Residential Community Standards

The success of the residence hall community depends on the willingness of each resident to accept personal responsibility as a member of this community. To this end, the following policies and procedures are designed to protect the right to privacy, to promote an atmosphere conducive to learning, to protect personal and WPI property, and to respect the needs of each individual. All residents are expected to abide by these regulations, and by any WPI regulations outlined in the “Campus Planner and Resource Guide.” Should a resident or his/her guest choose not to comply with these regulations, judicial action may follow. Possible consequences include, but are not limited to, financial liabilities, probation, dismissal from the residence halls and/or WPI, or other civil action. Violations of residence hall policy will be adjudicated by an administrative hearing officer, or if the situation warrants, the Campus Hearing Board. All policies and procedures outlined herein apply to residents living in any facility used as a residence hall.

A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Students living or visiting residence hall facilities are expected to abide by the rules, regulations, and standards of the campus now in effect. Residents must also comply with the terms and conditions of occupancy as stated in the housing agreement. In addition, all of the laws of the state of Massachusetts are in effect at all times. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly fashion while residing in the residence hall community. Any behaviors deemed as disruptive to sleeping or studying are prohibited. Attempting, aiding, abetting, or being an accessory to any act prohibited in the residence halls, or by the Campus Code of Conduct, is strictly prohibited.

B. UNIVERSITY LIMITS OF LIABILITY: Students shall not hold the university liable, financially or otherwise, for any expense, loss, or damage resulting from violation of these rules, regulations or standards, or because of the negligence of any student.

C. PERSONAL PROPERTY: Worcester Polytechnic Institute assumes no liability for the loss or damage, from any cause, to students' personal property. It is suggested that students contact an insurance agent regarding insuring personal property. We suggest that you record the serial numbers of all valuable equipment kept in your room. (In the event of theft, this information is needed by the police to investigate the matter.)

D. COOPERATION: Students must follow oral or written instructions regarding university regulations or state laws as given by authorized representatives of the university including all members of the residence hall staff. Students must present their university identification cards to the residence hall staff upon request. Failure to cooperate with staff members acting in accordance of their duties is prohibited.

E. ENTRY INTO STUDENT ROOMS BY UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS: Residential Services reserves the right to grant WPI staff members or authorized agents permission to enter student rooms for the purpose of assessing and repairing the physical facilities and to ensure the maintenance of appropriate health and safety standards.

F. OCCUPANCY POLICIES:

  1. Room Changes. A room change freeze is in effect for the first two weeks of Term A and C so that staff may ascertain accurate occupancy information. Room change requests should be first discussed with your Resident Advisor. The proper paperwork must be obtained from Residential Services and completed before making a room change. If approval for a room change is granted, the student must complete the proper check-out and check-in procedure with the Resident Advisor. Students who move without going through the above procedures will be subject to disciplinary action.
  2. Term D Closing. The residence halls close each year at noon on the day following the last day of classes. All students are expected to have turned in their keys, checked out with their RA's and removed all belongings from the residence halls by this time. Failure to turn in a key when vacating a residence hall will result in a lock change order and a charge to the student's damage account.
    Students who have academic requirements to complete may request an extension of their housing contract. Such requests should be made to Residential Services at least one week prior to the last day of classes. Requests for extensions will not be considered after this time.
  3. Winter Recess and Term Breaks. The residence halls close during the winter holiday recess. Dates of closing and re-opening are posted in the residence halls. The residence halls remain open during other term breaks.

G. CARE AND USE OF FACILITIES: The University requires proper care and use of residence hall facilities at all times. Registered occupants of each room are responsible for keeping their room and its contents in good order and free from damage by themselves and others. The following are policies related to use of residential facilities:

  1. Sports or similar activities (for example, Frisbee, rollerblading, skateboarding, basketball, golf, football) are not allowed in lounges, residential corridors, stairwells, or any public area of the residence hall.
  2. The furnishings provided in the lounges, dining halls and other public areas of the residence hall are there for the use of all students and may not be “relocated” for use in student rooms. A standard charge of $50 is assessed against students if common area furniture is found in their rooms.
  3. Students are not permitted to paint their rooms.
  4. Screens and windows must remain in place at all times. Students are prohibited from throwing or hanging any items out of their windows. Banners of any kind may not be displayed outside a window.
  5. Students are not permitted on the roofs of any residence hall at any time.
  6. Tampering with equipment such as elevators, vending machines, laundry machines, or fire and safety equipment, etc. is prohibited.
  7. Individual antennas may not be attached to or hung from any residence hall.
  8. Bicycles may be stored in a resident’s room with the permission of all room occupants. Bicycles may not be stored in common areas or stairwells because they represent a hazard that may obstruct a fire exit. Mopeds or motorcycles are not permitted inside residence halls or apartments.
  9. Waterbeds are not permitted in any residence facility.

