The Residence Hall Guidelines ensures the safety and security of the Rutgers University-New Brunswick residential community and is a subcomponent of the University Code of Student Conduct. Residents and their guests are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with University policies, local Middlesex County laws, New Jersey State laws, and U.S. Federal laws. Review all policies and procedures outlined in the University Code of Student Conduct.

Rutgers University students may be held accountable through the University disciplinary process as well as the criminal justice system. The University disciplinary process may be carried out before, simultaneously with, or following any related criminal and/or civil proceedings. If criminal and/or civil charges are dropped, or if the student is found not guilty via the criminal justice process, University disciplinary findings and/or sanctions will not be subject to alteration, amendment, and/or expungement.

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Policies

Accidental Damage Policy

Accidental Damage Policy

Students are expected to take responsibility for any damage, even accidental damage, which they or their guests cause to University property or the property of another student. The student will be expected to cover the cost of repair or replacement. If a student cannot afford the costs, they will be allowed to enter into a payment plan. Students who refuse to take responsibility for damages they cause accidentally will have a hold placed on their Student Account until they pay for the cost of the damages in full.

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol cannot be possessed or consumed in rooms, suites, or apartments where all residents are under the legal drinking age.
Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed in a common area of the residence halls. All areas in a residence hall, except for private rooms, are considered common areas. When the door of a private room is open, the room is considered a common area. Only those of legal drinking age may transport closed containers of alcohol.
Individuals may not provide alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age. Those who do are subject to penalties under University regulations and under New Jersey state law.
Residents under the legal drinking age may not possess alcohol paraphernalia. Drinking containers associated with alcohol including but not limited to shot glasses, flasks, cocktail shakers, or other barware are prohibited.
The display of empty alcoholic beverage containers including but not limited to bottles, cans, and cases are prohibited in common areas and student rooms, which includes containers used as decoration. This applies to all residents regardless of age.
Drinking games (whether or not alcohol is involved) or other behaviors designed for the purpose of rapid and/or excessive consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
At no time should activities which encourage excessive drinking and/or lead to the endangerment of the individual served take place in the residence halls.

Animal Policy

Animal Policy

No animals are allowed in residence halls or apartments except approved service animals, service animals in training, and emotional support animals.

Disruption & Interference with Residence Hall Operations Policy

Disruption & Interference with Residence Hall Operations Policy

Living in a residential community requires students to take independent responsibility for the impact of their behavior on others; as well as acknowledging the expectation to be a community member and making the community a safe place for all to reside. Students whose behavior disrupts and/or interferes with the operations of the residence hall community may be asked to adhere to an action plan and/or may be subject to disciplinary action of the behavior persists. If the disruption and/or interference constitutes a violation of law, the Rutgers University Police Department will be notified. We are committed to creating an operational, safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where residents can engage in opportunities that allows them to thrive personally and academically and make their community their home away from home. As community members, we must also act in good faith at all times to ensure that we and others are not placed in situations that contradict the spirit or letter of our standards, or risk the health, safety, and wellbeing of others. Below is a list of our prohibited actions.

Actions that can interfere with typically or normal residence hall operations include but are not limited to:

Tampering with the physical structure of a residential space including using both sets of furniture in a space where it is intended for more than one individual to reside.
Throwing or hanging items from residential buildings or attaching items to outside of a residential building
The presence of individuals or objects on a roof, roof deck, or ledge is strictly prohibited.
Hosting or attending gatherings that may be disrupt the peace of community members.
Occupying any assignable space that was not assigned to the designated student.

Drug Policy

Drug Policy

Any suspicion of illegal drug possession, use, and/or distribution in residence halls, apartments or suites, will be immediately reported to Rutgers University Police Department. Possession and/or distribution of illegal drugs may result in arrest, termination of housing contract without refund, separation from the University, and a mandatory referral to the Alcohol and Other Drug Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program. In addition to the violations listed in the Rutgers University Policy 10.2.11-Student Code of Conduct, the following are considered violations of the Drug Policy within the residence halls:

