Student Housing Policies

ACCESSORY TO MISCONDUCT

Encouraging, permitting, assisting, or passively participating, failing to report the misconduct of another individual participating in any act that could subject them to disciplinary action due to violating housing policy or student conduct is prohibited.

ALCOHOL

Unsafe alcohol use and the resulting consequences have a significant negative impact on campus life and impair an individual’s clarity of thought, verbal and perceptual acuity, and mental alertness. Members and guests of the community are expected to take responsibility for their drinking behavior and for the consequences of alcohol consumption. Individuals are strongly encouraged to call for medical assistance for themselves or others who may be dangerously intoxicated.

Eligible Age

All residents and their guests must be 21 years of age to possess, consume, transport, or store alcohol. No person may manufacture, sell, furnish, or give any alcoholic beverage to a person under 21.

Inability to Care

The failure to exercise care for one’s safety or the safety of others due in whole or part to alcohol consumption is considered a violation of the alcohol policy.

Containers

Regardless of age, no one may have an open container of alcohol (e.g., can, bottle, cup) in a public area at any time. A public place is anywhere other than a bedroom, suite, or apartment. Any alcohol containers, including those that are empty, are prohibited in any room in which a person under the age of 21 resides. Kegs (including those that are empty or untapped) or any item used to facilitate the rapid consumption or distribution of alcohol is not permitted, regardless of the resident’s age.

Over 21

Supplying alcohol to individuals that are under the age of 21 is prohibited. Those over the age of 21 may not consume alcohol when unassigned individuals under the age of 21 are present in that room. For example, this means that a 21-year-old resident who resides with individuals under 21 may drink alcohol in their bedroom, suite, or apartment, provided that there are no guests who are also under the age of 21.

Presence of Alcohol

Anyone under the age of 21 who is present in any room to which they are not assigned, regardless of duration, where the consumption of alcoholic beverages is occurring and/or open containers of alcohol are present will violate the alcohol policy. The Residence Halls are considered “dry,” meaning that no person, regardless of age, may possess alcohol in these areas.

Public Intoxication

Public intoxication by any resident or guest, regardless of age, is strictly forbidden.

ALTERATIONS AND MODIFICATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Residents shall make no alterations, structural additions, or tamper with student housing facilities, appliances, or equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, chin-up bars installed in any doorway, including closets, mounted televisions, and shelves. Residents responsible for alterations, modifications, or tampering will be subject to sanctions, including restitution fees determined by the Director of Facilities.

*Any accommodations needed may be consulted with Disability Support Services.

APPLIANCES

In compliance with fire safety standards, electrical cooking appliances with external heating elements or that produce large amounts of steam are not permitted (i.e., coffee pots, grills, instant pots, etc.). Space heaters and sun lamps are not permitted.

The only microwaves approved in student rooms are those in the “MicroFridge” (refrigerator/freezer/microwave) units rented by the approved campus vendor. “Micro F ridge” units must be plugged directly into the wall receptacle.

Using multi-plug adapters such as cube adapters, unfused plug strips, extension cords, or any other device not complying with the California Electrical Code is prohibited.

Other prohibited appliances include portable air conditioning units and humidifiers.

BICYCLES

Riding bicycles on campus pedestrian walkways is prohibited. Students may lock and store their bicycles in designated outdoor racks and areas. Bicycles may not be stored inside residence halls, suites, or apartments without prior written approval from Housing and Residential Engagement. To request indoor accommodation, please see a Community Coordinator.

PRIVATE BUSINESS OR OPERATION

Residents are not permitted to operate a private business, operation, or provide goods/services within any area of Student Housing property, or to use campus resources (mailing address, Ethernet connection, etc.) for that purpose.

CLEANLINESS

Part of living in a community environment means everyone does their part to keep the area clean. All residents are expected to maintain a standard level of sanitation and hygiene in their living areas. Some examples of violations of this policy include, but are not limited to, excessive trash, rotting food, items obstructing egress, odor, etc. Failure to meet sanitation standards may lead to damage charges and going through the conduct process. Other aspects of cleanliness, like lack of personal hygiene, are causes for concern and may result in follow-up from Housing and Residential Engagement staff.

COOPERATION WITH UNIVERSITY STAFF

Residents and their guests must cooperate with and act respectfully toward university personnel who are acting in the performance of their duties. Residents and their guests must show identification when requested. This includes, but is not limited to, interactions with all Housing and Residential Engagement staff (Pro staff and student staff), Titan Dining Hall staff, and University Police. Examples of violations of this policy include providing false information, withholding information, interfering with staff while performing their duties, noncompliance with verbal or written directives or sanctions, and abusive language or behavior toward staff.

