Residence Hall Policies
STUDENT HANDBOOK
It is the responsibility of all students to know and understand the regulations or standards of acceptable behavior that are set forth in the Student Handbook, Residence Hall Contract and Polices. Additionally, students are responsible for understanding what behavior is considered misconduct according to the Code of Student Conduct, Residence Hall Contract and Polices. These resources can be accessed at www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu under "Quick Links." Students are also responsible for knowing and following the policies that are specific to the residence halls at Texas Tech University.
ALCOHOL POLICY
The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the Texas Tech University campus, including all residence halls. This includes the possession of empty, decorative alcohol containers.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic Dishonesty is not permitted. Academic dishonest includes but is not limited to: copying, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, misrepresenting facts and completing assignments for another. Students found cheating in the residential community will be referred to Student Judicial Program as necessary.
BICYCLES AND MOPEDS
Bicycles are to be left in either the bicycle racks provided adjacent to the buildings or in your room with your roommate's consent. Bicycles parked in any other part of the residence hall may be removed. Motorcycles and mopeds are prohibited in the residence halls. These vehicles must be registered with a valid permit and parked in the appropriate residence hall parking lot. Bicycles may not be ridden in the residence halls.
BUILT-IN FURNITURE
Resident rooms in Wall/Gates, Hulen/Clement, Stangel/Murdough, Chitwood/Weymouth, Murray and Carpenter/Wells Complex, and Coleman Halls have built-in furniture. Residents are not to dismantle built-in furniture. If the furniture is tampered with the cost to properly reassemble this furniture, replace damaged parts or any other damage a charge of $75 will be assessed. Should the furniture need to be repaired, additional charges will be incurred. Residents will be expected to return their room to its original condition before checking out.
COMPLIANCE
Students are required to comply with the directions of any University official including student staff as they perform their duties. This includes direction provided for emergency or crisis response and inappropriate student behavior. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.
COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS
Substance-free and intensive study floors provide students who live in these communities with some additional guidelines to create a positive learning environment. Residents of these floors will sign an agreement when moving in that outlines the guidelines the guidelines of these communities.
COURTESY AND QUIET HOURS
In order to create an environment conducive to studying and privacy, any activity that creates a disturbance, such as playing stereos and televisions loudly, playing musical instruments, yelling, slamming doors, horseplay, running or any other disruptive activity needs to be kept to a minimum in the residence halls at all times.
Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day. This means that any noise should not interfere with the rights of others. This means that each individual should be aware of the impact of their behaviors on others. Should a student indicate that the noise is bothersome; the individual should comply with the request to alter the behavior and noise. This generally means that noise coming from your room should not be heard at a maximum of three doors down
Quiet hours are designated from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. daily. Check with the hall office for designated hours for regarding specialized equipment such as lobby pianos and recreational equipment.
ELEVATORS
Persons who misuse an elevator or violate policy will be subject to disciplinary action and held financially responsible for any damage.
ENDANGERING SELF OR OTHERS
Residents should refrain from any activity or behavior that has potential to endanger others, themselves or the physical safety of the building. Something that seems like "fun" to you may seem "threatening" to another.
Residents should not allow others to enter the hall behind them. Better known as "tailgating," this jeopardizes the safety of all residents in the building. Propping doors is also prohibited.
ESCORT POLICY
Guest of the same sex and opposite sex must be escorted at all times. The majority of vandalism, theft and many policy violations occur as a result of unattended visitors or strangers wandering the floors and building. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their visitors and will be held accountable for their visitors' actions.
FIRE SAFETY POLICIES
The following items are violations of the Fire Safety Policy:
Candles and Incense
Candles, candle warmers, and/or incense lit or unlit, are not allowed in student rooms and/or public areas in any of the residence halls. Cutting the wick off of a candle does not make it "legal."
Christmas Trees
Only artificial Christmas trees will be allowed within the residence halls.
Christmas Lights
Christmas lights cannot be hung up in the hallways, but may be displayed in individual rooms.
Wrapping Doors
When wrapping doors with paper or decorations doors must not be covered more than 50%.
FAILURE TO EVACUATE
Failure to evacuate the building during a fire alarm can cause harm to the individual as well as fire safety personnel if a rescue is needed. Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm will result in judicial action, possible monetary fines, and could result in an arrest for violating federal laws.
FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT ABUSE
Besides being an annoyance, a false fire alarm can endanger the safety and lives of fellow residents. Tampering with fire alarm systems and extinguishers, misuse or tampering of sprinkler systems and any other fire safety equipment is a violation of Texas law and the Student Affairs Code of Student Conduct. Anyone unnecessarily setting off or tampering with a fire alarm system, sprinkler system or fire extinguisher will be subject to judicial action, financial responsibility and/or referral to the civil authorities for prosecution under Texas law (or all three). Removal from the residence halls will also be considered for the individual(s). (do we want to specifically mention covering smoke detectors in the room?)
GAMBLING, WAGERING, GAMING OR BOOKMAKING
Federal, state, and/or local laws regarding gambling, wagering, gaming, and bookmaking apply within the residence halls. Activities such as poker tournaments involving money should not occur within any public space or residence hall room.
GROUNDS USE REQUEST
A grounds use request must be completed to use any outdoor area. Selected university grounds are available for activities which are sponsored and approved by registered student organizations, university departments, or individual students and employees. Academic use by departments has priority, and assignments may be changed or cancelled if they conflict with regular academic programs. All use must be approved. Visit www.depts.ttu.edu/centerforcampuslife/GUS/ for more information and to apply online.
GUEST POLICY
The host will be responsible for ensuring that the guest is familiar with, and observes, all university and residence hall policies and procedures. The host and the visiting guest will both be held accountable for any policy violations, damages and/or loss of property.
HALL SPORTS POLICY
Participation of any type of sport activity in the hallways and/or public areas of the residence halls/apartments is strictly prohibited. This is to prevent damage to the facilities or injuries to students.
HARRASMENT AND DISCRIMINATION
Any form of harassment or discrimination is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to verbal harassment through threatening email, voicemail, text messaging, and social networking cites. Acts of physical threats or intimidation are not tolerated and will result in disciplinary action including potential removal from the residence halls.
ILLEGAL ITEMS IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS OR PUBLIC AREAS
Includes, but is not limited to: air conditioners, waterbeds, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, sun lamps, halogen lamps, tanning beds, open-faced electrical or heating appliances (including hot plates, broilers, space heaters, immersion heaters, toasters, toaster ovens, and George Foreman Grills), charcoal, kerosene, or electric grills, outside antennas of any kind and use or storage of any type of flammable fluid.
LOBBY AND ROOM FURNITURE
Furniture in public areas of the residence halls is to remain in its place for the convenience of all residents and their guests. Anyone found with public furniture in his/her room will be referred to the judicial process and will be required to return the furniture to its proper location. Damage or replacement fees may be assessed if the furniture is not returned or damaged. Because of inventory control, room furniture must not be moved from one room to another. In addition, mattresses and box springs in the assigned room should remain in place on the bed frames provided. Use your room and furnishings in the manner for which they are designated.
MISUSE OF KEYS & ID
Residents should keep their keys and Tech ID on them at all times. Residents are not to give their keys or ID to guests to use. If residents are found to be abusing the lockout policy, they will be contacted by the hall staff and possibility entered into the judicial system. Keys and IDs will not be given to anyone other than the contract signer. Keys should not be duplicated at any time.
NARCOTICS AND OTHER ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
The unlawful use of, possession, sale, delivery or distribution of marijuana or any narcotic drug, medicine, chemical compound or any other controlled substance is subject to university judicial action and may result in removal of the resident from the residence halls. If a university official suspects you are violating this policy, this is grounds for a hearing.
OPPOSITE GENDER RESTROOM POLICY
Visitors of the opposite gender are not permitted to use community restrooms but should use the public facility located in the main lobby. Violations will be documented.
OVERNIGHT GUEST POLICY
Residents may host a guest of their own gender overnight in the residence halls. Guests are considered any individual who does not live in the designated room. No more than three people, including residents, may occupy a room overnight. Overnight guests are allowed to stay a maximum of three consecutive nights and a maximum of three nights during a week. The roommate's rights to the room must be given priority with regard to guests. The roommate should not be compelled to leave the room in order to accommodate a guest, nor should he or she be placed in situations that might cause embarrassment or inconvenience. Under no circumstance will guests be issued keys, access cards, rollaway beds or mattresses.
