Housing + Dining - Current Residents

Current Residents: handbook

As with any community, we have guidelines that help us maintain a living environment that is safe, healthy and conducive to learning. They are as follows:

Residence Life and You Handbook (pdf)

Airborne Objects/Windows

Throwing objects into or out of windows or doorways or in the interior areas of facilities, is prohibited. This includes keys, trash, water balloons, liquid and other such objects. Residents are also reminded that screens may not be removed from windows. Residents may not enter or exit the building through windows, sliding glass doors or balconies. Removal of screens will result in judicial action including a fine of $25 and financial responsibility for repair or replacement.

Any items that are placed in windows that are in the plain view of the public that are determined to be offensive by the Department of Housing and our community members must be removed immediately upon notification by housing personnel.

Alcohol/Illegal Drugs

Experience has demonstrated that substance use/abuse can negatively impact both the individual and the community and is not conducive to the promotion of an educational and academic environment. Violation of housing drug and alcohol policies may result in a student’s removal from HSU and the CSU system.

The following items/activities are prohibited in or around the residence halls:

Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of empty alcohol containers, by those under the age of 21. (Note: empty containers of alcohol may be considered evidence of prior consumption)
Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in public areas.
Disrupting the residence hall community while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Possession, use, cultivation, production, sale, gift or exchange of illegal drugs. (Note: in addition to other sanctions, residents found responsible for smoking marijuana will be subject to a $25 damage charge)
Possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe or bong that contains an illegal substance residue.
Providing alcohol to minors or the production of alcohol.
Kegs of beer or bulk alcohol in any form or container (including partially full or empty kegs, party balls, or multiple cases of alcohol) regardless of age.
Beer bongs, funnels and similar devices (due to the abusive nature of intended use) regardless of age.
Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Jolly Giant Commons or Creekside Lounge regardless of age.
Consumption of alcohol in public areas of the residence halls regardless of age. Public areas include: patios, quad areas, gazebos, hallways, stairwells, walkways, parking lots, lawn areas, lounges and any other area which might reasonably be described as public. (Note: exceptions to this are included at the end of this sect
Being present in a room when any one of the above-listed activities is taking place.

If you are not yet 21 years of age, you may not be present in a room or shared common area – unless you reside in that particular area – when alcohol is present.

Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages by those 21 years of age or older is permitted in resident rooms – and in living rooms and kitchens for those residing in Creekview, the Campus Apartments and College Creek – provided that the door to the public area is closed and minors are not present (again, except for those who reside in that particular apartment).

Exhibiting aggressive or offensive behavior while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in judicial action. Gross intoxication (e.g. vomiting or passing out due to excessive consumption) will also result in judicial action.

Residents are reminded that the University Police may be involved with violations relating to alcohol or illegal drugs. Please understand that University Police are authorized to enter a resident's room without warning if "probable cause" exists or if a search warrant has been obtained. Please also note that undercover police have been utilized when deemed necessary in the past.

Humboldt State University and all California State University campuses do not recognize medical marijuana (215) cards.

Residents are reminded that the University Police may be involved with violations relating to alcohol or illegal drugs. Please understand that University Police are authorized to enter a resident’s room without warning if “probable cause” exists or if a search warrant has been obtained. Please also note that undercover police have been utilized when deemed necessary in the past.

Good Samaritan

Students or members of the community who observe a medical or other emergency are obligated to call for help. If the "Good Samaritan" who places a call for help is found to be in violation of a housing policy, the fact that they placed the call will be considered a mitigating circumstance when sanctions are imposed on an individual or student organization.

If you feel a community member is in need of medical assistance please contact UPD at (707) 826-5555 or Housing at (707) 826-3451 as soon as possible.

Appliances

Appliances such as clocks, lamps, hair-dryers, computers, stereos, televisions and the like, are permitted in student rooms and public areas of the facilities, provided the resident ensures the following: appliances are UL-approved; the wiring of appliances is safe; appliances are turned off when not in use; and requests from other residents or staff regarding noise from appliances are respected.

Items such as electric coffee pots, small refrigerators (under 4 cubic feet) and microwaves are the only other appliances that may be used in student rooms. Appliances such as electric frying pans, Coleman stoves, toaster ovens, full-sized refrigerators and any appliance with an exposed heating element, are not permitted in student rooms. The kitchens in each facility should be used for any cooking needs.

