place within their room.
Harassment top
Washington University advocates a positive and safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Harassment is defined as any behavior or conduct that is injurious, or potentially injurious to a person's physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, as determined at the sole discretion of the University. Such behavior is subject to disciplinary action. For more information, please see coping.wustl.edu.
Inspections top
The Residential Life staff, as well as maintenance staff, conduct routine facilities and safety checks. Each Residential College Director will inspect each room in his/her college for damage, missing furniture, etc. at the end of each semester and during breaks.
Laundry Equipment Problems top
See this page: http://card.wustl.edu/servicerequest.html
Lock-Outs and Lost Keys top
South 40 Procedure:
Create a new room keycard at the kiosk located in the Residential Life Center Annex. (The kiosk is available 24 hours a day and is accessible with your 6-digit WU ID number and 4-digit pin number, which can be found under the "Campus Housing" tab on WebSTAC) A $5.00 charge will be administered for all lockouts starting after Labor Day weekend.
North Side Procedure:
- Between 8:30am-5pm Monday through Friday, go to the Village Office to get a new key made for a charge of $5.00.
- Between 5pm-Midnight any night, go to or call the Village Office (935-8828) to have someone let you back into your room, for a charge of $25.00.
- Between Midnight-8:30am, call WU Police Department at 935-5555. There is a $25.00 charge for after-hours lockouts.
- NOTE: North Side residents may also use the 24-hour room key kiosk in the Residential Life Center Annex on the South 40, using your 6-digit WU ID number and 4-digit pin number (found on WebSTAC), for a charge of $5.00.
Lock Problems
If there is a problem with your lock, the Residential Life Center can assist you between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm,
Monday - Friday (935-5050).
After business hours you should find an RA or go to:
- The RA duty office in the Residential Life Center Annex
- Monday - Friday: 5pm - Midnight
- Saturday - Sunday: 1:30pm - Midnight
- The Village Office
- Every night, 5pm - Midnight.
- Between midnight - 8:30am, call WU Police Department (935-5555).
If a student ID card is lost, notify the Residential Life staff, and then visit the Office of Student Records for a replacement. Remember: Loaning your student ID to anyone is prohibited.
Lofted Furniture top
The Office of Residential Life permits students to use their own loft furniture. However, lofts must be approved by the Facilities & Services Coordinator in Residential Life. There are several guidelines that must be followed in order to ensure that the loft is safe for all occupants of the room. These guidelines can be found Residential Life Loft Policy page. The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to ask students to remove a loft if it is deemed unsafe.
Missing Student Notification Policy top
Washington University is committed to ensuring the safety of the members of our University community.
Policy and Procedure Form can be downloaded here.
Painting top
Painting of resident rooms/suites is not permitted. Residents should not use abrasive adhesives (duct tape, masking tape, glow stars, etc.), which might remove paint. Nails, screws, and other tools that damage the wall surface are also not permitted. Talk to your RA for recommended decorating tips.
Parties top
Upperclass students living in suites or in Millbrook Apartments may register a party in their suite with a maximum of 25 people (15 in the newer suite buildings and 35 in Millbrook Apartments), including the residents of the suite. For gatherings of 25-50, residents must reserve a common space.
All parties on the South 40 must be registered through your RCD. You can use the Party Registration form online, which must be filled out by the Wednesday preceding the party.
Pets top
Due to health department standards, students are not allowed to have pets on the South 40. Guide dogs and fish are the only exceptions. Repeated noncompliance will result in a minimum fine of $50.
Posting Policy top
The posting policy applies to students, non-students, all recognized student groups, and all departments. Any organization with student members who live on campus will be responsible for posting its own materials. Nonresidents will not be given access to the halls for posting purposes. This policy does not apply to entrepreneurs, business, and other commercial interest groups whose materials may be displayed on bulletin boards in South 40 Center only. Advertising materials found in other locations will be removed.
- No more than one flyer will be allowed per designated posting location.
- All postings must clearly include sponsoring organizations or individual’s name and contact number or e-mail address.
- All flyers must be posted in designated posting locations. Flyers placed outside of designated locations will be removed and discarded. These locations include, but are not limited to, official RA/RCD bulletin boards, painted surfaces, glass doors of any type, floors, ceilings, trees, sidewalks and the exterior sides of the buildings. Questions about posting locations should be directed to an RCD or to the staff at the Residential Life Center.
- No posting on top of other flyers is permissible.
- We request that you use tacks and not staples or tape when posting on bulletin surfaces; if using staples, please limit to two or three per flyer. When posting to wall surfaces, only blue painters tape is permitted for postings. No permanently affixing adhesive materials may be used on any surface. All flyers not properly adhered in designated posting locations will be removed.
- No reference to alcohol, drugs, or nudity is permissible; no sexist or discriminatory materials allowed. What constitutes sexist or discriminatory materials will be left to the discretion of the Residential Life staff.
- No banners are permitted to hang from residence hall balconies. Banners or signs may be posted in student windows, but may not be placed outside of windows.
- Materials need not be preapproved for posting, as long as these guidelines are followed.
- Door-to-door solicitation is prohibited in the residence halls.
- Posters, flyers, handbills, notices, and other publicity such as promotions may not be placed under the doors of the residents in residence halls. Arrangements may be made through Residential Life for placing advertisements in resident mailboxes in Hitzeman Hall and the Village House.