Selling, transferring, or exchanging something in return for narcotics, prescription medications, or illegal substances on University property or between members of the University community.
Possessing or using cannabis on Rutgers University campus.*
Unlawfully possessing or using drugs, narcotics, controlled substances, counterfeit controlled substances, or paraphernalia.
Misusing or misappropriating any prescription, over-the-counter medication, or legal substance.
Possessing or intending to use drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance.
Possession with intent to use a hypodermic syringe, hypodermic needle or any other instrument adapted for the use of a controlled dangerous substance. Additionally, to sell, furnish or give to any person such syringe, needle or instrument.
A person is authorized to possess and use a hypodermic needle or hypodermic syringe if the person obtains the hypodermic syringe or hypodermic needle by a valid prescription issued by a licensed physician, dentist or veterinarian and uses it for its authorized purpose.
All hypodermic needles and/or syringes must be destroyed appropriately.
- A hypodermic needle is destroyed if the needle is broken from the hub or mangled.
- A syringe is destroyed if the nipple of the barrel is broken from the barrel, or the plunger and barrel are melted.
- Alternatively, a hypodermic needle or syringe is destroyed if it is discarded as a single unit, without recapping, into a rigid container and the container is destroyed by grinding or crushing in a compactor, or by burning in an incinerator approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, or by another method approved by the Department of Health.

*Prohibition of Cannabis on University Property

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act decriminalized the possession and use of cannabis and hashish for individuals 21 years of age and over in the State of New Jersey. However, cannabis remains illegal under federal law and, therefore, is prohibited on Rutgers property.
For Rutgers and other higher education institutions, receipt of federal funds in the form of student loans, grants, and research support is conditioned on compliance with federal drug laws.
Regardless of age, cannabis and drug paraphernalia are prohibited on university property. If on university property, cannabis and paraphernalia will be confiscated and destroyed.
Medicinal cannabis is not allowed on campus, even if obtained through a medical provider. Cannabis is prohibited on university property and at campus events and activities.

Fire Safety Policy

Fire Safety Policy

As a University, we are committed to creating and maintaining the most Fire Safe and emergency-ready environment for our students and staff. In collaboration with our Fire Safety Officials within the University, students must be aware of all prohibited items to ensure the safety of the residential community. We are committed to ensuring that residents get the most out of living in our halls without the risk or concern of injury. Review additional fire safety guidelines provided by Institutional Planning and Operations.

The following prohibited items and appliances may include but are not limited to:

Any non-UL certified rated appliances
Kitchen appliances that have no automatic shut off capabilities in spaces without a kitchen.
Transportation devices with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, including but not limited to hoverboards, scooters, and e-bikes.
Flammable liquids or chemicals including gasoline (this also includes anything powered by gasoline or any chemicals)
Unprotected outlet extenders or anything with homemade electrical wiring. Please ensure any devices where more than one plug can be inserted has a surge protector.
Non-LED light bulbs (no halogen or incandescent/fluorescent light bulbs) or LED light strips.
Non-university approved refrigerators, microwaves, or portable air conditioners.
Any appliance or object producing or sustaining an open flame or intense heat. This is including but not limited to candles, wax warmers, and space heaters.

Gambling Policy

Gambling Policy

In compliance with New Jersey state law, gambling of any kind is prohibited in the residence halls. Wagering activities including, but not limited to betting on poker, card games, sports pools, or any wagering where money or something of value is risked upon the uncertain outcome of a contest or future contingent event, may not be held or advertised within any common space in the residence halls or any residence hall room. Gambling can also be a disorderly conduct criminal offense.

