Community Handbook:Community Standards

Community Standards are designed to support a safe and respectful environment where students can thrive. We approach policy enforcement as an opportunity for learning, reflection, and restoring trust within the community. In addition to the Code of Student Conduct, residents are required to abide by Residential Living and Learning Community Standards. Any violations of the following policies and those outlined in the Code of Student Conduct may result in the student being referred to the student conduct process.

Alcohol

In accordance with System Police 34.03, Alcoholic Beverages- alcohol is permitted in “University Apartments and Residence Hall room (individuals 21 years or older).” Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the assigned spaces of residents under 21 years of age. Residents who are at least 21 years of age are permitted to have alcohol in their assigned bedroom (this does not include common areas) in accordance with Texas law. Texas law requires individuals must be at least 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. In addition to this, all residents are held to the following standards:

1. Residents are prohibited from being in possession of empty alcohol containers, including decoration.
2. Residents are prohibited from possessing items that can be used for rapid consumption. Examples include but are not limited to, shot glasses (if under 21), funnels, ice luges, and kegs.
3. Residents less than 21 years of age, many not knowingly be in the presence of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol.
4. Residents will not possess, share, sell, or use kegs, beer bongs, beer balls, or other common-source containers of alcohol, nor will they possess a large quantity of alcohol or alcohol containers intended for or used by a group rather than an individual.
5. Residents may not be visibly intoxicated.
6. Residents will not manufacture or sell alcohol either directly or indirectly.
7. Residents may not display advertisements of alcohol that are visible outside of their assigned residence hall/apartment.
8. Residents will not provide or serve alcohol to anyone less than 21 years of age, nor will they host or promote an event where alcohol is present and any guest who is less than 21 years of age is in attendance.
9. Residents will not possess or consume alcohol in public places, including, but not limited to, lounges, study rooms, hallways, entryways, elevators, stairwells, balconies, terraces, and decks. If the door of the residence hall room/apartment is open, the space is considered a public place.
10. Residents' guests, regardless of age, are not permitted to consume alcohol.

Arson

Starting a fire, no matter the size, inside a residence hall, apartment, or in the surrounding outdoor areas, is strictly prohibited. This includes intentionally setting fire to items on doors, bulletin boards, furniture, trash, or any other flammable material. Violations may also be subject to state or local fire laws and can result in disciplinary action. Grilling is only permitted in designated outdoor grill areas and must follow all posted safety rules and regulations.

Assistance or Service Animals

Assistance Animals (as defined by the Fair Housing Act; sometimes called Emotional Support Animals) and Service Animals (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) are permitted in residence halls and university apartments. Students requiring an assistance animal must obtain approval from the Office of Student Disability Services and Residential Living and Learning before bringing the animal to campus. Assistance Animals (per the Fair Housing Act) are only allowed in the student's assigned apartment or room.

Requests for assistance animals must be approved in writing before bringing the animal to campus. Residents approved for an assistance animal must follow guidelines set by the Office of Student Disability Services and Residential Living and Learning to maintain approval to keep the animal in the residential community.

Please contact the Office of Student Disability Services, located at Gee Library, Room 162, or call (903) 468-5150 to start the approval process or if you need an assistance animal in the residence hall or university apartments.

Bicycles/Skateboards/Scooters

Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar devices may only be secured to designated bike racks. Securing them to permanent fixtures, such as trees, railings, benches, or inside residence halls, is prohibited. Items found attached to unauthorized fixtures will be removed at the owner's expense.

All bicycles, scooters, and similar devices must be registered with the University Police Department (UPD). Unregistered items may be removed from University property. Any bicycles, scooters, or skateboards left behind after each academic year will be removed by Residential Living and Learning and handled according to University policy.

Business/Private Enterprise

Residents are not permitted to use their assigned residential space, common areas, or any University-owned or managed residential property, including the physical address or University-provided internet connection, to conduct or promote private entrepreneurial or commercial activities. This restriction applies to residents as well as their family members, guests, or other visitors.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Operating a business from your residence hall room, suite, apartment, or any other University housing space.
2. Using your University address as a business mailing address or registered business location.
3. Selling goods or services, including but not limited to running an online store that uses your room for storage, packaging, or shipping.
4. Hosting parties, gatherings, or events where an entry fee is charged or products are sold.
5. Offering paid services, such as haircuts, beauty services, tutoring for profit (unless officially approved by the University), or other commercial ventures, within University housing facilities.
6. Using University-provided internet or network resources to run a commercial website, online store, or other private enterprise.

