Guide to Living in the Halls


Policies & Regulations 2007-08

Described below are the Policies and Regulations, which govern all Residence Hall occupants. By completing and signing the Student Housing License Agreement, you agree to all of these provisions. Please read these provisions carefully before submitting a completed License Agreement.

Inappropriate conduct by students is subject to discipline on the San Diego State University campus. The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities coordinates the discipline process and establishes standards and procedures in accordance with regulations contained in Sections 41301 through 41304 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. A copy of these regulations can be found in the current edition of the San Diego State University General Catalog. All violations of the Terms and Conditions or Policies and Regulations below are subject to review by the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities for violation of 41301 through 41304, as well as grounds for eviction from the Residence Halls. Conduct that is in violation of the law will be referred to University Police for investigation, if warranted.

Policies & Regulations

Accountability. Each resident is viewed as a responsible person who will be held accountable for his/her actions, and the actions of his/her guests. Residents will be held accountable for their behavior when in violation of the policies and regulations governing the residence halls. When misconduct is reported, every incident will receive due process in accordance with campus policy as well as federal, state, and local law, following the appropriate course of action as determined by University Police and Campus Administration. Be advised, incident investigation requires adequate time for completion before any action can be taken.

Air Conditioning. Air conditioning is not guaranteed. When the air conditioning is operating in a building, all windows must be closed. (See Energy Conservation.)

Alcoholic Beverages.
1) No resident or guest under 21 years of age may possess or consume alcohol in the residence halls.
a. Neither residents nor guests of any age may possess or consume hard liquor in the residence halls.
b. The possession of empty alcohol containers, including shot glasses, may be considered evidence of consumption of alcohol previously contained therein.
c. No person under 21 years of age may be in the presence of alcoholic beverages.
d. Gross consumption of alcohol and the results of such consumption (such as disruptive or destructive behavior, vomiting or urinating on floors and hallways, incidents or conditions necessitating extra care by staff and other such acts) are prohibited.
e. Guests of any age are not permitted to bring alcohol into a residence hall.
f. Residents or guests of any age may not possess alcohol or drug consuming devices/paraphernalia including shot glasses.
2) Residents 21 years of age or older and their properly checked in guests 21 years of age or older, may possess and consume beer and wine under the following conditions:
a. Only in his or her own bedroom with the door closed, with no one under 21 present at any time.
b. No double or single room with one or two residents age 21 or over may contain more than a total of 72 oz. of beer or 750 ml. of wine, including sparkling wine.
c. No mini-suite, suite, or apartment with one or two residents age 21 or over may contain more than a total of 72 oz. of beer or 750 ml. of wine.
d. No mini-suite, suite, or apartment with three or more residents age 21 or over, may contain more than a total of 144 oz. of beer or 1500 ml. of wine.
3) In addition to these policies, residents are expected to abide by the University alcohol policy, which applies to all campus living environments.
The University alcohol policy can be viewed online.

A
ppliances. To reduce fire hazards, University-provided Microfridges, refrigerators and microwaves are the only permitted appliances for use in the residence hall rooms for food preparation. No hot plates, coffee pots, coffee makers, blenders, popcorn poppers, ovens, grills, electric water coolers, or other cooking appliances are permitted in student rooms or suite areas (except in the kitchen areas of Villa Alvarado and Aztec Corner). Space heaters are also prohibited. No personal refrigerators are permitted in any student apartment, suite or room.  Excessive electrical equipment is prohibited. Resident rooms, suites and apartments found to generate circuit overloads will be investigated. Repeat violations will result in judicial action and any charges for costs attributed to removal or repairs will be the responsibility of the resident.     

Bathrooms. Residents and their guests are not permitted to enter or use bathrooms designated for the gender of which they do not identify.

Bicycles. Bicycles are not allowed in buildings (including residence hall rooms) or in courtyards, patios or balconies. Bicycles may be stored only in the bike barn, bike lockers or on bicycle racks during occupancy. Bicycles placed or stored anywhere else will be impounded.

Checking In.
When checking into the residence hall, Licensee must fill out and sign a “Room Condition Checklist” upon inspection of the room. This must be turned in within 24 hours of occupancy.

Checking Out.
When checking out of the housing facility, Licensee must return the room to the original configuration and condition; turn in all keys, blankets, and pillows; and remove all personal property. It is the Licensee’s responsibility to follow proper University check-out procedures; failure to do so may result in improper check-out charges. Licensee’s meal plan will become invalid upon termination of License Agreement.

