Guide To University Living
Welcome!
Welcome to the University of Cincinnati residence hall community. The Guide to University Living has been published to assist you in learning about the campus and University life, knowing your rights and responsibilities as a member of the residence hall community, and being successful in your academic endeavors. Living in a residence hall is an experience filled with opportunities and challenges.
Living in such proximity with others allows you to know and build relationships with a wide variety of people.
Building strong community within each floor, house and hall requires an openness to learning, a respect for the rights and needs of others, an appreciation of one another’s gifts, and a shared responsibility for the quality of life. This responsibility is partly the staff’s, and it is partly yours as well. University and residence hall rules exist to ensure that the priorities of the residence hall are well established and clearly understood by all.
If you have questions about any of this information, please talk with your Resident Advisor (RA), Community Coordinator (CC), or Area Coordinator (AC). Our staff looks forward to working with you throughout the coming year. Best wishes for your academic and personal success at the University of Cincinnati.
Sincerely,
Trent A. Pinto, Ph.D.
Director, Resident Education & Development
Division of Student Affairs
Quick Links
- Roommate & Suitemate Relationships
- The Roommate Bill of Rights & Responsibilities
- Hall Security
- Room Entry
- Insurance
- Health Information
- Break Housing
- Staff Members
- Hall Offices
- Leased Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Personalizing and Decorating Your Room
- Posting on Residential Floors
- Storage
- Additional Facilities
- Problem-Solving in Residence Halls
- Where to Make a Report or Get Assistance
Community Living
Our Values
Resident Education and Development has high expectations for students in their time living on campus, which is codified as The Bearcat Experience. The Bearcat Experience describes what students will gain because of living on campus. To aid in this effort, we look to four core values that align with and uphold the University’s emphasis on a Just Community and the Bearcat Bond.
The Bearcat Experience
Learning does not take place solely in the classroom. As a member of a residential community, students will have the opportunity to develop life skills including learning, leadership, inclusion, and community. Resident Education & Development’s (RED) program is designed to ensure that students become engaged citizens and experienced-based learners.
Students living in our communities will have the opportunity to engage with others while developing their identity as a Bearcat. Our residential communities promote a space for students to explore, engage, and grow through a variety of intentional opportunities. RED staff are devoted to ensuring the experience as an on-campus student at UC is enjoyable, safe, and creates lifelong memories.
Value | Goal | Outcome |
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Learning | Students will identify ways to engage in self-discovery that results in academic success and personal growth. |
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Leadership | Students will develop skills that enable them to lead self and others. |
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Inclusion | Students will create a community that fosters mutual understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging. |
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Community | Students will choose to engage in behaviors that reflect a commitment to themselves, their neighbors, and the greater University of Cincinnati community. |
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Just Community
The University of Cincinnati is a public comprehensive system of learning and research that serves a diverse student body with a broad range of interests and goals.
The faculty of the university produces world-renowned scholarship and nurtures innovation in and out of the classroom. As well, the faculty, staff and administration support an educational setting of excellence, opportunity and service.
In embracing our roles within this learning community, we subscribe to the defining purposes, traditions and diversity of the University of Cincinnati. Through our actions, we will strive to make the University of Cincinnati a more caring and just community. As members of this community, we will:
- Accept Responsibility by striving to build a learning community committed to these common values and principles.
- Celebrate the Uniqueness of Each Individual by respecting individual differences and promoting common interests.
- Embrace Freedom and Openness by working to create an environment that is safe and affirming, one that nurtures independent thinking and the free and open expression of ideas.
- Practice Civility by extending to those we meet the same respect, cooperation and caring that we expect from others.
- Promote Justice by working to build a learning environment that offers everyone an equal opportunity to grow, flourish and contribute.
- Pursue Learning and Scholarship by building on successes, learning from mistakes and pursuing quality in teaching, research and creative endeavors.
- Seek Integrity by aspiring to the highest moral and ethical standards.
- Strive for Excellence by aspiring to achieve our fullest potential in our educational and personal pursuits.
Bearcat Bond
"As a member of the University of Cincinnati, I will uphold the principles for a Just Community and the values of respect, responsibility, and inclusiveness. I will promote the highest levels of personal and academic honesty and aspire continuously to better myself, the Bearcat community, and the world."
Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Law
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
The University of Cincinnati complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. As such, staff will maintain the privacy of student information. Staff will not disclose student information (even to parents and guardians) without written authorization from the student except where such disclosure are permitted by law.