These restrictions are in place to maintain the intended educational and residential purpose of University housing, ensure the safety and privacy of residents, and comply with zoning, tax, and legal obligations.

Cooking

Cooking in the residence halls and apartments is only permitted with approved appliances (see the Unapproved Appliances and Household Items policy for more details). Residents are responsible for ensuring that proper sanitation, ventilation, and fire safety measures are followed. Cooking is permitted only in apartment kitchens and residence hall community kitchens, unless a microwave is used. Community kitchens must be kept clean at all times (dishes washed, food stored properly, etc.). Any damages caused by improper use of kitchens or food disposal will be billed to the responsible individual(s).

Cooperation with Residential Living and Learning Staff

Your Residential Living and Learning (RLL) staff members, including Resident Assistants, Desk Assistants, Community Directors, and other professional and student staff, are considered University officials. Residents are expected to cooperate fully and respectfully with RLL staff at all times while they are performing their job duties.

Residents are required to comply promptly with any reasonable request or directive made by RLL staff, including but not limited to:

• Providing identification upon request.
• Following instructions related to health, safety, or building security.
• Responding to concerns about noise, cleanliness, or other community standards.
• Participating in required meetings or follow-up conversations regarding community standards.

Verbal or physical abuse, harassment, threats, intimidation, or any form of disrespect directed toward RLL staff members is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This includes hostile or aggressive behavior in person, over the phone, via electronic communication, or through social media.

Failure to comply with staff requests or engaging in abusive or disrespectful behavior toward staff may result in conduct action, removal from their residence hall or apartment, and/or other University disciplinary measures as outlined in the Community Handbook and/or Student Code of Conduct.

Cooperation with staff helps maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive residential community for all residents. Residents are encouraged to communicate openly and respectfully with staff and to bring any concerns or complaints to the appropriate supervisor or the Residential Living and Learning main office for resolution.

Damage to Residential Living and Learning Property

Damage to or vandalism of (including littering) Residential Living and Learning property is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to failure to take personal trash to the dumpster, negligence/failure to notify RLL of maintenance issues that worsen over time, such as leaks and/or mold, and disorderly conduct or defacing (intentionally or unintentionally) of any internal or external residence hall spaces. If a specific person cannot be identified or there is reason to believe community members are responsible, the entire floor/wing/community may be billed for damages to the area.

Odors from trash, food, personal belongings, or other sources that disrupt community living, attract pests, or damage property are not permitted. Residents may be required to address odor concerns promptly and could be held responsible for any necessary cleaning, pest control, or damage resulting from failure to manage odors appropriately.

Door Propping/Pulling

Due to safety concerns, propping or forceful pulling open any residence hall door, including laundry room doors, is strictly prohibited. Residents responsible for this violation will be charged $50 per instance to their student account.

Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia

In accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, possession, consumption, sales, and/ or manufacturing of illegal drugs are prohibited by Texas State Law. Additionally, items that could be considered drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to vaporizers, tobacco wrapping paper, and “bongs,” are prohibited.

Fire Safety

All residence halls and apartments are equipped with fire safety equipment. This includes but is not limited to smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, pull stations, fire and evacuation signs, and fire exit doors. Residents and their guests are required to abide by the following policies and guidelines:

