Policies - Housing Handbook - Housing

University Housing

Hamlin Hall, Room 448
550 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-3570
housing@oakland.edu
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Failure to abide by University Housing policies may result in disciplinary action and students alleged of policy violation(s) will be referred through the University Housing Conduct Process. For more information, please refer to the University Housing Conduct System section.

Advertising

University Housing staff members may advertise University Housing programs, activities and events through fliers and posters as needed. All advertisements from non-University Housing staff members must be approved prior to posting. Advertising approvals are provided by the University Housing Enrollment Team. Requests for approvals can be sent to uhenrollment@oakland.edu. Posting is not permitted on front door entrances or glass surfaces of any building. Exceptions to this policy can only be made by the Assistant Director for Housing Enrollment.

All student groups must also follow the university’s posting policy, as well as its solicitation and distribution policy. The posting policy is available at the Office for Student Involvement, 49 Oakland Center. The solicitation and distribution policy is available at the Dean of Students Office, 150 Oakland Center.

Violators of the advertising policy may lose their opportunity to advertise future events. They also may face disciplinary action and service charges .

Alcohol

Only people 21 years and older may possess and consume alcoholic beverages. Any individual possessing, and/or consuming, and/or found to be in the presence of alcohol who is not of legal age, or possessing, and/or consuming alcohol in a public area within University Housing, may be issued an appearance ticket (MIP – minor in possession) by the Oakland University police. Alcohol may be possessed and consumed only in student rooms where the occupant is 21 years or older. When consuming alcohol in student rooms, apartments or cottages, the room and/or suite and/or apartment or cottage door must be closed and occupants must be in no violation of other policies. Students should be aware of the legal liability inherent in supplying alcohol to anyone not of legal age.

Neither possession (including open cans, bottles, cups, squeeze bottles, etc.) nor consumption of alcohol is allowed in any public area within University Housing, including balconies, hallways, lounges, study rooms and community bathrooms. It is not permitted outdoors. Alcohol containers and returnables must be wrapped or contained in a bag or other packaging so the contents are not visible. It is not acceptable to hide alcohol containers in pockets or under coats and shirts. Alcohol bottles and containers may not be used as decorative items in residences.

“Common source” distribution, defined as any individual or group of students sharing or supplying alcoholic beverages, is prohibited. Kegs and consumption paraphernalia are not permitted in the residence halls. Students violating the alcohol policy may be required to attend an alcohol education class.

Balconies

Balconies are to be used only by residents who have direct access (via a door) to them. Balconies are considered part of the residence hall. Balconies will be closed and cleared if inappropriate behavior (i.e., yelling or other violations of the quiet hour policy, throwing anything off a balcony, spitting off a balcony, possessing and/or consuming alcohol, overcrowding, smoking, etc.) is displayed by residents. For health and safety reasons, furniture and other personal belongings are not permitted on balconies, nor can anything hang from the rails or be displayed on the balconies, with the exception of outdoor holiday lights.

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include restricted access for the remainder of the semester or academic year.

Barbecuing

Barbecuing is prohibited in residences, on balconies and outside of all University Housing buildings. Flammable liquids of any kind also are prohibited. Barbecuing is permitted in designated safe areas on campus with the approval of the Office for Student Involvement. Flammable liquids, such as lighter fluid, gasoline and kerosene, are not permitted within 25 feet of University Housing.

Bedbugs

At the start of each academic year, all residence hall rooms and apartment are certified bedbug free by a professional pest control service.

Oakland University Housing provides aggressive treatment when alerted to the potential of bedbugs in a residence hall room or apartment. All residents affected are required to follow the HTS Mandatory Preparation checklist. In the event of a bedbug infestation, University Housing will undertake eradication to the residence hall room or apartment, including the appliances and fixtures. The resident will be solely responsible for eradication of their personal clothing and fabric items. Students who fail to cooperate with the bedbug eradication procedure may be subject to disciplinary action and restitution.

Oakland University Housing highly discourages bringing furniture of unknown origins or furniture which has been out of the possession of the residents. Secondhand furniture can be a contributor to bedbug infestation. If bedbugs are suspected or discovered, residents are responsible for submitting an e-maintenance request. Students may submit a request by clicking here. Students will be given the HTS Mandatory Preparation checklist, the scheduled eradication date, and an estimated time of arrival.

The first occurrence is free of charge to the resident. Additional occurrences will incur a charge of up to $1400 and disciplinary action. Continued instances can lead to removal from University Housing.