Guest Policy

Guest Policy

Guests are defined as anyone who is not currently assigned to a resident’s designated room or apartment. University housing is provided for the exclusive use of Rutgers University-New Brunswick students, as assigned by the Residence Life Assignments Office.
Residents should inform their roommates and suitemates of visitors prior to the guest visiting the space. Residents must meet their guest(s) at the building entrance. All guests must be always be escorted by their resident host while in the building. Residents are advised that they are responsible for the behavior of their guest(s) at all times.
Guests are permitted for no more than three nights in a seven-day period. A resident may not permit guests to live in their assigned room or apartment for any period of time. It becomes a source of complaint by other residents or university staff, or when its use becomes, through duration or frequency, a de facto subcontracting of space to an unauthorized person.
Residents are responsible for the key to their assigned room. Residents are not to have or allow the key to be duplicated and not to transfer the use of the key to any other rooms.
For family housing, the term “resident” refers to the contract holding student and their spouse, domestic partner, and/or children as approved by the Residence Life Assignments Office via the Housing Terms and Conditions. All other guests may be allowed extended stays only with prior approval of the Residence Life Assignments Office. The request, however, cannot exceed the maximum occupancy limit of 6 people total.
Residents are allowed a maximum of 2 guests at any given time.
All residents are responsible for monitoring who they allow into the building. Residents are not permitted to allow non-residents access to the building. Persons making deliveries are not allowed in the facility unless met and accompanied by a resident.
The ability for guests to visit residents living in the residence halls is a privilege shared by Rutgers University students. Guest privileges may be revoked at any time by the Office of Student Conduct for Residence Life if residents and non-resident guests violate any policies.

Hall Sports Policy

Hall Sports Policy

For the safety of other students and the integrity of our facilities, residents may not engage in any sporting activities within the residence halls. Sporting related activities include but are not limited to the following: electric scooters, hover-boards, motorized vehicles, use of skateboards, bicycles, rollerblading, pellet guns, paintball guns, nerf guns, water guns, replica guns, water balloons, frisbees, etc. Students found in violation of this policy will be responsible for any damage caused by them or their guests' conduct. In accordance with the Residence Life Accidental Damage Policy, students will be held accountable for any damages to the facility as a result of any in-hall sporting activities.

Independent Living Policy

Independent Living Policy

Living in a residential community requires students to take independent responsibility for their own self-care and the impact of their behavior on others. Student self-care includes, but is not limited to the following: getting enough rest, eating well, maintaining personal hygiene, maintain cleanliness of living space, managing illnesses, taking the appropriate medication as prescribed, and seeking the appropriate care wherever necessary. Students are encouraged to use the many resources on campus prepared to assist them in this goal of independent living. Students who are unable to care for themselves or whose behavior disrupts the community may be asked to adhere to an action plan and/or leave the residence halls if such behavior continues to disrupt the residential community.

Lounge Use Policy

Lounge Use Policy

Lounges and recreational areas located within residence halls are for the exclusive use of Residence Life Staff including Hall Government officers and section leaders. Those staff members who hold concurrent positions with other student clubs or organizations may not utilize these spaces in their roles within these extracurricular activities. Residents may not sleep in lounges that aren't designated as assigned housing spaces.

All social programs must be sponsored by Residence Life Staff, Hall Government, and/or Special Interest Section Leaders. Social events must meet the following guidelines:

Events cannot be advertised outside the building.
Admissions fees may not be charged at the door.
Audience size may not exceed fire regulations.
If more than 100 people are expected to attend, the event must be approved by the Residence Life Coordinator and Rutgers Police.
The sponsoring staff and Graduate Supervisor must determine together who will be responsible to monitor the event.
The event must be in compliance with all Rutgers University and Rutgers Residence Life
regulations including (but not limited to) maximum occupancy, fire regulations, security
requirements, and alcohol restrictions.

Outside organizations may co-sponsor educational programs with Residence Life Staff and other in-hall leadership positions in accordance with the following criteria:

Submission and approval of a proposal for co-sponsorship to the Residence Life Coordinator responsible for that area.
All advertising must include the co-sponsorship of the Residence Life Staff and must be approved by the Residence Life Coordinator.
The event must be open to all building residents and may not be limited to members of the co-sponsoring organization.
The event must be in compliance with all Rutgers University and Rutgers Residence Life regulations including (but not limited to) maximum occupancy, fire regulations, security requirements, and alcohol restrictions.

Medical Amnesty Policy

The University strongly encourages students to call an University official and/or medical professional for medical assistance for themselves or community members who are dangerously under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Normally, students seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use will not be subject to inactive sanctioning for violations pertaining to drug or alcohol possession/use as outlined in this Code.