1. Residents are not permitted to tamper with or destroy fire safety equipment. Please see the Code of Conduct.
2. Residents are required to exit the building during all fire alarms.
3. Residents are not permitted to possess items with an open flame, whether lit or not, such as candles.
4. Residents are permitted one UL-approved power strip per wall outlet and are prohibited from plugging one power strip into another. All major appliances (refrigerators and microwaves) must be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Extension cords, including light strings, are prohibited.
5. Residents are prohibited from pulling on or propping any Fire Exit or Exterior Building Door.
6. Emergency exits are to be used for emergency evacuations. The misuse of emergency exits will be documented and handled judicially, which could result in a fine and/ or disciplinary action.
7. Paths to the exit door, windows, hallways, and safety equipment should be kept clear at all times.
8. Fireworks, Smoke Bombs, and Explosives of any kind are not permitted within the entire campus community.
9. Only 20% of each side of room doors may be decorated.
10. Tampering with the electrical/wiring system, painting, and installing any additional property is prohibited.
11. Covering or removing smoke detectors may incur a fine of up to $500 and may result in removal from Housing.
12. Storing or using electric vehicles (e.g., e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, etc.), including batteries, is not permitted and may incur a fine of up to $500, confiscation, and/or resident removal from Housing.

Furniture

Each student’s room is provided with the proper RLL furniture. Residents are to abide by the following:

1. Residents are prohibited from placing furniture to block access to windows, air vents, air conditioning, and heating units.
2. Residents are prohibited from placing furniture provided by Residential Living and Learning outdoors, including patios.
3. At the conclusion of their contract, residents are required to return all furniture to its original position and location within their assigned space.
4. Residents are required to report any damage to or missing furniture during the term of their contract. Intentional damage, damage resulting from negligence, or failure to follow Community Standards will likely result in fines and/or fees for repair or replacement.
5. Residents are prohibited from removing University furniture from their space/room.
6. Residents are prohibited from utilizing a waterbed within their room.
7. Residents are prohibited from utilizing additional furniture within their room without approval from their Community Director (CD).

Gambling

The State of Texas prohibits gambling, whether for money or not, from occurring on the University premises. Residents are prohibited from participating in gambling activities.

Guests/Visitation

Guests are any person(s) who is a non-student, student, or resident of a different residential space than your own. Each resident may host up to two (2) guests at any given time. However, residents must register any guests they choose to host through the front desk of their residential community. All unapproved guests will be asked to depart the residential community immediately. Additionally, when hosting guests, residents must adhere to the following:

• The resident(s) is not permitted to have more than the maximum number of individuals in their assigned room/suite/apartment at a time.
  • Max Guests for the Entire Unit
    • Pride Rock and Phase II = 4 (+2 occupants) = 6 individuals
    • Phase III = 4 (+2 occupants) = 6 individuals
    • Phase III Single = 2 (+1 occupant) = 3 individuals
    • Whitley Hall Single = 2 (+1 occupant) = 3 individuals
    • Prairie Crossing/New Pride 2/2 = 4 (+2 occupants) = 6 individuals
    • Prairie Crossing/New Pride 4/2 = 2 (+4 occupants) = 6 individuals
    • Prairie Crossing 1-bed = 2 (+1 occupant) = 3 individuals
• Resident(s) planning to have overnight guests must receive permission from any roommates/apartment-mates/suitemates at least 24 hours in advance and register their guest at the front desk of their residential community. Overnight guests may not stay more than 48 hours unless the host has been granted permission by their respective Community Director (CD).
• Resident(s) are responsible for accompanying any guest while the guest is in the residential community (i.e., do not leave a guest in your space while you go to class, do not let your guest go to other floors without you, etc.).
• No guests are permitted during winter break aside from fellow residents approved to stay over break assigned to the same residential community.
• Residents are responsible for their guests’ behavior, including whether the guests comply with the directives of any University employee.
• Cohabitation in the residence halls is a violation of the contract between the Department of Residential Living and Learning and the resident. Cohabitation is defined as hosting any visitor (resident or non-resident) exceeding 48 hours within a given week without permission from the Community Director (CD).

Guns/Firearms

In accordance with university and state law regulations for firearms on campus, the possession of guns/ firearms without a license is prohibited. The open carrying of handguns is prohibited on campus with or without a license (see Texas Government Code Section 411.2031 and Texas A&M University system policy 34.06.02R1). Any resident of campus housing who has a handgun license holder and wants to store a handgun in his/her assigned room must provide their own safe, intended and manufactured for handgun storage. The resident may not provide access to their safe to any other individual. Failure to comply with this rule may result in removal from campus housing and will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. For additional information regarding guns/firearms on campus, please visit the Handguns on Campus website.

