University Living Rules & Regulations

Rationales: Law; health; safety and security.

The University and the residence hall system foster an environment where:

• Excessive consumption or drunkenness is not condoned;
• Intoxication is not an excuse for misconduct or infringing upon the rights of others;
• Alcohol use is not the primary focus of individual or group social activity;
• Choosing not to use alcohol is as socially acceptable as choosing to use it;
• The moral implications of use are determined by the individual.

University Housing will not approve, endorse, authorize, or sponsor any student- based events involving alcohol in residence halls or dining facilities under its authority.

Alcohol is prohibited in all community, public, and semi-public spaces (community restrooms, lobbies, lounges, hallways, etc.) within the residence halls.  Alcohol and alcohol containers, including items used for decoration, are also prohibited in any room, suite, or apartment where all assigned residents are under the age of 21.

Alcohol is only permitted in individual rooms, suites, and apartments when the assigned resident is 21 or older, and the following regulations apply:

• Persons possessing or consuming alcohol must be at least 21. 
• Alcohol is permitted in the room, suite, or apartment with the door closed.  
• For residents sharing a room/suite/apartment with someone who is not of legal drinking age, alcohol must be contained in the of-age resident’s bedroom within their side of the space, and it is not permitted in any common areas. 
• Alcoholic beverage packaging and containers must be discarded immediately. 

ID Requirement
Individuals who bring alcoholic beverages into residence hall rooms, suites, or apartments must produce a valid driver’s license, state identification card, or similar government-issued identification upon request as proof of eligibility to possess or consume alcohol.  A Bearcat Card is not acceptable for this purpose. Fake IDs may be reported to the police.

Those found in violation of this policy must immediately dispose of their alcoholic beverages and/or alcohol containers when requested to do so by University Housing staff and other university officials.

Rationales: Safety; comfort.

Residents may use some personal appliances within their rooms, suites, or apartments.  All appliances used in residence halls (and their cords) must be approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) and be able to operate in a safe working condition. 

Permitted Appliances in All Communities
Residents may use the following appliances in their room, suites, or apartments: clocks, stereos, televisions, fans, personal computers, lamps, University-provided microwaves, and University-provided micro-fridges/freezers. The University’s practice is to provide at least one small refrigerator or micro-fridge in each room or suite and to provide a refrigerator/freezer in each apartment. The type and number of appliances provided vary based upon room style and capacity.

• In Calhoun, Dabney, Daniels, and Siddall Halls, additional microwaves, refrigerators, or microfridges are prohibited due to the electrical capacities and space limitations of these halls. 
• In Stratford Heights, each resident is provided a small refrigerator, and an ample number of microwaves are provided throughout the buildings. Additional refrigerators and in-room microwaves are prohibited due to space limitations and care of facilities. 
• In Morgens and Scioto Halls, additional microwaves are prohibited.  One additional refrigerator per bedroom is permitted, regardless of how many residents are assigned to that bedroom. Any additional refrigerator may not exceed 4.0 cubic feet. 
• In all other communities, one (1) additional microwave per suite/apartment is permitted. The microwave must not exceed 600 watts. Within the suites/apartments of these communities, one (1) additional small refrigerator per bedroom is permitted, regardless of how many residents are assigned to that bedroom. Any additional refrigerator may not exceed 4.0 cubic feet. 
• In all communities, residents are responsible for cleaning all micro-fridges, microwaves, and refrigerators in their rooms or suites throughout the duration of their housing agreement. 
• Residents who, for medical circumstances, need to request an exception to this policy should direct their request, in writing, to the Accessibility Resource Office. In the case of approved exceptions, no additional refrigerator may exceed 4.0 cubic feet, and no additional microwave may exceed 600 watts. 
• Televisions may not be mounted on walls. 
• University Housing staff may enter rooms to turn off unattended appliances that are disruptive to the community. 

Prohibited Appliances
Residents may not possess or use the following appliances in their rooms or suites: 3D printers, air conditioners, air fryers, broilers, deep fryers, electric blankets, electric grills (see also Fire Safety section), electric skillets, electric woks, gas appliances, halogen lamps, hot oil popcorn makers, hot plates (including candle warmers), hot pots, induction cook tops, lasers, lava lamps, microwave ovens, multi-cookers, pressure cookers, slow cookers, space heaters, stand-alone freezers, sun lamps, toasters, toaster ovens, and waffle irons. University Housing reserves the right to direct students to remove additional appliances not included in this list.

