Community Behavioral Standards

Below are the current policies covered under our Community Behavioral Standards. They are subject to change. Any changes are published and shared with students currently living in University housing.

Updated June 2023

1. Pets

Animals are not permitted within the residence halls/apartment communities. Fish in aquariums (10 gallons or less), service animals, and support animals approved through the Disability Resource Center are the only exceptions. Guests of residents may not bring animals into any residence hall or apartment community, with the exception of service animals.

2. Weapons

You may not possess guns, ammunition, or any other weapons (including, but not limited to, knives, darts, BB/pellet guns, bow and arrows, paintball guns, airsoft guns, mace spray, and swords or any blade longer than 4 inches) anywhere on University housing premises.

3. Gambling and Games of Chance

Gambling, or activities involving the use or exchange of money during or at the close of playing a game, is strictly prohibited within residence halls and University apartments. This includes sports pools, entertainment pools, online gambling using the University’s network, etc.

4. Electrical Appliances

Residence hall rooms are not wired to support the use of large electrical appliances (air conditioners or large fridges). All appliances brought to campus must be in good working order. Please be sure not to overload the electrical outlets with adaptors or extension cords (all extension cords must be UL approved).

a. Residents may use small electrical appliances in residence halls if the appliance does not have an open heating element, use grease or cooking oil, or have an open flame. Appliances with automatic turn-off timers are highly encouraged. Items that are not allowed include, but are not limited to: electric grills/griddles, hot plates and toaster ovens. Apartment buildings (Keeler, Radius, Wilkins, and Yudof) may use the items listed above in the designated kitchen area only.

b. Students may bring one (1) refrigerator per residence hall room. The refrigerators must be 4.3 cubic feet or smaller. Students may also bring one (1) microwave oven per room. The microwave must use no more than 700 watts. Extension cords must be UL approved. No other major appliances, including air conditioners or dishwasher units, are permitted in any residence hall.

5. Cooking

Residence hall rooms are not equipped for the safe and sanitary preparation of food. For the safety of all students, cooking is NOT permitted in residence hall rooms. Cooking is defined as the use of electrical appliances with heating elements used for the purpose of preparing food. See a list of approved and prohibited items in the previous section, 4. Electrical Appliances.

Cooking is permitted only in University-designated kitchen areas (e.g., apartment kitchens in Keeler, Radius, Wilkins, and Yudof) or residence hall kitchenettes.

6. Smoking

To create a healthier, cleaner, and more inclusive environment for everyone, smoking any substance or creating smoke is not permitted in resident rooms or apartments. Smoking any substance or creating smoke is also prohibited on apartment patios, apartment balconies, and/or public areas within residence halls and apartments. This includes electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and tobacco. Smoking and tobacco use is not allowed on the University of Minnesota campus. For more information, review the Share the Air policy here.

7. Fire Hazard

a. For the safety of all students living in our halls and apartments, it is prohibited to have open flames or other materials that constitute fire hazards on University housing property including candles, incense, or other materials (such as live, fresh-cut evergreen trees and wreaths). Any candles or incense found may be confiscated or destroyed. Residence Life staff will not store these items for you.

b. Motorized vehicles (e.g., e-scooters, e-bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, hoverboards, etc.) may not be brought through or stored within the residence halls/apartments or on apartment patios and balconies.

c. Hookahs or any smoking paraphernalia that has the potential for an open flame are not permitted in the residence halls/apartments or on apartment patios and balconies.

d. The following items are not allowed: halogen lamps, torchiere lamps, neon lighting, black lights, strobe lights, and lava lamps. Lighting fixtures and devices must be UL listed, in good working condition per original manufacturing, and of no greater than 75 watts.

e. Concealed extension cords, and multiple-outlet adapters are prohibited. Residents may possess multiple strip outlets that are fused with at least 14-gauge wire, are UL approved, and are grounded.

f. In the event of a building alarm, the Minneapolis and St. Paul fire departments cannot begin their job until everyone is out of the building. Failure to leave the building promptly puts others at risk. In compliance with Minnesota State Fire Code and state law, everyone is required to leave the building in the event of a building alarm.

g. When decorating your room door, no more than 30% of your door may be covered with material. No flammable material may be affixed to your room door or adjacent walls. 

