Introduction:

The Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS) were established at the University of Guelph in an effort to clearly outline the standards of appropriate conduct expected within all Guelph residence communities. They were also created to complement municipal, provincial and federal legislation as well as other campus policies.

Principles:

The expectation outlined by the RCLS are based on principles set out by the University/Campus community, as outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities, and exist with the intention of upholding and honouring these values. These principles are as follows:

• To promote the development of all members of the University/Campus community, which implies and affirms the dignity, worth and autonomy of the individual.
  
  
• A focus on learning and knowledge, which upholds the fundamental importance of reasoned debate and inquiry in all of the University’s/Campus’s academic and service functions.
  
  
• Societal enhancement, which extends the commitment to individual development beyond the walls of the institution, to the ideal of service to the broader community

Objectives:

The objective of this discipline system is to further student development and enhance the academic experience. While accountability for behaviour is emphasised, sanctioning is not based on punitive ideals. It is our hope that students are able to learn from the process and come to understand the nature of the relationship between their behaviour and its consequences. While recognizing the nature of the residence environment, Residence Services seeks to educate students around community standards and the effect that their choices may have on others around them. We strive to evaluate both the intent of an action and its impact in each situation. Students have the privilege of enjoying social activities as long as they do not conflict with the rights of other students to pursue academic endeavours. Residence Services employs professional, support and student staff in each residence area. They act as resource personnel and agents of Residence Services and are charged with the responsibility of upholding all rules and regulations. Every reasonable effort is made to investigate all policy infractions in a timely and effective manner. Cooperation with staff is an expectation to  ensure that all facts can be gathered and failure to provide this cooperation may constitute an infraction.

Unacceptable Behaviour:

Unacceptable behaviour is that which is inconsistent with the above principles and objectives. When such behaviour occurs, it constitutes an offence. Ignorance, anger, alcohol or substance abuse will not be accepted as an excuse, reason or rationale for such behaviour. Residents are responsible for any inappropriate behaviour and/or damage that takes place in their residence room. They will be held responsible for any inappropriate behaviour on the part of their guests, which can result in being sanctioned accordingly. Residence students are responsible for observing the terms of the RCLS, the Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Residence Contract at all times.  Furthermore, it is an expectation that each student is to act in good time to attempt to prevent a problem from occurring, or should one occur, to act reasonably to remove themselves from the situation or to attempt to prevent it from escalating to a more serious level. Being present during the time of an infraction and not taking steps to leave the scene, inform proper Residence Life Staff or to attempt to stop the behaviour could constitute an offence under the terms of this document.

Offences & Levels:

The following charts outline examples of offences and the range of sanctions that may be applied under normal circumstances and for a first time offence. Please note that should the situation warrant, alternative or higher than minimum sanctions could be levied dependant on the situation and the time of year. In addition, any sanction may be accompanied by an educational component. The expectations are intended for descriptive purposes, copies of the complete policies can be obtained by contacting your Residence Supervisor or Residence Security.

Definition of Levels:

Some behaviours are listed in more than one level of offence. This is to recognize such mitigating factors as intent, impact, and/or any extenuating circumstances that may exist. The following define the levels of offences:

Level 1:

Actions by an individual(s) which interfere with the rights of another individual(s) to the peaceful use and enjoyment of his or her space in residence.

Level 2:

Actions by an individual(s) which create a significant nuisance and/or disturbance to an individual or community.

Level 3:

Actions by an individual(s) which: endanger the safety and security of themselves or other individual(s); and/or compromise personal or university property; and/or attack the dignity/integrity of an individual; and/or contravene the laws of the land.

Level 1 Offences:

Actions by an individual(s) which interfere with the rights of anther individual(s) to the peaceful use and enjoyment of his or her space in residence. Normal Range of Sanctions: Warning Letter, $25 Fine, $50 Behaviour Bond

Alcohol:

Students must abide by all Federal and Provincial alcohol Laws and the Residence Alcohol Policy and/or regulations outlined in the Residence Contract. The legal age for consuming alcohol in Ontario is 19 years. Alcohol must be consumed within the private, non-licensed designated areas. Alcohol consumption is prohibited on street level, residence desk areas, lobbies, foyers, elevators, stairwells, and washrooms. (See Alcohol Policy) Warning Letter-$50 Behaviour Bond

Beer Bottles:

Bottles have proven to be a safety hazard in residence due to broken glass. Consequently Residence Life maintains a “no beer bottles” policy. This applies to any beer beverage in glass bottles. This applies to any beer beverage in glass bottles. $100 Fine.

