Community Standards of Conduct

The residential student conduct process is designed to be educational and encourage responsible behaviors. These policies are designed to protect the individual within an environment that promotes personal and academic success. In addition to its contribution to the academic mission of the University, the student conduct process is also designed to support community standards, while allowing students to make decisions in line with their individual lifestyles and value systems.

As in any group setting, residence halls have rules and regulations that establish the standards and rights of membership. When members of residence hall communities choose to violate policies, residence halls become unpleasant places in which to live.

The residential student conduct process has jurisdiction over all residence halls and their surrounding properties. In addition to its contribution to the academic mission of the University, the student conduct process is also designed to support community standards, while allowing students to make decisions in line with their individual lifestyles and value systems. Although policies and processes may appear and feel restrictive, there is no intent to deprive students of the opportunity to make independent decisions. Nevertheless, policies have been established in accordance with other University regulations, local, state, and federal laws, and input from previous residents. Overall, the policies set in place have proven to be in the best interest of the residence hall community at large.

The residence hall policies of West Virginia University are designed to protect the individual within an environment that promotes personal and academic success. The following policies, procedures, and guidelines for student behavior are designed to enhance your living and learning environment. Violations of any rule or regulation will lead to student conduct administrative action. Where such action is necessary, students may also face civil liability or criminal prosecution. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and acting upon their rights and responsibilities as outlined herein. Students should also familiarize themselves with the University Campus Student Code.

Matters of safety and security are of primary importance to the residence hall community. Students who are careless may jeopardize the welfare of everyone within the larger community. Students are expected to forego personal convenience in the interest of community safety.

In accordance with the housing contract, Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to inspect all areas of a student’s room if there is information that indicates University policies are being violated or if the condition of the room is thought to present a health and safety concern. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to initiate administrative moves made in the best interest of the residential community. Also, roommates who cannot resolve issues or come to a mutual understanding may be administratively moved to different rooms, floors, and/or residence halls.

The residential student conduct process is designed to be educational and encourage responsible behaviors. It is expected that residents/students and their guests do not allow themselves to be present for situations that may potentially disrupt the larger residential community. If you or your guest(s) are present for policy violations, or violations occur in your assigned room, you will typically be held responsible for the violations, and appropriate behavioral plans will be imposed. It is expected that students will immediately separate themselves from policy violations, and report violations to appropriate staff members. If information supports that students or their guests are aware of a policy violation(s) and fail to report the incident and immediately separate themselves from the situation, students will most likely be found responsible for the alleged policy violation(s) and the minimum behavioral plans outlined in this section will be imposed.

Alleged violations of University Policy may be referred to the  West Virginia University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities; you may also view the full University Code of Conduct at their site.  

Residence Hall Student Conduct Process

Documentation of Incident or Event

Residence Life staff members are required to document any event that occurs in University housing. Usually, an event is recorded as an “information report.” An information report is an account of an event or situation by the person who has the earliest and most direct involvement with the incident. Allegations of policy violations originating from an information report are considered alleged pending completion of the student conduct process. Any member of the residence hall and University communities can confront and record any behavior that is inconsistent with community standards. Any complaint should be directed to the Residence Life Specialist if the alleged misconduct occurred in or around a residence hall. When behavior is recorded, the student conduct process is set in motion.

Administrative Process

All student conduct procedures are designed to minimize disruption to the residential learning communities. The residence hall student conduct process is as follows:

• A formal complaint (usually through an information report) is submitted.

• A student conduct administrator (person or person(s) assigned to resolve a student conduct matter) is assigned to consider allegations against a student. The conduct administrator or board will be assigned according to the severity of the situation and previous student conduct history.

• A notice of allegations and a notice of the time, date, and location of the student conduct meeting generally will be sent at least two days prior to a student conduct meeting.

• An outcome letter including any imposed behavioral plans will be sent after the student conduct meeting.