Bicycles and Motorcycles

All bicycles should be parked in the racks located near each building. They cannot be parked or stored in or under any stairwell or along railings. Mopeds, motorcycles or any type of engine-operated device are not to be parked or stored inside any building, nor within 25 feet of buildings. In-line skating, biking and skateboarding are not permitted in any University Housing buildings.

Cleanliness

Residents can be held responsible for damages to University Housing property, which have been incurred by them in an individual room, on the floor, in the building, or any public area within University Housing. Any behavior that results in a need for excessive cleaning will be viewed as a violation of this policy. Such behavior may result in service charges and/or assessment of repair and replacement costs to individual residents, floor or building members, along with disciplinary and/or legal action.

Community Bathrooms

Community bathroom living arrangements are located in Van Wagoner House. They are designated for single-gender use only, depending on the floor’s occupancy as male or female. Also, showers are to be taken individually (i.e., one person per shower).

Communicable Diseases

Students who have been diagnosed by their doctor, a primary care provider or the staff at Graham Health Center with COVID-19, chicken pox, measles, mumps, mononucleosis or any other communicable disease that proves a potential health threat to the University Housing community will be required to follow a medically advised treatment plan. This plan may or may not require temporarily leaving University Housing. It may be determined that a person with a communicable disease may remain in University Housing as long as they adhere to medically advised precautions designed to prevent the spread of the disease. This will be determined on an individual basis under medical advice.

Complicity

Attempting, aiding, abetting, being an accessory to, or failing to report any act prohibited by University Housing shall be considered the same as a completed violation. Students who anticipate or observe a violation of University Housing policies are expected to remove themselves from association or participation and are encouraged to report the violation to a University Housing staff member. Students who allow others to violate University Housing policy in their assigned space will also be in violation of this policy.

Cooperation and Compliance with Staff

Residents are required to comply or cooperate with any university staff member’s reasonable request. A university staff member is defined as any university employee, including all University Housing staff. Any behavior viewed as interfering with a university staff member while in the performance of his/her duty also may result in disciplinary action.

Damage of University Property

Residents can be held responsible for damages to University Housing property, which have been incurred by them in an individual room, on the floor, in the building, or any public area within University Housing. Destruction, tampering with or misuse of University Housing property will be viewed as a violation of this policy. Such behavior may result in service charges and/or assessment of repair and replacement costs to individual residents, floor or building members, along with disciplinary and/or legal action.

Decoration of Residences

All hanging decorations in student rooms or corridors must be of fire resistant or fireproof materials and may not hang from the ceiling.
Student room doors may be decorated as long as materials are not draped or hung so as to create an imminent fire possibility.
Decorations of flame resistant materials are allowed in the University Housing lounge areas.
Miniature string lights that are UL approved and do not generate noticeable heat are permissible in student rooms, but no lights of any type are to be used in the decoration of student room doors or in hallways.
LED light strips with adhesive backing are not permitted.
No decorations may be placed so as to obstruct access to halls, stairwells or exits.
Light fixtures may not be decorated.
No extension cords are to be used from student rooms into the corridors or hallways at any time.
All decorations should be removed from public areas and floor corridors prior to the semester break and winter closings.
The cost of having decorations removed by custodial staff will be prorated to all floor members.
Any decorations used as part of a floor/hall decorating contest must be removed within 24 hours of the event.
Residences may not be painted.
Room/suite murals and writing on walls are not allowed.
Contact paper with adhesive backing, markers, crayons, chalk and spray paint are not allowed to be used for decorating.
Use of Command Strips and Command Hooks is not permitted.
Wallpaper, paneling, mirror tiles and other decorative items that deface walls, ceilings or floors are prohibited.
Installation of bookcases and other similar items is permitted if the units are freestanding. Affixing such units to the walls, floors, etc. is prohibited.
Use of any adhesive that results in damage to paint or walls is not permitted. A charge will be assessed for any damage to walls. The only approved adhesive for hanging items on walls is frog tape. All other methods are prohibited.

Disorderly Conduct

Residents engaging in disruptive behavior (i.e., physical abuse, fighting, malicious destruction of property, uncontrolled horseplay, water fights, sports in the hallways, pranks, other rough play, etc.) that could endanger their own health and safety and/or the health, safety or educational environment of other residents will be subject to disciplinary action that could include immediate suspension from University Housing.