H. DAMAGE POLICY AND DAMAGE DEPOSIT: During the first term of residence, the student is assessed a damage deposit, which is held to cover any outstanding damage charges at the time the resident permanently leaves the residence halls. Charges for repair costs of individual damages during the year will be deducted from the damage deposit. Damage to the student rooms and furnishings beyond normal wear and tear is the financial responsibility of the assigned occupants of the room. The damage deposit, less any outstanding charges, will be credited to the student’s account and appear as a credit on their next bill.

One of our goals is to focus students’ attention on the need to accept responsibility for the governance of their own community. Students should encourage their fellow residents to share in accepting the responsibility for ensuring that WPI property is not damaged or stolen. Individuals identified as being responsible for damage, theft or losses in common areas of the building will be billed for the cost of repair or replacement. Any student aware of any person responsible for specific damages should contact their RA or SHD. If damage occurs on a floor or in public areas of the residence halls, and it is impossible to determine the individual(s) responsible, residents of the floor or building will share the financial responsibility for such damage. Any intentional damage to WPI property, or to property on WPI premises belonging to others, may result in disciplinary action.

I. COOKING: For health and safety reasons, cooking is allowed only in kitchen areas.

  1. Microwaves are allowed in residence hall rooms, but must be maintained by residents in the room. Refrigerators are permitted but they must be 4.3 cubic feet or less or use no more that 120 volts (2 amps) of electricity.
  2. The following appliances are not allowed in the residence halls: hot plates, hot pots, electric skillets, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills, and any appliances that do not have a thermostat. Apartment residents are not permitted to have gas grills.

J. QUIET HOURS:

  1. Within the residence halls, each roommate has equal rights to inhabit his/her room and to have reasonable privacy and peace in that room. To this end, quiet hours are established during which excessive noise and disturbances are prohibited. Quiet hours are to be observed at the following times:
    Sunday through Thursday 11:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.
    Friday and Saturday 1:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
    These are the minimum quiet hours. Residents of an individual residence hall may choose to extend Quiet Hours by majority vote. During Quiet Hours, the noise level in an individual room should not be able to be heard outside of that room. Students are requested to refrain from congregating in the hallways or engaging in behaviors that may interfere with the study or sleep of other students.
  2. Courtesy Hours are in effect at all times, and are defined as times during which students are to consider the impact of their music, noise, etc. on other members of the residence hall community. Students are expected to act in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with individual and/or group rights. Students who are asked by other residents or by staff members to reduce the noise emanating from their rooms are expected to do so immediately and in a cooperative manner.
  3. Sound equipment, including radios, stereos, amplifiers, etc. must be operated with consideration of others. Stereo equipment or speakers may not be directed out of windows. Musical instruments should be used in Alden Hall practice rooms.

K. OFFENSIVE AND OBNOXIOUS ODORS: Residents are to control the environment and use of substances in their room so those odors, which are offensive to others, do not emanate from that room. Such substances may include incense, heavy perfumes, deodorant room scents, or other substances that create odors that may be difficult to confine to one particular room.

L. PETS: The only permitted pets in any residence, including the apartments, are tropical fish or goldfish in aquariums. Specifically prohibited are turtles, cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, snakes, etc. Any pet found in residence may be removed by a university official and remanded to the local SPCA.

M. ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS: In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, WPI prohibits the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on its property and/or as part of its activities. All resident students are expected to abide by these laws with regard to the possession, use or sale of alcohol and other drugs. More specifically, the policies are as follows:

  1. Students under the age of 21 cannot possess, consume, transport, be served alcohol, or be in possession of alcohol paraphernalia including empty bottles or cans.
  2. It is a violation to possess or consume alcohol in the common areas of the residence halls. This includes hallways, floor lounges, and function rooms.
  3. Kegs, beer balls, bulk containers, or any other common sources of alcohol are not permitted on WPI owned, operated, or affiliated property at any time.
  4. Students may not possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs or possess drug related paraphernalia.
  5. It is a criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,000 fine, for any person to furnish any alcoholic beverage to a person less than 21 years. According to Massachusetts state law, “furnish” means to knowingly or intentionally supply, give, or provide to or allow a person less than 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged.

N. FIRE SAFETY POLICIES:

  1. Fire Alarms: All students are required to follow fire evacuation procedures. Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm is a violation of Massachusetts State law and WPI policy and will result in disciplinary action. Residential Services conducts fire drills twice a year and student cooperation and support is essential during all fire drills.
  2. Fire-Fighting Equipment. Any tampering with fire alarms or fire-fighting equipment is prohibited. This includes alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, heat and smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. All safety and fire equipment in the room/apartment (smoke and heat detectors, sprinklers, and water pipes) must be kept clear of obstruction.
  3. Firearms, Explosives and other Weapons. Firearms (including antique guns), ammunition, fireworks, explosives, starting pistols, incendiary or toxic chemicals, torches, air rifles, BB pellets, dart guns, paint ball equipment, stun guns, swords, knives, or any other type of weapon or projectile-firing device are not permitted in the residence halls.
  4. General Fire Safety. Candles (whether lit or unlit), scented lamps, and open flame devices of any kind, except for cigarette lighters and matches, are prohibited anywhere in residence halls and student rooms. Due to the threat to safety caused by falling ashes, the use of incense is prohibited in the residence halls. Kerosene, gasoline, or other flammable liquids are not permitted in the residence halls. Flammable covers, paper shades and decorations on light fixtures are strictly forbidden. In addition, space heaters and halogen lamps are prohibited and will be confiscated whether or not they are in use.