• If a student requests an appeal, the appeal must be requested within five business days after receipt of the outcome letter. Contact your student conduct administrator, or email ResLifeConduct@mail.wvu.edu for more information regarding the appeal process.

• The appeal will be granted, modified, or denied and an appeal response letter will be sent to the resident. While an appeal is pending, behavioral plans are suspended until the Appellate Reviewer has acted upon the request and a final resolution has been reached. An exception may occur to ensure the health, safety, or well-being of members of the residential community or to preserve property.

Student Conduct Meetings

When a policy violation has occurred, students have a right to a student conduct meeting. A Residence Life Specialist or other University staff member will conduct a student conduct meeting. During the meeting, all relevant information, witnesses, and evidence should be presented to the student conduct administrator. The technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal cases shall not apply. The student conduct administrator has authority to limit the number of witnesses. Student conduct decisions are based on a preponderance of the evidence, i.e., the allegations more likely than not occurred as charged.

Note: In certain circumstances, a student may be removed from the residence halls before a student conduct meeting has been held or following a student conduct meeting where removal was imposed and an appeal is pending. An interim removal may be imposed to ensure the health, safety, or well-being of members of the residential community or to preserve property.

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Your Rights and Responsibilities

All student conduct processes and procedures shall be fair and reasonable keeping with the fundamental concept of due process, along with the rights to privacy and protection against discrimination guaranteed to all West Virginia University students. If you are accused of violating a  policy, you will also have the rights outlined below.

Rights of the Accused

• The right to be informed of your rights, policies, and student conduct procedures as outlined herein.

• The right to a timely notice of a student conduct meeting, including notice of allegations.

• The right to confidential proceedings.

• The right to a copy of all documents (i.e., the information report). Copies of these reports can only be obtained from the Residence Life Office and may take up to two business days to process.

• The right to be presumed not responsible for violating a policy until found responsible by a preponderance of the evidence (a standard of “more likely than not”).

• The right to an advisor for the purpose of consultation, but not to speak on your behalf or to participate directly in the student conduct meeting except as permitted by the student conduct administrator. It is the student’s responsibility to identify and find their own advisor. Schedule changes will not be made to accommodate an advisor’s schedule, and information pertaining to the case will only be communicated to the accused student.

• The right to present and examine information supporting or refuting the allegations. The student conduct administrator may determine the number of witnesses.

• The right to remain silent or to not attend a student conduct meeting. If you choose to exercise this right, a student conduct meeting will still be conducted. Evidence in support of the allegations will be presented and considered, and a decision will be made based on that information.

• The right to receive a decision after a student conduct meeting.

• The right to request an appeal to a finding of responsible and/or the behavioral plan imposed. The request for an appeal must be submitted within two days after receipt of the outcome letter.

Rights of the Victim

In some situations, not only does a student’s conduct violate a policy, but also victimizes another member of the University community. The University community includes but is not limited to students, staff, faculty, parents, campus neighbors, campus visitors, and any agency that is engaged in a legitimate business transaction with the University (e.g., vendors). When someone is identified as a victim, the student conduct process affords them certain rights.

When a complaint is filed against a student, it is important to remember that the student is being charged with violating a specific University or Housing and Residence Life policy; therefore, the University is ultimately responsible for determining what allegations are appropriate, and the appropriate student conduct administrator. If a victim withdraws the complaint, the University may still proceed with the case.

Victims are entitled to the following rights:

• The right to have the student conduct process explained in full.

• The right to submit an account of the alleged incident.

• The right to be informed of the date, time, and location of the meeting and to request a delay of the student conduct meeting for extenuating circumstances.

• The right to be present during the student conduct meeting. Victims are not permitted to be present during the private deliberations of the student conduct administrator.

• The right to have an advisor present throughout the student conduct process, including the student conduct meeting, although the advisor may not speak on behalf of the victim.

• The right to be called upon as a witness.

• The right to decline to be a witness. The exercise of this right will not be regarded as a statement of support of the accused.