Additional Appliances Permitted in All Communities with Restrictions
Residents, exercising reasonable caution, may use the following appliances in the rooms, suites, or apartments: rice cookers, pod-style coffee makers, hot air popcorn poppers, irons, blenders, hand/stand mixers, and hair appliances, provided that the following are true: 

• If the appliance has a heating element, it must be enclosed; and 
• Appliances may only be used on non-combustible surfaces and never on bedding, upholstery, or wood surfaces; and 
• Appliances permitted under this section must be attended to while in use and unplugged when not in use. 

Additional Appliances Permitted in Apartment Kitchens with Restrictions
Residents living in the following facilities, and exercising reasonable caution, may use additional appliances only in the kitchen areas of their apartments: 101 E. Corry, Bellevue Gardens, Gateway Lofts, Morgens, Scioto, The Verge, USquare, University Park Apartments, and any additional block-lease locations. The additional appliances that are permitted are toasters, slow cookers, multi-cookers, and air fryers, provided that the following are true:

• If the appliance has a heating element, it must be enclosed; and 
• Appliances may only be used on non-combustible surfaces and never on bedding, upholstery, or wood surfaces; and 
• Appliances permitted under this section must be attended to while in use and unplugged when not in use.

Rationales: Cost containment, law, health, safety and security.

Students may not use residence hall units, public spaces, common areas, or University IT systems to conduct any commercial or business activity. Examples of prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Charging ride-share scooters 
• Operating a cosmetology service (hair, nails, make-up, etc.) 
• Operating a tattoo parlor 
• Cryptocurrency mining 
• Subletting or renting your residence hall unit 
• Operating an apparel business 
• Solicitation (except for charitable purposes organized by University Housing) 
• Any other business or commercial activity that places an undue burden on University resources

Rationales: Health, comfort, and cost containment.

The following regulations apply:

• By UC policy, smoking in the dining halls is prohibited. 
• Students and guests must clear their own tables and return dishes to the appropriate locations and are expected to report any spills or breakage to a dining hall staff member. 
• Throwing of food and tableware or other disruptive conduct in the dining hall is prohibited. 
• Food may not be removed from the dining hall unless it is in a University-approved to-go container, or it is being consumed at that time (e.g., fruit, ice cream). 
• Rollerblades, skates, and bicycles are prohibited in dining centers. 
• Removal of tableware and other dining center supplies is prohibited and will constitute theft. 
• Radio, portable stereos/TVs, or other sources of loud noise may not be brought into the dining centers.

Rationales: Law, health, safety and security.

The University and the residence hall system foster an environment where:

• Illegal drug use and the misuse of prescription medications are not condoned; 
• Drug use is not an excuse for misconduct or infringing upon the rights of others; 
• The health and safety of all community members are protected from the harms associated with illegal drug activity; 
• Supporting a drug-free community is a shared responsibility among all residents.

The use, possession, manufacture, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs, controlled substances without a valid prescription, drug paraphernalia, or marijuana in any form (including recreational and medical marijuana) is prohibited in all residence halls, suites, and apartments, regardless of age or off-campus legality. 

Evidence of drug use or possession may include, but is not limited to: physical drugs or paraphernalia; admissions of use; strong or persistent odors characteristic of marijuana or other drugs that can be localized to a room, suite, or apartment; and behaviors that indicate attempts to conceal drug use. The presence of such evidence is determined by RED staff based on the totality of observable conditions at the time of the contact. 

Those found in violation of this policy must immediately remove any illegal drugs, controlled substances, or paraphernalia from University premises when directed to do so by RED staff or other university officials. Drug-related violations may also be referred to law enforcement.  

Rationale: Safety, comfort.

Overloading electrical circuits presents a significant fire and safety risk and is prohibited in all residential facilities. 

Extension Cords
The use or possession of extension cords is prohibited in all residence hall rooms, suites, apartments, and common areas. Extension cords are not designed for long-term or continuous use and increase the risk of overheating and fire.