Missing Residents in On-Campus Housing Facilities
A student living in an on-campus housing facility has the right to identify a confidential contact person(s) (“CCP”) who will be contacted not later than 24 hours after the time a student is determined missing. The University will not assume that the CCP is the same individual(s) identified as the student’s general emergency contact. A CCP is only contacted for missing person purposes. A student may register or change their CCP at any time. To register or modify a CCP, a student may visit their housing application anytime or contact UC Housing at (513) 556-6461.
If a missing student is under 18 years of age, and not an emancipated individual, the University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined missing.
Learn more about the Missing Residents on Campus policy.
Campus Security Authorities and Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Resident Education & Development and University Housing Staff are campus security authorities and mandatory reporters as defined by the Clery Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 respectively. These staff are required to report suspected crimes, crimes, and incidents of sexual misconduct disclosed to them in their capacity as staff members to Public Safety and/or the Office of Gender, Equity, and Inclusion as required by law.
The Department of Public Safety maintains records of criminal activity on and near campus. Information related to Clery Act compliance can be found online through the Public Safety website.
Residential Community Living
Roommate & Suitemate Relationships
Roommates and suitemates can be a great advantage to one’s adjustment to residence hall living and a source of support. Many people find these relationships to be rewarding. There can be challenges in learning to live with others. Conflict must be managed constructively. To help each set of roommates and suitemates avoid unnecessary conflict and enhance communication, each room/suite is required to develop a Roommate Agreement with the assistance of an RA. This agreement may be re-negotiated at any time. A new agreement must be developed fully whenever a new resident moves into the room or suite.
The following strategies may be helpful in building and maintaining a successful room or suite relationship:
- Have realistic expectations. It isn’t necessary to be best friends to have a comfortable roommate relationship.
- Keep an open mind. Approach sharing a room and building a roommate relationship with an open mind.
- Don’t let annoyances accumulate. When something bothers you, speak up to your roommate(s) about it calmly and privately.
- “Check in” occasionally. To see how the relationship is going from your roommate’s perspective, ask what you can do to be a better roommate.
- Develop a weekly ritual. Plan to spend time together each week by doing an activity together such as getting coffee, sharing a meal, or watching a favorite show.
- Don’t make assumptions. Don’t assume that you and your roommate were raised with similar expectations or habits. Be prepared for residence hall life to be a little different.
- Listen. Listen openly and carefully to your roommate.
- Negotiate. Be willing to compromise.
- Respect. Demonstrate courtesy toward your roommates (and their guests) consistently.
- Use available resources. If you need help in managing a disagreement, bring in your RA instead of neighbors, friends and family members, which may escalate the situation unnecessarily.
- Be patient. Acknowledge that conflict management is an on-going process. Like any other relationship, roommate relationships require continuing care, attention, and effort on everyone’s part.
The Roommate Bill of Rights & Responsibilities
Residents have certain rights and responsibilities in their roles as a roommate or suitemate. The Roommate Bill of Rights and Responsibilities communicates what is expected of everyone who lives in residence halls.
- The right to read, study, and sleep free from undue disturbance by roommates and guests, and the responsibility to afford the same courtesy to one’s roommates.
- The right to expect that one’s personal property will be respected and that reasonable security of one’s room will be maintained, and the responsibility to afford such respect and security to one’s roommates.
- The right to a reasonably clean environment and the responsibility to do one’s fair share in maintaining such an environment.
- The right to free access to one’s room and the responsibility to afford the same courtesy to one’s roommates.
- The right to a reasonable level of personal privacy and the responsibility to respect roommates’ privacy.
- The right to host guests in accordance with residence hall rules and regulations and the responsibility to ensure that one’s guests and oneself demonstrate respect and courtesy for roommates.
- The right to expect that residence hall rules and regulations will be followed in the room such that no person is put at risk of harm and the responsibilities to follow rules oneself and report violations appropriately.
- The right to be free from pressures, intimidation, physical or emotional harm, and behavior that demeans or disrespects one’s identity and the responsibility not to engage in any such behavior toward others.
- The right to address grievances and needs constructively, privately or with the assistance of hall staff, and the responsibility to communicate one’s concerns appropriately and to participate in norm-setting or conflict resolution measures whenever necessary.
- The right to expect compromise in the negotiation of standards and the settling of conflicts and the responsibility to demonstrate compromise.