Space heaters and other such heat-producing appliances are fire safety hazards and are not allowed in the facilities at any time. Irons are heat producing and therefore considered a fire safety hazard. Please make sure that irons are turned off and unplugged when not in use.

Candles/Barbecues/Incendiary Products

Candles, barbecues and other such incendiary products are fire safety hazards and may not be used inside of the facilities. Any candle found burning or with a burnt wick will need to be placed in storage for the remainder of the academic year and the resident will be fined $25. If you have questions about this, please ask a CA before you bring a candle into your room.

Public barbecue areas are provided on the Canyon lawn, Cypress lawn and the patio behind Sunset Hall for use by residents. Residents who wish to use their own barbecues or hibachis may do so if such items are used at least 25 feet from the nearest building and if reasonable fire/safety precautions are followed (note: the Cypress patios do not meet the 25 foot requirement).

Flammable liquids such as lighter fluid, gasoline and charcoal starter may not be stored in or adjacent to any facility but can be stored at the Housing Grounds shop by contacting the Grounds office at (707) 826-5514. Access to stored items will be by appointment only. In order to access stored items after work hours, contact the Information Desk.

Cleaning Responsibilities

To ensure a safe and healthy environment, a reasonable level of cleanliness is expected in individual resident rooms.

Your assistance in keeping bathrooms, kitchens and lounges clean will be greatly appreciated by both residents and staff. Personal trash, bottles, magazines, newspapers and other such items should be deposited in the outside dumpsters and recycling bins and not in bathroom or lounge trashcans. Staff will regularly check kitchen areas to ensure the health and safety of residents. Failure to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness in any common area (e.g. Cypress kitchen, Hill TV lounge, etc.) may result in a loss of access to that area and/or charges for excessive custodial time.

Custodial services do not clean the common areas of the Cypress suites (except bathrooms), Creekview, College Creek or Campus Apartments. Students living in these areas are responsible for cleaning and are expected to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness in the common areas. Establishing a cleaning schedule is one way to ensure that everyone participates equally in the cleaning endeavors. Cleaning supplies and vacuums are available in all areas. If low on cleaning supplies please contact your CA or the Housing Office. Please do not use powdered carpet freshener because they damage the carpet.

Climbing/Rappelling

Climbing onto or rappelling from buildings, trees, lamp posts, stairwells, balconies, roofs or any other area can threaten the safety of people and damage the facilities. Such activities are prohibited. Housing staff members are available to assist you if you are locked out of your room.

Common Area Furniture

Furniture in the various common areas (living rooms, lounges, kitchens, etc.) is for everyone to use and enjoy. Please treat this furniture with care and do not remove it from the common areas at any time. Removal or damage of common area furniture will be dealt with through the judicial process and residents involved will be subject to a $100 or more damage charge. If furniture is missing or damaged, repair or replacement costs will be the responsibility of all residents with access to the common area unless the cause can be attributed to specific individuals.

Community Respect

Please know that we will not tolerate intimidation or any form of harassment (i.e. racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, religionism, ageism, citizenism, etc.) against any member(s) of our community and such action could lead to immediate removal. Likewise, we will not accept alcohol or substance use, ignorance, humor or anger as an excuse, reason or rationale for such behavior. Such behavior will be subject to severe disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, immediate removal from the residence halls and/or suspension from Humboldt State University.

When decorating your living area, please remember that you are part of a diverse community. We reserve the right to determine the appropriateness/reasonableness of decorations and to request the removal of and/or physically remove posters, signs and/or other forms of expression in public view that are perceived as offensive, degrading, discriminatory or which promote hate toward community members, including members of constitutionally protected categories. While we certainly support the rights of individuals to express thoughts and ideas, reasonable time, place and manner of that expression will be expected of all members of the residence hall community.

Read the Community Respect Policy in detail.

Computer ("RESNET") Acceptable Use Policy

The Humboldt State ResNet system connects workstations and computers at Humboldt State University. It also provides access to national and international computer networks. However, network connectivity requires that you understand the responsibilities of being a network user in order to protect the integrity of the system and the integrity of other users. Using the HSU ResNet is a privilege. The following policies are intended to help you use the HSU Residential Network responsibly.