Permitted Power Strips and Surge Protectors
Residents may use UL-approved power strips and UL-approved surge protectors provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• The device has a built-in circuit breaker; 
• The device is designed for indoor, residential use; 
• The device is used only for low-power electronics (e.g., lamps, computers, monitors, phones, televisions); 
• The device is plugged directly into a wall outlet (plugging power strips or surge protectors into other power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords is prohibited); 
• Only one (1) power strip or surge protector per wall outlet is permitted; 
• Power strips and surge protectors may not be used with appliances that generate heat or draw high electrical loads (e.g., refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, irons); 
• The device must be placed in a visible, accessible location and may not be covered, concealed, or placed under rugs, bedding, or furniture. 

General Electrical Safety
Electrical cords, power strips, and surge protectors may not be wound around or otherwise unsafely attached to personal or University property. Devices with damaged cords, exposed wiring, or signs of overheating are prohibited and must be removed immediately. 

University officials reserve the right to require residents to discontinue the use of any appliance or electrical configuration that is determined to be unsafe or disruptive to the community. 

Rationales: Safety, community.

The following regulations have been established:

• No more than ten (10) individuals may occupy any elevator. Lower limits as posted must be observed. 
• Misuse of elevators or elevator equipment or tampering with elevators accelerates the deterioration of the elevators and is strictly prohibited. Accessing any part of the elevator shaft or inappropriately opening any portion of the elevator cab itself is prohibited. 
• Hallways and lobbies are not to be used for activities that may endanger individuals, equipment, or facilities. Indoor public areas are not to be used for any sports, including but not limited to throwing balls, rollerblading, biking, Frisbee, or running. 
• Residents are not permitted in restricted areas. Areas officially closed, areas limited to designated individuals, and any place where safety and welfare of residents would be endangered are included as restricted areas. 
• Room vacancies must be maintained in a clean and move-in ready condition for new arrivals.  Residents living in rooms with vacant spaces may not use, move or rearrange furniture, or otherwise occupy vacant spaces. 

Rationale: Consideration for others; health; safety; security.  

The following regulations have been established: 

• Arson—setting a fire of any size—is a serious criminal offense as well as a violation of University rules.  
• The possession and/or use of candles, candle warmers, incense (including herbs such as sage), or any object used with an open flame are prohibited. Candle warmers are prohibited due to the danger of the open heat source.  Residents may request an exemption to this policy on religious grounds and must speak with their Community Coordinator in advance.  
• The possession and/or use of outdoor grills and fire pits, and their fuel, is prohibited anywhere within any residence hall and on the grounds surrounding each hall, except for University-approved events. This includes all varieties of outdoor grills (e.g. electric, gas, charcoal, pellet, etc.). 
• The storage of gasoline or other flammable materials is prohibited.  
• Inappropriate or unauthorized use of firefighting equipment, safety devices, or other emergency/safety equipment is prohibited. This includes the following: 
  • Removing, damaging, or tampering; and deliberate or negligent activation of a smoke detector, sprinkler head, or carbon monoxide monitor;  
  • Deliberate discharging of a fire extinguisher without proper cause;  
  • Deliberate pulling of a fire alarm or utilizing a fire exit without proper cause;  
  • Deliberate activation of a pull-station cover without proper cause;  
  • Removing, damaging, tampering, or interfering with the alarm system; and 
  • Removing, damaging, or interfering with fire extinguishers or exit signs.  
• Students must evacuate a building when the alarm sounds or when instructed to do so by authorized persons such as residence hall staff, University officials, police, fire marshals, or any other safety official. Students should identify multiple evacuation routes in advance.  
• Whether intentional or through negligence, interference with a building evacuation is prohibited. 
• Whether intentional or through negligence, interference with emergency personnel—police, fire fighters, safety officials, ambulance attendants, or others—is prohibited.  
• Items may not be hung from ceilings. Items may not cover more than 50% of wall space or door. Students are responsible for monitoring wall covering amounts, and random fire inspections may occur. University Housing and Public Safety reserve the right to require removal of items for safety purposes. 
• All floor coverings—carpets, rugs—and furniture must be made of flame-retardant materials.  
• The collection and in-room storage of paper or other flammable materials for recycling is prohibited. Residents should use the recycling containers provided in designated locations.  
• The use, possession, or storage of any brand, model, or type of electric bicycle, hoverboard, scooter, skateboard, or similar device is prohibited in the residence halls. Please note that this does not apply to wheelchairs and other assistive devices that are used for mobility assistance.

