Community Standards of Conduct

The residential student conduct process is designed to be educational and encourage responsible behaviors. These policies are designed to protect the individual within an environment that promotes personal and academic success. In addition to its contribution to the academic mission of the University, the student conduct process is also designed to support community standards, while allowing students to make decisions in line with their individual lifestyles and value systems.

As. As in any group setting, residence halls have rules and regulations that establish the standards and rights of membership. When members of residence hall communities choose to violate policies, residence halls become unpleasant places in which to live.

The residential student conduct process has jurisdiction over all residence halls and their surrounding properties. In addition to its contribution to the academic mission of the University, the student conduct process is also designed to support community standards, while allowing students to make decisions in line with their individual lifestyles and value systems. Although policies and processes may appear and feel restrictive, there is no intent to deprive students of the opportunity to make independent decisions. Nevertheless, policies have been established in accordance with other University regulations, local, state, and federal laws, and input from previous residents. Overall, the policies set in place have proven to be in the best interest of the residence hall community at large.

The residence hall policies of West Virginia University are designed to protect the individual within an environment that promotes personal and academic success. The following policies, procedures, and guidelines for student behavior are designed to enhance your living and learning environment. Violations of any rule or regulation will lead to student conduct administrative action. Where such action is necessary, residence hall students may also face civil liability or criminal prosecution. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and acting upon their rights and responsibilities as outlined herein. Students should also familiarize themselves with the University Campus Student Code.

Matters of safety and security are of primary importance to the residence hall community. Students who are careless may jeopardize the welfare of everyone within the larger community. Students are expected to forego personal convenience in the interest of community safety.

In accordance with the housing contract, Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to inspect all areas of a student’s room if there is information that indicates University policies are being violated or if the condition of the room is thought to present a health and safety concern. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to initiate administrative moves made in the best interest of the residential community. Also, roommates who cannot resolve issues or come to a mutual understanding may be administratively moved to different rooms, floors, and/or residence halls.

The residential student conduct process is designed to be educational and encourage responsible behaviors. It is expected that residents/students and their guests do not allow themselves to be present for situations that may potentially disrupt the larger residential community. If you or your guest(s) are present for policy violations, or violations occur in your assigned room, you will typically be held responsible for the violations, and appropriate behavioral plans will be imposed. It is expected that students will immediately separate themselves from policy violations, and report violations to appropriate staff members. If information supports that students or their guests are aware of a policy violation(s) and fail to report the incident and immediately separate themselves from the situation, students will most likely be found responsible for the alleged policy violation(s) and the minimum behavioral plans outlined in this section will be imposed.

Alleged violations of University Policy may be referred to the West Virginia University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities; you may also view the full University Code of Conduct at their site.

Heightened Security

For your safety during certain events or time periods, the residence halls will be placed under increased security measures. During this heightened security, visitors will not be permitted in the building, all exterior doors will be locked, and all residents must enter through the main door and present their Student Identification Card for admittance.

RESIDENCE HALL STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS

Documentation of Incident or Event

Residence Life staff members are required to document any event that occurs in University housing. Usually, an event is recorded as an “information report.” An information report is an account of an event or situation by the person who has the earliest and most direct involvement with the incident. Allegations of policy violations originating from an information report are considered alleged pending completion of the student conduct process. Any member of the residence hall and University communities can confront and record any behavior that is inconsistent with community standards. Any complaint should be directed to the Residence Hall Coordinator if the alleged misconduct occurred in or around a residence hall. When behavior is recorded, the student conduct process is set in motion.

Administrative Process

All student conduct procedures are designed to minimize disruption to the residential learning communities. The residence hall student conduct process is as follows:

A formal complaint (usually through an information report) is submitted.

A student conduct administrator or board (person or person(s) assigned to resolve a student conduct matter) is assigned to consider allegations against a student. The conduct administrator or board will be assigned according to the severity of the situation and previous student conduct history.

A notice of allegations and a notice of the time, date, and location of the student conduct meeting generally will be sent at least two days prior to a student conduct meeting.

An outcome letter including any imposed behavioral plans will be sent after the student conduct meeting.

If a student requests an appeal, the appeal must be requested within two days after receipt of the outcome letter. Contact your Residence Hall Coordinator, or the Office of Residence Life for more information regarding the appeal process.

