In order to provide a safe and secure environment which is conducive to academic pursuits, a number of community living policies need to be observed
in university housing. Each member of the community is encouraged to hold others accountable to the community living policies.

As a member of this community, it is essential that you respect the rights of others in the community, as well as University and private property. These policies have been developed to support an environment of mutual respect. Students are expected to live within the standards of the community and encourage others to do the same.

All students are held responsible for the policies in the Guide to Residence Life, the Student Handbook and other official University publications and postings. Students are subject to judicial action if these regulations are not upheld. (See Section VII, "Residence Hall Judicial Process".)

Alcohol

The well-being of our students is of great importance to Suffolk University. There will be times when individual students, both on and off campus, may be in need of assistance from medical or other professional personnel. Suffolk University wants to minimize any hesitation that a student may have in obtaining help due to concern that their own behavior might be in violation of University policy.

While policy violations cannot be overlooked, the University will take into consideration the positive impact of reporting an incident on the well-being of students when determining the appropriate response for policy violations by the reporter of the incident. Any possible negative consequences for the reporter of the problem should be evaluated against the possible negative consequences for the student who needed intervention. At a minimum, Suffolk hopes that a student would make an anonymous report that would put the student in need in touch with professional helpers.

All Suffolk University housing is alcohol free. If you see someone in need of medical attention due to misuse or abuse of alcohol and drug, contact Suffolk University Police immediately.

• A1) Alcohol is not permitted in any university housing area. No person, regardless of age, may possess, consume, manufacture or distribute alcoholic beverages within university housing. Persons suspected of carrying alcohol into a building will not be allowed into the building with the suspected package. Persons or property in which alcohol is suspected will be subject to search. Level II.
• A2) Possessing a keg or other common source for alcohol distribution may result in loss of housing. Level I.
• A3) Intoxication is prohibited, regardless of age. Behavioral symptoms frequently associated with intoxication will be considered in determining intoxication. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following: impaired motor skill coordination, difficulty communicating, vomiting, glazed/red eyes, the smell of alcohol on one’s breath, verbal and/or physical aggressiveness, destructive and/or disruptive behavior and engaging in any behavior which may endanger oneself or others. A guest who is suspected of carrying alcohol or is suspected of being intoxicated may not be allowed in the building. Individuals who are suspected to be intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs and/or a danger to themselves or the community, may be placed in protective custody. Level II.
• A4) Empty alcohol containers are prohibited in university housing.
  Level II
• A5) Decorative alcohol containers are prohibited in university housing.
  Level II
• A6) Any individual who is present in a place where an alcohol policy violation is being documented will be included in the documentation and may be charged with the policy violation. Level II.
• A7) Intoxication, as defined in A3, requiring hospitalization. Level 1.
  Suffolk University requires the observance of all Massachusetts State laws and regulations pertaining to alcoholic beverages.
  

OTHER DRUGS

 All Suffolk University housing is drug-free.

• D1) Possession or use of illegal drugs within university housing is prohibited. The minimum evidence for finding someone in violation of marijuana use is two staff members identifying odor originating from a given room. Level I.
• D2) Manufacture, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs within university housing (which may be considered a ‘school-zone’ if the case is taken to off-campus officials) is prohibited. Level I.
• D3) Possession, use, manufacture, distribution or sale of drug paraphernalia (e.g. pipes, bongs, blowtubes, etc.) is prohibited. Level II.
• D4) Being under the influence of any illegal drug is prohibited. Behavioral symptoms frequently associated with being under the influence of drugs will be considered. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following: impaired motor skill coordination, difficulty communicating, vomiting, glazed/red eyes, verbal and/or physical aggressiveness, destructive and/or disruptive behavior, and engaging in any behavior which may endanger oneself or others. Level II.
• D5) Any individual who is present in a place where a drug policy violation is being documented will be included in the documentation and may be charged with the policy violation. Level II.
  Suffolk University requires the observance of all Massachusetts state laws and regulations pertaining to controlled substances.
  