Rationale: Cost management; education; safety. 

The only flyers, posters, or advertisements permitted in residential communities are those produced and/or distributed by University Housing. Affiliated University offices and registered student organizations [RSO] wishing to advertise in the residential communities must seek approval. Postings from unregistered student organizations or outside entities are not permitted. Unapproved postings found in residential communities will be removed.  

Affiliated offices and registered student organizations should keep the following in mind when submitting materials for approval: 

• University Housing staff will post approved flyers. RSOs and affiliated offices may not post them themselves.  
• All postings must bear the name of the RSO or affiliated office.   
• Postings may not contain advertisements for alcohol or other drugs, or the solicitation of for-profit goods or services (exceptions may be made for charitable activities). Additionally, postings may not violate established University Board Rules or policies including but not limited to the Student Code of Conduct (UC Board Rule 40-5-05), the University Living Rules and Regulations, and the policy on student organizations (UC Board Rule 40-3-01).  
• Postings are required to be 8.5” x 11”.  Special approval may be sought for different sizes.  
• Postings are not permitted in some University-leased residential communities.  
• Approved flyers are the only source of advertising within the residential communities.  
• University Housing makes no guarantees as to when flyers will be posted. Requestors should seek approval 3 weeks prior to their event date or deadline.  
• University Housing does not provide printing services.  It is the responsibility of the RSO or affiliated office to provide copies of their flyers once approved.  

Posting Approval Process 

1. Email a copy of your flyer to resedev@ucmail.uc.edu. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response. 
   1. When emailing for approval, include the following: contact person, telephone number, RSO or Affiliated Office name, and to which communities the flyers should be distributed. 
2. Once approval is granted, University Housing will recommend how many copies are needed based on the request.  The requestor should deliver the printed flyers to the University Housing Office in Marian Spencer Hall.

This policy does not restrict residents from posting on or otherwise decorating their individual residence hall room/apartment main entry door. Residents are encouraged to be mindful that anything they choose to post on their entry door does not violate other University policies.

Rationales: Comfort; consideration for others; cost management.

The following regulations have been established:

• Residents may arrange their furniture within their rooms in a reasonable manner so long as the arrangements do not violate safety or fire regulations or impede testing/service of safety-related equipment. 
• All furnishings in the room at check-in must remain in the room. Changing the settings of multi-position beds, where applicable, must be performed only by designated facility staff. 
• Residents must comply with procedure requiring the re-setting of multi-position beds. In Stratford, resetting is prohibited. In other halls, re-setting may be performed only by the physical facilities staff with the approval of University Housing. 
• All personal furnishings and items must be removed from the halls at the end of the contract period. 
• Water-inflated beds, chairs, or other water-inflated items are not permitted. 
• Weights or weight-lifting equipment exceeding twenty (20) pounds are prohibited in the residence halls. 
• Furniture may not be transferred from one room to another or exchanged between rooms or suites. Extra furniture resulting from a vacancy may not be removed. 
• Furniture, decorations, artwork, and/or other University property may not be moved from public or semi-public areas (e.g., lobbies, lounges). This may be considered theft. 
• The University reserves the right to limit the number of times that bed configuration changes can be accommodated. Students must not manipulate multi-position beds without appropriate staff approval and assistance.

Rationales: Law.

Any form of gambling is prohibited in the residence halls in accordance with State of Ohio laws. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following: card games involving money, football parlays, lotteries, betting, bookmaking, games of chance, schemes of chance, and raffles in which a ticket must be purchased. 

Rationales: Consideration for others; health; safety; security. 