Cleanliness Standards:

Students are required to maintain their rooms in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations. For health reasons, food is to be stored in suitable containers to avoid contamination, vermin, and odour. Warning Letter

Equipment Storage:

Students are not permitted to store any personal belongings or room property in any common or shared living areas. Equipment may include, but are not limited to bicycles, hockey equipment, desks, lamps, musical instruments, etc.

Warning Letter - $50 Behaviour Bond

Guests:

A guest is any non-resident. Students are not permitted to host guests during Orientation Week or any time after the end of classes each semester. Each student is permitted to have (2) guests at any given time. Guests must carry a guest card signed by their host and a Residence Staff at all times, and hosts must have obtained permission from their roommate prior to hosting a guest. Guests may stay for a period of no longer than three (3) nights in the same week, nor may they stay in residence repeatedly. Hosts are responsible at all times for their guests and their behaviour, including informing them of any relevant policies.  Acting as a host for a posted individual and/or a person whose visiting privileges have been revoked, are prohibited. (See Guest Policy)

Warning Letter, Privileges Revoked, $50 Behaviour Bond, Eviction

Noise:

Unacceptable and excessive noise is not permitted in residence. Resident students are expected to abide by the rules regarding acceptable noise levels and in some cases to modify use of an area during quiet hours.  Areas may include but are not limited to indoor or outdoor basketball courts, music rooms and lounges as specified by Residence Services. In general, the following quiet hours are observed:

Sunday to Thursday: 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Friday & Saturday: 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.

These guidelines are meant to act as a minimum standard and may be enhanced through consultations with the community and residence staff. Residence Services will, during examination periods, extend the quiet hours. Noise levels at any time should not extract from any resident’s ability to pursue academic endeavours or to enjoy their living environment. An individual’s right to reasonable quiet supersedes another’s right to make noise. (See Noise Policy)

Students should note that high levels of bass from stereos, sub-woofers or computers is prohibited at all times. Such bass has proven to cause unacceptable noise throughout the residence hall, regardless of stereo/computer volume.

Warning Letter - $50 Behaviour Bond

Physcially Active Games in Residence Common Areas:

Students are not permitted to participate in potentially destructive activities that may cause personal injuries and/or property damage. These activities include, but are not limited to indoor sports, water fights, using roller blades or bicycles in the buildings or running in hallways.

Warning Letter - $50 Behaviour Bond

Postering:

Students must poster within the designated areas in residence. (See Postering and Decoration Policies)

Warning Letter, Removal, Restitution for Damages

Removal of Residence Property:

Removing and/or relocating furniture from lounges, residence rooms, dining areas, and other common living areas is not permitted. Warning Letter-$50 Behaviour Bond

Use of Prohibited Appliances:

Electrical or other cooking appliances, including but not limited to toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates microwave ovens, etc, are permitted only in areas with approved kitchen facilities.

$100 Behaviour Bond-Eviction, Restitution for Damages

Third Level 1 Offence:

$50 - $100 Behaviour Bond

Level 2 Offences:

Actions by an individual(s) which create a significant nuisance and/or disturbance to an individual or community.

Normal Range of Sanctions: Warning Letter-$150.00 Behaviour Bond.

Alcohol:

Students must abide by all Federal, Provincial and University laws and policies. The legal drinking age is 19 years. Alcohol must be consumed within private, non-licensed designated areas. Alcohol consumption is prohibited on street level, residence desk areas, lobbies, foyers, elevators, stairwells, and washrooms.

$50 - $100 Behaviour Bond

Candles:

Open flames are not permitted in residence, and this includes attended lit candles. Students who require the use of candles for religious purposes need to contact the Residence Supervisor.