Suffolk University requires the observance of all Massachusetts state laws and regulations pertaining to controlled substances.
 

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Fire Safety

Each member of the residence life community is encouraged to make an effort to protect the interest and well-being of himself/herself and others by discouraging violations of fire safety policy on the part of fellow residents or visitors anywhere in university housing.

Fire safety equipment is installed on each floor for the protection of the residents. The equipment is for emergency use only and the misuse of it may result in the lack of protection in the event of an actual emergency.

Fire Safety Equipment Policies

The following is prohibited in University housing:

• F1) The act of falsely pulling a fire alarm. Level I.
• F2) The act of causing a fire. Level I.
• F3) Intentionally, recklessly or negligently causing the sounding of the fire alarm without evidence of fire. Level I.
• F4) Failure to evacuate the building during the sounding of a fire alarm. Level II.
• F5) The act of causing the fire alarm to sound by intentionally or recklessly misusing or damaging fire or other safety equipment. Level I.
• F6) Tampering with any fire safety equipment including, but not limited to, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire safety signs or postings, telephone boxes, exit lights, emergency lighting, sprinklers, fire alarms and fire doors. Level II.
• F7) The act of discharging a fire extinguisher without evidence of fire. Level I.
  

Decorations, Displays, and Hazardous Substances

The following is prohibited in University housing:

• F8) Tampering with electrical circuit panels. Level II.
  Decorations, Displays, and Hazardous Substances
  The following is prohibited in University housing:
• F9) The possession of items capable of producing an open flame (e.g. all candles, torches, incense, sterno, etc.). This includes "decorative" candles, incense holders, etc. Level II
• F10) The use of items capable of producing an open flame (e.g. all candles, torches, incense, sterno, etc.). NOTE: The responsible use of matches and/or cigarette lighters is allowed outside of the residence halls. Level I.
• F11) The obstruction of any entrance, exit, corridor or stairwell by placing any furnishings or property in these areas. This includes student rooms, suites, apartments, and common areas. Level II
• F12) The storage and use of highly combustible items (e.g. gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, propane gas, etc.). Level II.
• F13) The hanging of tapestries or other large flammable items which cover ceilings, fire detector, sprinklers, doors or windows (or near other measures of egress). Level II.
• F14) Excessive covering of walls or doors with combustible materials, including paper. Level II.
• F15) The alteration of any part of permanent lighting with, but not limited to, black lights, cloth, tapestry and/or paper. Level II.
• F16) The building of lofts/platforms in student rooms. Level II
• F17) Any decorations, such as streamers or light strings, unless written approval is granted by the Assistant Director of Residence Life & Summer Programs. All light strings must be "UL listed". Level II.
• F18) Natural trees or boughs. Level II
• F19) The use or possession of unauthorized appliances (coffee pots/makers, George Foreman (or similar) grills, electric heaters, any cooking appliance except small microwaves), heating elements or lighting elements including, but not limited to, sun lamps, halogen lamps and heating coils. While irons are permitted, they must include an automatic shut-off capability. Level II.
  
  

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Community Safety

For the safety of individuals and all members of the community, a number of safety policies need to be observed in university housing. Each member of the community is encouraged to hold others accountable to the community safety policies.

The following is prohibited in university housing:

• C1) Throwing or dropping objects from windows, down stairwells or placing objects on ledges. Level I.
• C2) Throwing or tossing objects in hallways or playing "hall sports". Possession or use of metal-tip or hard-tip darts or dartboards in University Housing. In-line skating, skateboarding or bike/scooter riding in the building, including the lobby. Level II
• C3) Physical, psychological or verbal harassment, intimidation or harming of students, guest, staff, tenants or any person. Level I.
• C4) Possession of firearms or dangerous weapons/items including, but not limited to, nunchaku or karate sticks, switchblades, knives, pistols, mace/pepper spray, guns, ammunition, firecrackers/fireworks or tear gas.
  Level I
• C5) Possession of realistic replicas of dangerous weapons. Level II.
• C6) Tampering with any elevator equipment. Level II.
• C7) Unauthorized possession of Suffolk University lounge furniture.
  Level II.
• C8) Unauthorized possession or use of Suffolk University property or property of any person while on University premises. Level I.
• C9) Propping open any stairwell door, suite door or security door.
  Level II.
• C10) Locking or leaving bicycles / scooters in hallways or stairways. Level III.

