91¶ÌÊÓƵ

Rights and Responsibilities

Residence Hall policies are guided by the SU Code of Community Standards. Within our Residence Hall Information Book is listed many policies specific to living within our on campus communities. However, general reference is made to many of these polices in the Code of Community Standards, and many of our policies can be applicable to living off campus as well. These guidelines for community living are important as they ensure a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for all residents and students here at SU. While they may appear to be simple rules, these living standards provide you with your rights, but along with the privilege of having these rights come responsibilities which we deem as very important for maintaining the community.

Documented … Now What?

Any alleged violation of University policy will typically be documented by an RA. Once the RA collects the information and the names of any student present, the report is submitted to Student Accountability & Community Standards for their review. Our Associate Director will assign the case to a building director (conduct officer) for adjudication. Please refer to the Code of Community Standards for the remaining steps in the conduct process, as it may take different directions depending on options of the students involved.

If you are documented for a violation of policy, please see your building director for more information until you’re contacted by a conduct officer. No decision can be made regarding your responsibility in an incident until a hearing is conducted, so give it time and trust that the Code of Community Standards provides for a fair judicial process. If 3-5 days pass before you are contacted regarding a hearing, please contact your building director to learn the status of your incident.

Parents Involvement

While we respect the fact that you’re an adult, we also know at times your parents may call with questions about your involvement in an incident. If you think your parents might call, then they probably will. Without your signed permission we can’t release any details about your situation. You may log in to your GullNet account and complete a FERPA waiver which will then allow us to speak with your parent/guardian regarding your involvement in an incident.

One important point to remember before your parents call is: make sure you give them all the details, including any prior conduct you may have.

Residence Hall Fines

At times you, or your living area, may be charged for damages and/or misuse of common areas. If you are notified by your building director that a fine has been imposed, you may appeal this fine the Associate Director.

It’s My Roommate, Not Me

Living in rooms the size of a standard bedroom in most homes, we know there will likely be times when the roommate is at fault for what’s taken place. The experience we have had is that typically a roommate will take ownership for what they have done without dragging their roommate down with them. To avoid having to go down this road, it’s important to talk to your roommate early on when there are issues in the room which could be a problem later on. A simple conversation about things you aren’t comfortable with, i.e. alcohol, can be much more productive and save you a headache. In most cases, your roommate will listen and be careful about their actions.

In the event this doesn’t happen, then you made need to talk with your RA to get some confidential advice about how to proceed. Every student is troubled by the thought of getting their roommate in trouble. If communication happens early on, this won’t likely happen. And, if it’s early enough, you may be able to privately consult with staff without there being disciplinary action.

Be proactive, rather than reactive!

A judicial hearing is not a good place to bring up how long you’ve been dealing with an issue, and at that point it may not be a good defense for why you shouldn’t be held accountable for violations in your room.