Drugs

As a state-supported institution, Oakland University expects its students to observe federal and state laws regarding the use or possession of illegal drugs. The university does not permit the sale, distribution, use or possession of illegal drugs on campus, nor the use or possession of drug paraphernalia (i.e. bongs, rolling papers, hookah pipes, scales, roach clips, etc.). The possession of a Michigan marijuana registry identification card does not exempt students from this prohibition. The use and possession of marijuana remains illegal under federal law and, as a recipient of federal funds, Oakland University is subject to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, and could lose federal funding for any violations of those acts that require Oakland University to take measures to combat the use of drugs and alcohol. Prescription drugs are only to be used by the person to whom they are prescribed and as directed.

Students and guests who are found to be in the presence of, or under the influence of, illegal drugs are subject to disciplinary action, which could include immediate suspension or expulsion from University Housing and/or the university, as well as legal action. Students violating this policy also may be required to attend a drug education class.

Electrical Appliances

The electrical system is not designed to carry heavy loads of electrical equipment. Air conditioners, electrical appliances that include heating elements such as 3-D printers, sun lamps, space heaters, and lava lamps, and appliances requiring halogen light bulbs are not permitted within University Housing. Additionally, cooking appliances such as hot plates, electric frying pans, grills (including George Foreman grills) toasters, toaster ovens, rice cookers, Instapots and slow cookers (Crockpots) are not permitted within University Housing facilities. Check electrical cords and appliances to ensure they are in proper working order. Do not run extension cords under rugs. When purchasing approved electrical appliances, look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal on both cords and appliances. Check electrical outlets and bar plugs to ensure they are not overloaded. Surge protectors with internal breakers are recommended. University Housing reserves the right to unplug any electrical outlet or bar plug for health and safety reasons.

The electrical system is checked regularly to ensure the stress on the system is safe. If at any time it is determined that the electrical pull on the system is becoming unsafe, students may be required to remove some of their electrical appliances and take them home.

Questions regarding the appropriateness of any given electrical appliance can be directed to the Housing Office, Hamlin Hall, Room 448.

Eligibility

To be eligible to reside in Oakland University’s residence halls or apartments, students must be:

currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at Oakland University, and registered for at least one credit in any given semester, during the duration of the University Housing contract;
matriculated students in a degree program at another college or university that has an affiliation agreement with the University; or
participating in an authorized summer camp program.

Students enrolled in continuing education classes or other non-degree programs are not formally admitted to the University.

To be eligible to live in the student apartments, students must be non-first-year students who have earned at least 16 cumulative credits at the time they submit their housing contract.

Students who experience a change of status resulting in lack of eligibility compliance must vacate their assigned residence hall rooms or apartments as directed by the Department of University Housing.

Elevators

Elevators in the residence halls have the following maximum capacity: Hamlin Hall can hold a maximum of 1,500 pounds; Hillcrest Hall can hold a maximum of 4,500 pounds; Van Wagoner House can hold a maximum of 1,500 pounds; Oak View Hall can hold a maximum of 4,500 pounds; Vandenberg Hall can hold a maximum 1,750 pounds.

Endangering Behavior

No person shall engage in threatening behavior or actions that may endanger the safety, physical health, or mental health of another person or oneself. This includes: intentional, reckless or negligent behavior of a verbal, physical, or emotional nature, which may occur in a face-to-face or a virtual setting; violations of university mandates or public health orders intended to reduce the spread of infectious diseases; and failure to comply with emergency or pandemic protocol, policies and expected behaviors. Likewise, no person shall engage in behavior or actions intended to intimidate, harass, coerce, or instill a sense of fear in any other person. Any person who fails to comply with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Entering Student Apartments/Rooms

Normally, staff may enter student residences only with permission of the student(s) or other legal authority. However, staff may enter student residences when there is reason to suspect imminent danger to health, safety or property of a resident or if there are violations of any university or housing policy; to take inventory of university-owned equipment; to inspect the room for damage and physical maintenance; during fire drill procedures; and to check rooms for holiday recesses and semester/session break closings.

Staff members, when entering student rooms for reasons listed above, will report any visible or suspicious contraband or violations of University Housing and/or university policies.

Fire Safety

Residents are expected to adhere to all aspects of the University Housing fire safety policy.