DECORATING AND POSTING

Posters and decorations may be attached only to interior walls and with materials that will not cause permanent damage. Charges will be assessed for damages resulting from improper attachment. Posting items in or on windows and ceilings is prohibited. Painting of rooms is not allowed. Holiday decorations inside rooms are permitted only if they are safe and do not present a fire hazard. Cut/live trees and foliage are prohibited in apartments, student rooms, and public areas. Holiday decorations must be removed immediately following the end of the Holiday or before the start of the University break, whichever comes first.

Only Housing and Residential Engagement can post any materials to the exterior doors and windows within the student housing community. Posting guidelines within Housing and Residential Engagement can be found by visiting the Event Services webpage at http://geca.big5vn.com/housing/event_services.

• It is prohibited to cover more than 5% of a door and/or 25% of a wall in both private and public spaces.
• It is prohibited to hang objects from the ceiling in both private and public spaces.
• Battery operated LED lights are permitted, and non-battery string lights are prohibited. All decorations must remain within unit and not be mounted on doors, windows or their frames, as well as patios.
• Students are not permitted to attach any object to their rooms or the halls by screw, nail, tape or glue. Blue masking tape and removable adhesives like Command products are recommended. Resident(s) will be held responsible for removal or damage due to use of any, but not limited to, the aforementioned.
• Adhesives of any kind are NOT permitted on the interior or exterior residence hall doors, including stickers, double-sided or foam tape, etc. The only permitted adhesives are those on the door decorations created by Residential Engagement paraprofessional staff hung with blue painter's tape.

 

DISRUPTION AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Any act that interferes with, disrupts, or obstructs Housing and Residential Engagement operations, activities, residents, or guests is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to, any action that poses a concern to the health and safety of another person or the property of Housing and Residential Engagement. Spaces within student housing facilities should only be utilized for intended purposes unless otherwise approved by HRE staff.  This includes but is not limited to study/passive rooms, active rooms, laundry rooms, etc.

Housing and Residential Engagement reserves the right to deny access or remove any guest whose behavior is deemed inappropriate.

DOORS AND SCREENS

Doors and screens may not be removed from their frames. The occupants will be charged for reinstallation, replacement, and/or repair if removed. Room entry doors and restroom doors are fire-rated doors. No more than 5% of the door may be covered with combustible material. All room entry and restroom doors must close and latch, so the door does not stay partially open or unlocked. Propping and/or wedging of the door or disabling the latching mechanism is prohibited.

*If a door is found deadbolted, unlocked, or not fully closed, all residents of the space will be found responsible for the violation unless the responsible resident comes forward to take responsibility.

*Whiteboards are no longer allowed to be displayed from the doors.

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

Double Occupancy is defined as a resident taking over a vacant space because a roommate has not been assigned or their roommate has moved out. Housing and Residential Engagement reserves the right to fill any vacancies at anytime. Residents who engage in conduct designed or intended to dissuade or intimidate other students from moving into a room or who otherwise attempt to manipulate the housing assignment process may be subject to student conduct action. If someone is assigned a roommate at any time during the fall or spring semester or when they leave for the winter break, they must be prepared to receive that person by ensuring the following:

• one bed should be cleared and unobstructed
• one desk should be emptied and cleared
• one set of drawers should be emptied and available
• one closet or wardrobe should be emptied and made available (half closet in double apartments)
• all assigned university furniture is present in the room

DRUGS:

Federal law, state law, and University policy prohibit the solicitation, procurement, sale, or manufacture of narcotics or controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law. Any student known or suspected to be in possession, using, or distributing drugs, including marijuana, is subject to the student conduct process and criminal action under state and/or federal law. Issued medicinal marijuana cards are not valid on campus or in the housing community.

California law allows individuals 21 and over to possess a limited amount of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. While the use of medicinal and recreational marijuana is not a criminal offense in the state of California, possession and use are prohibited on campus, including the residence halls, suites, and apartments. Additionally, marijuana paraphernalia is not permitted in the residence halls, suites, apartments, and all student housing facilities. Possession of a Medicinal Marijuana Card does not authorize residents or guests to possess or use medical or recreational marijuana on campus property.

Residents are strictly prohibited from entering the community if they emit a strong smell of marijuana. This policy aims to prevent disruptions caused by the smell of marijuana and uphold a peaceful and respectful living environment, promoting the well-being and comfort of all residents.

The use, possession, sale, manufacture, distribution, or attempt to do so of illegal drugs, hallucinogens, or controlled substances, or the evidence of such, including smoke, paraphernalia, or illegal substances, is prohibited in all student housing facilities. All persons in a room where there is evidence of drug use may be held responsible for the use. Being under the influence of illegal drugs, hallucinogens, or controlled substances is also prohibited. Violations of this section may result in immediate cancellation of the Student Housing License Agreement, referral to the University Police, and referral to the Office of Student Conduct.