You are NOT allowed to use your connection to:

run a business or organization for profit or nonprofit purposes
monitor data on the network by means of any monitoring or "sniffer" software
provide a pass-through site to other campus hosts
provide remote login on your computer for others than yourself
transfer copyrighted materials to or from any system via ResNet without express consent of the owner

You will be disconnected from the network if you:

use an IP address or port that is not assigned to you
run any type of server that can interfere with others' ability to use ResNet (e.g. DHCP or DNS servers)
modify or tamper with network services, wiring and ports in your room, this includes extending the network beyond the single network outlet (e.g Cable/DSL routers, hubs/switches, Wireless Base Stations)
view, copy, alter or destroy any file or connect to a host on a network without explicit permission of the owner
attempt to circumvent protection schemes or exercise security loopholes in any computer or network component

ResNet will disconnect any computer if it is found to contain viruses in order to protect the network and other users. It is the responsibility of the user to make sure their computer has current virus protection software installed and operational. The user’s ResNet connection will be restored when it has been determined that the user’s computer is completely free of viruses.

ResNet network is a shared resource. Use of applications that inhibit or interfere with the use of the network by others is not permitted. This includes applications that use unusually high portions of bandwidth for extended periods of time or causes someone else's computer on the network to malfunction. You are ultimately responsible for ALL the network activity to and from your assigned port and computer. These policies are in ADDITION to the University Acceptable Use Policy. The University Acceptable Use Policy is available on-line: http://www.humboldt.edu/its/planning/policy/policy.shtml

Damages

Damage, destruction and vandalism are unacceptable. All members of a living group will be charged for damages, destruction, vandalism or loss of furnishings and equipment in common area facilities unless specific responsibility can be determined. Most damages are repaired in a timely fashion, although we may elect to postpone some repairs.

Failure to Complete Accountability Sanctions

Failing to complete an accountability sanction is a violation of residence hall policy and will most likely result in additional judicial action and/or your likely removal from the residence halls.

Fire and Safety Regulations

Fire safety equipment installed in the halls is for use only in emergency situations. Tampering with and/or covering any such equipment – including fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, fire alarm horns, fire hoses, nozzles, smoke detectors, heat detectors or any other equipment – is a threat to life and is strictly prohibited. Pulling a false fire alarm or intentionally exiting a building through a fire exit when there is no emergency can be grounds for immediate removal from the residence halls.

Residents are required to evacuate a facility any time the fire alarm in that facility sounds. Residents are required to evacuate a facility under other circumstances (such as a bomb threat, flood, etc.) when requested to do so by any university staff member. Because the fire alarm system is not used to evacuate facilities under circumstances such as a bomb threat, it is important that residents be aware of the requirement to evacuate when instructed to do so. Residents who fail to evacuate during a fire alarm or when instructed to do so by a staff member will be subject to a $50 fine.

To ensure emergency vehicle access to facilities, driving or parking in the Hill Quad is prohibited. Driving or parking in the Canyon or Hill fire lanes or other access roads adjacent to the residence hall facilities is prohibited. Specific designated areas will be available when moving in or out of the halls (20 minute maximum loading/unloading times). Vehicles left unattended are subject to towing or fines.

Draperies, tapestries, blankets or posters which are displayed on walls, ceilings and doors in a manner which could facilitate ignition, block exits or fire detection units or present overhead fire hazards are not permitted. Draperies may not hang suspended from the doorway. Tapestries may not touch a light fixture, block a ceiling sprinkler or hang more than 16 inches from the ceiling. Draperies (non-housing issued) must be made of fire resistant material.

Firearms/Ammunition/Fireworks/Weapons

Firearms, ammunition, fireworks and other weapons (including non-cooking knives greater in size than 2.5 inches) are not allowed in or around the residence halls at any time and may lead to a removal from the residence halls. Toy guns, paint pellet weapons and activities such as “assassin” are also strictly prohibited. HSU reserves the right to confiscate or remove any of the above items from either public or private areas of the residence halls and may result in removal from the residence halls, HSU and the CSU System.

Guests

Residents may invite guests to stay overnight with them in their rooms provided that all such guests are registered with the Information Desk and your roommate(s) agrees. Please register your guest as soon as possible on the date that they arrive and before the Information Desk closes. Before having any guest sleep in a common area (Creekview, Cypress and College Creek living rooms; Canyon suite living rooms only), residents must obtain explicit and unanimous consent from all residents sharing that common area. Sleeping in public areas (e.g., TV lounges) is not permitted under any circumstances.