Horseplay and Pranks

Water fights, water balloons, water guns, toy guns, darts, and any other horseplay, including wrestling and running in the hallways or lounges with water and/or other substances, are prohibited. Residents will face disciplinary actions and/or be held responsible for any damages related to this behavior.

Health and Safety Inspections (HSIs)

Residential Living and Learning (RLL) staff will conduct Health and Safety Inspections (HSIs) four to six times yearly. These checks will be announced and made to ensure that University property is being used properly, that reasonable standards of room cleanliness, safety, and sanitation are being observed, that maintenance needs are reported, that RLL procedures are being followed, and that all directives of the State Fire Marshal and Fire Safety procedures are being adhered to. Residents do not have to be present during Health and Safety Inspections.

Identification/Keys

Residents are provided with a Lion Card or Mobile Credentials, which, in some cases, serves as their room key. For other residents, access to their space is provided via a physical key, which is issued to them during the move-in process. For the safety of our community, keys are issued only to residents for access to their assigned room/apartment. Lion Card and Mobile Credentials are encoded to grant access to the designated doors equipped with card readers. The Lion Card/Mobile Credential access will only function for the assigned community of residence (for example, in New Pride, you have a physical key to your space, but your student ID allows access to the laundry facilities within New Pride).

Residents are required to abide by the following requirements regarding Identification and Keys:

1. Lion Cards and physical keys are the property of ETAMU and are non-transferable. Possession of a Lion Card or physical key by anyone other than the owner is a violation of University regulations. Using a Lion Card or physical key by anyone other than the owner will result in the resident going through the conduct process and is subject to criminal prosecution.
2. Residents and their guests are required to provide identification (preferably a Lion Card) to Front Desk staff upon entry to any residential community and/or when requested by Residential Living and Learning staff. Failure to provide identification may result in being escorted from the building, criminal prosecution, and/ or going through the conduct process.
3. To control the inventory of the keys, duplication of University keys is prohibited.

Noise/Courtesy Hours

Quiet hours are in effect every day from 10:00 pm to 10:00 am. Residents and their guests are expected to be considerate of their roommates and neighbors 24 hours a day. This includes noise from surrounding apartments or rooms, residential facilities (such as lobbies, kitchens, etc.), and residential parking lots/garages.

24-hour quiet hours will begin the week before exam week of each semester and remain in effect until the conclusion of the exam period.

Pets

Fish are the only pets permitted in the residence halls and may only utilize one tank, no more than 10 gallons in size. Any pet or proof of a pet, including stray animals, found in or around a resident's room must be removed immediately. Failure to do so will result in a fine of $500, plus $100/day until removal. Residential Living and Learning and/ or SSC staff will inspect the resident's living space upon confirmation that the animal has been removed to assess any damage. Residents may be assessed additional charges for additional cleaning/disinfecting/ damage, as well as a $100 per day charge for any pet and pet items that were not immediately removed.

Please note that if a full carpet replacement is necessary, the minimum cost begins at $3,500. If you are aware of any stray animals in the area, please contact UPD at (903) 886-5868 to request removal. For information about Assistance Animals, see Assistance Animals policy.

Prohibited Items

Due to safety and security concerns, the following items are strictly prohibited within residence halls and apartments: electrical balance/hoverboards/scooters/skateboards, sun lamps/tanning beds, shopping carts, string lights, scented plug-ins, warmers, multiple socket boxes, electric blankets, gasoline cans, candles, incense, oil lamps, extension cords, and space heaters. This list is not all-inclusive; any item that poses health and safety risks to the community, damages university property, or negatively affects building functions and operations is prohibited.

Restricted Areas

All residents and their guests must follow the policies regarding restricted areas:

1. No student shall enter any residential building, office, attic, roof, or other restricted area within the residential community. This includes fire exits and side doors.
2. Students who have been trespassed from a residence hall floor, building, or area are required to follow the stipulations of that agreement.