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Disruptive or Life Threatening Behavior

Suffolk University recognizes that certain life-threatening behaviors (e.g. serious threats, suicide attempts, severe eating disorders, substance abuse, threats to others, etc.) by students are a means of attracting attention or asking for help. While the University is committed to helping students alleviate whatever stress factors are precipitating life-threatening behaviors, such behavior is considered disruptive to and unacceptable in the academic and social/living environments of the University community. At the discretion of the Dean of Students or his/her designee, a parent, guardian or family member may be notified of such behavior.
Any resident student or guest who demonstrates life-threatening behavior while enrolled at Suffolk University may be required to immediately undergo a psychological evaluation. The results of a psychological examination will be considered in determining if, or under what circumstances, the student may continue in university housing and at Suffolk University. The University may insist that the student actively engage in counseling while enrolled at Suffolk University and/or may be required to withdraw from university housing and/or the University. Students who refuse such an evaluation are subject to automatic suspension from the University and/or university housing pending an administrative hearing.

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Community Living

In order to provide a safe and secure environment which is conducive to academic pursuits, a number of community living policies need to be observed in university housing. Each member of the community is encouraged to hold others accountable to the community living policies.

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Damage

Students are encouraged to carefully review the room inventory form upon moving into the room. Upon check-out students are expected to leave their rooms in the same condition as when they checked in. Charges may be levied to students for trash removal, cleaning, repositioning of furniture, damage repair or replacement of University property and/or improper check-out. Damages to rooms and suites are the responsibility of the occupants of the room or suite. Students will be charged for damage, repair or replacement of University property.

In an effort to regularly monitor damages, monthly health and safety inspections will be conducted. When possible, the inspections will be announced at least 24 hours in advance. Inspections of all common areas (lounges, hallways, etc.) will be conducted more frequently. Damage charges for commons areas will be posted as they become available; probably on a monthly basis. You will be notified in writing of any personal damage charges following the monthly room inspections.

It is our expectation that all resident students will work to maintain the condition of the residence areas. We have very nice, well-maintained facilities and we all need to pitch in to keep them that way. If you accidentally cause damage, please notify us immediately so that we may repair the damage. If you notice damage or witness someone causing damage, please notify a
Residence Life or University Police staff person immediately. When a staff person is unable to identify the person who caused the damage, the entire community is held financially responsible. In a room or suite, the same is true - all residents of the particular area are held responsible for damages done to that room/suite/cluster.

The following are typical charges set by the Facilities Office for repair / replacement costs. The university provides these prices as a guideline only and reserves the right to charge the appropriate cost based on the individual damage incident. The following costs are inclusive of replacement / repair and labor and are subject to change:

Recharge/Replace Fire Extinguisher $50
Replace Smoke Detector $240
Replace Exit Light $125
Wall Repairs $60 – $350
Repaint Entire Room $500
Replace Blinds $150
Replace Ceiling Tile $30
Repair Split Door (at lockset) $125
Replace Door $650
Repair Lockset $125
Replace Lockset $125
Replace Key $25
Replace Toilet Paper Spool $25
Replace Door Closer $100
Moving/Reassembling/Unstacking Furniture $100-$300
Repair to Drawer/Closet $50-$100
Replace Bathroom Signs $75
Replace Room Signs $75
Replace Directional Signs $75
Bathroom Faucet $200
Toilet Partition Panel $600
Toilet Paper Holder $95
Paper Towel Holder $150
Shower Head $90
Shower Curtain $35
Sink Replacement $275
Mirror Replacement $250
Toilet Replacement $370
Carpet Replacement $1000 – $2800
Clean carpets $220
Cleaning (excessive) $70-$250
Replace computer port $125
Replace outlet cover $25
Replace outlet $75
Replace light switch $75
Replace Hall Pendant Lights $250
Replace Hall Light Diffuser $75