Non-resident guests may reside in the halls for no more than three consecutive nights and/or ten nights total during the academic year and 3 nights total during the summer. Cohabitation – defined as the extended presence (daily or nightly) of any person in any room, suite or apartment who is not assigned a bed-space in that specific living area – is not permitted and guests must be accompanied by the host resident at all times. If found in violation of this policy, you will be billed a nightly rate for the number of nights an unregistered guest resided with you. You are allowed a maximum of up to 2 guests per night unless approved by your RLC.

All guests must sign a hold-harmless agreement while registering as a guest. Residents are responsible for the behavior and actions of their guests at all times. Violations by guests of any Community Guidelines may result in judicial action against the hosting resident. Guests involved with violations of any Community Guidelines may be required to leave the residence halls and/or the HSU grounds.

The Housing Department reserves the right to restrict any non-resident guest from the residence halls at any time given reasonable cause as determined by a Housing staff member.

Instruments

Experience has demonstrated that the use of amplified instruments, horn instruments, drums, bongos and other like instruments often creates significant disruption in the community. The density of the population in such close proximity is not conducive to the use of these types of instruments and therefore they may not be played in or around the residence halls (this includes the Hill quad, College Creek courtyards, Creekview parking lots and Canyon and Cypress lawn areas). Details about alternatives and exceptions for special programs are available from your RLC.

Pets

Warm blooded, feathered and poisonous pets are prohibited in the residence halls. This policy includes the pets of guests or visitors who may only be present in the halls for a short time. Persons who violate this guideline may be subject to the cost of fumigating rooms. Financial responsibility for fumigation charges may be assessed to all members of a room, suite or apartment unless specific responsibility can be determined.

Fish, reptiles and amphibians are allowed provided they are adequately contained in an aquarium/container no larger than 10 gallons. Each resident is allowed one aquarium with the exception being in a triple room where only a total of two aquariums/containers would be allowed. The fish/reptile/amphibian must adequately fit in the aquarium/container as prescribed by a professional able to determine such matters (pet store owner, scientist, etc.). You must consult with your roommate prior to bringing the pet to address any concerns your roommate might express. All pets must remain within the confines of the resident's room and may not be in the Jolly Giant Commdfdfdfons at any time.

Residents must arrange for the care and feeding of pets during HSU vacation periods. Please note that electrical outages - which will affect aquarium pumps and equipment - may be planned during vacation periods if maintenance work needs to be completed

Physical Abuse/Violence

Absolutely no kind of physical abuse or physical violence toward any member of the HSU community, including oneself, will be tolerated in any of the residence halls or other Housing facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, punching, hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, spitting or the use of any weapon to cause harm. Any behavior of this nature will, most likely, be grounds for immediate removal. UPD will be notified and may begin an investigation and/or file criminal charges.

Pranks/Water Fights/Unauthorized Entry

Water fights and/or pranks involving shaving cream, confetti and other such materials are prohibited in the interior of the facilities. If such activities take place outside, reasonable care to prevent accidents or injury to persons and damage to facilities must be taken. Participants engaging in such activities will be responsible for cleaning up and held financially responsible for any damage that occurs. Pranks that cause personal harm are prohibited.

Activities that entail entry into another resident’s room without the specific permission of that person are strictly prohibited.

Quiet Hours/Noise

The department is committed to providing an environment within the residence halls that is conducive to academic achievement. The right to study, sleep and enjoy a peaceful living environment supersedes the privilege to create noise that is disturbing to others.

Quiet hours will be in effect from 10pm to 10am Sunday through Thursday and midnight to 10am on Friday, Saturday and University holidays. During quiet hours, noise from any student room that emanates to any public area and noise in public areas emanating into student rooms, is prohibited. Public areas include the Hill quad, Cypress walkways, Canyon fire lane, Creekview parking lot, Campus Apartment walkways, etc.
During those times when quiet hours are not in effect, “Courtesy Hours” will be in effect. During Courtesy Hours, any resident has the right to politely request another resident to lower the level of noise.
Each semester, 24-hour quiet hours will be in effect from 5pm on the last day of classes before finals through the last day of finals. Violations of this policy will likely lead to your immediate (24 hour) removal. Residents are reminded that final exam periods usually create an increased level of stress for everyone.
Stereo speakers should not, at any time, be positioned so that music is directed out of windows/doorways. Violators may have speakers/devices removed.
Residents are expected to ask others to reduce bothersome noise levels before seeking the assistance of staff.