8. Keys, Fobs and U Cards

Building authorization is granted to residents on their U Card/fob. Unauthorized use, possession, duplication, or tampering of HRL locks/keys/fobs/U Card access/meals is prohibited. Residents are strongly encouraged to keep their keys and U Card/fob with them at all times. Residents may not lend their key or U Card to any other individual for the purpose of allowing that person to enter the residence hall, room, or apartment unescorted.

Residents who are locked out of their room or apartment may check out a temporary key from the Information Desk for 15 minutes. The key must be returned promptly to avoid a replacement fee. If a key has been lost or stolen, it must be reported to the Information Desk immediately for the security of the student’s room. A replacement fee will be charged for the key and to re-core the lock on the door. Radius Apartments residents may gain access to their space by contacting the CA on duty or Information Desk.

All keys/fobs must be returned upon checkout. The contract holder is responsible for the replacement costs for the core and key for any unreturned room key.  

9. Damage & Vandalism

The physical environment in our residence halls and apartment communities is for the benefit of all residents. Damage and vandalism affect everyone through increased rates and a loss of facility use. Vandalizing, damaging, or destroying University property, or the property of students living in the hall, is prohibited.

Items may not be affixed to the external structure of halls or apartments, including apartment patios. Items may not be affixed to or hung from apartment balconies. The use of nails is not permitted in rooms or apartments.

Removing any window screens in your residence hall room or apartment is prohibited and constitutes a violation of this policy.

Residents will be held accountable for the cost of damage or vandalism through Housing & Residential Life’s student conduct process. Residents are also responsible for any damage or vandalism their guests may commit.

Fees will be charged to your University account for damages that occur in your room/apartment. Fees may also be charged for any excessive clean up, repair, or replacement required due to individual student behavior (e.g., damaged or removed facility signage, holes in walls, or bodily fluid clean up) in common spaces like residential corridors, lounges, study spaces, etc.

Housing & Residential Life reports instances of serious vandalism to the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD). Individuals found to have damaged University property through a UMPD investigation may be referred to the City of Minneapolis Attorney’s Office (East & West Bank campuses) or City of Saint Paul Attorney’s Office (St. Paul campus) for criminal charges. Damage to Property that results in repair costs of $1000 or more is considered a felony.

10. Sports

Due to the potential for injury or damage, playing sports on patios and balconies, in public areas, or in hallways is not allowed in the residence halls or University apartment communities. This includes, but is not limited to, in-line skating, skateboarding, and bicycle riding. Throwing, kicking, or hitting any type of object, including, but not limited to, soccer balls, footballs, nerf balls, and darts, is prohibited. Due to the potential for injury and damage, sports, including but not limited to, soccer, Frisbee, golf, and Frisbee golf, are not permitted in outdoor residential courtyard areas.

11. Tampering

Tampering with any mechanical or electrical unit within residence halls or apartments is not permitted. Specifically, you must not tamper with or use without authorization any part of a residence hall/apartment complex elevator system; hall/apartment locking systems; life safety equipment including, but not limited to, smoke alarms, fire alarm mechanisms, fire sprinkler mechanisms, and life safety signage (e.g., exit signs); refrigeration; heating; cooling; or computer/ethernet jack and cable connections.

Tampering with computers, including, but not limited to, the following, is prohibited:

a. unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents or for any other purpose

b. unauthorized transfer of a file (e.g., music, videos, media using peer-to-peer software)

c. unauthorized alteration of a system configuration

d. unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or password

e. use of computing facilities or networks to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or University official

f. use of computing facilities or networks to engage in disorderly conduct as defined in Regulation 15, including violation of copyright law

g. use of computing facilities or networks in ways that interfere with the normal operation of residential community or University computing systems (e.g., personal wireless routers or wireless printers). 