Fire Alarm
In the event of a fire alarm, all residents must vacate the building immediately. Failure to exit in a prompt and orderly fashion and evacuate to the parking lots may result in disciplinary action. Staff may check rooms during fire alarms. When exiting your room, please lock your door while taking your key and OU ID. Student who have registered a disability with Disability Support Services, or who have a disability that impairs their ability to leave the building under their own will, should notify their Residence Director at the time they move-in so that an exit plan may be identified.

Fire Hazards
Open flame or continuous burning objects are prohibited in University Housing. Such items include but are not limited to; candles, oil lamps, incense burners and flammable liquids. Items if found will be confiscated and documentation issued. Aerosol cans and plug-ins are considered permissible forms of air fresheners. Flammable liquids such as lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene or gas engines are not permitted within 25 feet of University Housing. Live trees and wreaths are not permitted. All artificial trees and wreaths must be removed prior to departure for holiday recess. Floor, hallway or lounge decorating must pass fire code inspection. Paper or flammable products should not hang from ceilings or cover walls. Light fixtures should not be covered. Residents may not place or store furnishings, trash or personal belongings in the hallway. Fire doors must always be closed.

Fire Safety Equipment
Tampering with or misuse of the fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers or any other fire safety equipment is prohibited and subject to prosecution under state law. Any resident found tampering with the aforementioned equipment and/or smoke detectors, thermal detectors, and fire hoses may be subject to immediate suspension from University Housing and/or Oakland University and subject to legal action. Do not hang anything from sprinkler heads, or any fire safety equipment.

Guest Policy

“Guests” are defined as those who are not Oakland University Housing residents. “Visitors” are defined as Oakland University residents who visit or stay in a room outside of their own assigned room and/or building.

Guest and visitor policies reflect current health and safety recommendations, and are subject to re-evaluation and/or change should the evolution of the pandemic require adaptation or modification.

Overnight guests are permitted for no more than two consecutive nights, and no more than a total of four nights in the course of a week. Roommate and suitemate preferences and concerns should be taken into account when inviting guests to visit or stay overnight.

Oakland University Housing room capacity is two guests/visitors per resident. Residents are allowed to have no more than two guests in their assigned space at a time. Rooms which are found to be over capacity will be treated as a party, and the host resident and their guests will go through the University Housing conduct process.

Harassment

Harassment of a university employee or university student is defined as any behavior, including gestures or swearing, that is directed at or in the presence of a staff person or student and is meant to intimidate or be combative.

To succeed personally and academically, an individual must be able to live free from unnecessary emotional stress caused by others. University Housing does not tolerate intimidation, invasion of privacy, or any threat to the well-being of another or their property that is communicated verbally, in writing or over any communication (phone, computer, etc.). No person shall threaten to harm or exhibit behavior that threatens to harm another person. No person shall physically or verbally assault, harass, batter or intimidate another. No person shall abuse or threaten any University Housing staff member. This includes the use of profane language and slamming of doors.

Health and Safety

Residents are responsible for what occurs in their rooms and for keeping their living quarters free of safety and sanitary hazards for congenial group living. Reasonable sanitary conditions must be maintained. Vacuum cleaners and other cleaning equipment may be checked out at the service desks in Hamlin Hall, Hillcrest Hall, Oak View, and Vandenberg Hall, Van Wagoner House, and the University Student Apartments Office.

The university reserves the right to inspect, maintain and repair all rooms and buildings at any time. If the inspection reveals objects that constitute safety or sanitary hazards, the owners will be required to remove them. Residents will be assessed service charges and/ or repair costs whenever masking tape, adhesive picture holders, nails, thumbtacks, decals, etc., cause damage to walls and doors as well as other wood and metal surfaces in student rooms and public areas. In the event that room repairs are needed, students should submit a request online through the My Housing portal. When making a maintenance request, students should be very specific as to the location and nature of the problem. The maintenance staff will exercise reasonable care while cleaning and repairing rooms, but the university is not responsible for personal items that are lost, damaged or stolen.

Hoverboards

Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, are not permitted within University Housing buildings or on surrounding University Housing grounds.

Identification

Certain privileges are extended to individuals by virtue of their membership in the University Housing community. In order to protect the community’s welfare, the integrity of this identification must be maintained. No person shall permit another to use his or her identification, including a student identification card or key, for the purpose of improperly gaining access to a student residence and/or its facilities, including offices, lounges, laundry rooms, the community center, computer lab or mailboxes. No person shall permit use of, share or sublet their residence. No person shall fail to take responsibility of his or her visitors or guests, which includes informing them of policies and being responsible for their behavior within University Housing residences and while on university grounds or at university functions.