The appeal will be granted, modified, or denied and an appeal response letter will be sent to the resident. While an appeal is pending, behavioral plans are suspended until the Appellate Reviewer has acted upon the request and a final resolution has been reached. An exception may occur to ensure the health, safety, or well-being of members of the residential community or to preserve property.

Student Conduct Meetings

When a policy violation has occurred, students have a right to a student conduct meeting. The Residence Life Student Conduct Board, a Residence Hall Coordinator, or other University staff member will conduct a student conduct meeting. During the meeting, all relevant information, witnesses, and evidence should be presented to the student conduct administrator or board. The technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal cases shall not apply. The student conduct administrator or board has authority to limit the number of witnesses. Student conduct decisions are based on a preponderance of the evidence, i.e., the allegations more likely than not occurred as charged.

Note: In certain circumstances, a student may be removed from the residence halls before a student conduct meeting has been held or following a student conduct meeting where removal was imposed and an appeal is pending. An interim removal may be imposed to ensure the health, safety, or well-being of members of the residential community or to preserve property.

YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All student conduct processes and procedures shall be fair and reasonable keeping with the fundamental concept of due process, along with the rights to privacy and protection against discrimination guaranteed to all West Virginia University students. If you are accused of violating a residence hall policy, you will also have the rights outlined below.

Rights of the Accused

The right to be informed of your rights, policies, and student conduct procedures as outlined herein.

The right to a timely notice of a student conduct meeting, including notice of allegations.

The right to confidential proceedings.

The right to a copy of all documents (i.e., the information report). Copies of these reports can only be obtained from the Residence Life Office and may take up to two business days to process.

The right to be presumed not responsible for violating a policy until found responsible by a preponderance of the evidence (a standard of “more likely than not”).

The right to an advisor for the purpose of consultation, but not to speak on your behalf or to participate directly in the student conduct meeting except as permitted by the student conduct administrator or board. It is the student’s responsibility to identify and find their own advisor. Schedule changes will not be made to accommodate an advisor’s schedule, and information pertaining to the case will only be communicated to the accused student.

The right to present and examine information supporting or refuting the allegations. The student conduct administrator or board may determine the number of witnesses.

The right to remain silent or to not attend a student conduct meeting. If you choose to exercise this right, a student conduct meeting will still be conducted. Evidence in support of the allegations will be presented and considered, and a decision will be made based on that information.

The right to receive a decision after a student conduct meeting.

The right to request an appeal to a finding of responsible and/or the behavioral plan imposed. The request for an appeal must be submitted within two days after receipt of the outcome letter.

Rights of the Victim

In some situations, not only does a student’s conduct violate residence hall policy, but also victimizes another member of the University community. The University community includes but is not limited to students, staff, faculty, parents, campus neighbors, campus visitors, and any agency that is engaged in a legitimate business transaction with the University (e.g., vendors). When someone is identified as a victim, the student conduct process affords them certain rights.

When a complaint is filed against a student, it is important to remember that the student is being charged with violating a specific University or housing policy; therefore, the University is ultimately responsible for determining what allegations are appropriate, and the appropriate student conduct administrator or board. If a victim withdraws the complaint, the University may still proceed with the case.

Victims are entitled to the following rights:

The right to have the student conduct process explained in full.

The right to submit an account of the alleged incident.

The right to be informed of the date, time, and location of the meeting and to request a delay of the student conduct meeting for extenuating circumstances.

The right to be present during the student conduct meeting. Victims are not permitted to be present during the private deliberations of the student conduct administrator or board.

The right to have an advisor present throughout the student conduct process, including the student conduct meeting, although the advisor may not speak on behalf of the victim.

The right to be called upon as a witness.

The right to decline to be a witness. The exercise of this right will not be regarded as a statement of support of the accused.

Appeals

Students may submit an appeal request for each incident; however, requests should not be submitted just because a student does not agree with the decision of the student conduct administrator. Requests for an appellate review must be made within two days of receipt of the outcome letter. An appellate review is limited to a review of the proceedings before the student conduct administrator or board and any evidence that first became available after the student conduct meeting. An accused student shall not be at risk of more consequences simply by exercising his/her right to an appellate review.

While an appellate review is pending, behavioral plans are suspended until the Appellate Reviewer has acted upon the request and a final resolution has been reached. An exception may occur to ensure the health, safety, or well-being of members of the residence hall community or to preserve property.