12. Solicitation

Housing & Residential Life views the halls and apartments as a home and is protective of resident privacy. Soliciting or conducting business in a residence hall/apartment complex, including from within your residence hall room/apartment unit, is not permitted. This includes approaching students with product(s), sliding information under doors, stopping students in the hall/apartment way, calling students, etc. Students are also prohibited from conducting business on University computers, internet, or telephone systems.

13. Explosives

Explosive devices are not allowed in residence halls/University apartments, on patios and balconies, or on surrounding grounds. Possession; use; or distribution of fireworks (firecrackers, smoke bombs, sparklers, etc.) or any explosive/combustible material will constitute a safety or fire hazard.

14. Quiet Hours

All residents deserve an environment in which to study, sleep, and socialize comfortably – and everyone has a different schedule. Courtesy Hours are always in effect and mean that noise coming from your room or apartment should not be significantly disturbing or have the potential to significantly disturb other residents. Noise levels must also comply with agreed upon or published and posted policies created within each room/apartment, and in each community.  Amplified sound, instruments, equipment, and groups of people should all be monitored to be at a reasonable level.  Any request made by other residents to reduce or stop noise during courtesy hours should be followed immediately.

Quiet hours are in effect to give students reliable times to sleep and study. While quiet hours are in effect, no one should be able to hear noise outside of the room, apartment, or study area.

Quiet Hours

School Week (Sunday – Thursday Night):
11pm Sun – 7am Mon
11pm Mon – 7am Tues
11pm Tues – 7am Wed
11pm Wed – 7am Thurs
11pm Thurs – 7am Fri

Weekend (Friday & Saturday Night):
1am – 9am Sat
1am – 9am Sun

During Finals Week(s), quiet hours will be in effect 22 hours a day. The extended quiet hours will be lifted from 5pm-7pm each day.

Residents can always address noise-related requests on their own. During Quiet Hours, hall staff can be reached by calling the CA on duty or the Information Desk to assist with quiet hour violations.

All residents and visitors are expected to adhere to Quiet Hours and Courtesy Hours. Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests.

15. Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct within or immediately surrounding residence halls/University apartments disrupts our community and is not permitted. Residents will be responsible for guest behaviors. Behavior that causes harm, alarm, or disturbance is prohibited and further outlined below:

a. Harm to Others: engaging in conduct that endangers the physical and/or mental health, safety, or welfare of another person. This includes, but is not limited to, physical assaults, threatening, stalking, harassing, intimidating, brawling, fighting, or domestic/relationship violence;

b. Pranks: engaging in prank activities;

c. Public Disturbance/Disruptive Behavior: engaging in conduct that incites or threatens to incite a breach of the peace; breaching the peace; or obstructing or disrupting the normal operations of the University and infringing on the rights of others, including disrupting the living or learning environment;

d. Threats: making threats of harm directed at others;

e. Bullying: aggressive behavior directed at another person, either in person or through electronic means, that causes stress or harm and is repeated over time, including but not limited to assaulting, defaming, terrorizing, making obscene gestures, or invading privacy;

f. Sexual Misconduct. See Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code, Section IV., Subd. 9.; and Administrative Policy: Sexual Assault, Stalking, Relationship Violence; or

h. Other discriminatory harassment: engaging in unwelcome conduct against a person on the basis of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the person’s academic performance or participation in University programs, or creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive learning or living environment.

16. Illegal Entry/Exit

Entering or exiting illegally, improperly, without authorization, or during non-contract periods without proper permission, your or another resident’s room/apartment or any room/apartment or facility that you are not authorized to enter/exit, including alarmed exit doors, through apartment patio doors, or through any windows, is not allowed.

a. Prying open any residential hall/apartment door using excessive force (rather than utilizing one's key or fob) is strictly prohibited. Propping emergency exit doors without authorization is not allowed.

b. Nonresident guests are prohibited from using residence hall/apartment complex laundry facilities. Residents will be held responsible for their guests’ behavior if they utilize these facilities.

c. Entering or exiting through any residence hall room window or apartment window is prohibited.

17. Illegal Possession/Theft

It is prohibited for residents in the hall/apartments to possess without authorization, goods belonging to other residents or the residence hall/apartments (e.g., lounge furniture), including building signage (e.g., fire exit signs), dining center dishes and food items not designated as a carryout item by M Food Co.