- Violations of this policy will result in materials being removed and sponsoring organizations being subject to disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, a fine.
For more information, please contact Residential Life at 5-5050.
Quiet Hours top
Quiet hours are 11:00 pm to 9:00 am Monday-Thursday, and 1:00 am to 10:00 am Friday and Saturday. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Failure to comply with quiet hours may result in a fine or other disciplinary action.
Roof Access top
For safety reasons, students are not permitted on the roof of any building.
Safety & Security top
Blue Light Phones
Blue light phones are emergency phones located throughout the campus and are identified by the blue light. Phone activation automatically connects you with University Police who are able to track your location and then send assistance.
Earthquake
In case of an earthquake, remain calm and stay where you are; most injuries occur when people are entering or leaving buildings. Protect yourself from possible falling objects and do not use stairwells or elevators. If you are outside, stay clear of buildings, trees, walls, and utility wires. Emergency Information In the event of a University-wide emergency, information will be posted at emergency.wustl.edu. Information can also be obtained by calling 5-9000.
Fire
If you encounter a fire in your building, pull the closest fire alarm and evacuate the building to your designated emergency assembly point (EAP). Emergency evacuation procedures are posted in every bedroom or suite. Failing to evacuate a building when hearing a fire alarm is in violation of University policy.
Tornado
Tornado sirens are tested the first Monday of every month in St. Louis at 11:00 a.m. If you hear a tornado siren at any other time, immediately proceed to the lowest level of your building and seek shelter in a closed space with no windows. ** Tornado Awareness Information **
Community Safety
Room & Building Entry
Safety and security are priorities everywhere on campus. Make a conscious effort to lock your door every time you leave, even if only for a minute. Report anyone checking for unlocked doors. All students do not have access to all Residential Life-managed buildings. Be careful about people who might follow you in. Do not let anyone into the building without asking for ID.
University Police
University Police are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The campus police headquarters is located on the South 40 on the ground level of Lien House. University Police can be reached by calling 5-5555.
Suspicious Behavior
Please report any behavior or person that makes you feel uncomfortable or seems suspicious, including staff, non-students and non-staff, solicitors, and vendors. Report any suspicious person to a staff member or call University Police immediately at 5-5555.
Satellite Dishes top
No satellite dishes are permitted on any Residential Life-managed building.
Screens top
Screens should remain in the windows at all times. If your screen is loose, please fill out a maintenance request.
Search & Seizure top
The University retains its right to search your room to enforce University policy, address health or safety concerns, and/or for other institutional purposes.
Sexual Harassment/Assault top
The Office of Residential Life is dedicated to creating a respectful learning community, free from any form of sexual assault or harassment. Sexual assault affects all members of the University community, and we must be responsible for one another. Campus resources for sexual assault prevention and survivor support are available to all members of the University community. No one asks to be sexually assaulted and sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor. For more information, please see coping.wustl.edu.
Smoking and Tobacco top
WUSTL strictly prohibits all smoking and other uses of tobacco products within all University buildings and on University property, at all times. This policy applies to all, including students, faculty, staff, patients, contractors and visitors.
For more information about this policy, please visit: http://www.wustl.edu/tobaccofree.
Solicitation top
Solicitation of any kind is not permitted in the residence halls. This includes but is not limited to door-to-door sales, flyers, or product parties. A room assigned through the Office of Residential Life shall be occupied solely for residential purposes. Because of the potential interference to the living environment of others, students are not permitted to run businesses out of their Residence Hall rooms. If you witness solicitous behavior, call University Police at 5-5555 immediately.
Space Reservations top
Residents who wish to reserve a public space on the South 40 or a table in South 40 Center may do so by completing a space reservation form online, at the Residential Life Office between the hours of 8:30 am and 11:00 pm Sunday-Thursday and 7:00 pm and 1:00 am Friday and Saturday. Students who have reserved a space have priority over a group that is there without a reservation. Destruction, defacement, or damage of any public space or property (bathrooms, lounges, hallways, etc.) is not permitted. Resident(s) responsible for such damage will be fined appropriate costs for repair, replacement, and labor. Public area damages not blamed on a specific individual may be charged to residents of a floor, building, or unit.
Tampering top
The Office of Residential Life places a very high level of importance on maintaining the security of our residence halls. In furtherance of that commitment, students are prohibited from tampering with any of the safety or security features in the halls including, but not limited to, room window stoppers, closed-circuit television equipment, and building, room or window locks. Violations of this policy may result in referral to the University Judicial Administrator, fines, or other disciplinary action
Vandalism top
Destruction, defacement, or damage of any public space or property (bathrooms, lounges, hallways, etc.) is not permitted. Resident(s) responsible for such damage will be fined appropriate costs for repair, replacement, and labor. Public area damages not blamed on a specific individual may be charged to residents of a floor, building, or unit if a cause can be determined.
Weapons, Firearms, and Explosives top
The possession, storage, or use of firearms, pellet/bb/airsoft guns, knives, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons is prohibited on all University property. Students and visitors are strictly prohibited from carrying concealed weapons on University property and may not store weapons or ammunition in vehicles parked in University parking facilities. Use, possession, and storage of fireworks, combustibles, or explosive devices or components are prohibited except in accordance with the University Fireworks Policy found on the this website. What constitutes a dangerous weapon will be left to the discretion of the Residential Life staff. Violations of this policy will be referred to your RCD, the Judicial Administrator, and/or University Police.