Students are required to present university or picture identification to university staff members upon reasonable request. University staff members are defined as all university employees, including all University Housing staff.

Illegal Downloading

Illegal downloading of any kind, including the use of programs such as LimeWire or BitTorrent, is prohibited on campus, and a conduct process that includes a temporary ban from the network will be carried out if you are caught by any governing body. Please visit the university’s website on downloading for more information.

Keys and Lockouts

Room/building keys are distributed to residents at check-in. Residents should be protective of their key(s). Residents may not loan, duplicate or possess keys other than the one signed out to them at check-in.

When residents are locked out of their room, apartment or cottage between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, they can check out a loaner key for 24 hours at the service desk for their building or complex. Residents must present picture identification or be identified by a University Housing staff member to obtain a loaner key. If the loaner key is not returned after 48 hours, the resident may be charged for recoring his or her room door lock. When residents lose their room key, they must report it to the Housing Office and will be charged $275 for recoring their room door lock. The recore is necessary to ensure the safety of residents and their property.

If residents are locked out of their room after service desk hours, they should contact the University Housing staff member on duty in their building to unlock their room door. The telephone numbers for staff members on duty are posted on the main floor of each residence hall building and at the entrance of every apartment building.

An accumulation of three lockouts within any given semester will be reviewed and may result in disciplinary action.

Liability

Oakland University is not liable for loss of money or valuables or damage to any property belonging to residents or their guests in or around the residences. Residents are liable for damages to university property. We recommend securing coverage through your parents’ or guardian’s policy, or securing your own renter’s insurance.

Lofts

Hamlin Hall, Hillcrest Hall, Oak View Hall, and Vandenberg Hall provide loftable furniture. Personally built lofts are prohibited. At the conclusion of the semester, beds must be returned to their original placement, as indicated below.

Hamlin Hall, George T. Matthews Apartments
Beds will be found in an unlofted position at move-in, and must be returned to an unlofted position at move-out.

Hillcrest Hall, Oak View Hall, Vandenberg Hall
Beds will be found in a lofted position at move-in, and must be returned to a lofted position at move-out.

Beds must be reconfigured (if needed) the weekend prior to final exams. No reconfiguration may be done during final exams. Residents who fail to return their bed to its original position at move-out will be charged a $75 service charge.

Nightwatch

Nightwatch operates seven days a week during the academic year, starting at 8 p.m. each day, in all residence halls.

After 8 p.m., all persons must enter residence hall buildings (except for the apartments and cottages) through the Nightwatch station and show proper identification. Proper identification for residents is their university identification card.

Anyone who attempts to gain improper access to any University Housing building will be considered a trespasser and treated as such (see Trespassing policy).

Non-Discrimination Policy

Oakland University is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all persons. In a society that relies on an informed, educated citizenry, no one should be denied the opportunity to attain his or her fullest potential. The university shall strive to build a community that welcomes and honors all persons and that provides equal opportunity in education and employment. The university complies with state and federal laws, including Title IX, that prohibit discrimination. To carry out these commitments, the university has adopted the following administrative policies: (1) 710 — Administrative Guidelines Prohibiting Discrimination; and (2) 711 — Guidelines for Handling Discrimination Complaints.

To lodge a complaint, contact the Dean of Students at (248) 370-3352.

For more information, please review Policy 710 and Policy 711.

Parking

Students may park their automobiles in any designated parking area on campus. Between 2 and 6 a.m., cars must be parked in designated overnight parking areas only. Overnight spaces are denoted with green asphalt lines. Overnight parking is also permitted in apartment lots, and on all levels of parking structures except the top level.

If you do not use your car on a daily or regular basis, it is strongly encouraged by your peers that you do not park your car in the prime parking spaces closest to University Housing. This allows those students who must use their cars on a daily or regular basis more personal safety and security while walking to and from their cars and University Housing. Recommended parking lots for those who do not require consistent access to their cars are P-29 and P-32.

Personal Electronic Equipment Use

Use of any device capable of broadcasting a wireless signal in any manner is PROHIBITED in all University Housing buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, wireless routers, wireless repeaters, wireless printers and cell phone hot spots.

Desktop hubs, routers and switches are not permitted on the Oakland University network per University Policy 850.

Electrical appliances that include heating elements, such as 3-D printers, are not permitted within University Housing.