Appeals

Students may submit an appeal request for each incident; however, requests should not be submitted just because a student does not agree with the decision of the student conduct administrator. Requests for an appellate review must be made within five business days of receipt of the outcome letter. An appellate review is limited to a review of the proceedings before the student conduct administrator and any evidence that first became available after the student conduct meeting. An accused student shall not be at risk of more consequences simply by exercising his/her right to an appellate review.

While an appellate review is pending, behavioral plans are suspended until the Appellate Reviewer has acted upon the request and a final resolution has been reached. An exception may occur to ensure the health, safety, or well-being of members of the residence hall community or to preserve property.

A student’s request for an appellate review will generally be granted if at least one of the following conditions is met:

1. New information that was unavailable at the student conduct meeting can be presented that would change the outcome of the case.
2. Established student conduct meeting procedures were not followed and these errors affected the outcome of the case.
3. The outcome of the case is not supported by a preponderance of the evidence.

The Appellate Reviewer may:

1. Uphold or modify the original decision;
2. Uphold or modify the behavioral plan(s); and/or
3. Remand the case back to be reheard or reconsidered in cases where there is new information or a procedural error.

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Confidentiality of Records

In order to protect your rights as a resident and University student, the Residence Life Office will maintain records of any student conduct administrative action(s). Access to these records is restricted to the student and will only be released in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please note that letters or phone calls may be sent/made to parents or legal guardians within established FERPA guidelines. For more information regarding FERPA please visit ferpa.wvu.edu.

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Behavioral Plans

When determining appropriate behavioral plans, the student conduct administrator will consider the following: willingness to accept responsibility for one’s behavior, previous student conduct history, and severity of the incident.

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Behavioral Items Defined

Notice of Policy Violation/Written Warning — Given to inform the student that a specific behavior does not meet minimum expectations for residence hall living. It is generally imposed following isolated and less serious incidents of misconduct or contract violations. (It is not imposed for a specific length of time, but further misconduct may lead to other consequences.)

Behavioral Contract — A document that stipulates specific behavioral expectations and consequences for failure to adhere to those expectations.

Community Service — Mandated service assignments.

Fines — Fines will be imposed for failing to complete assigned behavioral items. Any fines imposed will be assessed to your WVU student account. Fines not paid may result in a hold being placed on the student’s account, preventing him or her from registering for classes.

Restitution — Compensation for loss, damage, etc., which may include monetary or property replacement.

Referral — A consequence which may require coordination with the counseling center, WELLWVU Student Assistance Program (alcohol and drug referrals, online educational activities, assessments, and individual or group sessions); University Office of Student Rights and Responsibility; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office; or other appropriate offices or University resources.

Suspension of Privileges — A resident may lose residence hall privileges. This includes but is not limited to loss of visitation, (computer) network access, etc.

Residence Hall Probation — A resident is not considered in good standing with Housing and Residence Life. Any further violation may result in additional consequences. Residence hall probation will be imposed, minimally, until the end of the academic year.

Deferred Removal — Stipulation that subsequent disturbances to the residence hall community will typically result in removal from all University-supervised housing. Students will not be eligible to return to the residence halls in subsequent academic years. Deferred removal will be imposed, minimally, until the end of the academic year.

Parental Notification — Notification of a policy violation, student conduct meeting outcome (i.e., finding of responsibility), behavioral plan, etc., to a parent, guardian, or other designated contact in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Reflection or Educational Exercise — An exercise designed to allow the student to reflect on residence hall violations and the impact those violations have on oneself and others. Other educational exercises may be required such as researching a specific topic, designing and/or presenting community awareness programs, hall presentations, bulletin boards, or making restitution for damages through restorative work. The student conduct meeting administrator will review assignments to determine if the student has successfully met the educational goals of the assignment.

Residence Hall Ban — A restriction or ban from a particular area, floor, building, or complex as a result of inappropriate behavior or disruption to the residential community.