- The right to timely, respectful communication of any concerns and the responsibility to respond in an open, approachable manner.
- The right to experience and to appropriately articulate one’s feelings when desired and the responsibility to respect others’ feelings.
- The right to make mistakes and the responsibilities to be honest about those mistakes and to work to learn from them.
Hall Security
- Residence hall security policies help protect everyone’s personal safety.
- Residence hall entrances are locked 24 hours a day. Only residents, their escorted guests, and authorized persons are permitted to enter the halls.
- Carry your University ID (Bearcat Card) at all times. You must show your Bearcat Card upon request.
- Misrepresentation or dishonesty associated with entry or guest escort will result in disciplinary action.
- All guests must be escorted at all times. Please apprise all potential guests, including family members, of this policy in advance. University Housing and Resident Education and Development reserves the right to institute guest check-in procedures as needed. When in effect, guest check-in may require both host and guest(s) to surrender IDs while checking into a UC hall.
For full details on residence hall visitation policies, see the Guests section of this Guide.
Room Entry
Staff of University Housing or Facilities Management have the right to enter student rooms—after knocking, announcing their job role, and allowing time for a response—for the following reasons:
- To make repairs.
- To turn off unattended music, televisions, alarms or other noise sources.
- Upon reasonable suspicion of danger or health risk to residents, guests, and/or University property.
- To perform emergency procedures, confirm evacuation (e.g., fire alarm room checks), or verify compliance with safety standards (e.g., room checks at breaks).
- Room searches may be conducted by residence hall staff in conjunction with Public Safety officers.
- When University employees enter student rooms for authorized purposes, any materials or behavior in plain view that violate law, University Student Code of Conduct or residence hall policy may be subject to disciplinary and/ or criminal action.
Insurance
The University and its offices do not assume responsibility to residents or other persons for the loss of money or valuables, damage to property, or injuries on the premises including but not limited to damage from electrical overload, water, fire, or smoke. If you are not covered under your parents’ or guardians’ homeowners’/tenants’ insurance, we strongly recommend that you arrange insurance and protection against such losses.
Health Information
Residence halls have a high number of students concentrated in close quarters. The following tips help everyone to promote good health:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
- When soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer product.
- Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow rather than the palm of your hand.
- Limit your contact with others when you are ill. Stay home from class or work if you can.
- Protect your immunity with sensible nutrition, rest, and exercise.
- Have health supplies (e.g., sanitizer, thermometer, prescription and non-prescription medicines, tissues) on hand.
- If you become ill and need assistance, notify your RA or the front desk of your hall or complex so that they can help you get in contact with appropriate resources.
Break Housing (Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring Break)
Residents are provided use of the facilities in University Housing and dining halls during times classes and final exams are held, in accordance with the established University calendar. During break periods (winter break and spring break) housing and dining services are not provided. Additionally, meals are not provided during the Thanksgiving break. By request, room accommodations may be provided during the break periods at an additional nightly rate. Residents of apartment-style facilities (Morgens, Scioto, UPA, and all block lease locations) are provided break housing as part of their contract at no additional charge.
Staff Members
The following residence hall staff members are available to assist you:
Resident Advisor: The Resident Advisor (RA) is your first resource. Each residence hall floor or living unit has a peer leader known as the RA. Carefully selected and trained, RAs help students with personal concerns, interpersonal conflicts, academics, and personal adjustments; enforce policies; and provide leadership and guidance. RAs provide programming that supports the development of a positive community. RAs receive a room and board scholarship and a bi-weekly stipend (salary). RAs are supervised by the Community Coordinator in each hall.
Community Coordinator: All of our halls have a Community Coordinator (CC) who is a full-time professional who lives in the hall. The CC is responsible for the general management of the hall or complex. CCs supervise the Resident Advisors and advise the hall government. CCs report to the Area Coordinator.
Area Coordinator: Residence Halls are paired into specific “neighborhoods” that Area Coordinators oversee. ACs supervise the Community Coordinators of their designated neighborhood.
Desk Assistant Staff: Each residence hall service center functions 24 hours a day 7 days a week at the discretion of the hall staff. Desk Assistant staff answer questions, monitor safety and security, and assist residents as necessary. They may conduct guest check-ins when needed, and they enforce University and residence hall policies. Desk Assistant staff are supervised by a Neighborhood Operations Coordinator (NOC).
Neighborhood Operations Coordinators: NOCs are responsible for managing and supervising Desk Assistants as they provide customer support to residents. Additionally, they provide administrative support to the hall (i.e. packages, lockouts, room changes).
Facilities Management Staff: Members of the Maintenance and Operations staff in Facilities Management, residence hall custodians, maintenance staff, and tradespeople keep residence halls in clean, safe, working condition. They perform routine maintenance and daily cleaning. Students share the responsibility to take good care of the facilities and equipment in residence halls.
Central Office Staff: Located in Marian Spencer Hall on the first floor, the Office of Resident Education & Development, the Housing Office and the Food Services Office are staffed by a variety of employees who oversee the University Housing system. Area Coordinators from the halls report to Assistant Directors (ADs) of Resident Education & Development; those ADs report to the Associate Director of Resident Education & Development (513-556-6476). Staff members in Housing and Food Services report to the directors of those units (513-556-6461).
Hall Offices
During periods when classes are in session, Residence Hall service centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During break periods or when the university is closed due to inclement weather, service center coverage may be consolidated to a limited number of desks. Whenever desk service is unavailable at a Residence Hall, the names and contact information for on-call staff will be posted at the service center.
In the Dabney-CRC Complex, office operations are managed only at Dabney Hall; there will be no desk operation in CRC Hall except as posted for package pick-up.
Community | Main Phone Number |
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101 E. Corry |
513-861-9394 |
Bellevue Gardens | 513-221-1209 |
Calhoun | 513-556-8595 |
CRC/Dabney | 513-556-6484 |
Daniels | 513-556-0676 |
Jefferson House | 513-861-9394 |
Morgens | 513-556-7500 |
Siddall | 513-556-8281 |
Scioto/Marian Spencer | 513-556-5135 |
Stratford Heights | 513-558-7000 |
The Deacon | 513-599-4598 |
The Eden | 513-861-9394 |
Turner/Schneider | 513-556-3925 |
University Park Apts. | 513-558-3000 |
University Edge | 513-540-2535 |
U Square | 513-221-1400 |
Leased Facilities
When needed, University Housing may lease blocks of rooms with non-UC facilities in the area and make those spaces available under the Terms and Conditions of the Housing Agreement. Residents in such circumstances are provided with similar services to that of all halls and are subject to all relevant policies in this publication unless apprised otherwise in writing by the office of Resident Education & Development.
Bearcats Package Center
The Bearcats Package Center is located in Tangeman University Center, and provides a fast and worry-free package retrieval for on-campus residential students. It offers centralized processing for all incoming packages for on-campus residential student packages, and features over 400 self-serve package lockers.
Located on 200 Level, TUC, next to the food court, just past Cincy Grill.
Lockers will be available for package retrieval any time TUC is open. The Service Desk will have reduced hours.
Hours subject to change as announced by university officials. Building is closed for all university holidays, unless otherwise indicated. See FAQs for more directions, information and more.
Who Should Use the Package Center
Students in the following residence halls should use the Package Center Address:
- Bellevue Gardens
- Calhoun Hall
- Campus Recreation Center Hall
- Dabney Hall
- Daniels Hall
- Marian Spencer Hall
- Morgens Hall
- Schneider Hall
- Scioto Hall
- Siddall Hall
- Turner Hall
- Stratford Heights
- University Park Apartments
Please visit Adresses by Residence to find the correct address for you.
Carriers such as UPS, FedEx and Amazon WILL NOT deliver packages addressed to these residence halls' physical addresses.
Delivery services such as Instacart, Kroger Delivery, WalMart+, DoorDash, Grubhub etc., should use the residential hall address.
How it Works
Step 1. On-campus residential students should have all packages sent to the Bearcats Package Center at the following address:
[Your First Name Your Last Name], [Your UC Central Login (also called your 6+2)]*
Bearcats Package Center - TUC DOCK
2715 Bearcat Way
Cincinnati, OH 45219-3539
- If there is an area to include special instructions, please communicate that package should be delivered to the Tangeman University Center loading dock at 2715 Bearcat Way, Cincinnati OH 45219.
- *To ensure efficient processing of your package, use your full name with middle inital as registered in Catalyst AND include your UC Central Login (also called your 6+2), which are the
the letters/numbers preceding "@" in your UC email address.
Step 2: When the package arrives at the Package Center, you will receive an email with a code and the locker bay name when your package has been delivered and processed at the center.