Cleanliness, Health and Hygiene.
Resident agrees to make reasonable efforts to maintain proper personal cleanliness and hygiene. Rooms, suites and apartments must be kept clean and sanitary at all times, including proper disposal of empty food and beverage containers. Students are prohibited from activities that violate any health code. Residents may not violate these regulations or interfere with the safe and clean environment of others.

Close Down Over Breaks.
During vacation breaks and closedown, residents must unplug all electrical items, except permitted refrigerators and Microfridges. This includes, but is not limited to, alarms, clocks, hair care appliances and fans.

Commercial Ventures/Solicitation.
Licensee agrees to not use his/her room or any area of the hall for commercial or non-residential purposes, nor will Licensee participate in or encourage door-to-door solicitation in the housing facility. RezCon may not be used for any commercial or profit-making enterprise.

Community Living.
Each resident agrees to conduct himself or herself in a manner that is conducive for fellow residents to study, live and sleep. Each resident agrees to not disturb this environment, and also agrees to demonstrate reasonable efforts to resolve roommate and/or residence hall problems. Residents are expected to report uncivil treatment of others, vandalism, and other violations of the license agreement.

Consolidation.
Residents shall consolidate when administratively directed because half a room is vacated, or may be required to pay for a single room. Residents are expected to provide a welcoming environment to new roommates.

Cooking.
University provided Microfridges, refrigerators and microwaves are the only permitted appliances for use in the residence hall rooms for food preparation. All other appliances are prohibited in the student rooms or suite areas (except in the kitchen areas of Villa Alvarado). Residents in Villa Alvarado must not leave cooking items unattended at any time and must assure that cooking does not produce smoke, activating the fire alarm equipment. (See Appliances.)

Damages.
Students who accidentally or intentionally damage any residence hall property will be required to make restitution for repairs and will be held responsible.

Decorating/Posting.
Posters and decorations may be attached only to walls, and only with materials that will not cause any permanent damage. Charges will be assessed for damages resulting from improper attachment at a minimum rate of $5 per hole or abrasion. Exterior wires, signs, aerials or satellite dishes are not allowed. Painting of rooms is not allowed. Except for name identification and SDSU-approved dry erase message boards, posting of any materials on exterior surface of room doors is prohibited. Care shall be taken that messages are not offensive to residents or staff. Posting on windows and ceilings is also prohibited. Holiday decorations inside rooms are permitted only if safe and do not present a fire hazard. UL approved lights are required. Cut trees and foliage are prohibited in student rooms.

Doors/Door Locks.
Tampering with, disabling or modifying the operation of apartment, suite and room doors or door locks is prohibited.  Any resident and/or guest of a resident responsible for such violation will be subject to judicial action and any charge for costs attributed to repairs of doors or door locks will be the responsibility of the resident. (See Safety/Security.)

Duty to Follow Directives/Failure to Respond.
Each resident is expected to respond to and follow all written and verbal directives or requests of University staff promptly and act in an appropriate and civil manner. This includes answering your door and checking your voicemail, e-mail and mailbox on a daily basis. Failure to comply with directions of, or interference with, any University official while acting in the performance of his or her duties will result in judicial action.

Electrical Safety.
Extension cords are not permitted. UL Approved, grounded power strips with circuit breakers should be used for all electrical equipment including computer and computer related hardware. A maximum of two power strips may be used per room. No modifications to, or changes in, electrical wiring are permitted. No “splices,” “octopuses” or modification devices of any kind may be used to add plugs in your room, suite or apartment.

Elevators.
If an elevator malfunctions, press the alarm and stay inside until help arrives. Do not attempt to pry open or hit doors and climb out. Students will be charged the cost to retrieve items dropped down shafts, or repairs due to student negligence or damage, which includes damages resulting from exceeding the posted elevator capacity.

Emergency Preparedness.
All residents are advised to have a family emergency plan. Each resident should maintain an emergency supply kit in his/her room consisting of a first aid kit, three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, battery operated radio and flashlight, extra batteries, gloves, and medications.

Energy Conservation.
Licensee agrees not to waste utilities of the housing facility. In the event that there is a significant increase in utility charges to the University, the University reserves the right to impose a utility energy surcharge of no more than five (5) percent of the cost of Licensee’s rent.

Explosives/Flammables/Incense.
a. Residents shall not possess any firearm, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, gasoline, candles, highly flammable material, guns, or any other weapon. Violation of this policy may result in criminal prosecution.
b. The burning of any materials, including incense or candles, is prohibited except when written request is made and prior written approval has been obtained from the Residence Hall Coordinator for the purpose of religious or spiritual observance only. (Also see Weapons.)

Fake IDs. The use/display/production/possession of fake or fraudulent forms of identification is prohibited and will be turned over to the University Police.

Fences.
Fences are designed for the safety of the residential community. Students are not permitted to climb over/under fences or prop gates open thereby compromising the safety of the community.

Fire Alarms/Fire Safety.
Tampering with, disabling, deactivating or improperly activating fire safety detection equipment including fire alarms and smoke detectors is prohibited. Any resident and/or guest of a resident responsible for violation is subject to eviction, and criminal and civil penalties.  Door closers must not be removed. Use of prohibited cooking or other devices that cause activation of the system will result in judicial action and a charge for costs attributed to the alarm. During a fire alarm or other emergency where evacuation is required, residents must swiftly exit the building.

Food Service.
While in any campus restaurant, Licensee agrees to bus his/her tray and to pick up any trash left behind in order to promote a more pleasant dining environment. Shoes and shirt are required. Licensee may not allow others to use his/her meal plan.

Furnishing False Information.
Residents are expected to provide accurate and truthful information, including properly identifying oneself, upon request by University staff.

Furniture.
Waterbeds of any type are not allowed. Lofted beds are not allowed. (Beds may be bunked using the appropriate hardware available at the hall’s front desk.) Room furniture cannot be stored to accommodate Licensee bringing in his/her own furniture. Licensee will return all room furniture to the original positions before moving out. Failure of Licensee to return furniture to the original positions in the room or movement of common area furniture by Licensee will result in a minimum charge of $20 per piece. Removal of furniture from public areas is considered theft.

Gambling.
Gambling is prohibited in all Residence Halls, Apartments and grounds.

Guests.
A guest is considered to be anyone not living in the specific room, apartment or suite, who is known to the host and poses no danger to the community. Guests, including residents of other halls, must present a photo ID – driver’s license, state ID or non-SDSU school ID. No other form of identification will be accepted. Visitors and guests, including residents of other halls, must be escorted and in attendance by Licensee at all times. Licensee accepts responsibility for the behavior of his/her visitors and guests and must inform guests of University regulations. Licensee is allowed no more than three guests in his/her room at any given time (two guests per Licensee in Villa Alvarado and Cuicacalli). Residents living in designated over-the-break housing may have only one guest at a time during break periods. Overnight guest(s) privilege is extended to all residents on a temporary and occasional basis only after securing approval from his/her roommate and registering the guest(s) at the hall desk. Overnight guests must be housed only in the hosting student’s room. An overnight guest is considered anyone whose visit begins between the hours of 9:00 pm and 6:00 am and whose visit lasts in excess of six (6) hours. A guest may stay in a residence hall no more than two (2) nights per calendar month. A guest fee will be charged to the resident for any guest whose stay exceeds this limit. The University reserves the right to deny access to any person.

Halogen Lamps.
Halogen lamps of any type are prohibited in the residence halls.

lllegal Drugs.
No drugs, narcotics, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, including bongs, pipes, and the like, may be possessed, used, sold nor distributed at the University or in the residence halls.

Immunizations.
All new students 18 years or younger are required to show proof of immunization against the hepatitis B virus. All students are required to show proof of immunization against measles and rubella. Students are required to visit Student Health Services (SHS) during their first semester to either show proof of immunization, or to begin or complete their immunization series. Students who do not comply with this immunization requirement during their first semester will have a hold placed on their registration. Students are also advised that the meningococcal vaccine is available at Student Health Services for a fee.

Lock-out Key and Card Policy.
Lost or stolen keys/cards must be immediately reported at the hall’s front desk and a lock change will be ordered. Resident will be billed $144 for lost/stolen keys in all the residence halls except Villa Alvarado, Cuicacalli and University Towers (locks must be changed and new keys made). Resident will be billed $164 to replace lost/stolen keys at Villa Alvarado. Replacement of Cuicacalli and University Towers keys will be billed $80. The cost to replace a lost access card is $25. Residents must exercise care in key and card use. Staff will assist residents in room entry and the resident will be charged $25 per entry, regardless of reason for lock out. Staff may not be readily available and the resident may be required to wait. Repeated incidents may result in judicial action.

Mistreatment of Staff.
Threats, harassment, abusive language, obscene gestures, touching, and any other mistreatment of staff are grounds for University judicial action, eviction and criminal prosecution.

Noise.
Noise is any sound, human or otherwise.
a. Quiet hours are observed from 9:00 pm to 10:00 am, Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 10:00 am Friday and Saturday. During quiet hours, residents and guests must limit noise so that it is not detectable outside of individual rooms. During quiet hours, noise levels are also limited in all public areas such as pools and quads.
b.During final examination periods, all halls will observe quiet hours 24 hours per day beginning at 9:00 pm two (2) days prior to the University’s first scheduled final examination and ending at the close of the building and/or the end of the University’s last scheduled final examination.
c. During times not designated as quiet hours, residents and their guests must limit noise so as not to unreasonably disturb other residents.  Loud talking or group gatherings that disturb others are not permitted.
d. Amplified sound, playing of drums and other loud instruments, as well as noisy games, electronics etc. are prohibited at all times in the residence halls.
e. The noise policy also applies to loud talking and group gatherings outside the residence halls.
f. General custodial and maintenance activities are exempted. Specific projects performed by Contractors can start at 8:00 am.

Online Social Networks. While the University does not routinely monitor online social networks, students will be held accountable for postings depicting or describing violations of residence hall regulations and campus policies.

Passive Involvement.
Residents are responsible for choices they make. In the presence of a policy violation, residents may attempt to stop the violation, contact residential staff and/or immediately remove themselves from the situation and the vicinity of the violation. If a resident chooses to remain at the scene of a policy violation, he/she will be included on the Incident Report and may also be held accountable for a policy violation.

Pets.
Animals of any kind, except fish in a bowl up to 2-gallon capacity, are not allowed in the residence hall rooms, in the hall common areas, or on the premises (except by faculty or full-time professional staff when approved by the Director of Housing Administration and Director of Residential Education). Residents may not feed/shelter stray animals. Residents are obligated to tell hall staff so appropriate action can be taken to remove and protect the animal.

Photography.
  Persons in bedrooms, bathrooms, and dressing areas are off limits to filming, recording, and photography without specific resident consent.

Physical Abuse and Harassment.
Physical, verbal and other abusive behavior, and threats of physical abuse toward residents or staff are violations of policy and will not be tolerated. Such conduct may be grounds for immediate judicial action, removal from the residence hall, eviction, and criminal prosecution. Examples of prohibited conduct include sexual and racial harassment, threats of violence, sexual assault, fighting, punching, slapping, kicking, scratching and pushing. Practical jokes and pranks or other disruptions are prohibited in the campus community.

Pools.
(See Swimming Pools.)

Public Health and Safety.
The University reserves the right to close the residence halls if the State of California or the Chancellor of the California State University system determines that such a closure is required to protect the public health and/or safety of residents.

Refrigerators.
(See Appliances.)

Right to Enter.
Staff shall have the right to enter the premises of resident’s room, for purposes of emergency, health, safety, maintenance, management of applicable rules and regulations, or for any other lawful purpose.

Safety/Security.
Residents must show their ID Card with their building’s security sticker every time they enter the hall. Keys and access cards are for residents only; lending a key, access card, security sticker or ID is not allowed. (See Lock-out Key and Card Policy.)
                  • Emergency equipment, including fire alarms and smoke detectors are not to be tampered with at any time. (See Fire Alarms.)
                  • Room signs and directional signs are not to be removed.
                  • Public doors are not to be propped open.
                  • All apartments, suites and rooms are subject to regular safety and maintenance inspections by the staff.

Scooters and Skateboarding.
The use of scooters, roller skates, roller blades, bicycles and skateboarding on or adjacent to Housing property is prohibited and such users are subject to citation by University Police and a fine.

SDSU Residential Housing Network Acceptable Use Policy.
SDSU provides high-speed Ethernet connections to all campus residential housing complexes including the SDSU Residence Halls, Villa Alvarado Apartments and Piedra del Sol. Internet access is not guaranteed and may not be available to some residents under certain circumstances. University policy describes what use is acceptable and appropriate for your residential network connection. By connecting to or using a network connection in your residence, you agree to abide by University policies. We strongly recommend that you review the University’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Judicial Procedures, Business Affairs, Academic Affairs, SDSU Human Resources, or law enforcement officials as appropriate will adjudicate violations of the Acceptable Use Policy. The SDSU Computing Security Officer may temporarily suspend network privileges of any SDSU user while suspected violations are being investigated or adjudicated, even if it affects network services of roommates. If your network privileges are temporarily suspended, you must pay $50 to be reconnected after the first violation and $75 after the second violation. Your network privileges will be permanently revoked after the third violation. Depending on the severity of the violation, your network privileges may be revoked after one violation. Sanctions as a result of violations of these policies may result in the following:
                  • Suspension or revocation of RezCon privileges;
                  • University judicial sanctions as prescribed by student, faculty or staff behavioral codes;
                  • Monetary reimbursement to the University or other appropriate sources;
                  • Reassignment or cancellation of the Student Housing License Agreement;
                  • Prosecution under applicable civil or criminal laws.

Smoking.
Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, including residence halls, student rooms, lounges, recreation rooms, public areas, hallways, stairwells, balconies, walkways and pool areas. Hookahs are also prohibited in the residence halls. Smoking is prohibited in outdoor areas within 20 feet of doorways, windows and ground level air intake structures. Licensee accepts responsibility for informing visitors or guests of the University’s no-smoking policy.

Solicitation.
Solicitation of any kind, without prior approval by the Director of Residential Education or his/her designee, is prohibited. Door to door solicitation is prohibited at all times. Therefore, residents are prohibited from knowingly or willfully permitting such persons from entering the residence halls to solicit.

Space Heaters.
(See Appliances.)

Surveillance Cameras.
Unmonitored surveillance cameras may be located in the residence hall elevators and other common areas (e.g., lobby, lounge, laundry room, hallways, dining facilities, etc.) for the protection of residents. Exterior cameras may monitor outside areas near the residence halls.

Swimming Pools.
Swimming in the three residence hall pools is limited to residents and their guests (each resident is allowed one guest). No lifeguard is on duty at any time and swimming is at your own risk. Pool use hours are dawn to dusk each day except during Hall Council sponsored events that must end by quiet hours. Portable swimming pools are prohibited in all Residence Halls, Apartments, and grounds.

Theft.
Theft of, or non-accidental damage to campus property, or property in the possession of, or owned by, a member of the campus community, is prohibited. This includes borrowing without specific prior approval.

Throwing Objects.
Balls, sports equipment and any other item may not be used inside the residence halls or in the Villa Alvarado and Aztec Corner complexes and fire lanes. No object may be thrown or dropped from a window or opening. Window screens must be left intact. (See Windows, Balconies and Patios.)

Vandalism.
Destruction or damage of property of the residence halls or residents by a resident or guest is a violation of policy and will result in judicial action and prosecution.

Unauthorized Entry or Use.
Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse of personal or campus property is prohibited.

Utilities.
All utilities are included, except at Villa Alvarado and Aztec Corner apartment complexes. Air conditioning is not guaranteed. Students living in the Villa Alvarado or Aztec Corner apartment complex will be billed for their portion of the utility charges on their monthly Student Statement eBill from the University Cashiers Office.  In the event that there is a significant increase in utility and/or water charges to the University, the University reserves the right to impose a utility and/or water surcharge of no more than five (5) percent of the cost of Licensee’s rent to all License Agreements.

Weapons.
Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, highly flammable materials, weapons, projectile devices, guns or knives, or replica weapons, or any other weapon or material or instrument which poses a risk of damage or injury is strictly prohibited and a violation of the law.

DEFINITIONS
(in all cases include, but are not limited to, the following):
• Firearms - Any gun, rifle, pistol or handgun designed to fire bullets, BBs, pellets or shots (including paint balls or darts) regardless of the propellant used. This includes air-soft guns, ornamental rifles used for ROTC training, and “replica” weapons.
• Weapons - Any instrument of combat possessed or carried for the purpose of inflicting or threatening bodily injury, including a blackjack, slingshot, billy, sand club, sandbag or metal knuckles.
• Knives - Dirks, daggers, ice picks, pocketknives, or knives having a fixed blade longer than 2-1/2 inches (California Penal Code 626.10). This does not apply to the lawful use of cutlery and other eating implements used in food preparation or consumption. (Also see Explosives/Flammables/Incense.)

Windows, Balconies and Patios. Window screens must be left in place at all times. Screens are not to be removed, loosened or altered. Residents will be billed $15 for breaking the seal on an operable screen and will be billed the cost to replace, re-install or repair damages (when applicable) to any screen. Residents may not exit a room or suite through the windows except for emergency, safety and security purposes. Hangings, partitions or curtains of any type may not be used on balconies or patios. Unauthorized entry to other resident’s rooms, windowsills, roofs, ledges, and locked balconies is prohibited. Furniture, barbecues or bicycles may not be stored on balconies.