The following limitations and expectations apply: 

Public Health and Sanitation

• Residents are expected to maintain a sanitary living environment within their assigned room, apartment, and any shared spaces. Conditions that create health or safety concerns – including the accumulation of trash, food waste, mold, insects, or unsanitary items – must be promptly addressed through proper cleaning or disposal. 
• Residents are responsible for promptly cleaning spills and addressing stains within their room, apartment, and shared living spaces. Food, beverage, bodily fluid, or other material spills must be cleaned in a timely manner to prevent odors, mold, pests, damage to university property, or health concerns. 
• Spills or stains that are left unaddressed and result in unsanitary conditions, lingering odors, or permanent damage to furnishings, flooring, or surfaces may result in cleaning charges, damage assessments, and/or disciplinary action. 
• Students who use injected medications (such as insulin) or who test their blood must dispose of sharps (hypodermic syringes, needles, and/or lancets) responsibly. Sharps should be placed in a sharps container or in a thick plastic bottle that can be tightly capped (like a Gatorade bottle). Once full, seal with heavy tape and place in the trash so anyone handling the container knows it contains sharps and should not be recycled. Do not place the container with recycling

Building Safety

• Exits (room, suite, building) may not be blocked in any way. Fire doors, stairwell doors, and locked doors may not be blocked or propped open for any reason. 
• All holiday decorations must be non-combustible. Live greens and branches, combustible cotton, and angel hair are prohibited. Lights may be used in rooms if wiring and lights have UL- or equivalent certification; they are not permitted in hallway locations—doors, bulletin boards, walls—because hallways are part of the exit system.  
• Lights or other electrical devices must not be placed in any location or manner that pressures or distorts the cord (e.g., under rugs or between bed frames or mattresses) or are otherwise deemed to be unsafe.  University Housing and other appropriate university officials may direct the removal of lighting or other decorations as needed. Decorations may not be attached to or interfere with the safe operation of lights, light globes, or safety equipment.  
• Extension cords, “octopus plugs,” and adapters are prohibited. Instead, power strips (UL-approved only) with surge protectors are allowed.  
• Electrical cords of any type may not be wrapped around/between two (2) surfaces, such as between the mattress and bed frame. 
• Halogen bulbs and lamps are prohibited. 
• Making false reports of fires, bombs, or other emergencies is prohibited. 

Odors and Air Quality
Residents are responsible for ensuring that odors originating from their assigned space do not repeatedly or persistently migrate into hallways, adjacent rooms, or common areas in ways that unreasonably affect other residents. A pattern of documented odor complaints localized to a specific space, as determined by University staff, may constitute a violation of this policy regardless of whether the source of the odor is identified. 

Rationales: Consideration for others; education; safety and security; privacy.

General Guidelines

• Guests are expected to abide by the policies and procedures of the University of Cincinnati and residence halls.  
• Hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guest(s) and for appraising their guest(s) of applicable policies.  
• Guests who violate University policy may be directed to leave by University Housing or Public Safety staff.  
• Hosts are required to report any violation of University policy or University Living Rules and Regulations by their guests to an appropriate University Housing or Public Safety staff member. 
• Guests must be escorted at all times by their host except as follows:  
  • Hosts may leave a guest in their room for a ten-minute courtesy period (e.g., going to the restroom or doing laundry).  
  • However, a host may not leave the guest unattended in the common area of the suite or in any room or suite area for more than ten (10) minutes.  
  • This policy applies to all room types (including single rooms) and to all guests regardless of where the guest or host lives. 
• Residents are considered guests when visiting a residence hall in which they do not reside and when visiting another room/suite in their own residence hall. 
• Hosts are expected to inform their roommate(s)/suitemate(s) in advance when hosting overnight guests.  Residents can describe what advance notice means and expectations for guests within their own room through creating a roommate agreement. 
• An individual may be a guest or visitor of a particular host in the residence hall for no more than two (2) nights in any rolling seven-day period. Extensions of this policy may be granted by the CC of the hall, who will discuss the situation with the host and their roommate(s). “Overnight” hours are defined as any time between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. or any portion thereof. 
• Residents and guests must carry a valid Bearcat card, driver’s license, state identification card, or similar government-issued identification. Failure to produce a valid ID may result in the removal of a guest. Staff reserves the right to implement ID checks and guest check-in hours in any or all halls without advanced notice if necessary. 
• Persons under the age of 18, or any person under the age of 21 who are incapable of self-care due to a mental or physical disability; and who are not matriculated or enrolled in a degree seeking program or the equivalent must be under the direct care, physical custody, and control of their parent or legal guardian. 