PET POLICY
Animals are not allowed in the residence halls. Residents found with pets will be charged a minimal fee of $250 for removal and cleaning. Only fish in properly maintained aquariums of 20 gallons or less are allowed.
RESIDENT CONSIDERATION POLICY
Living in the residence halls is a community living experience where all members have certain rights and responsibilities. Since the members of a residence hall community are unique individuals with different perceptions and values, the interpretation of these rights and responsibilities can sometimes conflict. When conflict between members of a residence hall community occurs, it is important to address the conflict rather than let it escalate. While resolving conflict is not easy, it can lead to understanding and respect among community members and help build a positive living environment. In order to encourage resolution of conflict by the individuals involved, the Resident Consideration Policy was established.
A resident is expected to be the first person to handle the situation when his/her, or the community's rights are being violated. If, after addressing the inappropriate behavior of another individual, he/she does not attempt to alter his/her behavior then the resident should take steps to visit with his/her CA and work out alternatives.
SCREENS AND SEALED WINDOWS
Screens must be left on the windows and window ledges are not to be used for storage. Students can be held personally liable for any damages to property and/or any personal injury resulting from items being thrown from windows or falling from ledges. In Chitwood/Weymouth and Coleman Halls, the windows have been sealed for your protection and to prevent objects from falling out of the windows. If you unseal your window, a $40.00 charge to reseal the window will be assessed. If a screen is removed, a $40.00 charge to replace the screen will be assessed. In Murray Hall, $25.00 will be assessed if the window stoppers are removed.
SMOKING
Texas Tech University is a smoke-free campus and smoking is not allowed inside any building on campus. This includes all residence hall rooms, public areas, lobbies, hallways, lounges, game rooms, bathrooms, showers, computer rooms, kitchenettes and dining halls. Students may smoke outside as long as they are at least 20 feet from any part of the building and utilize designated receptacles for disposal.
SELLING, SOLICITATION AND POSTINGS POLICY
Advertisements, sales, displays, or distributions of publications on campus are not permitted without approval, unless provided for by University policy or law. Only university departments and recognized student organizations with prior approval are allowed to sell in the residence halls. Neither residents nor off-campus sales persons are permitted to solicit room-to-room, through the mailboxes or through the posting of flyers. Please report the presence of door-to-door sales persons in the residence hall to the hall office or a staff member.
Residence hall students may post flyers to sell personal items, but need to contact the hall office for designated locations to post flyers. Student rooms may not be used for commercial purposes.
Student organizations wishing to post flyers within the residence halls must provide advertisements through the Residence Life Office in Doak Hall Room 135.
VISITATION POLICY & VOTE
Visitation policies in the residence halls may be amended at the beginning of each academic year through the Visitation Vote.
Each residence hall may choose from one of the following four visitation options:
- Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. - midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
- Sunday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
- Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 24 hours
- Sunday through Saturday 24 hours
The residents of each residence hall vote at the beginning of each academic year, and must have a two-thirds vote of the building to approve an option. Failure to approve one of the above will result in keeping the default hours (Option 1). Once approved, the visitation hours will remain in effect for the rest of the academic year. More information on the visitation vote will be provided by the Residence Halls Association at the beginning of the fall semester.
The Director of University Student Housing shall have the discretion to modify and/or withdraw visitation hours should it be determined that members of a residence hall have not maintained community standards related to the visitation policy and behavioral expectations of the university described in the Code of Student Conduct. This decision may be appealed by the effected hall government to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
WEAPONS POLICY
Texas state law prohibits weapons on all state property including Texas Tech University. In the residence halls and dining rooms, weapons are defined as, but not limited to, handguns, stun guns, paint guns, pellet guns, darts, switchblades, knives with blades two or more inches in length (excluding standard pocket knives) and all hunting equipment including shotguns, bows and arrows and designated martial arts equipment. Ammunition for any type of firearm is also prohibited. Texas Tech University Police Department does not offer storage of these items.
ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
Residents should also be aware of the policies and procedures in the General Catalog, the University Parking Services Manual, the Student Handbook, and Housing and Residence Life & Hospitality Services Contract Guide.