18. Controlled Substances

 Whereas the state of Minnesota has legalized cannabis for recreational use by adults 21 years or older, federal laws such as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of cannabis on campus. Therefore:

a. The possession, consumption, growing, or manufacturing of controlled substances and being in the presence of, or being under the influence of, controlled substances (e.g., illegal drugs [including cannabis]) is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of residence hall/apartment complex contract. The possession of drug paraphernalia such as bongs, pipes, etc. is also prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to the use of controlled pharmaceuticals when prescribed by a medical professional and consumed in a manner consistent with their directives. Medical cannabis use is not permitted on campus regardless of legal status in the state of Minnesota.

b. The odor of cannabis or any other controlled substance is sufficient to warrant an alleged violation of this policy.

19. Failure to Comply

a. Failing/refusing to correctly identify yourself or your guests is prohibited.

b. Failure to comply with the directives of University officials and their authorized agents acting in the performance and scope of their duties, including the directives of Community Advisors, Residence Directors (RD), Assistant Residence Directors (ARD), Administrative and Facilities staff, University staff, or law enforcement official(s), or another resident is prohibited.

c. Failure to complete or adhere to sanctions resulting from a student conduct process outcome will be considered failure to comply. Sanction reviews will be completed each month by the RD/ARD. If you are found in violation, additional sanctions may be added.

d. Providing false information or obstructing an investigation is strictly prohibited.

e. Failure to return hall property on time (e.g. Information Desk items/equipment) will result in alleged violations of this policy.

20. Guests

Any person involved in an incident who is not an assigned occupant of the apartment, room or suite space where the incident occurred will be deemed a “guest." Guests who are also residents in University housing will be directly held responsible for their behavior by Housing & Residential Life.

a. Students are responsible for all activities occurring in their residence hall/apartment complex rooms and shared living spaces, where applicable. Therefore, students are expected to properly secure their living area(s) at all times (by locking room/apartment doors when no one is in the space, for example). All assigned occupants of a room, suite, or apartment may be subject to the same behavioral response as the actual violators, which includes sanctions received if found responsible for violation(s).

b. Students are responsible for ensuring that all guests know and behave consistently with HRL's Community Behavioral Standards. Students are personally and financially responsible for the actions of their guest(s) while in the hall/apartment community.

c. Overnight guests are permitted for no more than five (5) consecutive nights or fifteen (15) nights per semester.

d. All guests must be escorted at all times and should not be unaccompanied in the room/apartment without prior approval of the roommate(s).

e. All overnight guests in the residence hall/apartment complex must be sixteen (16) years of age or older. In incidents (including but not limited to policy violations, medical emergencies, and/or incidents of sexual misconduct) involving non-resident guests under the age of 18 in on-campus communities, police will be called to respond to the incident.

f. Guests who are found to repeatedly violate Housing & Residential Life policy may be restricted from HRL facilities. Guests may be asked to leave at any time.

g. Housing & Residential Life reserves the right to restrict guest access to facilities due to safety concerns or if significant campus/community events require a higher level of security for our facilities.

21. Alcohol

Please see HRL’s statement on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Information about Medical Amnesty can be found in our “Help Your Neighbor” section of this webpage/document, in the Student Conduct Code, and on the Safe Campus website.

a. Possessing, consuming, or being in the presence of alcoholic beverages is not permitted by any individuals in 17th Avenue Hall, Bailey Hall, Centennial Hall, Comstock Hall, Frontier Hall, Middlebrook Hall, Pioneer Hall, Sanford Hall, or Territorial Hall, even if such persons are 21 years or older.

b. Possessing, consuming, or being in the presence of alcohol under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited. The possession or use of alcohol is permitted in Keeler Apartments, Radius Apartments, Wilkins Hall, and Yudof Hall ONLY by residents who are 21 years of age or older.

c. Possessing, providing, or serving large quantities or “Common Source” quantities of alcohol (kegs, party balls, beer bongs, punch bowls, boxes of wine, etc.) or creating or participating in drinking games is not permitted in the residence halls or apartment communities.