Visitation

• Visitation is generally permitted at any time. However, University Housing staff may suspend or restrict visitation privileges for a specific resident, a group of residents, or an entire community.  
• Guest check-in may be implemented at the discretion of University Housing whenever deemed necessary.

Room Capacity

• A single resident may have a maximum of three (3) guests at one time. However, it may not be possible for all residents of a room or suite to have the maximum number of individual guests at the same time. 
• The number of people allowed in a particular room or suite is limited for safety reasons. The maximum capacity of each room or suite (as determined by fire code) is outlined in the table below. When room and suite capacities appear to be contradictory, the lower limit shall be applied. 
• University Housing staff members may require guests to leave a room or suite even when capacity is not exceeded.

Rationales: Safety and security; student development.

Keys, Bearcat Cards, and access cards are the property of the University and are assigned for the sole use of the designated resident. Residents are responsible for the security of the keys, Bearcat Card and access card issued to them.  

No key, ID card, or access card may be duplicated, sold, passed on to others, or used for any purpose contradicting the Student Code of Conduct, other residence hall policies, or local, state, or federal laws.  

Keys and access cards issued to residents must be surrendered to University Housing or University authorities upon request. This includes move-out times when residents’ keys or access cards are collected. 

Temporary or “loaner” key services may not be abused. Tampering with or altering a Bearcat Card or access card will be considered a violation of the University Student Code of Conduct. The following limitations, expectations, and procedures apply: 

• Temporary keys/lock-outs: Residents are responsible for carrying their keys and ID at all times. Each resident is permitted two (2) “free” lock-out accommodations per semester, which will be recorded. Disciplinary referral will begin with the third lock-out or, in the event of a lost key, the second lost key. This limitation applies to “five-minute” keys for immediate term lock- outs, two-day loaner keys, and/or lost keys. Residents are required to attempt to access the room/suite by contacting roommate(s) before requesting staff assistance. 
• Lost Bearcat Cards: Residents who lose their Bearcat Card should immediately deactivate their card in the Bearcat Card portal and obtain a new one within two (2) business days. They may obtain a temporary access card for their hall from the hall’s front desk. 

Rationales: Consideration for others; cost containment; health.

Fish are the only pets allowed in the residence halls. Fish may be kept in aquariums no larger than twenty (20) gallons in size per housing unit. More than one aquarium is permitted provided that the total gallons per unit do not exceed 20 gallons. Service animals should be registered with the Office of Accessibility Resources. Assistance animals require approval from the Office of Accessibility Resources before they are permitted in the residence halls.  Residents with a service animal or assistance animal are encouraged to make their Community Coordinator aware. Owners are responsible for the behavior of their animals. An animal’s behavior is considered the owner’s behavior. University Housing staff will document unauthorized pets and require residents to remove the animal. Service animals in training are not permitted in residential communities. 

Rationales: Consideration for others; privacy; safety.

The following limitations and expectations apply:

• Unauthorized use of video, photographic, listening device, and recording equipment (including but not limited to Web cameras, camera phones, and tape recorders) in common areas (including but not limited to hallways, lounges, stairwells, and restrooms) of residence halls is prohibited. 
• Video, photographic, listening device, and recording equipment may be used within residents’ own rooms and suites only with the verbal consent of all residents and/or visitors of the room or suite. Notification must be made when such devices are in use. 
• Photographic and recording equipment in a student room or suite may not be used to view, eavesdrop, broadcast or record any material from another student room or suite or non-public area. Such equipment in a student room or suite also may not be used to view, record, eavesdrop, broadcast or record any material from any residence hall common area without the verbal consent of all students, visitors, and/or employees. 
• The University reserves the right to authorize the use of such equipment in residence halls, in a manner permitted by applicable laws, when necessary or advantageous to enhance community responsibility and to maintain safety and security. 

Rationale: Consideration for others; education; health.

Quiet hours are from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 10:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday. During final exam week of each semester, 24-hour quiet hours begin at midnight the Saturday morning before exam week. Quiet means that virtually no noise that residents can control (e.g., voices, TVs, music) may be heard in the hallway, from rooms, or in a lounge or other area of the floor/house. 

All hours not designated quiet hours are designated courtesy hours, which means that you are always expected to be considerate of others’ needs to sleep and study. If another resident or staff member asks you to be quiet during courtesy hours, you are required to comply. 