A student’s request for an appellate review will generally be granted if at least one of the following conditions is met:

New information that was unavailable at the student conduct meeting can be presented that would change the outcome of the case.
Established student conduct meeting procedures were not followed and these errors affected the outcome of the case.
The outcome of the case is not supported by a preponderance of the evidence.

The Appellate Reviewer may:

Uphold or modify the original decision;
Uphold or modify the behavioral plan(s); and/or
Remand the case back to be reheard or reconsidered in cases where there is new information or a procedural error.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS

In order to protect your rights as a resident and University student, the Residence Life Office will maintain records of any student conduct administrative action(s). Access to these records is restricted to the student and will only be released in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please note that letters or phone calls may be sent/made to parents or legal guardians within established FERPA guidelines. For more information regarding FERPA please visitferpa.wvu.edu.

BEHAVIORAL PLANS

When determining appropriate behavioral plans, the student conduct administrator or board will consider the following: willingness to accept responsibility for one’s behavior, previous student conduct history, and severity of the incident.

BEHAVIORAL ITEMS DEFINED

Notice of Policy Violation/Written Warning—Given to inform the student that a specific behavior does not meet minimum expectations for residence hall living. It is generally imposed following isolated and less serious incidents of misconduct or contract violations. (It is not imposed for a specific length of time, but further misconduct may lead to other consequences.)

Behavioral Contract — A document that stipulates specific behavioral expectations and consequences for failure to adhere to those expectations.

Community Service — Mandated service assignments.

Fines — Fines will be imposed for failing to complete assigned behavioral items. Any fines imposed will be assessed to your WVU student account. Fines not paid may result in a hold being placed on the student’s account, preventing him or her from registering for classes.

Restitution — Compensation for loss, damage, etc., which may include monetary or property replacement.

Referral — A consequence which may require coordination with the counseling center, WELLWVU Student Assistance Program (alcohol and drug referrals, online educational activities, assessments, and individual or group sessions); University Student Conduct Office; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office; or other appropriate offices or University resources.

Suspension of Privileges — A resident may lose residence hall privileges. This includes but is not limited to loss of visitation, (computer) network access, etc.

Residence Hall Probation — A resident is not considered in good standing with Housing and Residence Life. Any further violation may result in additional consequences. Residence hall probation will be imposed, minimally, until the end of the academic year.

Deferred Removal — Stipulation that subsequent disturbances to the residence hall community will typically result in removal from all University-supervised housing. Students will not be eligible to return to the residence halls in subsequent academic years. Deferred removal will be imposed, minimally, until the end of the academic year.

Parental Notification — Notification of a policy violation, student conduct meeting outcome (i.e., finding of responsibility), behavioral plan, etc., to a parent, guardian, or other designated contact in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Reflection or Educational Exercise — An exercise designed to allow the student to reflect on residence hall violations and the impact those violations have on oneself and others. Other educational exercises may be required such as researching a specific topic, designing and/or presenting community awareness programs, hall presentations, bulletin boards, or making restitution for damages through restorative work. The student conduct meeting administrator will review assignments to determine if the student has successfully met the educational goals of the assignment.

Residence Hall Ban — A restriction or ban from a particular area, floor, building, or complex as a result of inappropriate behavior or disruption to the residential community.

Residence Hall Reassignment — A mandatory change of room assignment within University-supervised residence halls for inappropriate behavior or disruption to the residential community. Further behavior will generally result in more serious action including residence hall removal.

Residence Hall Removal — Removal from the University residence hall community for conduct which is a serious violation of residence hall rules or regulations. Removal may also result from less serious but repeated incidents of misconduct. Serious violations are generally considered those behaviors that are dangerous or highly disruptive. Separation may range from the remainder of a given semester (regardless of the days remaining) to permanent removal. The housing contract states, “If a student moves from a residence hall for any reason other than withdrawal from the University, the student will be held accountable for 100 percent of the room rent and 100 percent of the food service portion of the contract for the remainder of the academic year.”

Discretionary Behavioral Items — Other behavioral items may be imposed to achieve specific educational outcomes.

Recommendation for Other University Behavioral Plans — Students who commit serious and/or chronic violations of the residence hall policies will be referred to the West Virginia University Student Conduct Office for further action.

Note: Students are responsible for completing assigned behavioral items regardless of whether or not they are separated from West Virginia University at the time the behavioral item is due (i.e., the student withdraws from West Virginia University or University housing prior to the behavioral item deadline).

