THE RULES OF RESIDENCEModule #2

Compiled by: Lara HofCommunity Standards Manager

QUARK: The smallest known particle, which is a part of all matter. Quarks

experience strong interaction and are never found in isolation. They are

constantly forming connections with other particles, creating larger groups and exchanges between said groups.

e-Learning

learn a little more about your role as Residence Life Staff and the Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS).

review the ‘practice questions’ about the rules of residence to help you prepare for the quiz.

discover what happens when students break the rules. know what the Student Staff Performance Guidelines

are all about. complete your homework - take the quiz – are you

ready?!?

Attention Returning RLS: You are welcome to casually review what you feel you need to in this module in order to pass the quiz.

Attention ALC: Despite your role being academically focused, with a strong emphasis on programming, you are still expected to know the rules of residence and to understand how an RA/Residence Manager manage student conduct in order to inform students.

And a little more about the Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS).

Understand the objectives of the RCLS

Understand the RCLS and the Residence Contract to help educate our students and review when necessary

Complete proper and necessary documentation for any policy violation

Assist students in making positive and self directed choices while living in residence

Trust your manager - there are a range of sanctions RLM/CAs may impose when dealing with a student

Understand that each case will be managed based on the individual involved while balancing the need to be consistent

Maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all students

Uphold the RCLS and familiarize yourself with the Student Staff Performance Guidelines.

You are expected to check in with students, follow up and debrief after an incident

occurs. Talk with the student about what happened as they sign the Incident Report (IR) or afterwards. This will be the key to building a positive relationship with your

students and shows you care.

further student development and enhance the academic experience

educate students around community standards and the effect that their choices may have on others around them

evaluate both the intent of an action and its impact

hold residents accountable for behaviour provide students with an opportunity to learn

from their behaviour

Level 1 - Actions by an individual(s) that interfere with the rights of another individual(s) to the peaceful use and enjoyment of his or her space in residence.

Level 2 - Actions by an individual(s) that create a significant nuisance and/or disturbance to an individual or community.

Level 3 - Actions by an individual(s) which: endanger the safety and security of themselves or another individual(s); and/or compromise personal or university property; and/or attack the dignity/integrity of an individual; and/or contravene the laws of the land.

Before you practice, read the Residence Student Handbook. You’ll find the Residence Community Living Standards inside!

Check out this link:Residence Student Handbook

A – skateboarding

B – inline skating

C – soccer

D – All of the Above

Level 1 OffencePhysically active games are not permitted in residence – this includes indoor sports + running and riding bikes in the halls!

A – a student’s room

B – the common area

C – the hallways

D – the front entrances of the buildings

A student’s room is considered a private space – to the extent that the police require a search warrant to search the

premises!

See Next Slide

Public AreasPublic areas include, but are not limited to: stairwells, hallways, foyers, lobbies, laundry rooms, study rooms, public washrooms, music rooms, storage rooms, elevators, desk areas, South street level, South alcoves, South TV lounges, East street level, and the public outdoor grounds of the university.

Private AreasStudents of legal age may consume alcohol in private areas, however, are limited to using single serving containers.Student rooms, including all bedrooms, suite common spaces in East Residence and townhouse living areas in the East Townhouse Village are considered private areas.

Other Designated AreasStudents of legal age may consume alcohol in other designated areas, however, are limited to using single serving containers. Other designated areas include, section lounges, games rooms, and kitchens. For additional building specific locations, please contact your Residence Life Manager or speak with a member of the Residence Life Staff.

A – kettle

B – halogen lamp

C – toaster

D – coffee maker

Level 3 OffenceThere are several ‘unauthorized items’ that are not permitted in residence: hot tubs, water beds, and

combustible fuels!Level 1 Offence

Electrical or other cooking appliances including but not limited to toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates

and microwaves ovens are permitted only in areas with approved kitchens.

A – lager

B – malt liquor

C – ale

D – all of the above

Level 1 OffenceA glass beer bottle is defined as a glass

container to contain any alcoholic beverage considered to be “beer,” “lager,” “malt

liquor,” “cider beer,” or “ale”. Beer bottles have proven to be a safety hazard in residence due to broken glass and

consequently glass beer bottles are prohibited in residence.