Residence Hall Reassignment — A mandatory change of room assignment within University-supervised residence halls for inappropriate behavior or disruption to the residential community. Further behavior will generally result in more serious action including residence hall removal.

Residence Hall Removal — Removal from the University residence hall community for conduct which is a serious violation of residence hall rules or regulations. Removal may also result from less serious but repeated incidents of misconduct. Serious violations are generally considered those behaviors that are dangerous or highly disruptive. Separation may range from the remainder of a given semester (regardless of the days remaining) to permanent removal. The housing contract states, “If a student moves from a residence hall for any reason other than withdrawal from the University, the student will be held accountable for 100 percent of the room rent and 100 percent of the food service portion of the contract for the remainder of the academic year.”

Discretionary Behavioral Items — Other behavioral items may be imposed to achieve specific educational outcomes.

Recommendation for Other University Behavioral Plans — Students who commit serious and/or chronic violations of the residence hall policies will be referred to the West Virginia University Office of Student Rights and Responsibility for further action.

Students are responsible for completing assigned behavioral items regardless of whether or not they are separated from West Virginia University at the time the behavioral item is due (i.e., the student withdraws from West Virginia University or University housing prior to the behavioral item deadline).

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Description of Policies and Typical Behavioral Plans

The Community Standards of Conduct consists of Housing and Residence Life policies and policies from the University Campus Student Code. For the complete Campus Student Code, visit https://studentresponsibility.wvu.edu/campus-student-code .

The behavioral plans listed below represent the behavioral plans typically imposed if a student is found responsible for violating a particular residential policy as defined below. Depending on the severity of the offense, and/or a student’s previous conduct involvement, the student conduct administrator may impose additional behavioral items. Behavioral plans are imposed at the discretion of the student conduct meeting administrator and will be done so in a manner consistent with the policy violation(s), potential or realized disruption to any individual, and potential or realized disruption to the larger residential community. In conjunction with the residential student conduct process, students may also be referred to the West Virginia University Office of Student Rights and Responsibility.

Note: During the last two weeks of each semester, additional consequences may be imposed for disruptive behaviors that impact other residents during their preparation for final exams.

Alcohol Related Conduct

(Campus Student Code 6.2, b)

Prohibited alcohol related conduct. “Prohibited alcohol related conduct” means violating West Virginia University Board of Governors Policy 18 (or its successor) or being a student (1) under the age of twenty-one, who consumes or possesses alcohol; (2) who gives alcohol to a person under the age of twenty-one; (3) who drives or operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol; (4) who is in public or on University premises in an intoxicated condition; (5) who possess an open container of alcohol, regardless of their age, in or on any public sidewalk, street, or other place; or (6) failure of a student organization to take all necessary steps to ensure that no person under the legal drinking age is provided alcoholic beverages at a function it sponsors or within any property or transportation it owns, operates, or rents. 

Alcohol Containers

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Retail containers used for alcohol, either full or empty, are not permitted in the residence halls. This includes but not limited to wine bottles, boxed wine, liquor bottles, beer cans, beer boxes, beer box cutouts,  etc. If an alcohol retail container is found on residence hall property, the responsible party will be required to dispose of the container and its contents in the presence of University staff 

Alcohol Related Conduct for Persons Age 21 or Older

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Consumption and or possession of alcohol is prohibited in Residence Halls or on Residence Hall property. This includes individuals who are 21 years of age or older.

Drug Related Conduct

(Campus Student Code 6.2, b)

“Prohibited drug related conduct” means (1) possessing; (2) manufacturing; (3) producing; (4) distributing; (5) selling; (6) possessing with the intent to distribute or sell; or (7) being under the influence of any illicit drug, synthetic drug, or other controlled substance. It also means (8) using any prescribed drug in a manner inconsistent with the prescription; (9) driving or operating a vehicle while under the influence of any illicit drug, synthetic drug, or other controlled substance; or (10) intentionally or recklessly inhaling, ingesting, or using in any manner inconsistent with its purpose any chemical, liquid, substance or other compound. 