$25 Fine, Restitution for Damages

Cleanliness Standards:

Students are expected to keep shared living areas and the exterior of their room doors clean and adhere to the proper removal of garbage and/or recycling.

Letter to Remove - $50 Behaviour bond, Restitution for Damages

Cooperation with Staff:

Residents and guests are expected to cooperate with staff members. Misleading, not cooperating with and providing improper identification to staff is strictly prohibited. Interfering with any Residence Services investigation is not permitted.

$50 - $100 Behaviour Bond

Discrimination:

Every individual has the right to an environment characterized by equal opportunity and equitable access to University/Campus goods and services. Every individual has the responsibility to treat all members of the University/Campus community without discrimination. Discrimination is defined as any conduct that results in adverse treatment of an individual or group on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin colour, ethnic origin, citizenship,

creed/religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, record of offences or receipt of public assistance.

$100 - $150 Behaviour Bond

Disruption:

Every individual has the right to an environment that while safeguarding dissent, is free from interference and disruption. You have the responsibility not to intimidate, interfere with threaten or otherwise obstruct any activity

organized by the University/Campus, including classes, or to hinder other members of the University community from being ale to carry out their legitimate activities, including their ability to speak or associate with others.

$100 - $150 Behaviour Bond

Explosives:

Explosive or flammable material is not permitted in residence buildings. This may include, but is not limited to, firecrackers, fireworks, barbecue propane tanks, dynamite, etc. Proper storage for flammable material such as oil paints, etc. is required.

$50 - $150 Behaviour Bond

Harassment:

Every individual has the right to an environment characterized by mutual respect. Every individual has the responsibility to treat all members of the University/Campus community with respect and without harassment. Harassment is defined as any attention or conduct (oral written, graphic, or physical) by an individual or group who know, or ought to reasonably know, that such attention or conduct is unwelcome/unwanted, offensive or intimidating.

$100 - $150 Behaviour Bond

Inappropriate / Illegal Entry:

Entering another student’s room/suite or disturbing another resident’s property without the permission of the resident is not permitted. Students must have written permission to enter another’s room and do so only with authorized use of the prescribed key; manipulating the lock, door, or window is strictly prohibited.

Warning Letter - $50 Behaviour Bond

Incense:

Lit incense is prohibited. Students requiring the use of incense for religious purposes need to contact the Residence Supervisor for permission.

$25 Fine, Restitution for Damages

Pets:

Students are not permitted to bring into or keep in residence non-human life forms other than plants.

Letter to Remove - $50 Behaviour Bond.

Physically Active Games in Residence Common Areas:

Students are not permitted to participate in potentially destructive activities that may cause personal injuries and/or property damage. These activities include, but are not limited to indoor sports, water fights, using roller blades or bicycles in the buildings or running in hallways.

$50 - $100 Behaviour Bond

Raids or Inappropriate or Destructive Pranks:

Initiating, encouraging, supporting, or participating in raids and/or pranks that are disruptive, offensive, or hostile to residents and/or staff is prohibited. These raids or pranks include, but are not limited to water fights, dismantling, removing, and/or relocating residence/personal property, pennying in, etc.

$50 - $150 Behaviour Bond, Restitution for Damages

Level 3 Offences:

Actions by an individual(s) which: endanger the safety and security of themselves or another individual(s); and/or compromise personal or university property; and/or attack and dignity/integrity of an individual; and/or contravene the laws of the land.

Normal Range of Sanctions $100.00 Fine, $100.00 - $150.00

Behaviour Bond, Probation, Transfer, Eviction

Third Level 2 Offence ~ $100 Behaviour Bond-Eviction

Responsibility for Guests’ Behaviour:

Hosts are responsible for the behaviour of their guests at all times. It is the hosts’ responsibility to inform their guest of Residence policies. Failure to control the behaviour of guests in residence will result in the host being sanctioned.

The specific sanctions will be determined by the normal range of sanctions for the offence committed by the guest.

Smoking:

http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/health/smoke_free/fact_sheets/schools.asp

Telecommunications:

Students are prohibited from using their telephone or data service, or permitting them to be used, for a purpose or in a manner that is contrary to the law or University/Campus policy, or for the purposes of relaying annoying or offensive messages. Students are responsible for ensuring that others do not have access to their phone or data service. Students will be held responsible for messages sent from their room whether they were present or not.