A – “I don’t like this student so they did it”

B – innocent until proven guilty

C – no direct evidence = I can’t do anything about this incident

D – the incident probably occurred – “more likely than not to have occurred”

The standard of proof has been met if at the conclusion of a student conduct meeting, based on all the credible

information, the Student Housing Services personnel involved believes that the

incident reported probably occurred.

A – fish – as useless as they are!

B – the family dog for a visit - my whole suite loves the little guy!

C – the stray cat from north – she’s super cute!

D – squirrels who eat through window screens in south!

Level 2 OffencePets allowed: non dangerous fish in

aquariums! Let’s not encourage feeding the stray cats or the squirrels!

A – the RLS on call

B – the RLM

C – the guest

D – the resident who is hosting the guest

The Level of Offence is dependant on the behaviour.

The host is always responsible for the conduct of their guest – even if they aren’t present or didn’t know it

happened! Encourage your students not to just let any ‘random’ be their guest! It’s not always wise to sign in

your friend’s friends! Who knows what they’ll do!

A – a mini keg, a Texas mickey, 1.5L of wine

B – a bubba, a 60, a magnum of wine

C – a tall boy, a 40, 1L of wine

D – anything – just don’t drink it all at once

Level 3 OffenceA large volume container is defined as a container

holding more than 500mL of beer in a single container or 1.18L/40 ounces of any other type of

alcohol, including but not limited to wines and spirits. Possession of or consumption from

“common source” alcohol containers is also prohibited, for example bubbas, kegs of any size

and Texas Mickeys.

A – both people agree to engage in the behaviour

B – the behaviour is not intentional

C – it’s not

D – it’s a sport

Any student who engages in violent behaviour regardless of the intention may

face consequences.

A – after the RLS have evacuated

B – the fire department has arrived

C – the fire bells stop ringing

D – within 10 minutes of the initial alarm

Level 3 OffenceAll students are expected to have

evacuated by this time – if not – it may be considered ‘failure to evacuate’ and can

result in being sanctioned.

A – candle

B – incense

C – fireworks

D – holiday lights approved by CSA

Explosives - Level 2 (possession) + 3 (use) Offence Candles/Incense – Level 2 Offence

Students are not permitted LIT candles/incense unless they have the RLM’s permission. Holiday lights

are permitted within reason and are to be placed away from other items that could heat up!

Students may speak with their RLM regarding religious accommodations.

A – propping a fire door open

B – tampering with fire extinguishers

C – tampering with smoke detectors

D – tampering with pull stations & alarm bells

Propping Doors – Level 1 OffenceFire Safety Equipment – Level 3 Offence

Propping doors is still an offence under the Residence Community Living Standards for fire and safety reasons however the others are all considered laws of the land and may lead to

eviction.

A – 2 guests

B – 4 guests

C – 1 guest

D – however many it takes for a good party

Level 1 OffenceEach resident is permitted to host up to two guests

at any one time in their own residence building.

Residents are expected to sign their guests in at the residence desks and obtain a wristband.

A – derogatory emails

B – voice mail messages & text messages

C – bullying & hazing

D – all of the above

Level 2 + 3 Offence dependant on the nature of the behaviour.

Harassment is defined as any attention or conduct (oral, written, graphic, electronic or physical) by an

individual or group who know, or ought to reasonably know, that such attention or conduct is unwelcome/unwanted, offensive or intimidating.

A – need to get their personal belongings

B – have permission or direction from an RLM/Desk Staff

C – need to perform a room check immediately

D – know the student is not home and are just going to take a peak around for posters taken from your favourite new bulletin board

RLS are required to obtain the desk staff’s permission before entering a room even to simply shut off an

alarm clock/turn down music. The RLMOC must be notified for all other key in

requests. Please remember – keying into a student’s PRIVATE room is a big deal! They have rights too. Leave them

a note to let them know you were there and why. Always take another RLS with you.