Medical Amnesty will be granted to both the intoxicated student and to the student seeking medical assistance for the intoxicated student, under the following conditions:

Both the intoxicated student and the reporting student will be required to meet with the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services or designated conduct officer to provide a detailed account of the events leading to the need for assistance.
Involved students may be required to participate in an educational program related to drugs or alcohol. Failure to participate in a required educational program may result in additional charges under this Code. Medical Amnesty does not apply to disciplinary action relating to any other code violation including, but not limited to, assault, property damage, or prohibited distribution of substances. Medical Amnesty does not apply to student organizations.
Normally, the person who called for assistance will be expected to remain at the scene with the intoxicated student until assistance arrives and to cooperate with medical and law enforcement personnel on the scene.

Noise Policy

Noise Policy

Every student living within a residence hall at Rutgers University has the right to privacy in their own room. Just as a student has the right to reasonable protection against unwarranted physical intrusion, residents also have the right to reasonable protection against the uninvited intrusion of noise. Each student should expect to be able to sleep, study, converse, listen to the music of their choice, etc. within the privacy of their own room, reasonably free from disruption resulting from the activities of others.

A uniform noise policy has been adopted by Residence Life and is summarized here:

Noise, particularly sustained, must not be readily audible within the private living quarters of other students.
Instruments or amplification devices producing excessive volume, including, but not limited to subwoofers, are prohibited in the residence halls outside of designated practice rooms.
Sustained, loud noise originating outdoors but audible within residence halls or other University buildings will not be allowed.
Noise emanating from within one hall must not be audible within any other hall or University building.
No amplified sound is permitted at outside events without the prior permission of the Assistant Director of Residence Life.
The general noise level within the hall must be such that it does not interfere with the above-mentioned rights.

As for specific hours and times:

Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Quiet Hours are in effect, Sunday through Thursday from 11pm to 10am.
Quiet Hours are in effect on Friday and Saturday from midnight to 10am.
24-hour Quiet Hours are in effect during reading days and exam periods.

Prohibited Items Policy

Prohibited Items Policy

Living on campus is an integral part of the Rutgers Community. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where student learning, development, and individuality is championed and supported. As Community members, we must also act in good faith at all times to ensure that they and others are not placed in situations that contradict the spirit or letter of our standards.

The following are prohibited items in and around residence facilities include but are not limited to:

Air conditioners
Bidets
Cooking appliances such as electric skillets, hot plates, hot pots, immersion coils, oil-based heating elements, etc. Kitchen Appliances such as air fryers, griddles, and toaster ovens are not allowed in spaces without a kitchen.
Deep freezers
Dishwashers
DSL lines
Electrical wiring that is homemade or otherwise modified or transformed; possessing or using an electrical extension cord over six feet long or a multiple plug into which more than two cords are attached
Firearms and other weapons, chemicals, fireworks, and explosives.
Gasoline powered items, (e.g. motorcycles, mopeds or the components)
Gasoline, benzene, alcohol or other flammable liquids.
Humidifiers of all types unless there is documented medical need
Lights, “dimmers,” or ceiling fans, or any other device that replaces, adds to, or interferes with any building apparatus.
Locks, latches, or similar devices (for interior or exterior doors) beyond what is provide by the University
Loft beds without proper approval from Residence Life
Microwaves (apartment residents are permitted to have a UL approved microwave)
Pets without proper approval from Residence Life or laboratory animals
Posters, fishnets, or flags on the ceiling
Refrigerators not owned by the University unless there is an approved medical need
Satellite dishes, exterior radio or television masts or aerials.
Sleeping pods, capsules, or enclosures that interfere with hearing a fire alarm or evacuating a room or building
Space heaters and open flame devices
Tanning beds
Trampolines
Traffic signs
Use of cinder blocks
Video Doorbells
Washing Machines & Dryers
Waterbeds/water chairs

Smoking Policy

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited on University property. Smoking includes, but is not limited to the burning of any type of lighted pipe, hookahs, cigar, cigarette, electronic devices or any other smoking equipment/devices whether filled with tobacco or any other type of substance. In accordance with Rutgers University Policy 10.2.14-Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy for Students: "Smoking of tobacco products and the use of electronic smoking devices is prohibited in any portion of a building that is owned and operated by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 26:3D-17). This includes classrooms, lecture halls, auditoriums, residence halls, gymnasiums, playing fields, and other recreational areas. Smoking is also prohibited in all university-owned or leased vehicles. In addition, smoking and the placement of ash urn receptacles is prohibited in areas deemed to be main entrances to buildings owned and operated by the university. (Section 60.1.10, Smoking Policy)." Residents under the legal age of 21 may not possess any tobacco products or smoking paraphernalia, which may include but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and electronic smoking devices.