Termination of Service, $50 - $150 Behaviour Bond

Throwing Material:

Throwing, dropping, or ejecting material from residence buildings, windows, balconies, roof tops, or down stairwells is prohibited. Throwing material at residence buildings is also prohibited.

$50 - $150 Behaviour Bond

Vandalism:

Vandalism is defined as the wilful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property. Any vandalism directed toward another individual or group of individuals may also constitute harassment.

$50 - $150 Behaviour Bond, Restitution for Damages

Violence:

Violence or physical aggression in residence will not be tolerated. Physical aggression is defined as any violent or physically aggressive behaviour. These behaviours include, but are not limited to hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, pushing, pulling fighting, etc.

$100 - $150 Behaviour Bond

Waterbeds / Hot Tubs:

Students are not permitted to use waterbeds or hot tubs in residence.

Warning Letter, $50 Behaviour Bond, Restitution for Damages

Alcohol:

Students must abide by all Federal, Provincial and University laws and policies. The legal drinking age is 19 years. Alcohol must be consumed within private, non-licensed designated areas. Alcohol consumption is prohibited on street level, residence desk areas, lobbies, foyers, elevators, stairwells, and washrooms.

$50 - $100 Behaviour Bond

Disruption:

Every individual has the right to an environment that, while safeguarding dissent, is free from interference and disruption. You have the responsibility not to intimidate, interfere with, threaten or otherwise obstruct any activity organized by the University/Campus, including classes, or to hinder other members of the University/Campus community from being able to carry out their legitimate activities, including their ability to speak or associate with others.

$150 Behaviour Bond - Eviction

Explosives:

Explosive or flammable material is not permitted in residence buildings. This may include, but is not limited to, firecrackers, fireworks, barbecue propane tanks, dynamite, etc.

$150 Behaviour Bond - Eviction

Fire Equipment:

Discharging, tampering with or operating any fire prevention or detection equipment for any purpose other than the control of fire is strictly prohibited. Automatic eviction will result.

Eviction (Zero Tolerance)

Gambling:

Participating in and/or running an illegal gambling operation is prohibited.

$150 Behaviour Bond - Eviction

Harassment:

Every individual has the right to an environment characterized by mutual respect. Every individual has the responsibility to treat all members of the University/Campus community with respect and without harassment. Harassment is defined as any attention or conduct (oral, written graphic, or physical) by an individual or group who knows, or ought to reasonably know, that suchattention or conduct is unwelcome, unwanted, offensive or intimidating.

$150 Behaviour Bond - Eviction

Illegal Drugs:

Students in residence are prohibited from being involved with trafficking, possessing, using and consuming any illegal drug substance in residence.

Minimum $100 Fine - Eviction

Inappropriate / Illegal Entry:

Entering another student’s room/suite or disturbing another resident’s property without the permission of the resident is not permitted. Students must have written permission to enter another’s room and do so only with authorized use of the prescribed key, without manipulating the lock, door, or window. Unauthorized entry for the purpose of doing a “room job”, causing damage stealing, etc. is prohibited.

$150 Behaviour Bond-Eviction

Mass Consumption:

Possession and/or consumption of “common source” alcohol (e.g. kegs, mini kegs of any size, swish barrels, electric jello, and other large containers of alcohol, etc.) and/or participating in “drinking games” (e.g. century club, funnelling, etc.) within residence is prohibited.

$150 Behaviour Bond

Open Flames:

Open flames are not permitted in residence, this includes, but is not limited to lit candles, lamps requiring a combustible fuel, incense, etc. Students who require the use of candles for religious purposes need to contact the Residence Supervisor.

$100 Behaviour Bond-Eviction, Restitution for Damages

Pornography:

Displaying or making available for viewing pornographic material in the hallways, common rooms, lobbies, stairwells, bathrooms, exterior room doors, or any interior area of a room that can be seen from an open door is prohibited (in accordance with the Criminal Code of Canada Section 163).

Also see The University of Guelph Human Rights Policy.