A – at the Residence Desk

B – online

C – this form doesn’t exist

D – A+B

Level 1 OffenceResidents must sign in their guests at residence

desks by completing the Guest Sign In form. Forms are also available online. All Guests must wear the

wristband issued by the Residence Desk Staff throughout their stay in residence.

A – 11:00pm to 8:00am Sunday through Wednesday and from 1:00am to 8:00am Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

B – all the time

C – 11:00pm to 8:00am Sunday to Thursday and from 1:00am to 8:00am Friday and Saturday evenings.

D – when the RLS is home otherwise – go nuts!

Level 1 Offence

A – on the roof (except during a fire evacuation)

B – in tunnels + attics

C – on window ledges + certain balconies

D – all of the above

Restricted Areas - Level 3 Offence

A – clothes are on the line – nobody needs to see that!

B – there is an exchange of money

C – a gaming operation has been set up

D – all of the above

Level 2 - Participating in and/or running gaming-related events (when there is an exchange of

money) is not permitted in residence. This includes but is not limited to, poker nights, hockey pools, and

raffles/draws/bingo. Level 3 - Participating in and/or running an illegal

gambling or gaming-related operation, when there is an exchange of money, is prohibited.

A – when everyone is having fun and full of liquid courage!

B – 5 people in a lounge, drinking with a reasonable level of noise

C – 8 people in a lounge chatting and eating a nice ‘home cooked’ dinner while drinking wine – it’s 6pm.

D – over the maximum capacity of a room or 7 or more people in a designated area, with alcohol + it’s loud!

Unregistered Function - Level 2 Offence

See Next Slide

The following section of the Alcohol Policy outlines set standards for groups of students wishing to host functions. A function is defined as any social gathering over and above the maximum capacity of a residence room or more than seven individuals in a designated area that meets one or both of the following criteria:a) Alcohol is being consumed as one of the primary activities of the gathering;b) Music is a major part of the atmosphere and the volume is such that it is too loud to be defined as “background music.”

A gathering with no alcohol, no elevated noise level, and no impact to other residents (i.e. a study group) will likely not be addressed by the Residence Life Staff. Since the above definition can be vague under certain circumstances, defining a gathering as a function is ultimately the discretion of the Residence Life Staff.

A – during Orientation, Homecoming + end of classes each semester

B – it should be all the time! Some of them are quite rude

C – during quiet hours

D – during reading break

Level 1 Offence

A – interfering with a residence program/activity

B – behaviour deemed to be a nuisance

C – intimidation

D – all of the above

Level 2 Offence - Creating or permitting behaviour in the residence or during an

authorized residence event which is a nuisance to residents, Student Housing Services or the

surrounding community is not permitted.

Level 3 Offence - Students have the responsibility not to intimidate, interfere with, threaten, or otherwise obstruct any person or activity organized by the University, including

Residence Life Staff programs.

A – anybody, anytime!

B – any student, however, they need to meet the grounds for appeal

C – a Residence Life Manager

D – the Community Standards Manager

Grounds for Appeal:1. A lack of procedural fairness which impacted

the outcome of the decision. For example; bias, improper investigation or process, unfair treatment, and/or discrimination.

2. The given sanction does not suit the behaviour/offense involved.

3. New information has come to light rendering the original decision unreasonable in light of the original evidence presented.

A – a paintball gun

B – a fencing foil

C – a decorative sword

D – all of the above

Level 3 OffenceFirearms and any other weapon or item that is created or intended to cause harm, could be seen as intimidating or

mistaken for a weapon is strictly prohibited.

A – email the Residence Life Manager

B – talk with Irene

C – fill out an Appeal Request Form

D – meet with a member of IHC

•A resident has 3 business days from the date they receive their residence sanction letter from a Residence Life Manager or Community Assistant to submit an Appeal Request Form.

•Appeal Request Forms can be picked up from a Residence Life Manager, Student Housing Services or downloaded from the Student Housing Services website

•Appeal Request Forms are to be submitted to the Community Standards Manager.

A – it was an emergency situation

B – it was an accident, the student is apologetic

C – they were impaired due to drugs or alcohol

D – a viable mental illness, the student is receiving help

Students are responsible for their own behaviour. As such, ignorance, anger,

alcohol or substance abuse will not be accepted as an excuse, reason or rationale

for unacceptable behaviour.