DESCRIPTION OF RESIDENCE HALL POLICIES AND TYPICAL BEHAVIORAL PLANS

The behavioral plans listed below represent the behavioral plans typically imposed if a student is found responsible for violating a particular residential policy as defined below. Depending on the severity of the offense, and/or a student’s previous conduct involvement, the student conduct administrator or board may impose additional behavioral items. Behavioral plans are imposed at the discretion of the student conduct meeting administrator and will be done so in a manner consistent with the policy violation(s), potential or realized disruption to any individual, and potential or realized disruption to the larger residential community. In conjunction with the residential student conduct process, students may also be referred to the West Virginia University Student Conduct Office.

Note: During the last two weeks of each semester, additional consequences may be imposed for disruptive behaviors that impact other residents during their preparation for final exams.

Alcohol Possession and/or Use

Alcohol is not allowed on any residence hall property even if you are 21 years of age or older. The physical presence of alcoholic beverages in your assigned residence hall room, or being present for such a violation any place on residence hall property (or adjacent properties) constitutes possession/use under this definition. This may include the presence of alcohol containers to include but not limited to beer cans, liquor and/ or wine bottles, etc., as this supports alcohol was used or possessed on residence hall property. It is expected that students immediately separate themselves from any policy violations involving alcohol, and report violations to appropriate staff members.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Residence hall probation; 5 hours community service; alcohol referral; reflection or educational exercise.

Second violation: Deferred removal; 10 hours community service hours; alcohol referral; reflection or educational exercise.

Third violation: Residence hall removal.

Substance Abuse-Related Behavior

Residents and their guests may be held responsible for behaviors related to the consumption of alcohol or illicit drug use regardless of where the alcohol or drugs are consumed. This includes but is not limited to underage consumption of alcohol, public intoxication, and any behaviors that disrupt the residential community.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Residence hall probation; 5 hours of community service; alcohol/drug referral; reflection or educational exercise.

Second violation: Deferred removal; 10 hours of community service; alcohol/drug referral; reflection or educational exercise.

Third violation: Residence hall removal.

Computer Use Policies

WVU has established guidelines regarding computer use. Violations of these policies are prohibited. All computer users must be aware of the following policies and ethical standards for computer use. For additional information please refer to ResNet Information and Policies.

Only currently enrolled students in good standing or other authorized users may use computer resources at WVU. Computer resources are to be used only for authorized purposes, such as instructional use related to classes. Electronic game playing is prohibited in residence hall computer labs. The computers are for academic purposes. The University supports federal copyright laws prohibiting the copying of licensed software.

Misuse of computer, software, or computer networks including hacking and port scanning in the residence halls is prohibited.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Loss of network access for two weeks.

Second violation: Loss of network access for the semester.

Third violation: Loss of network access and other discretionary behavioral items.

Dishonesty and/or False Allegations

Presentation of false information to Housing and Residence Life staff or other University employees in the performance of their duties, or during student conduct meetings, is prohibited. Students violating this policy may receive behavioral plans at the discretion of the student conduct meeting administrator.

Disruption and or Interference With Personal Rights and Freedoms

Actions that unreasonably infringe upon the rights, identities and/or freedoms of other individuals are prohibited, regardless of intention behind the actions. Such actions include, but are not limited to intimidation, coercion, and threats. Behavior that unreasonably obstructs, disrupts, or interferes with another person’s free exercise of academic or residential activity is also not permitted. This includes conduct that is loud, indecent, or disorderly, or behaviors that may be construed as a nuisance and thereby disrupt the residential community. This may also include odors created by not maintaining a hygienic environment. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Therefore, any disruptive behavior, regardless of when it occurs, will be treated as a violation of the Disruption policy.

Typical behavioral plans will be determined based on the severity of the incident and impact on individuals and the residential community.

Drugs (Controlled Substances)

Students may not possess, use, or distribute controlled substances on residence hall property or adjacent properties. Students may not use any prescribed drug in a manner inconsistent with the prescription, misuse over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (i.e., not follow guidelines outlined in the OTC drug product labeling), nor may a student distribute drugs to others. Students may not intentionally or recklessly inhale or ingest substances (e.g., nitrous oxide, glue, paint, etc.) that will alter one’s mental state, or use products in a manner inconsistent with their intended and lawful use.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Residence hall probation; 5 hours community service; drug referral; reflection or educational exercise.