Solicitation Policy

Solicitation Policy

No soliciting or canvassing is allowed in residence halls or apartments at any time. University recognized student groups may request permission to have a table for solicitation in the main lobby of each hall by contacting the Campus Director of Residence Life on their respective campus. Public area solicitation is prohibited without explicit permission and instructions from the Campus Director. Resident students are responsible for reporting violations of this Solicitation Policy to the appropriate Residence Life staff member.

Theft Policy

Theft Policy

Any one of the following will be considered theft, and is therefore a violation of law and the Student Code of Conduct:

Taking or attempting to take university property or private property with the consent of the owner or person legally responsible for that property.
Obtaining University services through fraudulent or devious means.
Knowingly possession private or University property that was stolen.

UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE IN CASES OF VIOLATION OF LAW

Rutgers University students may be held accountable through the University judicial conduct process as well as the local New Brunswick/Piscataway criminal justice system. The University judicial process may be carried out before, simultaneously with, or following any related civil or criminal proceedings. If civil or criminal charges are dropped, or if the student is found not guilty via the criminal justice process, University discipline decisions and/or sanctions will not be subject to alteration or amendment.

Vandalism Policy

Vandalism Policy

Vandalism is defined as any intentional behavior which causes damage, when that behavior violates policy, or is reckless or negligent, in that a reasonable person would know that engaging in that behavior could cause damage. Students are expected to refrain from behavior which can damage their residence or the belongings of others, including Rutgers University property. In addition, students should choose their guests carefully, as they are responsible for the behavior of their guests in their residence. Students will be billed for the costs of any vandalism which they cause, or may be caused by their guests. In addition, students responsible for vandalism are subject to residence hall discipline which can include mandatory service to their community. Behavior coupled with substance use will also include mandatory substance counseling. Large scale, bias-motivated, or dangerous vandalism is antithetical to community and will result in eviction and referral to the University Conduct office.

FACILITY VANDALISM

If similar damage occurs a second time in the same building, floor meetings will be held to discuss the issue with residents in an attempt to get the behavior to stop and/or find out who is responsible.
If damage occurs a third time in the same building, the Campus Director and Student Conduct Assistant Director will work with the appropriate Residence Life Coordinator to develop a plan of action for the community.

VENDING MACHINE VANDALISM

Damage to vending machines in residence affects all residents. Students found responsible for vandalizing a vending machine will be held financially responsible and referred to Student Conduct for discipline. Continued vending vandalism will also be responded to by Dining Services, who manages RU vending. Second time damage to the same machine and/or another machine in the same building, the following will occur:

The machine will not be refilled for two weeks from the date of the vandalism. A poster explaining why the machine has not been refilled will be posted on the machine to inform the community.
Floor meetings will be held to discuss the issue with residents in an attempt to get the behavior to stop and/or fin d out who is responsible.
If damage occurs a third time to the same machine and/or another machine in the same building, the machines will be removed/ emptied for the remainder of the semester.

Weapons Policy

Weapons Policy

A weapon can be defined as any object or substance designed to inflict a wound, cause injury or incapacitate, or create a reasonable fear of harm, including but not limited to, all firearms, including air rifles and pellet guns; bow and arrows; ammunition; knives (other than kitchen knives); martial arts weapons; brass knuckles; explosives; and dangerous chemicals or poisons that are possessed with the intent to injure another or to cause damage to property. All types of guns (including paintball guns, airsoft guns, pellet guns, etc.), bows and arrows, tasers, and all other weapons are prohibited in residence halls. Any device that has the appearance and/or function of a serviceable weapon or is being used in a manner of a real weapon is also prohibited in residence halls. Any student or guest in possession of an illegal weapon in a residence hall or apartment will face possible arrest. All Residence Life staff members are required to notify the Rutgers University Police Department if they become aware of the presence of any weapon inside the residence halls at any time.