O. SOLICITATION: Solicitation in the buildings or on the grounds is prohibited. Students may not use rooms, or permit rooms to be used, for any commercial purposes whatsoever. Any door-to-door solicitation is regarded as an invasion of privacy and is therefore prohibited. This restriction applies to personal contact and to distribution of written materials which includes “Dormstorming.” Any person found soliciting in the residence halls is subject to arrest for criminal trespass. Gambling is not permitted in the residence halls.

P. POSTING ANNOUNCEMENTS IN ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCES: Any organization or individual wishing to post an announcement in any residential unit at WPI must first have the announcement approved by a member of the professional staff in Residential Services. Announcements are defined as, but not limited to, posters, pamphlets, brochures, and door tags.

Once the announcement has been approved, the person bringing forth the request will be directed to place the announcement in the RA boxes provided at Residential Services. RAs will then post the materials on their bulletin boards.

This is the only approved method for distribution of announcements in the residence halls. In addition, no announcements may be posted on any fire doors, exterior doors, or windows. Custodial staff will remove all materials posted in these areas.

Q. ROOM DECORATIONS: Student rooms may be decorated to assist in the personalization of the rooms. Some restrictions do apply. Fire safety equipment, such as heat detectors and smoke detectors, may not be tampered with. Other restrictions include:

  1. Lofts are NOT permitted in the residence halls. The lofting of furniture on top of dressers, wardrobes, desks, cinder blocks, etc. is also prohibited. Commercial bed risers specifically designed to raise beds a few inches off of the floor will be permitted only if they have been inspected for safety by a member of the Residential Services professional staff.
  2. If you use posters or wall hangings to decorate your room, do so in moderation. Entire walls may not be covered, as this would ensure the rapid spread of fire, should one begin. All such decorations must be affixed flat against the walls so that flames cannot reach both sides. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 70% of the wall surfaces uncovered. Absolutely no cloth, paper, or flammable material can be hung on or from the ceiling, as it poses too great a fire hazard.
  3. Student Room Doors. The doors of student rooms may be decorated but are considered public areas. Such decorations may not damage door surfaces or create health/safety hazards. In addition, obscene or offensive materials are strictly prohibited.
  4. Holiday decorations: Live trees or boughs are not permitted in student rooms or hallway areas. Decorative materials used in any area must be appropriately flame resistant; it is best to use foil or flame-resistant crepe paper. Student room decorations may not include live greenery, candles, or gas-or fuel-operated equipment. Any lights used for decorative purposes must be UL listed, interior lights.

R. SMOKING: The residence halls at WPI are considered smoke-free environments. Smoking is not permitted in common areas or individual student rooms.

S. UNAUTHORIZED VIDEO/CABLE/COMPUTER EQUIPMENT USE: Any unauthorized use of campus video equipment, or computers may result in disciplinary action against a student. Furthermore, use of any video equipment or computer technology in a manner, which impermissibly infringes upon another person’s right to privacy, may also result in disciplinary action and/or the required removal of the video equipment or computer technology from the residence halls, or in any campus building.

T. ACTS OF INTOLERANCE, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE, AND HARASSMENT: Acts of intolerance, physical violence, and/or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. While the term “physical violence” is commonly understood, the term “harassment” is not. Harassment is a form of violence. It is the invasion or violation of a person’s basic rights and may be racial, sexual, or personal in nature. It may be perpetrated verbally, or by notes, email, graffiti, telephone, or other means. Disciplinary action will result from any such incident. Further, acting with violence or aiding, abetting, encouraging or participating in the commission of any act of violence in the residence halls is prohibited. In such cases, disciplinary action may follow.

U. GUESTS: It is important to note that a room is a private space that should be shared equally by all roommates. As a responsible roommate, it is not appropriate to engage in any activity that would deny your roommate access to the room, or make them feel uncomfortable while in the room. When one roommate has a friend or friends visiting, it should always be with the consent of the other roommate(s). When this isn’t happening and roommates cannot figure out how to confront the problem, we suggest involving your RA or SHD. Please be aware that, should roommates not be able to come to a resolution, or should one roommate continue to exhibit behavior that is inconsiderate or inappropriate, the Residence Life staff may take further action to resolve the conflict. This may include disciplinary action, room changes, or other appropriate actions.

Students may have overnight guests in their rooms with all roommates’ permission. In addition, no student is permitted to have an overnight guest for more than three nights per month, whether the nights are consecutive or not. Any guest staying more than one day must be registered with the Resident Advisor. Keys are not provided for guests. It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the host to register his/her guest, explain all university policies, and to be held accountable for the actions of his/her guest. If you leave your room or guest unattended, you can also be held responsible for the guest’s activities.

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Last modified: July 05, 2007 11:17:37