Drug Paraphernalia

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited on residence hall property. This includes but is not limited to bongs, pipes, hookahs, water pipes, or any items modified or adapted so that it can be used to consume/use illegal substances.

Computer or Electronic Activity

(Campus Student Code 6.2, u)

Prohibited computer or electronic activity. “Prohibited computer or electronic activity” means (1) unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, change the contents, or other purpose; (2) unauthorized transfer of a file; (3) unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password; (4) use of a computer or other electronic device to unreasonably interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or University official; (5) use of a computer or other electronic device to send obscene messages; (6) use of a computer or other electronic device to unreasonably interfere with the normal operation of the University’s network; or (7) use of a computer or other electronic device in violation of copyright laws. 

(COVID-19) Student Health and Safety Policies 

Damage, Vandalism, or Misuse of Property

(Campus Student Code 6.2, o)

Deadly Weapons or Destructive Devices

(Campus Student Code 6.2, bb)

Possession of deadly weapons or destructive devices. “Possession of deadly weapons or destructive devices” means possessing or using any type of deadly weapon, firearm, imitation firearm, ammunition, explosive, firework, dangerous chemical, or other destructive device while on University premises. “Firearm” means any item which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. “Deadly weapon” means any device, instrument, material, substance, or object, whether animate or inanimate, designed to be used to produce serious bodily injury or death or is readily adaptable to such use. This provision does not apply to those individuals specifically permitted by University policy or procedure to possess such items.

Disruption and or Interference with Personal Rights and Freedoms

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Actions that unreasonably infringe upon the rights, identities and/or freedoms of other individuals are prohibited, regardless of intention behind the actions. Such actions include, but are not limited to intimidation, coercion, and threats. Behavior that unreasonably obstructs, disrupts, or interferes with another person’s free exercise of academic or residential activity is also not permitted. This includes conduct that is loud, indecent, or disorderly, or behaviors that may be construed as a nuisance and thereby disrupt the residential community. This may also include odors created by not maintaining a hygienic environment. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Therefore, any disruptive behavior, regardless of when it occurs, will be treated as a violation of the Disruption policy.

Uncooperative Behavior and/or Dishonesty

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Residents and their guests may not interfere or be uncooperative with residence hall staff or other University officials in the performance of their duties and/or disregard a reasonable request of any University official. This includes but is not limited to utilizing harassing or threatening language (written or verbal), intentionally hiding, or refusing to provide proper identification when requested by a residence hall staff member or other University official.

Presentation of false information to Housing and Residence Life staff or other University employees in the performance of their duties, or during student conduct meetings, is prohibited.

Failure to Honor Student Behavioral Plan

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Failure to complete an assigned student conduct behavioral plan will result in fines. Failure to complete assigned community service, reflection or educational exercises, or failure to complete a mandated alcohol/drug class or assignment, assessment, and/or any other referral will result in additional consequences and/or residence hall fines. Fines vary based on the type of referral and service costs associated with the referral.

False Alarms

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Residents and guests may not falsely report a fire or any other emergency, including bomb threats or serious injury; pull or tamper with a fire alarm pull station when no fire is present; cause a smoke detector to activate when no fire is present; cause a sprinkler to activate when no fire is present; engage the stop button or activate an elevator alarm when there is no emergency, or exit an alarmed exit door and/or allow another person to enter or exit through an alarmed door.

Note: Falsely reporting an emergency will typically result in residence hall removal and a referral to the West Virginia University Office of Student Rights and Responsibility for further action and will be reported to the State Fire Marshall.

Keys or Other Access Devices

(Campus Student Code 6.2, dd)

Unauthorized Use of Keys or Other Access Devices. “Unauthorized use of keys or other access devices” means to possess, duplicate, or use a key or other access device, including an electronic keycard or other device used to grant access, to any building, room, structure, facility, vehicle, construction area, roof top, or other related premises without proper authorization. 

