As a condition of the Housing and Food Service contract, the student agrees to be aware of and abide by all published rules of conduct and housing regulations as outlined in the Student Handbook. The student also agrees to maintain a proper standard of behavior and not disrupt the residential community.

Violations of the terms of the Housing and Food Service Contract or of any of the rules and regulations outlined in the Student Handbook will normally be handled through the campus judicial system. (Please see the section in this handbook on Residential  Administrative Hearing.) However, the University reserves the right to treat such violations as a breach of contract. Further, students dismissed from the residence halls or from the University during the semester for disciplinary reasons are not entitled to a refund. Student housing assignments may change due to disciplinary action.

Any community, including ours, must develop standards of conduct which serve as a guideline for fostering a healthy living environment. All University housing residents are expected to:

• Respect the physical and emotional rights of all other residents

• Recognize and respect the educational mission of UE and the need for students to maintain a climate that supports this mission in a residential community.

• Properly care for the residential facilities

• Recognize that academic and personal development are the primary reasons for residing in this community

• Accept responsibility for their own behavior at all times

The following are considered serious breaches of student conduct standards and will result in disciplinary action:

• Destruction of property

• Possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverage or illegal drug in any residential facility or campus property

• Illegal forms of gambling.

• Lighting of any fire or tampering with a fire alarm or fire and safety equipment

• Littering or intentionally marring the appearance of University property

• Violation of visitation or escort policies

• Disorderly or disruptive behavior, especially that which disturbs other residents

• Failure to obey a proper order of a University official acting in accordance with University regulations

• Violation of local, state or federal laws

• Creating, encouraging or participating in a situation detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the University community and its members

In cases of violations of residence life policy, or violations of University policy that occur in or near residential facilities, the Office of Residence Life has designated authority to handle the situation through administrative action or a peer board. Normally, an individual hearing through a residential coordinator or residential peer board shall determine if a violation has occurred.  Response to violations may result in one or more of the following: no action, a verbal or written warning, educational referrals, restitution, fines and/or residential probation.  The director of residence life can authorize visitation restrictions, housing relocation and eviction.  Sanctions will vary based on the individual case and the determination of the hearing officer or body. Administrative action may conclude some cases without further hearing.

Students shall be notified verbally or in writing regarding charges. The notification will request that the student contact the residential coordinator or peer body within a designated time to schedule an appointment. Students have the right to be present to discuss the charges, however if the student fails to schedule or attend such a meeting, action can be taken without the student present. During the meeting, the incident will be discussed. The student has the right to verbally respond to the charges and provide his or her view of the circumstances. The residential coordinator or hearing body can make a determination regarding the case at that time or can further review the case (i.e., talk with witnesses or other parties involved) before reaching a final decision. The student shall be notified in writing regarding the outcome of the case. Appeals to such actions are to be made in writing to the director of residence life within five working days of the determination.

Some cases, depending on severity, may be automatically referred to the director of residence life for University action. For a full description of the residential hearing process, a pamphlet is available in the Office of Residence Life.  Additional information on student conduct and University disciplinary procedures is found in the Student Handbook under Student’s Rights and Responsibilities.