d. Possessing, providing, or consuming alcohol in common areas of a residence hall or apartment facility is not permitted.

e. Purchasing, providing, or serving alcohol to or for an underage person is prohibited.

f. Being intoxicated to the point where state law remands you into custody is strictly prohibited.

g. Being under the influence of alcohol under the age of 21, as demonstrated through one’s actions, behaviors or the results of a blood-alcohol content reading is strictly prohibited.

h. Residents or guests of legal drinking age may not possess, consume, or provide alcoholic beverages if any resident of that room/apartment is not of legal drinking age or if any person under the age of 21 is present in the room.

i. Possession of empty alcohol containers is prohibited.

22. Other Violations

To violate the Student Conduct Code, Board of Regents policies, or any local, state, or federal law within the residence halls/University apartments, or at any housing sponsored event off-campus is prohibited.

23. Posted Regulations

To violate published and posted individual residence hall/University apartment specifications and regulations or stated contract conditions is not permitted.

a. Adherence to maximum occupancy signage on public spaces such as lounges, elevators, game rooms, computer centers, etc., is expected. Entering a space already at maximum capacity is prohibited.

b. Review HRL's Radius Apartments webpage to view building amenity regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations is prohibited.

24. Persistent or Recurring Behavior

Persistent or recurring behavior that violates any of our Community Behavioral Standards may impact your continued residential status.

25. Loitering

Loitering in residence hall/apartment complex entryways or lobby areas or blocking entry or exits is strictly prohibited. Residents may not assemble in lobby areas or on apartment patios/balconies, as such assembly may constitute a fire, health, or safety hazard.

26. OBSTRUCTION OF INTERIOR SPACES

Obstructing entrances, hallways, stairways, landings, vestibules, and other common areas of interior building spaces is prohibited. Storage of personal property in these areas is prohibited. Residents may not affix wreaths or other protruding items to the outside of their room or apartment door. Placing a floor mat outside your room or apartment door is also prohibited. Housing & Residential Life reserves the right to remove personal property left in public areas at the owner's expense.

27. Hazing

Hazing is any method or activity on Residential Life property or in connection with any Residential Life-related group that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual (including, without limitation, an act intended to cause personal degradation or humiliation). Students are prohibited from engaging in this behavior.

Any group of students acting together may be considered an organization for purposes of this section whether or not they are officially recognized. Neither the express nor implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation while hazing is going on is a defense.

Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this section.

28. Community Living Standards

Housing & Residential Life is committed to cultivating a positive learning community. As such, each community member must actively partner to ensure their community is conducive to a safe, inclusive, and developmental environment. Residents should commit to this philosophy by adhering to some general standards of engagement with others. Specifically, residents will not partake in actions that impede a roommate’s ability to occupy a space or room. Residents will not infringe on the rights of other community members or avert others from experiencing a safe and respectful community living environment.

29. Caring for Approved Support Animals

Failing to abide by Support Animal Resident Responsibilities as outlined and agreed to during the Disability Resource Center’s verification process impacts not only the animal but the surrounding residential community and any roommates assigned to your space. Complaints about, or observance of, any behaviors that violate this agreement may result in a violation of this policy. Any violation of this policy may result in the removal of the animal from the residential community.

30. Health & Safety

Residents and guests are prohibited from behaviors that create a health or safety hazard within the residential community. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, unhygienic room conditions sufficient to attract pests or cause long-term damage to the facility, the presence of unmanaged bodily fluids in student rooms, and sinks that are clogged and unusable due to poor cleaning.

31. Maximum Occupancy

At no time may room occupancy exceed four times (4x) the number of assigned residents for that room. For instance, if there are two (2) residents assigned to a space, the maximum occupancy is eight (8) individuals. Students residing in singles may have up to four (4) people in their room. This includes common spaces within residence hall suites.

The maximum occupancy for all apartments is twelve (12). This includes shared apartment spaces such as living rooms, hallways, bathrooms, and balconies. There may be no more than twelve (12) individuals occupying any space within an apartment at any given time.