(Housing & Residence Life Policy) 

• Residents, in cases of lockouts and misplaced keys and ID, may request a temporary key and/or ID to regain access to their room. Returning the item(s) to the hall desk staff is required within 72 hours of checking them out. Failure may result in a mandatory lock change and/or reprogramming at cost to the resident. 

• Residents who are found responsible for a second mandatory lock change will be documented for violation of the Residence Life policy of Keys or Other Access Devices. 

• Residents who are found to be overusing the temp key/IDs for the purposes of lending them to guests will also be document in violation of this policy. 

Littering

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Residents and their guests may not dispose of trash, food, cigarette butts, etc., anywhere other than designated areas, or “spit” on personal or public property. This includes disposing of personal trash in areas or receptacles not intended for such use. 

New Roommate Intimidation and/or Discouragement 

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Residents may not intimidate or discourage potential or newly assigned occupants from living in a residence hall space. 

Note: As stated in the Room Responsibility Policy, residents may only occupy their assigned space within their assigned room and must ensure that their room is properly prepared for roommates. Please review the Room Responsibility Policy for complete policy details. 

Pets

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Pets of any kind are not permitted in the residence halls. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to remove any pet from University housing.

Room Responsibility

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

• Residents may only occupy their assigned space within their assigned room and must ensure that their room is properly prepared for roommates in rooms designated for multiple occupancy (i.e., residents may not occupy or use space of a potential roommate if there is a vacancy in their room).
• Rooms should be kept in condition that does not create a health and safety hazard, this includes excessive room trash.
• Dining Hall items such as trays, plates, cups, utensils, etc. must be returned to designated location within the dining hall and not taken/kept in residence hall rooms.

Safety and Security

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

• Elevator Misuse (including jumping in the elevator or anything that could cause the elevator to malfunction). If found responsible, residents/guests will be billed a minimum of $1,000, the minimum charge for elevator repair. 
  
• Rooms, and other residence hall property, should be kept in condition that does not create a health and safety hazard. Residents and guests may not devise any unsafe situation in which a member of the residential community can be injured. Residents may not affix or suspend any tapestries in such a way that it creates a health or safety hazard. Signs, banners, flags, or any other materials may not be placed in windows. Windows can only be decorated with university-provided curtains (or similar style) curtains or blinds. 
• Items Not Permitted in the residence halls and guidelines for personalizing and decorating may be found online at  what to bring/what to leave. Students possessing or using items not permitted, or not following the appropriate guidelines for decorating their rooms, will be required to remove the item (the item may also be confiscated) and/or may receive other discretionary behavioral plans (i.e., community service, reflection or educational exercise, etc.).
• Window screens are not to be removed under any condition due to danger to life and property. Dropping, throwing, or allowing solid or liquid objects to go out a window or off a balcony or fire escape is prohibited. Residents may not tamper with, manipulate (i.e., removing bolts or screws), or remove window screens and/or safety screens.
• Residents and their guests may not obstruct or prop (penny shut, glue, or jam) a door so as to prohibit entrance and/or exit from a residence hall room or other area.
• Emergency exit or alarmed doors are not permitted to be propped open.

Heightened Security

For your safety during certain events or time periods (i.e., sporting events, FallFest, emergencies, etc.) the residence halls will be placed under increased security measures. During this heightened security, visitors will not be permitted in the building, all exterior doors will be locked, and all residents must enter through the main door and present their Mountaineer Cards (Student Identification Card) for admittance.