$150 Behaviour Bond-Eviction

Raids, Inappropriate or Destructive Pranks:

Initiating, encouraging, supporting, or participating in raids and/or pranks that are disruptive, offensive or hostile to residents and/or staff is prohibited. These raids or pranks include, but are not limited to, water fights, dismantling removing, and/or relocating residence/personal property, pennying in, etc.

$150 Behaviour Bond - Eviction

Restricted Areas:

Students are prohibited from being in any restricted areas, these include, but are not limited to, the roof of any residence (except in emergencies), restricted balconies, window ledges, window ledges, attics, etc.

$200 Fine - Eviction

Throwing Material:

Throwing, dropping, or ejecting material from residence buildings, windows balconies, roof tops, or down stairwells is prohibited. Throwing material at residence buildings is also prohibited.

$150 Behaviour Bond - Eviction

Vandalism:

Vandalism is defined as the wilful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property. Any vandalism directed toward another individual or group of individuals may also constitute harassment.

$100 Behaviour Bond - Eviction, Restitution for Damages

Violence:

Violence or physical aggression in residence will not be tolerated. Physical aggression is defined as any violent or physically aggressive behaviour. These behaviours include, but are not limited to hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, pushing, pulling, fighting, etc.

Transfer - Eviction

Weapons:

Firearms and any other weapon or item that is created/intended to cause harm, or could be seen as intimidating, are strictly prohibited.

$150 Behaviour Bond - Eviction

Enforcement of Community Living Standards:

Infractions of the rules and regulations of residences are dealt with through the following mechanisms depending on the severity of the incident. This document attempts to provide to the student an example of what the sanction might be for particular behaviour under normal circumstances. This does not limit the possibility of other sanctions being imposed should the situation warrant. All financial costs incurred as a result of breaking a residence regulation will be billed to the student(s) involved. The following procedures may occur as a consequence of breaking residence rules.

Verbal Warning:

Verbal warnings are used by Residence Staff to indicate to the student what policy was violated, and what the consequences are if the behaviour is repeated. It is imperative that students understand that the warnings are occasionally given by Resident Staff as a courtesy, most often for incidents involving noise, and are in no way mandatory. A first occasion of inappropriate behaviour will normally result in documentation being issued.

Incident Report:

The primary purpose of the Incident Report is to ensure that students are informed of their behaviour if it was questionable in nature. Residents are often required to sign an Incident Report so that all of the parties involved have equal access to the information that has been written about an incident. Depending on the nature of the behaviour, and past history, sanctions may be placed on an individual because of this documented behaviour. Please note that every student has the right to express his or her views in writing to their Residence Supervisor within 48 hours of receiving the incident report.

Warning Letter:

Typically (but not exclusively) after a meeting with the Residence Supervsior a student will be sent or handed a letter outlining the violation and the consequences of that violation.

Behaviour Bond:

A behaviour bond is a sum of money posted by a student to ensure compliance to the residence contract. If there are no further infractions of the contract, the money is refunded to the student after the end of the academic year. If there is a subsequent infraction, the bond is forfeited and more severe consequences will be applied. Failure to pay a behaviour bond on time will result in the student’s account being put on sanction.

Fines:

A monetary penalty assessed as a sanction for inappropriate behaviour normally (but not exclusively) imposed for violations, which includes but is not limited to the ‘No Illegal Drugs’,‘No Beer Bottles’,‘No Smoking’, or ‘No Open Flames’ policies.

Collective Billing:

These are charges that are billed to a student(s) for community damages. Example: A broken lounge window that occurs on the 3rd Floor. The entire 3rd floor could receive a bill for this damage. Collective billing can also occur for the whole building for (including but not limited to) common area damages, fire alarm fines etc.

Community / Educational Sanctions:

A Community / Educational sanction may accompany a warning letter, fine, behaviour bond, or probation. These sanctions include but are not limited to: community restitution, community service, creating an educational program for the community and/or reflection paper describing what the student has learned.

Behavioural Contract:

A set of behavioural expectations and limits that is determined with the student and laid out in contract terms. With his/her signature, the student agrees to the terms of the behavioural contract and is aware that any breach of this contract constitutes an offence which will result in eviction.