Pets

Students are not permitted to have cats, dogs, birds, rodents and other fur-bearing animals, reptiles or amphibians, living or non-living, in University Housing. Non-aggressive fish are the only pets allowed and only with roommate approval. Fish must be confined to a bowl or aquarium (not to exceed 10 gallons). For emotional support, service and therapeutic animals, please contact Disability Support Services.

Protection of Personal Property

The university expects students to take reasonable precautions against theft of personal property by locking their doors whenever they leave their rooms. Because it is difficult to trace and identify stolen property, residents should keep a written record of the descriptions and serial numbers of all valuables as well as mark them permanently. Records of these items should be kept in a location known only to the owner, but readily accessible and available to police officers in the event of theft. All losses should be reported to the housing staff and the police. The Oakland University police will take a statement from you and file a report of the theft (insurance companies require the loss be reported to the proper authorities before they will honor a claim).

The Department of University Housing strongly recommends all residents carry property insurance. Check your parent’s or legal guardian’s homeowner’s insurance to see if your personal property is covered.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours provide an environment that promotes academic success. The rights to study and sleep take precedence over the right to engage in any activity that disturbs others.

Quiet hours in every building are:
Sunday – Thursday from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m.
Friday – Saturday from 1 a.m. – 7 a.m.

All other times are considered “courtesy hours.” At the end of each semester, 24-hour quiet hours are instituted on all floors beginning at 11 p.m. on the last day of classes and continuing throughout final examination week. If behavior is continually disruptive, students may be required to vacate University Housing one hour after their last exam or immediately as designated by University Housing. When students are required to leave, they may not return to the halls, apartments or cottages, except by appointment and escorted by a staff member, and then only for purposes of moving and checking out of their rooms.

It is expected that students be considerate of their peers and mindful that everyone is operating under a different schedule. It also is important to remember the University Housing community is structured to provide an active and energized living environment. This is accomplished through many planned and spontaneous interactions and programs. In planning all programs and activities, strict attention is given to scheduling activities that encourage maximum participation and reduce disruptions to the environment and residents.

In most cases, a resident violating the quiet hours policy will receive a documented verbal warning. An accumulation of three documented verbal warnings will be reviewed and may result in further disciplinary action. During 24-hour quiet periods, more serious disciplinary action may result, including removal from University Housing.

The following behaviors are considered violations of the quiet hours policy:

The use of any musical instruments or electronic and/or sound equipment at a volume that interferes with the study or sleep of any resident at any time
Participation in horseplay or sports, such as football or Frisbee, in the hallways
Shouting or playing music out windows
Loud, disruptive parties
Loud conversations in lounges, hallways and rooms that disturb others, or which occur during quiet hours
Amplifiers and subwoofers are not permitted in residences.

Quiet hours also should be observed outside University Housing, particularly in the parking circles. If there is a noise problem, contact a University Housing staff member or Oakland University police for assistance. Disciplinary action may result if a resident is found violating the quiet hours policy or courtesy hours requests outdoors within 25 feet of University Housing.

Recreation Areas

Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.**
The recreation areas are in the courtyard near the community house of the student apartments as well as a sand volleyball court behind Hamlin Hall. These areas are for resident use and enjoyment. Alcoholic beverages may not be taken to the recreational areas at any time. The recreation areas are not supervised; you use them at your own risk. However, the areas are inspected. Residents are asked to report any damage to the central office. In case of a building-wide event or program, the recreational areas will be reserved for the purpose of the event.

**Please note that quiet hours should also be observed in the recreation areas.

Refrigerators

Portable refrigerators are permitted in residence hall rooms under the following conditions:

The refrigerator must not exceed the following specifications: 4 cubic feet maximum capacity.
The refrigerator must operate in full compliance with all sanitation and safety standards set forth by the university.
There is a limit of one portable refrigerator per person or two per room.
Refrigerators must be emptied, defrosted and unplugged before departure for semester break.

Room Inventory

During check-in and room changes, you should review the condition of your assigned room or apartment and write it down on the room inventory sheet. Be as detailed as possible. Each resident of the room is responsible for completing an inventory sheet and returning it to your resident assistant within 24 hours. The inventory sheet will be used during checkout to assess charges for damages or missing university property. Make sure both you and a resident assistant have signed the completed inventory sheet during check-in and checkout.

Room Occupancy and Use

As an assigned occupant of the room, you are responsible for your guests behavior as well as your own. You can only occupy and place belongings in your assigned space.