Fire Safety

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

• Residents and their guests may not intentionally or unintentionally cause smoke or fires. Use or possession of an open flame (i.e., burning candles, burning incense, etc.) or open element appliances, including toasters, hot plates, and hot pots in residence hall rooms or other unauthorized areas is not permitted. Cooking in residence hall rooms not equipped for such use is also prohibited.
• Residents must immediately evacuate the residence hall when the fire alarm system is activated.
• Tampering with (intentionally or unintentionally) fire hoses, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, or other safety equipment to include but not limited to smoke detectors, exit signs, and pull stations, may result in removal from University housing. If found responsible, resident/guests will be reported to the State Fire Marshall and could receive a fine to replace damage/discharged fire safety equipment. 
• Students and their guests must immediately evacuate upon activation of the residence hall fire safety system (i.e., smoke detectors, fire alarm, etc.).

Smoking, Vaping and/or Tobacco Use

(Board of Governors Policy 57—Tobacco-Free Campus).

The use of Tobacco Products and any form of Smoking, including the use of Electronic Smoking Devices and vapor products, is prohibited on University property.  (Board of Governors Policy 57—Tobacco-Free Campus).

To review this policy in its entirety, visit https://policies.wvu.edu/finalized-bog-rules/bog-finance-and-administration-rule-5-6-tobacco-and-smoke-free-campus .

Students who leave cigarette butts, or other tobacco products or parts of those products (i.e., chewing tobacco waste, etc.) will be charged with littering. The possession and use of hookahs are not permitted in the Residence Halls. Additionally, the use of electronic smoking devices (i.e., electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, heat liquids, etc.) is not permitted on residence hall property.

Removing, covering up, and/or tampering with fire safety equipment (i.e., smoke detectors) is not permitted. Please review the Fire Safety Policy for more details.

Theft

(Campus Student Code 6.2, n)

“Theft” means the taking of possession of the property of another without consent.

Unauthorized Entry and/or Presence 

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

Residents and or their guests may not:

a) enter any secured residence hall area or property without permission. 

b) enter or occupy any restricted, locked, or closed residence hall area. This includes but not limited to roofs, facility closets, offices, dining halls, computer labs, mechanical areas, fitness centers, student rooms, closed floors, elevators, etc..  

c) enter or exit a residence hall through a residence hall window. 

d) enter another room via a shared bathroom without permission of the occupants. 

e) use bathrooms that do not correlate to their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. 

f) have more than one occupant in a bathroom stall, shower, or pod style bathroom unit at one time.

g) prop or use (except in an emergency situation) an exterior door, emergency exit, or alarmed door.

h) enter a construction area or safety zone without authorization.

i) enter a residence hall property after having been removed, banned, or restricted from a residence hall or area. 

j) allow access to others who have been removed, banned, or restricted from a residence hall or area.

Violation of University Policies, Rules and Regulations

(Campus Student Code 6.2, h)

Violation of West Virginia University Board of Governors policies, institutional rules and regulations, or campus rules and regulations. “Violation of West Virginia University Board of Governors policies, institutional rules and regulations, or campus rules and regulations” means engaging in conduct that violates West Virginia University Board of Governors policies, institutional rules and regulations, or campus rules and regulations, including any violation of published University housing and residence life rules or policies. A charge alleging a violation of a University policy, rule, or regulation shall identify the policy, rule, or regulation violated. 

Violation of Federal, State, or Local Law

(Campus Student Code 6.2, i)

Violation of federal, state, or local law. “Violation of federal, state, or local law” means engaging in conduct that violates federal, state, or local law whether such conduct takes place on campus or off campus or whether civil or criminal penalties may also be imposed for such conduct. A violation of this provision is not predicated upon a final determination by a court of law. In other words, it is not necessary for a student to have been actually found to have violated a federal, state, or local law by a court of law in order to be disciplined under this Campus Student Code. It is only necessary that a student be found to have engaged in such prohibited acts by processes under the Campus Student Code. It is specifically noted here that the standard of proof in the Campus Student Code process is distinct and different from what is applied in criminal federal, state, and local law violations. A charge alleging a violation of a federal, state, or local law shall identify the federal, state, or local law violated

Visitation and Guest Policy

(Housing & Residence Life Policy)

To help ensure safe residential communities, the following guest policy criteria have been developed. Having guests is a privilege, not a right. Residence Life reserves the right to refuse, restrict, and/or revoke guest privileges. The following criteria are not all-inclusive, and Residence Life reserves the right to deny guest privileges if it believes such action is in the best interest of the residential community.