32. PROHIBITION ON BYSTANDERS

Residents and guests are expected to act in good faith to remove themselves from situations that may violate HRL’s Community Behavioral Standards and/or their University housing contract. 

Facilitating a violation or remaining present while a violation occurs (e.g., staying in a space where alcohol is being consumed against University policy; being a spectator to an act of vandalism) is prohibited.

Housing & Residential Life is committed to sustaining an academic environment that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of all members of our community. As a department, we recognize the misuse and abuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs poses a threat to our community as well as the educational mission of the University of Minnesota. While we respect the individual freedom of our community members, that freedom comes with an expectation that members of our community will act responsibly and that their behaviors will not endanger their lives or the lives of others. As a department, we believe that substance use is not an acceptable excuse for behavior that violates community standards. As a result, we seek to provide an environment free from the detrimental effects of alcohol and drugs.

We realize that some individuals may decide to use substances in violation of Housing & Residential Life’s Community Behavioral Standards, the Student Conduct Code, and state and federal law. Should you choose to do so, we urge you to act responsibly. Be aware of your surroundings, your personal health and safety, and the impact that your choice will have on other individuals, neighborhoods, and the overall community. If you decide to use these substances, be prepared to take responsibility for your behavior, as Housing & Residential Life and the University will hold you accountable. You may also face potential legal consequences imposed by the City of Minneapolis/Hennepin County, the City of St. Paul/Ramsey County, or the State of Minnesota.

Sexual misconduct means any non-consensual behavior of a sexual nature that is committed by force or intimidation, or that is otherwise unwelcome. Sexual misconduct includes the following behaviors: sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual or gender-based harassment. Full definitions for the behaviors that qualify as sexual misconduct may be found here:

Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence

Your room/apartment is considered private, and the residence hall/apartment staff may not enter it without your consent unless there is reasonable cause. Instances where hall/apartment staff may enter your space include: (1) for prearranged health and safety checks, maintenance, or repair; (2) to turn off electrical devices e.g., alarm, radio, TV; (3) in case of emergency; (4) when there is a clear and present indication that a crime is being committed; or (5) when University regulations are being violated.

When a staff member enters your room to protect University property or under unusual circumstances, they must leave a notification of entry stating who was in the room and when. Such notification will not be left if you request that work be done or for normal periodic service requirements (e.g., by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, insurance underwriters, or apartment personnel during semester breaks).

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows universities to notify family members when students violate student conduct codes pertaining to the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. The University of Minnesota respects student rights to privacy. However, we may exercise our right to notify family members when our policies regarding to use and possession of alcohol or other controlled substances are violated. Notification will typically occur when a student is hospitalized for alcohol/substance use, is sent to detoxification, or has repeated alcohol/substance violations that may impact their success at the University. The student will be informed and consulted with prior to notification of the family.

The Residential Life conduct system has jurisdiction over any and all violations that occur in our University housing communities and apartment complexes. This jurisdiction includes violations that occur in the buildings, on property owned or operated by University housing, or that occur using University housing technology. This also includes violations occurring in our buildings that we learn of through online evidence from blogs, apps or social networking websites. When a staff member, resident, or any community member observes what they believe is a violation of Community Behavioral Standards, they will complete an Incident Report (IR) describing the behavior observed. Residence hall/apartment complex staff will identify themselves, communicate what behavior has been observed that may be a policy violation, ensure that the behavior has ceased, and request identification from all present. If you find yourself in such a position, you should remember three things:

1. Don’t panic. The conduct system is an educational process and is very protective of your rights.
2. Always cooperate. Produce your U Card or state ID immediately upon request.
3. Each individual involved in the incident has the right to complete an IR giving his or her perspective.

When an IR is written, it will include the details of what the writer observed while the incident is being confronted. The RD/ARD then reviews the IR and acts upon it, if deemed appropriate. If the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) officers are present at an incident, a police report may be generated and shared with Housing & Residential Life. In these instances, the UMPD report will be reviewed alongside all Incident Reports.

Student Conduct Process