Roommate Responsibilities

A demonstrated inability or willingness to establish and maintain a reasonable level of respect with respect with your roommate or suite mates as determined by Residence Life Staff can result in an administrative room move, restriction from certain residence halls or removal from the residence halls.

Sexual Misconduct/Assault

Any behavior determined to constitute sexual misconduct/assault – including but not limited to stranger rape, acquaintance rape, date rape, other forms of sexual violence and/or any non-consensual sexual contact – will be viewed as a serious matter and will be subject to severe judicial action. Acts of sexual assault include those committed by force or intimidation or through use of the victim’s/survivor’s mental incapacity, intoxication or physical helplessness.

If you need to report an incident of sexual misconduct/assault, contact any Housing staff member

Skateboards/Roller & In-Line Skates/Bicycles

Skateboarding, roller blades, in-line skating and bicycling are prohibited in the interiors of all facilities, around the exterior of the JGC, in the Hill quad and on walkways, catwalks, fire lanes (Creekview Hill), Campus Apartment walkways, and access roads. Such activities pose a safety threat to people and should take place only in areas that maximize the safety of riders and others. Additionally, skateboarding is limited on campus as well. Please refer to the University Code of Rules and Regulations to read about the campus skateboarding policy (Section 3047).

Smoking/Incense

No smoking, burning of incense, candles or other material such as sage is permitted in any of our facilities, including the Jolly Giant Commons and Creekside Lounge. Residents in violation of this guideline will be subject to a $25 damage charge as well as additional sanctions if additional violations occur.

As a result of California state law and HSU policy, smoking outside of the facilities may ONLY take place in designated smoking areas. Smoking is only permitted in and around the gazebos provided in Creekview, the Canyon, the Hill quad, behind Sunset Hall, large planter behind Cypress Hall and , by the Cypress basketball court located behind Cypress Hall East and the southeast corner of Campus Apartments (Designated Smoking Area Map can be found at: http://www.humboldt.edu/smoking/images/smoking05.pdf). Additionally, smoking is not permitted in the breezeways and stairwells in Creekview, Campus Apartments, Cypress, College Creek, JGC, on patios in Cypress and on or around the walkway stairs in the Canyon.

Solicitation

Soliciting in the residence halls is prohibited. Soliciting is defined as door-to-door selling, leafleting and verbal proselytizing, conducting surveys or other similar activity. This policy applies to all individuals, campus groups and organizations and non-HSU groups and organizations. Please contact a staff member or University Police immediately if someone soliciting in the residence halls contacts you.

Sports/Recreation

Sports and recreational activities such as baseball, football, golf, catch, Frisbee, soccer, darts, hacky sack, wrestling, bowling or any similar activities are prohibited in the interior of buildings at all times. These and similar For clarification of activities allowed in the Hill quad and on the Cypress or Canyon lawn areas please contact the Residence Life Coordinator for that area. We ask that you respect the efforts of the grounds crew and keep our beautiful area free of litter. We also ask that you recognize the potential damage that can be done to the lawns; please stay off them when they are wet and never use cleats. Volleyball is allowed on the Hill Volleyball court.

Additionally, skateboarding is prohibited on housing property. Please refer to the Skateboarding section for further information.

Other sports such as hacky sack may be played in the exterior areas adjacent to the buildings as long as caution is taken. HSU and Housing & Dining reserve the right to request that such activities cease if participants exhibit reckless behavior while playing such games.

Staff Requests/Non-Compliance

Residents are expected to comply with requests made by staff members in their efforts to create an academic environment in the halls and maximize the residential living experience for all residents. This compliance includes but is not limited to opening your door, stepping into the hallway to speak with a staff member or providing identification when a staff member makes such a request related to the enforcement of community guidelines.

Intentionally or recklessly interfering with staff members in the performance of their duties is unacceptable. Non-compliance with staff requests may also result in monetary fines for damage to the community. Compliance with officially posted signs and notices (e.g. signs indicating the gender for which bathrooms are intended and smoking signs) is expected.

Verbal Abuse/Written Abuse

A climate of fear or intimidation is not acceptable in the residence halls. Staff members and students deserve to be treated with respect. Verbal or written abuse toward a staff member or another student will not be tolerated and will be grounds for judicial action, which may include removal from the residence halls. Feedback and constructive criticism for staff members is welcomed and encouraged. This feedback should be directed to the appropriate Residence Life Coordinator at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner.