As a member of the UW-Whitewater community, each student is responsible for knowing and abiding by the policies of the residence hall system. Residents are also expected to play an active role in enforcing community standards for behavior by confronting others who are violating Residence Hall policies and reporting any actions that are not in keeping with acceptable standards of student behavior. Violations of University Housing and University Policies can be confronted and documented by staff and fellow residents both inside and outside the residential facilities.
Establishment of Policy
An important part of residence hall living is becoming part of a large community. Both the University and University Housing have some expectations about student behavior in terms of how they manage their own lives and how they interact with other members of the community. A community of 4,000 students requires some guidelines that will assure a health living environment where rights will not be infringed upon. University Housing has the responsibility for developing and enforcing policies in the residence halls and works with the Residence Hall Association (RHA) to establish these policies.
These policies, together with those mandated by the University and state/federal laws, constitute the expectations of the residence hall community.
The alcohol policy has been developed according to state laws and UW System Board of Regents guidelines. It is expected that alcoholic beverages will be used responsibly, within legal guidelines, and in moderation to ensure other residents right to privacy, sleep, and study within their own rooms. Loud or disruptive behavior, interference with cleanliness of the residence halls, or inappropriate drinking habits which are injurious to the health or education of an individual or those around them are reasons for disciplinary action by the University. UW-Whitewater permits the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in University Residence Hall rooms by residents and their guests who are of legal drinking age within the following guidelines:
If all roommates are of legal drinking age:
Possession, but not consumption, of alcohol is permitted while transporting the unopened beverage from the point of acquisition to the residence hall, or from the residence hall to a point off campus, by residents and their guests who are of the state legal drinking age.
If one or more roommates are of legal drinking age, but the others are NOT:
All residents are subject to the following policies regardless of age:
Because of liability concerns and potential damage to floors and carpets, bicycles are prohibited in the residence halls. Bikes are not allowed to be stored in student rooms. Special exceptions may be available by contacting your Complex Director.
Solicitation by political candidates, Student Organizations, and any other group outside of University Housing in the living areas of residence halls, including student rooms, door-to-door, floor lounges, floor bathrooms, hallways, or in shared common spaces in various locations in the residence halls is prohibited.
University sponsored activities outside of University Housing are only allowed to campaign in public and reserved areas with prior permission. In each residence hall complex, the Complex Director will handle requests for reserving a table in the lobby or a meeting room location. These requests are handled on a first come, first serve basis.
Candidates who wish to speak to the Leadership Involvement Team (LIT) require prior approval by the LIT. The Assistant Complex Director in each residence hall complex can provide the contact information for LIT.
Whitewater Student Government has special guidelines for political campaigning.
All students present where a violation is occurring are considered responsible for the violation and may face the Student Conduct Process. Any student present for a known policy violation being committed that violates the Code of Conduct is required to remove themselves from the situation. Failure to do so when reasonable under the circumstances may be the basis for a community standards violation. For example, if underage consumption of alcohol or use of illicit drugs is occurring in a residence hall room, all present may be held responsible.
Campus Technology usage policies: https://www.uww.edu/icit/policies-agreements/network-infrastructure-use.
In all residence halls, the following hours of the day have been designated as quiet hours: During these hours, noise must be kept to a minimum to allow study and sleep. Any musical instrument or audio equipment (e.g. radios, stereos, video games, computers, TVs) must be played at reasonable volume levels that will not disturb other residents. During quiet hours, typically any type of noise, heard two or more doors down, will be considered excessive. At no time may speakers be played out of the windows. The remaining hours of the day will be designated as courtesy hours. Even during these times, reasonable noise levels should be maintained. During final exams, extended quiet hours are in effect. In order to maintain an academic environment, residents have a responsibility to avoid excessive noise that may be heard outside of residence hall windows and doors. Staff may confront noise issues that occur outside the buildings.
Quiet Hours | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
End | 10:00am | 9:00am | 9:00am | 9:00am | 9:00am | 9:00am | 10:00am |
Begin | 10:00pm | 10:00pm | 10:00pm | 10:00pm | 10:00pm | Midnight | Midnight |
The possession and/or use of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia is in violation of state and federal law and UW-Whitewater policy. In addition, being in the presence of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia and misuse and abuse of legal drugs are also considered violations of the drug policy. Any and all products containing THC are prohibited from being possessed or used within the residence halls. Suspected violations may be referred to the University Police, the Student Conduct System, or University Conduct.
The use of electrical appliances such as toasters, air fryers, hot plates, instant pots, rice cookers, crock pots, and other cooking devices are prohibited in areas other than residence hall or suite kitchens because of fire safety regulations. Small coffee pots are permitted in rooms. Use of halogen lights, large outdoor string lights, heated blankets, and heated mattress pads are also prohibited. Small indoor string lights are permitted but may not come in contact with any metal surfaces. All power strips, extension cords and adapters must be UL approved, and due to fire risk, only one power strip, extension cord or adapter may be used per outlet. All humidifiers must have a humidistat and automatic shut-off functionality. University Housing reserves the right to remove any unauthorized or dangerous electrical appliances. Refrigerators are permitted in student rooms, but may not exceed 4.7 cubic feet. Microwave conventional ovens are permitted, but may not exceed 900 watts. Air conditioners and space heaters must be provided by University Housing.
Students are expected to complete all assigned sanctions that are the result of a previous conduct case that was adjudicated in University Housing. Failure to complete an assigned sanction may result in further charges and sanctions.
Equipment and electrical appliances: The use of electrical appliances such as toasters, air fryers, hot plates, instant pots, rice cookers, crock pots, and other cooking devices are prohibited in areas other than residence hall or suite kitchens because of fire safety regulations. Small coffee pots are permitted in rooms. Use of halogen lights, large outdoor string lights, heated blankets, and heated mattress pads are also prohibited. Small indoor string lights are permitted but may not come in contact with any metal surfaces. All power strips, extension cords and adapters must be UL approved, and due to fire risk, only one power strip, extension cord or adapter may be used per outlet. All humidifiers must have a humidistat and automatic shut-off functionality. University Housing reserves the right to remove any unauthorized or dangerous electrical appliances. Refrigerators are permitted in student rooms, but may not exceed 4.7 cubic feet. Microwave conventional ovens are permitted, but may not exceed 900 watts. Air conditioners and space heaters must be provided by University Housing.
Fire Safety: The safety of every individual in the residence hall is critical to residence hall staff, and fire is of particular concern. It is important that all students become familiar with the stairwells and exits in the buildings, and practice caution when decorating their room. Due to the potential fire hazard, students are not allowed to hang anything such as fishnets, parachutes, sheets, etc. Students are prohibited from decorating with paneling or plywood, or blocking the doorway with furniture. Students are prohibited from modifying the operation of their residence hall room door in any way. Wheelchairs may not be stored in hallways except in approved areas. Candles (including candles without wicks), candle warmers, incense, and fragrant plug-in devices, are not allowed at any time. Smoke and/or fog machines and halogen lights are also prohibited. Due to the possible fire concerns, heated blankets and heated mattress pads are prohibited in the residence halls. If a student intentionally starts a fire, or if a fire results from negligence, students may be held financially responsible for property damage or personal loss, and may be removed from the residence halls.
Smoke detectors are located in each room and should not be tampered with or unplugged. If a smoke detector is not working, an RA should be notified. Tampering with these or other fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms, fire alarm covers, fire hoses, or fire extinguishers, may be just cause for removal from the residence halls.
University Housing assumes no liability for damages related to the sprinkler systems. Individuals responsible for interfering or tampering with the sprinkler system may be held financially responsible for damages and may be subject to removal from the residence halls.
Persons causing false fire alarms, interfering with the proper functioning of the fire alarm system, including pull box covers, or interfering with the lawful efforts of emergency personnel are subject to prosecution under Wisconsin Statutes. In addition, individuals may be removed from the residence halls and/or the University. Every student is responsible for immediate evacuation of the building in the event of a fire alarm. Failure to evacuate will result in referral to the Student Conduct System and possible police involvement.
Flammable materials/explosives. Explosives, fireworks, gasoline or any other flammable materials that might create a hazard are not permitted in residence halls. Possession or use of such materials is a violation of state law and may result in referral to University Police and/or disciplinary action by the University. Use of such explosives may also result in immediate cancellation of the residence hall contract.
Smoking. All of UW-Whitewater's residence halls are smoke free. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaping, vapors, oils, hookahs, or any other smoking devices. Any and all products containing THC are prohibited from being used or stored within the residence halls. Smoking is not permitted in any areas of the residence halls, including student rooms and foyers. Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of any residence hall.
Procedures in case of a fire:
o In the event of a fire, students should immediately pull the nearest fire alarm. When the alarm sounds, all residents should immediately evacuate the building, and move away from the building to allow adequate access from emergency personnel.
o It is the student's responsibility to evacuate the building; staff members will not come to get them. Failure to do so may result in referral to the Student Conduct System and/or a citation by University Police.
o IF A FIRE ALARM SOUNDS AND YOU ARE IN THE BUILDING, PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING:
1 Remain calm.
2 Feel door and knob. If cool, open door slowly.
o IF YOU CAN EXIT SAFELY:
o If door knob is hot or hallway is filled with smoke:
Policies Regarding Fire Safety Education:
o The safety of every individual in the residence hall is critical to the residence hall staff, and fire is of particular concern. It is important that all students become familiar with the stairwells and exits in the buildings, and practice caution when decorating their room.
o Fire Hazards:
o Intentionally starting a fire/fires resulting in negligence:
o Smoke detectors:
o Additional policies:
o Evacuation:
Firearms, ammunition, hunting knives, switchblades, laser pointers, Tasers, paint ball guns, slingshots, wrist rockets, airsoft guns, BB guns, any toy guns and other weapons are not permitted in the residence halls. Residents possessing these items may be subject to removal from residence halls. Please check with the University Police for any possible weapon storage.
Explosives, fireworks, gasoline or any other flammable materials that might create a hazard are not permitted in residence halls. Possession or use of such materials is a violation of state law and may result in referral to University Police and/or disciplinary action by the University. Use of such explosives may also result in immediate cancellation of the residence hall contract.
Food may be kept in rooms if stored in sealed containers or refrigerators. Storage of food between the window and the screen or on the window ledge is prohibited.
University owned furniture must be left in rooms and common areas to which it has been allocated. Lobby, lounge, and basement furniture or other University property is not permitted in student rooms. The removal of any university owned furniture is prohibited. Students will be held personally responsible for damage sustained by themselves or others in the room resulting from modifications made to the room or its furnishings. Examples include construction of bunk beds, partitions, or lofts.
Gambling, including on-line gambling, betting on athletic events, or the possession of gambling devices in residence halls, is prohibited by state law and University policy.
The grill policy has been developed in accordance with Chapter 18 of the Administrative code. Specifically, UWS 18.06.11.a reads:
No person may light, build or use, or cause another to light, build or use, any fires, including but not limited to burning candles, burning incense or gas or charcoal cooking appliances, on university lands or in university facilities, except in such places as are established for these purposes and designated by the chief administrative officer.
A guest is defined as any individual who is not a resident of that complex.
University Housing firmly believes in the rights of individuals and cautions students about the harassment of others. All reports of harassment will be dealt with according to UWS Chapter 17 guidelines and/or University Housing policies.
Students are expected to maintain their rooms in a reasonably neat and clean manner. In addition, students are expected to remove trash on a regular basis and dispose of it according to established recycling guidelines. It is a violation of policy to leave your room garbage in the bathroom or lounge. At all times, hallways should be kept free of furniture, garbage, or other personal items.
Students who need to dispose of needles or syringes should place them into puncture resistant and leak proof containers. Containers should then be labeled with biohazardous stickers available from University of Health and Counseling Services, which can also dispose of the containers for students. Additional information about disposal of containers may be obtained from the University Housing or University Health and Counseling Service.
Students are required to carry their Hawk Card (University ID card) at all times and must present it to University staff members upon request. Students may not impersonate a University staff member, including student staff members.
When living in such a large community, it is important that the rights and property of others are respected. Consequently, behavior such as horseplay, pranks, the making of a mess, or any actions which damage property or disturb others will be considered inappropriate for the residence hall environment and the surrounding area. Unauthorized production of audio, video, or photographic images of a person in a location in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, shower/locker rooms, residence halls rooms, and restrooms, is prohibited. Other behavior that would reasonably be considered inappropriate conduct for a residence hall community, and not addressed in other specific policies, is prohibited.
Any motorized vehicle (including but not limited to, electric scooters and e-bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, hoverboards, self-balancing scooter boards, Segway’s, drones, etc.) are prohibited in the residence halls (which includes for charging purposes). If you have questions about prohibited items or are considering bringing an item that might be considered a prohibited item, please contact University Housing prior to bringing it to the residence hall to determine whether it can be allowed.
Through various Leadership roles, students often participate in scheduled off campus activities. These activities may include camps, conferences, programs, retreats, workshops, etc. Students participating in off-campus activities sponsored by and representing the residence halls, University Housing, or the University must adhere to the following:
University policies and related state federal law - Inappropriate behavior by students representing University Housing at off campus activities may result in action being taken in accordance with University Housing procedures. Documentation of incidents may be forwarded to the University Housing Student Conduct System or the University Conduct System. Such incidents may also be reported to the respective host officials.
No pet may be kept in or near residence halls, and University personnel or their designee may remove pets from Residence Halls. The only exception to this policy is harmless fish in a twenty gallon or less aquarium and university approved service animals and emotional support animals. Students with university approved service animals and emotional support animals must contact the Center for Students with Disabilities to have the animal approved and must have a signed copy of the Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal Agreement Policy on file. Visiting pets are also prohibited.
To view the policies further, please visit the following links:
All forms of physical assault including physical attacks, fighting, and sexual assault are prohibited in the residence halls and will be dealt with severely. Furthermore, such actions may invoke the Wisconsin Mandatory Arrest law for domestic abuse. This law provides for the mandatory arrest of any person who commits any of the following acts against a roommate or former roommate:
Event promotion in the residence halls occurs through the Event Calendar at https://www.uww.edu/housing/hall-postings. We discourage the promotion of events through individual postings. Please see the Event Calendar section for details.
Commercial vendors, political candidates, or others who desire to have materials placed in lobbies for students to pick up if they wish must contact the Director of Residence Life. Limitations apply due to availability of space.
University Housing reserves the right to limit or prohibit private ventures, businesses, or retails operations in the residence halls. Private or personal business ventures are strictly prohibited in public areas of the residence halls. A student is required to notify the Associate Director of University Housing prior to establishment of such business.
In order to minimize potential personal injury, no games or equipment designed to be played outdoors are allowed inside the residence halls.
Students are responsible for helping to maintain a secure residence hall environment and may not prop open outside doors, allow building access to non-residents who are not their guests, duplicate residence hall keys, or attempt to gain access to an area for which they are not authorized. Exiting buildings through emergency doors in non-emergency situations is prohibited.
University staff members are trained to respond to emergency situations and policy violations; however, their effectiveness often depends on cooperation from students. Students are expected to respond to all reasonable directives, written or verbal, from staff members and must not interfere with the performance of any duties (this includes opening your door when it is requested by University staff). Harassment or intimidation of staff members will be immediately referred to the Student Conduct System and may result in contract reassignment or cancellation.
Because of potential damage to floors and carpets, rollerblades, scooters, wheeled shoes and similar items may only be used outdoors.
Students are encouraged to personalize their rooms with decorations. In doing so, masking tape, pins and thumbtacks may be used as adhesives, but nails, duct tape, and scotch tape should not be used due to possible damage to the room. Adhesive hooks (i.e. 3M Command-branded or others) may be used to hang items. Keep in mind that you may be responsible for wall damage incurred with removal of such hooks. Decorative lights should be unplugged if you are not in the room. No decorations should hang from ceilings or raceways. Questions about room decorations should be directed to the Complex Director.
During the holiday season, students may not have natural trees or wreaths in their room due to the potential fire hazard. Indoor lights which are UL approved may be used. Indoor lights may not be wrapped around metal surfaces, bed frames, or any lofts.
Student room doors and rooms windows in residence halls are considered "private living space". If an item is posted on a student room door or room window that targets a specific individual in a harmful, harassing, or intimidating manner, the resident will be asked to remove it. If an item is posted that is generally discriminatory or distasteful, a dialogue between the student and the Complex Director will occur.
Rooms occupied by residents of the University shall not be searched by anyone unless a valid search warrant is procured by appropriate authorities. This policy is consistent with section 968.10 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Rooms shall be entered in cases that may involve possible loss of life, limb, property; flood; violation of residence hall policy; or severe disruption. This shall not preclude entrance for requested repairs, including emergency maintenance. Rooms may also be entered by a designated University Housing employee to turn off a loud stereo, alarm clock or similar item, or to shut a window during a storm. Students may not enter or occupy any residence hall facility or student room unless authorized to do so.
Door-to-door solicitation is never allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, knocking on doors, sliding things under student doors and putting door hangers on doorknobs.
Sexual Assault is a serious, violent crime, which has far reaching effects. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and University Housing make every effort to educate the community about sexual assault and to protect students. Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact with a person without the consent of that person. Students living in the residence halls who wish to make a complaint about a sexual assault may do so through the University Police and/or the University Conduct process.
All of UW-Whitewater's residence halls are smoke free. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaping, vapors, oils, hookahs, or any other smoking devices. Any and all products containing THC are prohibited from being used or stored within the residence halls. Smoking is not permitted in any areas of the residence halls, including student rooms and foyers. Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of any residence hall.
Possession of another person's or the university's property, without prior consent, is prohibited. This includes property from individual student rooms, as well as from laundry rooms and other common areas.
Signs or traffic control devices which are the property of federal, state, county or city governments are not permitted in the residence halls, which includes but is not limited to stop signs, pedestrian traffic control, and street signs. Possession of such described signs/devices may result in referral to the University Police as well as the Student Conduct System.
Students who occupy or visit residence halls without appropriate authorization will be referred to the Student Conduct System. This includes students who violate a Residence Hall Ban sanction.
Damage to any residence hall furniture, fixtures, or facilities or damage to the property of students living in the residence halls is prohibited. Violators will be held financially responsible for such actions and will be referred to the Student Conduct System. Damages in common areas of the residence halls may be charged to all residents within that unit. See Common Area Damage section.
A Board of Regents decision allows 24 hour visitation in the University of Wisconsin System Residence Halls. Visitation in the UW-Whitewater Residence Halls shall be defined as the right of the individual student to invite guests and to entertain guests in their room. All of our residence halls have twenty-four hour visitation.
Students should keep in mind that their conduct and the conduct of their guests should not inconvenience roommates or other students.
The enforcement and supervision of the policies governing visitation are primarily the students' responsibility. To insure proper channels of enforcement and supervision, the residence hall staff will assume a mutual responsibility. The coordination of enforcement responsibilities rests with the Complex Director.
Waterbeds are not permitted in residence hall rooms.
Weight lifting equipment’s or barbells are not permitted to be kept students rooms at any time.
Objects and liquids may not be dropped or thrown from the window and such conduct may result in immediate contract cancellation. Yelling, using laser pointers, or playing music from windows is prohibited. Window screens may not be removed. If screens are removed without permission, there will be a referral to the Student Conduct System.