FIRE SAFETY

Any tampering with fire detection systems, fire alarms, fire safety equipment, or fire-fighting equipment is prohibited. This includes alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, heat and smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire escapes, smoke/fire doors, exit signs, and audible/visual devices. All students are required to follow fire evacuation procedures. This includes evacuating whenever an alarm is sounded, regardless of whether the alarm is related to a scheduled drill or not. Tampering with fire safety equipment or sounding false fire alarms is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a $500.00 fine. Smoke detectors must remain in place and operable at all times. Students found violating this policy may be held financially responsible for the replacement and/or repair of damaged property.

FURNITURE

Furniture in residence halls, suites, apartments, study rooms, active rooms, and passive rooms are meant to be used by residents of the hall and, therefore, are not to be removed. If moved, there may be a fee to have furniture moved back to the appropriate area by Housing staff, and/or a fee for damaged furniture will also be assessed. Any such fee shall be prorated by room, suite, apartment, or floor in cases where individual responsibility cannot be ascertained.

*Any accommodations needed may be consulted with Disability Support Services.

GAMBLING

No student shall gamble for money or other valuables in the residence halls, suites, or apartments except as part of an authorized activity sanctioned by Housing and Residential Engagement.

GUESTS

A guest is defined as any individual who does not reside in a building or living space that they are visiting. This includes but is not limited to, residents who hold a Student Housing License Agreement for another living space in Student Housing, non-resident CSUF students, and non-CSUF students.

In preparation for a guest, residents must inform their guests of all CSUF Housing and Residential Engagement and University policies. Any resident hosting a guest is responsible for always accompanying their guest(s) while in the Student Housing area. Unescorted individuals found in Housing and Residential Engagement will be escorted off Student Housing property and/or cited by University Police for trespassing.

Housing and Residential Engagement reserves the right to hold any resident judicially and/or financially accountable if their guest(s) engage in misconduct, including, but not limited to, violating Housing and Residential Engagement policies, violating University policies, or engaging in behavior that results in damage to Student Housing facilities.

Residents may have a guest or visitor with the consent of their roommate(s)/suitemates/apartment mates for up to three nights within a two-week period. Residents in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action. The number of guests present must not violate fire occupancy restrictions.

All roommates must be consulted and agree to overnight guests. Any guest can be denied permission to stay by a roommate. However, it is recommended that roommates consider allowing reasonable accommodation to guests to promote a harmonious living environment. Residents who deny their roommates permission to host a guest should have specific reasons why the guest has been denied permission to visit.

All specific guest regulations must be determined and mutually agreed upon by the roommates within each room, suite, and/or apartment. If consensus cannot be met independently, the Resident Advisor can assist by creating a written agreement with all roommates.

Roommate/guest concerns should be directed to the Resident Advisor (RA), Community Coordinator (CC), or Associate Director for Residential Engagement, as they can assist with conflicts.

Cohabitation: Any form of cohabitation in CSUF Housing and Residential Engagement is prohibited.

Cohabitation is any form of one or more individuals living together in the same housing unit within CSUF Housing and Residential Engagement without meeting the specific requirements or conditions set by the housing management.

GRILL USE

The use of residential grills located at the oval in the apartment area is not permitted without prior approval from the housing office.

CSU Fullerton's Housing communities prohibit personal barbecue grills (gas, charcoal, or electric). Residents may only utilize barbecue grills installed by the university. Currently, barbecue grills are only located in the oval. Only charcoal may be used in university-designated barbecue grills. Other accelerants (gasoline, wood, wood chips, pellets, etc.) are not allowed. Charcoal and/or store-bought lighter fluid may not be stored in any student housing residential facility.

Students utilizing barbecue grills are responsible for being attentive to their barbecue and properly disposing of coals. Barbecues can only be used between 8 am to 10 pm. Individuals utilizing campus barbecues are required to follow the HRE quiet hour Community Standards. Improper use of barbecue facilities may result in a conduct referral.

HAMMOCKS

Hammocking is permitted on outdoor trees only if it does not cause substantial and permanent harm to the tree or any area of the Student Housing property. University and Housing and Residential Engagement staff can require any resident and/or guest to remove their hammock from the student housing property. Hammocking is prohibited inside any Student Housing facilities, patios, and/or balconies.

HARASSMENT: INCLUDING INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING

Per Executive Order 1097, Housing and Residential Engagement will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or bullying.

Harassment is defined as unwelcomed conduct engaged in because of a Protected Status that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered as limiting a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the University.

Intimidation is behavior that is disturbing or threatening to an individual or group, inciting fear of harm to person or property.

Bullying/Cyber Bullying is defined as the process of intimidating or mistreating somebody perceived to be weaker or in a vulnerable situation. Behaviors can be characterized as, but are not limited to, the following: stalking, name-calling, unwanted physical contact, and unwelcome verbal, electronic, or written communication.

Those involved in harassment, intimidation, or bullying will face student conduct actions and may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.