The floor members, with the help of the RA, monitor quiet and courtesy hours. If you encounter a noise problem, ask the other resident(s) to be quiet. If noise persists, contact the RA or the staff member on-call for assistance. 

Some courtesy guidelines are outlined below:

• Play music at a level that will not disturb others. Use headphones whenever possible. 
• Keep the door closed to your room and lounge areas closed when you are entertaining guests, watching TV, or playing music that might disturb others. 
• Refrain from disruptive noise such as yelling or loud conversation when walking in the halls. 

University Housing is committed to the academic development of students. Priority is given to students’ academic needs—maintaining a quiet study and sleeping environment—over the wishes to socialize or participate in other recreation.

Rationales: Comfort, consideration, respect, privacy, safety.

• Residents, guests, and visitors must follow posted signage regarding bathroom usage. 
• No person (regardless of gender) may use any portion of a restroom facility that is currently being serviced by maintenance or housekeeping staff or is posted as closed.  
• In suite-style housing where suite bathroom cleaning is provided, students are responsible for complying with the schedule and preparation standards and may not interfere with or refuse routine service.  
• In suite-style housing where suite bathroom cleaning is not provided, students are responsible for maintaining reasonable cleanliness throughout the semester. 

Rationales: Health; safety.

Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited at all times in all facilities and grounds owned or leased by the University of Cincinnati. Tobacco is defined as all tobacco-derived or tobacco-containing products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vaporizing devices, cigars and cigarillos, hookah smoked products, pipes, oral tobacco (e.g., spit and spitless, smokeless, chew or snuff) and nasal tobacco (e.g., snus). It also includes any product intended to mimic tobacco products, contain tobacco flavoring, or the smoking of any other substance which delivers nicotine. Additionally, using hookahs to smoke non-tobacco products is also prohibited. 

Rationale: Consideration for others; health; safety.

To maintain a clean and healthy living environment, all residents are responsible for the proper disposal of trash and recycling. 

Residents are expected to: 

• Dispose of all trash and recycling in designated dumpsters or collection areas. 
• Remove trash from their room or apartment regularly to prevent odors, pests, and sanitation concerns. 
• Secure trash in sealed bags before disposal. 
• Follow posted guidelines for recycling and bulk item disposal. 

Trash may not be left in hallways, stairwells, lounges, community bathrooms, balconies, or public common areas. 

Rationale: Cost containment; respect; safety.

Water fights and water games are prohibited anywhere within any residence hall and on the grounds surrounding each hall. Students may not access University water sources for recreational activities except as authorized through scheduled and pre-approved events. 

Rationales: Safety; law.

Possession and/or use of firearms, stun guns, ammunition, knives, martial arts implements, or any dangerous items that could be used as a weapon or appear to be weapons are prohibited. Possession or use of toy “weapons” is prohibited. Use of any permitted item (e.g., baseball bat) as a weapon is prohibited. Possession and/or use of fireworks, bombs, or any explosive is prohibited and is also a violation of city and state law. 

Rationales: Safety.

The following limitations and expectations apply:

• Nothing may hang from the window; windows must remain clear from obstruction and university window coverings need to be visible from the outside. Posting, hanging, or otherwise displaying signage, lighting, or other materials in or around the residence hall windows or on university window coverings is not permitted. 
• Window screens, stops, and seals may not be tampered with or removed. If a screen is removed by weather, report it immediately to University Housing staff for documentation. 
• Throwing, dropping, discharging, or in any manner ejecting anything (liquid or solid) in or out of windows, roofs, or any elevated surface is prohibited. Suspending any item, including but not limited to clothing, flags, banners or plants from windows, ledges, porches, or railings (regardless of height) is prohibited. 
• Advertisements of any commercial agency through written or oral communication through windows, doors or sunroofs are not allowed. 
• Directing stereo speakers, yelling, and other disruptions from buildings are prohibited. 
• Entering or exiting via windows and emergency egresses, except in a life/safety emergency, is prohibited. Climbing on ledges, railings, or roofs is also prohibited. 
• Decks, patios, and porches may be subject to load limits. 
• Doors may not be propped open or otherwise misused.