A – pipes & bongs

B – roach clips & scales

C – any equipment used to produce, conceal or consume illegal drugs or substances.

D – all of the above

Drug paraphernalia is not permitted in residence and can be confiscated by the

Residence Life Staff.

A – Stacey must have written permission from Kevin to show RLS

B – Stacey needs to sign out Kevin’s spare key.

C – Kevin needs to call the desk staff.

D – Kevin needs to leave his window open so Stacey can climb in.

Level 2 Offence - UNAUTHORIZED ENTRYEntering another student’s room/suite or disturbing another resident’s property without the permission of the resident is

not permitted. Students must have written permission to enter another student’s room and may do so only while being escorted by Student Housing Services personnel.

Level 3 Offence – ILLEGAL ENTRYStudents are not to be in possession of unauthorized keys or to enter any area by manipulating the lock, door, or window. Unauthorized entry for the purpose of wrong doing, causing

damage or stealing is prohibited.

A – anyone staying in residence after 1:00 am + a resident visiting a building they are not assigned to

B – any non-resident of a residence building, including residents of other University of Guelph residence buildings and individuals residing off-campus.

C – anyone who is invited to, accompanied on, accepted or admitted to the residence property

D – all of the above

A Guest is any non-resident of a residence building, including residents of other University of Guelph residence buildings and individuals residing off-campus. Anyone who is invited to, accompanied

on, accepted or admitted to the residence property is deemed to be a guest of that resident. An

Overnight Guest is anyone staying in residence after 1:00 am (this includes residents from other

buildings). An On-Campus Guest is a resident visiting a building they are not assigned to. Note: Under this policy South Residence is considered

one building.

Find out what happens

Residence Life Staff complete documentation – Incident Report.

An RLM/CA does an investigation and assesses what level of offence might have occurred.

The investigation typically includes a Student Conduct Meeting with those involved.

> The meeting between the RLM/CA and the resident reported to have violated the RCLS.

> A RLM or a resident involved may request a student conduct meeting. The resident is entitled to information regarding the nature, time and date of the reported offence.

> The resident involved will be given the opportunity to speak on their own behalf and share the account of the incident as they understand it.

> Following a student conduct meeting, a resident will receive a Residence Sanction Letter.

A formal letter outlining whether or not the resident has been found in violation of the RCLS or not. If the resident IS in violation of the standards, the letter will highlight the details of the incident and offence as well as the assigned sanctions. If the resident IS NOT in violation of the standards, the letter will reflect this outcome.

Residence sanction letters will be written by an RLM/CA, AD or Lara depending on the nature of the offence.

Warning Letter Community &

Educational Sanctions Referral Loss of Privileges Behavioural Contract Probation

◦ Alcohol, Guest, Residence

Behaviour Bond Fines Restitution Postings Transfer Residence Eligibility Eviction Charges through the

Judicial Committee

Each level of offence is associated with a possible range of sanctions. Multiple offences can escalate to a higher range of sanctioning. The number and nature of the offences may impact the outcome of the decision making process.

For example: residents who commit three (3) or more Level 1 Offences will warrant, at minimum, the range of sanctions for Level 2 Offences.

Encourage students to speak with their RLM/CA, again!

If not, let them know they can file an appeal with Lara.

There is a lot of information online to help with all the questions. Lara is also willing to meet with students.

Students must have grounds to appeal. If an appeal is granted, the student can

choose between the AD or the appeal board.

Ask your Residence Life Manager

Ask Lara via the RLS Bloghttp://www.guelphrls.blogspot.com/

All Residence Life Staff members are expected to complete an online quiz. The

quiz can be found on the evaluation website. Just click on the link.

You are expected to obtain 80% or higher! The quiz must be completed by move in day. You only have one shot to complete the quiz. If you fail the quiz, you win a date with your

Residence Life Manager.

You can find the quiz on the e-Learning Website.

Check out www.uoguelph.ca/housing, Communities & Buildings, The HUB

Programming

NOTE: There are two quizzes. One for NEW STAFF, and one for RETURNING STAFF.