Excessive individual damages (including sanitary condition of room/suite/cluster) may result in the loss of University housing or reassignment

• C11) Students are required to maintain rooms, suites and clusters in a sanitary, safe and healthy condition at all times. The cleanliness of suite and cluster bathrooms is the responsibility of the residents. Damage to another student’s room or common area by unreported damage (overflowing toilets, etc.) may be charged to the students. Level II.
• C12) Each resident student is responsible for the care of all University property in individual rooms, suites, and clusters and common areas. Students may not leave personal belongings (athletic equipment) in public areas. Level II.
• C13) Students are responsible for the actions of their guests, and therefore responsible for any damage caused by them. Level II
• C14) All residents are responsible for common area damage of indeterminate cause which occurs in the residence halls. Level II.
• C15) Excessive personal damages (including sanitary condition of room/suite/cluster) may result in the loss of University housing or reassignment. Level I.

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Entry Into Rooms

The University reserves the right for its designees to enter and inspect a resident room, suite or cluster in the interest of health and safety, proper conduct of the residents, the orderly and efficient administration and operation of the residential system or to maintain or repair the premises. Entry may be made at any time, whether or not the resident is present ,and without prior notice to the resident. Entry may also be made if there are reasonable grounds to believe that any substance, material or item is being kept or used on the premises in any manner prohibited by law or by the policies, rules and regulations of the University. Any such item may be confiscated by the University’s representatives without prior notice. Entry may also be made for the purpose of conducting non-emergency inspections and repairs. Regular monthly health and safety inspections will be conducted.

• C16) Students and/or guests may not enter another student’s room when the
  occupant is not present. Students may not enter another student’s room without permission. Level II.
• C17) Students may not use any mechanism other than a room key to unlock/enter a room. Level II.
  Failure to comply 
• C18) Students must comply with the request of any university official (i.e. Residence Life & Summer Programs Staff, University Police, etc.) in performance of his/her duties. Level II.
  False information 
• C19) Students may not knowingly furnish false information to any University Official (i.e. Residence Life & Summer Programs Staff, University Police staff, etc.) in performance of his/her duties. Level II

The University supplies basic furnishings in each room.

The following is not permitted in university housing:

Furniture
The University supplies basic furnishings in each room. The following is prohibited in university housing:

• C20) Removing University furniture from the room or suite lounge to which it is assigned. Level II.
• C21) Dismantling of university housing furniture. Level III.
  C22) Intentionally or recklessly damaging, destroying or defacing the property of the University or any person’s property while on University premises. Level II.
• C23) Painting, defacing or destroying any university housing structure or furnishing, including room and suite doors. Level III.
• C24) Making any renovation/addition or attachment (i.e. building shelves, making holes in the wall, the use of nails, etc.) that may cause damage. Note: Students are reminded that cellophane tapes and other strong adhesives will cause damage to walls and/or doors by removing paint. The Office of Residence Life and Summer Programs recommends reasonable use of poster putty and painters’ tape, as items less likely to damage walls and/or doors. Level III.
• C25) Placing room furnishings in such a way that they are supported by University furniture or university housing structure. All furnishings must be free standing and self supporting. Level III.
• C26) Placing room furnishings in such a way that they obstruct the door from being opened at least 36 inches. Level III.
• C27) Writing on the exterior or one’s room or suite door with permanent or dry-erase markers. Each resident is responsible for the door condition. Level III.

Gambling

• C28) Gambling is prohibited on University premises. Level II.

Pets

• C29) Pets, including, but not limited to cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, iguanas, birds, turtles and fish, are not allowed in university housing for health reasons. “Seeing-eye” and assisted living dogs are permitted in university residence areas. Level III.