Second violation: Deferred removal; 10 hours community service hours; drug referral; reflection or educational exercise.

Third violation: Residence hall removal.

Distribution or intent to distribute controlled substances will result in removal from University housing.

Possession or use of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, or hallucinogens may result in removal from the residence halls, and the student will be referred to the West Virginia University Student Conduct Office. Similarly, possession of 15 grams or more of cannabis products (i.e., marijuana) may result in removal from residence halls on first offense, and the student will be referred to the West Virginia University Student Conduct Office.

Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited on residence hall property. This includes but is not limited to bongs, pipes, hookahs, water pipes, or any items modified or adapted so that it can be used to consume/use illegal substances.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Residence hall probation; 3 hours of community service; reflection or educational exercise.

Second violation: Deferred removal; 5 hours community service; reflection or educational exercise; drug referral.

Third violation: Residence hall removal.

Explosive Devices or Dangerous Materials

Residents may not make, possess, or threaten to make or use a bomb, explosive incendiary device, or use dangerous chemicals, fireworks, or any other dangerous materials.

Violations of this policy will result in removal from University housing and a referral to the West Virginia University Student Conduct Office.

Failure to Comply and/or Uncooperative Behavior

Residents and their guests may not interfere or be uncooperative with residence hall staff or other University officials in the performance of their duties and/or disregard a reasonable request of any University official. This includes but is not limited to utilizing abusive, threatening or combative language (written or verbal), intentionally hiding, or refusing to provide proper identification when requested by a residence hall staff member or other University official.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Residence hall probation; reflection or educational exercise; 5 hours community service.

Second violation: Deferred removal; reflection or educational exercise; 10 hours community service.

Third violation: Residence hall reassignment or removal

Failure to Honor Student Behavioral Plan

Failure to complete an assigned student conduct behavioral plan will result in fines. Failure to complete assigned community service, reflection or educational exercises, or failure to complete a mandated alcohol/drug class or assignment, assessment, and/or any other referral will result in additional consequences and/or residence hall fines. Fines vary based on the type of referral and service costs associated with the referral.

Typical fines associated with specific referrals are listed below:

Failure to complete community service hours:

$20 fine for each uncompleted hour.

Failure to complete reflection or educational exercise:

$100 fine.

Failure to complete alcohol or drug referral:

Educational Session and/or Alcohol eCheckUpToGo—$50 fine.

Student Assistance Program assessment and BASICS group session(s)—$150 fine.

AlcoholEdu for Sanctions—$150 fine.

Drug referral (assessment and two individual or group counseling sessions)—$150 fine.

Student Assistance Program Assessment and individual counseling sessions (eight counseling sessions)—$400 fine.

Note: Not all referrals may be listed above. Fine amounts will be dependent upon the type of referral and service costs associated with the referral.

False Alarms

Residents and guests may not falsely report a fire or any other emergency, including bomb threats or serious injury; pull or tamper with a fire alarm pull station when no fire is present; cause a smoke detector to activate when no fire is present; cause a sprinkler to activate when no fire is present; engage the stop button or activate an elevator alarm when there is no emergency, or exit an alarmed exit door and/or allow another person to enter or exit through an alarmed door.

Typical behavioral plans will be determined based on the severity of the incident and impact on individuals and the residential community.

Note: Falsely reporting an emergency will typically result in residence hall removal and a referral to the West Virginia University Conduct Office for further action.

Littering

Residents and their guests may not dispose of trash, food, cigarette butts, etc., anywhere other than designated areas, or “spit” on personal or public property. This includes disposing of personal trash in areas or receptacles not intended for such use. This may also include excessive room trash and not returning dining hall items such as trays, plates, cups, utensils, etc., to designated areas (e.g., conveyer belt) after meals.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First Violation: Residence hall probation; 3 hours of community service; reflection or educational exercise.

Second Violation: Deferred removal; 5 hours of community service; reflection or educational exercise.

Third Violation: Residence hall removal.

Misuse of Student Identification Card and Keys

Duplication, lending, borrowing, misrepresentation, or misuse of the student identification card, or possession of another student’s identification card is not permitted. Unauthorized duplication, lending, use, or borrowing of room or building entry keys is not permitted.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Residence hall probation; 3 hours community service; reflection or educational exercise.

Second violation: Deferred removal; 5 hours community service; reflection or educational exercise.

Third violation: Residence hall removal.