Residence Probation:

When a student is placed on probation in residence, they are sent notice that any further offence will result in their eviction. Probation will normally extend to the end of the academic year and, in some cases, may be extended to subsequent years.

Posting from Residences:

Students may be posted from residence(s) and not allowed to return to the specific building(s). If the posted student is found in the building then the University/Campus Security will be called and the student may be charged under the Trespass to Property Act or through the University/Campus Judicial Committee.

Transfer to Another Residence:

The Residence Supervisor may deem it appropriate to transfer a student out of a residence and into another residence. This is usually done as a last resort before eviction where a student has indicated a willingness to change their behaviour. The student will also be posted from his/her original building. In circumstances where the Residence Supervisor feels there is an immediate danger, or needs to separate parties in order to properly investigate an incident, a student may be immediately transferred on a temporary basis until the matter is resolved.

Denial of Readmission:

Residence Services may deem it inappropriate to allow a student to return to residence for the following year. The student will be informed of his decision after he/she has checked out. Any student whose discipline record consists of a minimum of two Level II Offences will have their file automatically reviewed and this sanction will be considered.

Eviction from Residences:

When warranted, a student may be required to vacate residence. The student will also be posted from all residence buildings. In circumstances where the Residence Supervisor and Residence Services feel there may be an immediate threat posed to an individual or the community, a student may be immediately removed from residence.

Charge through the Campus Judicial Committee:

This committee is comprised of both faculty and students responsible to hear reported incidents of student behaviour that represent alleged infractions of student regulations. Penalties given by this committee include fines, probationary periods,warnings and in extreme cases suspension and expulsion. Fines of up to $500.00 or more can be imposed.  Students have the right to be represented by an advisor, including legal counsel. Appeals of the Campus Judicial Committee go before the Campus Hearing Board.

Appeal Process:

The student has appeal routes available at each step of the disciplinary process. Appeals concerning evictions will normally be  heard by the Campus Judicial Board.

Internal Appeals:

All sanctions levied by the Residence Supervisor are considered to be in effect at the time a student is informed.  A student has three (3) business days from the date on their incident letter to submit a formal written appeal. Residence Services  will only hear appeals on the following grounds:

a) that there was a lack of procedural fairness and/or bias or unfair treatment, improper investigation, discrimination, etc;

b) the sanction does not suit the infraction/behaviour;

c) new information has come to light rendering the original decision unreasonable in light of the evidence  presented.

Please note that a student can only appeal a decision once. It is also important to note that an appeal may result in three different outcomes:

a)       the original decision is upheld;

b)       the original decision is overturned;

c)       sanctions can be modified, which may include increasing the sanctions originally levied.

External Appeals:

Eligible external appeals must be directed to the Campus Judicial Committee. Letters of appeal must be received by the Judicial Officer within 3 business days of a disciplinary sanction being levied. Appeals are heard on the following bases:

a) the decision was unreasonable in light of the evidencepresented;

b) the penalty or action imposed was unreasonable inlight of the circumstances of the case; or

c) there was a lack of procedural fairness.

Administrative Offences:

Commercial Use:

The use of a residence room, mailbox, telephone or data connection for any commercial purpose is prohibited. Situation Based.

Keys:

For the protection of your personal possessions, you are advised to lock your doors when leaving your room. Lost keys should be reported immediately to the residence desk. If you lose your key, a spare will be issued for up to 10 days to allow you to find the original. However after 10 days, you will be charged $65 and your lock will be changed.

$65 Lock Change, $20 Late Fee for Lock Out Keys

Other Charges:

Other charges may be made for damage repairs, improper check-out, or room transfers, keys not returned, storage, etc. Appeals of any such charges must be made, in writing, within 60 days of the invoice date.

$50 Improper Checkout Fee

Photograph:

Failure to provide the required two passport-sized photographs by the first day of class.

$25 Charge

Responsibility for Contents:

Students are held financially responsible for any damage or losses to your room or its contents and also for the cleanliness of the room upon vacating.

Situation Based

Subletting:

Subletting a residence room or permitting its use by others except as outlined in the Residence Contract regarding guests is prohibited (see Section 6.2.F).

Situation Based