Improper checkout

• C30) Failure to follow university check-out procedures will result in a minimum charge of $25. Improper check-out may include but is not limited to the following: failure to arrange a check-out time with your RA / Graduate Fellow, failure to be present at the check-out time, failure to complete check-out paperwork or express check-out procedures, failure to return your key(s). Failure to return your key(s) results in a lock change and an additional charge. 

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Service Animal Policy

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, service animals are permitted in College facilities for persons with documented disabilities. A service animal is any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing, providing minimal rescue or protection work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items. The service the animal is providing must be directly related to the functional limitation of the person’s disability.  Service animals whose behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or is disruptive to the university community may be excluded, regardless of training or certification.

Requirements of Service Animals and Their Partners/Handlers

• Training: To work on campus, a service animal must be specifically trained to perform a service function. Evidence of successful completion of a recognized licensing or certification program for service animals, or a letter documenting training, is required. A copy of the proof of certification should be on file with the Dean of Students Office (for students) or Human Resources Office (for faculty/staff).
• Identification: The service animal must wear a harness, cape, identification tag or other gear that readily identifies its working status.
• Control: The partner/handler must be in full control of the service animal at all times. The care and supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of its partner/handler.
• Leash: The service animal must be on a leash at all times.
• License and Tags: All service animals must have an owner identification tag. If the service animal is a dog, it must be licensed from an approved training program or have current license and tags from local authorities.
• Health: The service animal must be in good health. Animals to be housed in campus housing must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. The service animal must have current vaccinations and immunizations against diseases common to that type of animal. All service animals must wear a current rabies vaccination tag.
• Clean-up Rule: The partner/handler must (a) always carry equipment sufficient to clean up the animal’s feces whenever the animal and partner/handler are off the partner’s property; (b) never allow the animal to defecate on any property, public or private (except the partner’s own property), unless the partner or handler immediately removes the waste; (c) be responsible for the proper disposal of the animal’s feces and for any damage caused by the waste or its removal.

Conditions for Keeping a Service Animal

• Disruption: The partner/handler of a service animal that is unruly or disruptive (e.g., barking, running around, nipping, bringing attention to itself) may be asked to remove the animal from the university facilities. If the improper behavior happens repeatedly, the partner/handler may be required to take significant steps to mitigate the behavior before bringing the animal into any university facility. Mitigation may include muzzling a barking animal, obtaining refresher training for both the animal and the partner, or other appropriate measures.
• Always speak to the partner/handler first, but remember that they are not walking “show and tell” exhibits.
• Refrain from petting, feeding, or deliberately startling a service animal. Resist the temptation to offer treats to the service animal.
• Immediately report any disruptive behavior of a service animal to Campus Police. No attempt should be made to separate a partner/handler from his or her service animal.
• Any questions regarding service animals or their partner/handlers
  should be directed to the Dean of Students Office (for students) or Human Resources (for faculty/staff).
  

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Guests

All resident students are granted the privilege of entertaining guests in university housing. A guest is defined as a visitor who is staying in university housing at the invitation of a resident (host).
The guest may stay no longer than three days in succession in a seven-day period in university housing. At any time, this privilege may be terminated by a Residence Life & Summer Programs staff member or the University Police. The University may institute a ‘lock down’ situation should conditions warrant such action. During a ‘lock down’ situation, no guests would be permitted.

• G1) The guest must follow all University policies. The host is responsible for seeing that the guest follows all University policies. The host may be held for violations incurred by the guests. Level II

Before you invite a guest, you should know...

The guest must follow all University policies.
The host is responsible for ensuring that the guest follows all University policies. The host may be held for violations incurred by the guests.
The guest must be a personal acquaintance of the host.
The host must escort the guest at all times, except into opposite sex bathrooms.
A guest may not stay in university housing for more than three days in succession in a seven day period.
An agreement for having guests should be worked out and mutually agreed upon by all roommates. This is especially important for overnight and extended stay (more than one night) guests. If no agreement can be reached, a staff member may be called to facilitate an agreement.

• G2) The guest must be a personal acquaintance of the host. Level III.
• G3) The host must escort the guest at all times, except into opposite sex bathrooms. Level III.
• G4) A guest may not stay in university housing for more than three days in succession in a seven day period. Level III.