Guest Expectations:

• Must be 17 years of age or older.
• Must carry a valid photo ID on them for the duration of the visit.  
• Must stay with and be escorted by their host for the duration of the visit.
• Cannot be under the influence of a controlled substance.
• The guest may only use restrooms intended for use by the same identified gender.
• If staying past 9 pm, must register at the front desk of the host's residence hall. Any person in the hall after 9 pm who is not a registered guest will be required to leave the hall.
• Must follow all residence hall and university policies. https://housing.wvu.edu/policies
• Guests who are misbehaving/disruptive can be asked to leave the residence hall immediately.
• Violation of any policy may include but is not limited to loss of visitation privileges, being banned from the hall, and other disciplinary measures.

Host Expectations:

• Assumes responsibility for the visitor's behavior and well-being for the duration of the visit.
• Visitation is limited to two individuals at a time per host.
• Must seek their roommate's (informal) permission (s) to host the guest.
• If the host's roommate(s) desires a visitor to leave at any time, the visitor must do so.
• Must stay with and escorted their guest for the duration of the visit.
• Responsible for making sure that their guest(s) follows all residence hall and university policies. If a guest violates a policy, the host and guest will be held accountable for the violation.
• Responsible for the actions of their guest(s) regardless of whether the host is present to observe the guest's behavior.
• Violation of policies may result in the loss of current and future visitation privileges for both the host and visitor.

Evenings and/or Overnight Guests:

• Between 9 pm and 8 am daily, guests and their hosts must register at the front desk of the host's residence hall.
• Guests that entered the residence hall before 9 pm will need to be escorted by their host to the front desk for registration before or by 9 pm.
• Guest registration is hall-specific and does not carry over to other residence halls. 
• Guests must have a valid photo ID at the time of registration.
• Overnight visits of the same guest are limited to two nights within a seven day period.

Rights of the Roommate

• Roommate(s) right to privacy, sleep, study, and otherwise be free from interference supersedes the privilege to host a guest.
• Roommate(s) have the right to reasonably refuse guests at any time.

Cohabitation

Cohabitation is prohibited. Only those residents assigned to a room are allowed to live there and keep their belongings in that assigned space. Therefore, the presence of someone else's clothing, toiletries, bedding, etc., can be interpreted as cohabitation.

Lyon's Den Visitation

The Lyon's Den is a late-night snack and convenience store in Lyon Tower. WVU students who are non-residents of the Evansdale Residential Complex (ERC) are permitted to visit the Lyon's Den during the Lyon's Den's regular operating hours.

ERC non-residents must follow these guidelines to access the Lyon's Den after 9 pm:

• Sign-in at the Bennett front desk.
• Be a current WVU student (non-students are not permitted).
• Have a valid WVU Student ID.
• Visits cannot exceed 45 minutes.
• Visitors are only permitted to go to the Lyon's Den and no other location in ERC, including student rooms.
• Visitors must follow all University and Housing and Residence Life policies. 
• Before leaving the building, visitors must sign-out at the Bennett desk.

Note:  Violation of this policy may result in loss of visitation privileges, conduct sanctions, and/or being banned from the building.

Heightened Security Times

For safety precautions during certain events or time periods (i.e., sporting events, FallFest, emergencies, etc.) the residence halls will be placed under increased security measures. During this heightened security, visitors will not be permitted in the building, all exterior doors will be locked, and all residents must enter through the main door and present their Mountaineer Cards for admittance.

Breaks and Summer Sessions

During break periods and summer sessions, Residence Life may alter or amend guest policies for the purposes of ensuring privacy and security for its residents. Policies for these periods will be communicated with residents accordingly.