Misuse of University Property

Residents and guests may not misuse or remove property or furniture. This includes possessing common area furniture, signs, etc., in student rooms. Residents may only occupy their assigned space within their assigned room and must ensure that their room is properly prepared for roommates in rooms designated for multiple occupancy (i.e., residents may not occupy or use space of a potential roommate if there is a vacancy in their room). This also includes but is not limited to taking items or possessing items in one’s room such as trays, plates, cups, utensils, etc., from dining facilities.

Typical behavioral plans will be determined based on the severity of the incident and impact on individuals and the residential community.

Pets

Pets of any kind are not permitted in the residence halls. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to remove any pet from University housing.

Typical behavioral plans include removal of the pet and other discretionary behavioral items.

Safety and Security (Room Safety, Fire Safety, and Decorating Room)

Rooms, and other residence hall property, should be kept in condition that does not create a health and safety hazard. Residents and guests may not devise any unsafe situation in which a member of the residential community can be injured. Residents may not affix or suspend any tapestries in such a way that it creates a health or safety hazard. Signs, banners, flags, or any other materials may not be placed in windows. Windows can only be decorated with university-provided curtains (or similar style) curtains or blinds.

Items not permitted in the residence halls and guidelines for personalizing and decorating may be found online at what to bring/what to leave. Students possessing or using items not permitted, or not following the appropriate guidelines for decorating their rooms, will be required to remove the item (the item may also be confiscated) and/or may receive other discretionary behavioral plans (i.e., community service, reflection or educational exercise, etc.).

Residents and their guests may not intentionally or unintentionally cause smoke or fires. Use or possession of an open flame (i.e., burning candles, burning incense, etc.) or open element appliances, including toasters, hot plates, and hot pots in residence hall rooms or other unauthorized areas is not permitted. Cooking in residence hall rooms not equipped for such use is also prohibited.

Tampering with (intentionally or unintentionally) fire hoses, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, or other safety equipment to include but not limited to smoke detectors, exit signs, and pull stations, may result in removal from University housing.

Students and their guests must immediately evacuate upon activation of the residence hall fire safety system (i.e., smoke detectors, fire alarm, etc.).

Window screens are not to be removed under any condition due to danger to life and property. Dropping, throwing, or allowing solid or liquid objects to go out a window or off a balcony or fire escape is prohibited. Residents may not tamper with, manipulate (i.e., removing bolts or screws), or remove window screens and/or safety screens.

Residents and their guests may not obstruct or prop (penny shut, glue, or jam) a door so as to prohibit entrance and/or exit from a residence hall room or other area.

Behavioral plans for these violations will be at the discretion of the student conduct meeting administrator.

Smoking, Vaping and/or Tobacco Use

The use of tobacco products in any form is not permitted on University properties and adjacent properties (Board of Governors Policy 57—Tobacco-Free Campus). Students who leave cigarette butts, or other tobacco products or parts of those products (i.e., chewing tobacco waste, etc.) will be charged with littering. The possession and use of hookahs are not permitted in the Residence Halls. Additionally, the use of electronic smoking devices (i.e., electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, heat liquids, etc.) is not permitted on residence hall property.

Removing, covering up, and/or tampering with fire safety equipment (i.e., smoke detectors) is not permitted. Please review the Safety and Security Policy for more details.

Typical behavioral plans will be determined based on the severity of the incident and impact on individuals and the residential community.

Solicitation

The sale of services or products, or the seeking of funds, signatures, merchandise, or supplies is not permitted in the residence halls. Residents and guests may not attempt to urge, incite, request, or advise a person or persons to adopt an idea or purchase merchandise, or services for personal profit or organizational gain. Receiving business offers or goods in residence halls for business purposes of any nature is not permitted. Distribution of flyers, coupons, brochures, etc., is prohibited.

Theft

Theft of any nature is not permitted in the residence halls. This includes but is not limited to attempted or actual theft or possession of stolen goods, borrowing items without permission, and unauthorized use of residence hall television cable system.

Violations of this policy may result in removal from University housing and be referred to the West Virginia University Student Conduct Office.