Sign-In/Out Procedures

The sign-in process is supervised by Suffolk University Police and Security. SUPD documents residents who do not properly sign-out their guests. This documentation is provided to the Residence Life & Summer Programs Office and results in a violation notice.
The sign-in process is supervised by the Suffolk University Police and security.

• G5) All guests entering university housing must contact their host using the house phone/intercom outside the building and enter the building through the main entrance. Level III
• G6) All hosts must meet their guests at the front desk. Level III
• G7) The host must present their Suffolk University ID when signing-in guests. The guest must surrender a valid picture ID (non-expired) to University Police when signing in. The ID will be returned when the guest is properly signed out. Level III.
• G8) Residents may not have more than three (3) guests at any given time. Level III.
• G9) Guests who are not properly signed-in will be considered trespassers and are subject to arrest. Level III.
• G10) The host must escort the guest to the front desk to be signed-out of the building. Level III.

Guests who are involved in any policy violation may be asked to immediately leave the building and/or may be prohibited from entering the building for an extended period of time. Police action is utilized when necessary to remove an unruly guest.
All residents are requested to be aware of unescorted guests on the floor and to report their presence to a Residence Life & Summer Programs staff person or to the University Police.
You, along with the staff, are responsible for maintaining a safe living environment. Please do not open the door to anyone who is not your guest. Call University Police if you notice a person acting suspiciously.

Keys and University ID

All resident students are issued a key to their residence hall room and a Suffolk University ID. 

Students are required to carry theirs key with them at all times.
Students are not to give/lend their key/ID to others at any time.  The front door to Miller Hall and 150 Tremont Street are always closed and locked.  SUPD documents residents who fail to show ID upon entering a building and this documentation may result in a violation.

• K1) Residents may not duplicate their key for any reason. Students found in violation will be subject to judicial action including possible loss of university housing. Level I.
• K2) Lost or misplaced keys / ID must be reported to the Residence Hall Building Office. Students will be charged a minimum of $125.00 for a lost key and lock change. This charge will be made against your damage deposit. Students are charged $20 by the Suffolk University Police to replace their University ID. Level II.
  If for any reason a student is locked out, he/she should attempt to find his/her roommate to gain entrance. If a roommate is not available, an RA should be contacted. During regular office hours, a Residence Life & Summer Programs staff member may assist with lockouts. Students are only assisted with entry into his/her own room. University Police does not have access to student room keys and cannot assist with lockouts.
• K3) A staff person will document each lockout. Each student gets one "free" lockout. The second lockout is $10.00 and the third is $25.00. Lockout fines must be paid within five days. Failure to pay a lockout fine will result in the fine being posted to your student account. Level III.
• K4) Students are required to carry their Suffolk University ID, and their key with them at all times. Level III.
• K5) Students are required to show their Suffolk University ID when they enter the residence hall. Level III.

Quiet hours

Quiet hours begin at 10 PM on Sundays through Thursdays and end at 8 AM.  Quiet hours begin at 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays and end at 9 AM.  Additional quiet hour guidelines for each floor will be announced/determined at the first floor meeting.

• N1)  Any noise or sound which can be clearly heard outside one’s immediate room or suite and/or is objectionable to any community member at any time is prohibited.  Level II.
• N2)  All students must show consideration for the other residents.  All students must honor any request by any resident or staff member when asked that stereos, musical instruments, etc. be discontinued or satisfactorily turned down.  This includes reasonable complaints from off-campus neighbors who may go to local authorities and can bring about a more serious censure for those involved.  After 11:30 PM. a city ordinance requires that loud disturbances of any type be brought to a close.  Level II.

Smoking

All university housing is smoke-free.

• S1)  Smoking is prohibited in all public areas including, but not limited to, bathrooms, elevators, hallways, lobbies, stairwells, foyers, lounges, dining rooms, kitchens and common areas.  Level III.
• S2)  Smoking is prohibited in all private rooms and/or suites.  Level III.

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