Room Modifications/Decoration

Residence halls and apartments are equipped with items deemed fire-preventative and safe. Residents must follow these policies regarding room modifications and decorations:

1. Residents must leave their rooms in the same condition as noted in their room condition report.
2. Painting rooms is not allowed.
3. Using command strips or other materials to hang items is prohibited, as these can damage walls by removing paint. Violating this policy will result in a fee being charged to the student's account.
4. Industrial pushpins and small picture-hanging nails may be used to hang items.
5. Items placed in windows that the University finds offensive and/or obscene must be removed immediately; failure to comply may lead to a conduct process.
6. Additional lock mechanisms cannot be installed on room doors.
7. Residents are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear to residential facilities.
8. The use of double-sided tape is prohibited on all surfaces due to potential damage.
9. Mounting televisions on the walls is not permitted at any time.

Any damages resulting from violations of these policies may be charged to the student's account.

Room Occupancy

Residential Living and Learning (RLL) reserves the right to limit the number of individuals in an apartment, residence hall room, or at university apartment or residence hall events if there are safety concerns or if noise levels violate quiet hours or courtesy hour rules.

Solicitation

Residential Living and Learning (RLL) prohibits soliciting by students, outside groups, student organizations, or companies in the residence halls without prior approval from the Director of RLL or designee.

Smoking/Tobacco/Vaping

To protect the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, as well as to maintain the physical condition of university-owned property, smoking, vaping, and tobacco use are prohibited inside and adjacent to any building owned, leased, or operated by ETAMU. All residence halls and apartments, including public seating areas outside and adjacent to them, will be smoke-, vapor-, and tobacco-free. The smell of smoke, ashes, tobacco, or any combination of these substances, as well as other evidence of smoking or tobacco use, will be documented and addressed through the conduct process. This may result in a fine of up to $500 or the termination of the student's housing contract.

Tampering with Locks

Residents should ensure their assigned space remains secure at all times and that locks function properly. Tampering with locks, including disabling or breaking them, is strictly prohibited.

Theft

In accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, theft of any kind, including seizing, receiving, or concealing property with the knowledge that it has been stolen, is prohibited. Sale, possession, or misappropriation of any property or services without the owner's permission is also prohibited.

Traffic Signs

Residents may not remove, store, or be in possession (including having their assigned living space) of traffic signs. In accordance with the State of Texas Transportation Code Section, Residents are not allowed to remove, store, or possess traffic signs, including those in their assigned living spaces. According to Texas Transportation Code Section 544.005, it is illegal to possess any traffic sign, including but not limited to state, city, directional, and informational signs.

Unapproved Appliances and Household Items

To ensure a safe environment for all residents, all items brought into the residence halls and apartments must be approved for use. Items with an open heating source or that pose a fire safety risk are not allowed in any residence hall or apartment. This includes, but is not limited to, halogen lamps or bulbs, hot plates, rice cookers, air fryers, crockpots, coffee makers, deep fryers, broilers, and toaster ovens.

Unoccupied Room/Bed Spaces

If a resident is occupying a room, suite, or apartment without a roommate or suitemate at any time, they are responsible for keeping belongings out of the vacant space and may not use that space in any way. New residents may move in without prior notice. Therefore, no belongings may be stored in or under additional furniture or closets, and the bed may not be used for storage or to host guests. Failure to follow this policy will result in sanctions, which could include fines or fees.

Weapons

In accordance with ETAMU System Policy 34.06.02, weapons are not allowed in the residential community or in vehicles on Residential Living and Learning property without proper authorization. Due to safety and security concerns, the following items are strictly prohibited within the residence halls: Weapons that may cause damage to the building or to other students including, but not limited to paintball guns, airsoft guns, nerf-type guns, ammunition, pellet or BB guns, slingshots, arrows, axes, machetes, brass knuckles, nun chucks, throwing stars, Tasers, knives, and guns/ firearms (without a license to carry). See the Guns/ Firearms policy for guidance on the legal possession of firearms around campus.

Windows and Window Screens

Windows, including screens, may not be removed or altered in any way. In instances where windows have been permanently locked due to safety concerns, residents are not permitted to alter, unscrew, or unlock them. No articles may be thrown or hung out of windows. The threshold of all windows and balconies may not be crossed at any time for any reason.

Wireless Routers

Boldyn Networks, an outside contractor, provides wireless service for the residential communities. Residents are not allowed to have routers. The use of a router in residential communities is a policy violation.