Residents may not use their rooms or mailing addresses for the purpose of conducting business where money or services are transacted.

The usage of personal lofts is strictly prohibited in University Housing. Painting, wallpaper paneling, tiles, or other decorative items that deface walls, ceilings or floors are prohibited.

University furniture and equipment are to remain in designated public areas. University furniture and equipment must not be taken from its original location without authorization. Students found removing lounge furniture, study room furniture or any other university property will be assessed a minimum $25 service charge and face disciplinary action.

Assigned spaces are expected to adhere to sanitary and congenial living conditions. Periodic checks may be made during and between semesters to ensure this standard. Spaces found in unsatisfactory conditions are in violation of this policy.

Residents cannot place objects, such as stereos or speakers; throw objects, such as bottles, food, paper or clothing items; and/or spit from open windows. Residents cannot lean out of, sit in or walk in and out of open windows. Window screens must not be removed from windows. A $25 service charge may be assessed for replacing your window screen. For health and safety reasons, as well as for the appearance of the buildings, banners, fliers, posters and other forms of advertisement are not allowed to hang on or outside from balconies, lounge windows or individual room windows. Outside walls cannot be defaced by chalk, any form of spray paint or food.

Security

Building security is a concern and responsibility for all residents. Residents must avoid taking actions that jeopardize building security and must report security concerns and violations immediately to the housing staff and/or university police. It is your responsibility and that of your guest(s) to comply with building security procedures and policies.

Smoking

Oakland University is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is defined as having a lit cigar, cigarette, pipe, electronic cigarette, vaporizer or matter or substance that contains tobacco. In accordance with the Oakland University smoking policy, smoking is not permitted on any Oakland University property. Complaints involving smoking by housing students and their guests can be made to the assistant directors or director in the Department of University Housing, 448 Hamlin, (248) 370-3570; the residence director, 4000 Ann V. Nicholson Apts., (248) 370-2581; or to the Dean of Students Office, 144 Oakland Center, (248) 370-3352.

Students and their guests violating this policy may be subject to University Housing and university disciplinary action. State law also provides for a civil fine of not more than $100 for a first violation and a fine of not more than $500 for a second or subsequent violation of the Michigan Indoor Clean Air Act (MCLA 333.12601 et. seq.).

Solicitation and Distribution

The university has a policy for solicitation and distribution, which is available at the Dean of Students Office, 144 Oakland Center. Students are prohibited from operating a business out of their room. Door-to-door solicitation and distribution is prohibited in the residence halls, apartments and university parking lots. If you encounter an individual or group soliciting and distributing in University Housing residences, contact a University Housing staff member immediately.

Toilet Paper

You may not stockpile rolls of toilet paper in your room or suite. The limit is two rolls per room or four rolls per suite.

Trespassing

To ensure the health and safety of all residents and staff, access to any University Housing building is governed by the following:

USE OF THIS FACILITY IS RESTRICTED TO RESIDENTS OF THIS BUILDING, UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES AND BONA FIDE GUESTS OF RESIDENTS. UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS WILL SUBJECT VIOLATORS TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR TRESPASS, PURSUANT TO MCLA 750.552. 30

If you encounter an unauthorized person in a residence, immediately contact a University Housing staff member or the Oakland University Police Department. Propping open entrance doors and other actions that allow other students or strangers to gain improper access to any University Housing facility are not permitted.

Unauthorized Entry

There are areas in and around University Housing residence buildings where students are not permitted for reasons of health and safety. Those areas include, but are not limited to, the roofs of all buildings, window ledges, mechanical maintenance rooms, custodial closets, steam tunnels and elevator shafts. Residents are not allowed to enter other resident rooms without the express permission of the occupants of the room. Residents also are not allowed to enter or store their belongings in unoccupied rooms.

University Ordinances

Students are expected to familiarize themselves, and act in accordance, with university ordinances.

Weapons

Devices that can be used as weapons (knives, nunchuks, firearms, air rifles, BB guns, switchblades, Mace, pepper spray and other chemicals, etc.) or resemble weapons (water pistols, super soaker squirt guns, etc.) as well as any explosive devices (firecrackers, etc.) are prohibited in University Housing.

A firearm is permitted on campus only if a student registers and stores it with the Oakland University Police Department (OUPD). Any and all persons with a state approved concealed weapons permit are also required to register and store the firearm with the OUPD. Any resident in possession of a firearm may be subject to immediate suspension from University Housing and/or Oakland University, as well as legal action.