Unauthorized Entry and/or Presence

Students and their guests may not enter any residence property without permission. This includes but is not limited to occupying any restricted, locked, or closed residence hall facility (including roofs and facility closets, offices, dining halls, computer labs, mechanical areas, fitness centers, student rooms, closed floors, elevators, etc.). Students and their guests may only use bathrooms that correlate to their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Only one person can be in a bathroom stall, shower, or pod style bathroom unit at one time. Students may not enter a residence hall through a residence hall window, enter another room via a shared bathroom, and residents and their guests are not permitted to prop or use (except in an emergency situation) an exterior door, emergency exit, or alarmed door. Students and their guests are strictly prohibited from entering a construction area or safety zone without authorization. Furthermore, residents may not enter a residence hall property after having been removed, banned, or restricted from a residence hall, or allow access to others who have been removed, banned, or restricted from a residence hall. University Police will be contacted for reported or suspected cases of trespassing.

Typical behavioral plans will be at the discretion of the student conduct meeting administrator.

University Policy and Federal, State, and Local Laws

Violations of any University policy, federal, state, or local law are not permitted. This includes violations of the Campus Student Conduct Code, which includes and defines prohibited conduct such as harassment, impermissible burning, riotous behavior and hooliganism, endangerment, indecent exposure or obscene conduct, and intrusion of privacy, and matters of discrimination, sexual and domestic misconduct, stalking, and retaliation as defined in West Virginia University Board of Governors Governance Rule 1.6. Please refer to Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for the Campus Student Conduct Code and to the Board of Governors Policies for campus rules, policies and procedures as established by the WVU Board of Governors.

Vandalism

Vandalism includes but is not limited to public urination, willful, wanton, or reckless damage to University premises or property, or the property of a member or guest of the University community. Defacing of bulletin boards, posted materials, or any other University property is also prohibited and will be treated as vandalism.

Typical behavioral plans will be at the discretion of the student conduct meeting administrator.

Visitation

In order to provide safe and secure communities, residents are required to register their guests/visitors. Visitation is a privilege, not a right. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to refuse, restrict, and/or revoke visitation privileges. Failure to register a guest or be registered as a guest, attempting to give access to a person not properly registered, or failure to be with an assigned host is prohibited regardless of the date or time the violation occurs (i.e., regardless of whether the alleged violation occurs before or after formal guest registration begins).

When a resident registers a visitor, the host assumes full responsibility for the visitor’s behavior and well-being and must accompany the guest at all times. Therefore, any violation committed by a guest will be the responsibility of the host. Each resident is only permitted to register two guests at one time. You should consult with your roommate(s) prior to registering a guest. Please keep in mind that we want to make our halls as secure as possible 24 hours a day. The policy exists for the safety of you and your fellow residents.

Visitors will not be permitted to register or enter a residence hall if one or more of the following conditions apply:

The visitor does not have a Mountaineer student identification card or a valid photo ID that includes a date of birth;

The visitor is under the age of 17, they will not be permitted to be registered as an overnight visitor;

The visitor is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or the visitor violated other residence hall policies;

The visitor attempted previously to enter the residence hall without authorization;

The roommate(s) of the host is opposed to having the visitor in the room;

The guest has already stayed overnight two nights within a 7-Night period in the residence hall system. The 7-night period begins the night of the first stay.

This list is not all-inclusive. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to deny visitation privileges if it believes such action is in the best interest of the residential community.

Note: For your safety during certain events or time periods (i.e., sporting events, FallFest, emergencies, etc.) the residence halls will be placed under increased security measures. During this heightened security, visitors will not be permitted in the building, all exterior doors will be locked, and all residents must enter through the main door and present their Mountaineer Cards for admittance.

Typical behavioral plans include:

First violation: Notice of policy violation.

Second violation: Notice of policy violation; reflection or educational exercise; 5 hours community service.

Third violation: Residence hall probation; reflection or educational exercise; 10 hours community service.

Fourth violation: Deferred removal; loss of visitation privileges; reflection or educational exercise; 10 hours community service.

Fifth violation: Residence hall removal.

Weapons

Possession, storage, use, or manufacturing of firearms and weapons is strictly prohibited. These items include but are not limited to knives, bows, arrows, ammunition, guns, BB guns, slingshots, nunchakus, stun guns, paintball guns, and launching devices such as potato guns, or any items modified or adapted so that they may be used as a weapon. You may not make, possess, or threaten to make or use a bomb, explosive incendiary device, or fireworks. Items of this nature will be confiscated, and other appropriate behavioral plans may be imposed.

Depending of the severity of the violation, the resident may be removed from University housing and referred to the West Virginia University Student Conduct Office.