Step 3: You will then come to the Package Center, and scan the barcode in the email notification to retrieve the package(s) at the indicated locker bay.
Step 4: The locker containing your package will open for you to retrieve your package.
Oversized packages and those needing refrigeration can be picked up from the Service Desk.
Laundry Facilities
Each residence hall has at least one laundry room. The washers and dryers in these spaces operate by Bearcat Card (BCC). The facilities are for use by residents only. Residents may remove unattended loads whose cycles are complete if no other machines are available as long as they do so in a respectful, courteous manner. Residents are asked to demonstrate courtesy by not monopolizing all machines and by not leaving completed loads in the machines. Please report any problems with laundry facilities to the front desk of the residence hall.
Personalizing and Decorating Your Room
Residents are encouraged to personalize their room space to the extent reasonably possible. The following items are prohibited in the decorating of student rooms:
- Double-stick tape, duct tape, or any adhesive that leaves residue or damages the surface finish;
- Nails, screws, bolts, tacks, and anything that makes holes in the surface;
- Adhesive-mounted items on the ceilings, such as glow-in-the-dark stars;
- Hanging items from or near light fixtures and safety equipment (i.e., sprinklers, smoke detectors, etc.);
- Any item or activity that damages University property, violates policies, or poses undue safety risks.
The following options may help to enhance room appearance and minimize or prevent damage:
- Mattress pads
- Slipcovers for University couches and chairs
- “Sticky-tac” or “poster putty” for posters
- Carpeting or area rugs
- Ironing boards (please do not iron on tables, desks, counters, floors)
- Regular cleaning and trash removal
Posting on Residential Floors
Only Resident Advisors are eligible to post information on residential floors. In order to have the Resident Advisors post material advertising programs, courses, campus performances, etc., on their floors, the item to be posted must be approved by the Resident Education and Development office. Please bring a copy of the item to be posted to the RED Office Suite, located in Marian Spencer Hall, and drop it off. Include your phone number so we can contact you with an approval. If the item is approved for distribution, you will need to supply enough copies for each floor. Currently, we would need 200 copies. Please submit your materials approximately 15 workdays prior to the event to allow sufficient time to get your material approved, distributed, and posted. Please note that we do not post sales or solicitation material.
Storage
Due to space limitations in the residence facilities, the Offices of Residence Education and Development (RED) and Housing are unable to provide storage facilities for students, either during the year or over break periods. This includes storage for personal items as well as storage for furniture that is currently in the rooms. Therefore, it is important that students only bring items to campus that can fit into their room along with the existing furniture.
Additional Facilities
Residence halls offer varying amenities including but not limited to study lounges, classrooms, social lounges, pool tables, ping-pong tables, TVs, pianos, ice machines, and vending machines. Consult a staff member or the front desk of the residence hall for more information.
Problem-Solving in Residence Halls
Problem-solving is a skill to be mastered like any other—playing a sport or instrument, learning material in a class, or speaking another language. It requires practice and patience.
An approach to problem-solving with examples
- Stay as calm as you can; take a deep breath; think.
- Identify the problem as clearly and specifically as you can.
- Assess the situation for its seriousness.
- Emergency: There is a current risk of serious harm to person(s) or a threat to the community. Report emergencies to 911 or 6-1111.
- Urgent: There is a risk of harm to property, a disruption in basic service such as heat or water, or a situation that is getting worse very quickly. Report it to an RA face-to-face or to the front desk.
- Important: There is not a need for immediate action, but the situation should be discussed promptly— the next business day or within a few days. Consult an RA or the front desk for guidance, or make an appointment at the front desk to meet with your CC or AC.
- Routine: A dripping faucet, clogged sink, light bulb out, etc. Report these to the front desk.
- Take action. If the problem is not resolved satisfactorily, seek the next resource “upward.”
- After the problem is resolved, reflect on your choices, what you learned, or what you can take away from the experience for future benefit
Always begin as close to the origin of the problem as possible. For example, if you have a concern about your roommate, talk to your roommate first before seeking staff help. If you have a concern about a situation on your floor, speak with your RA. If you are unsure of where to begin, the best starting points are your own floor’s RA, any other RA, your hall’s NOC, CC or AC, or the front desk of the hall. Ample help is available in each hall. If you have a concern with a university employee, speak with that person’s supervisor.
As a student, you have the right to address concerns or complaints wherever you like. However, the quickest solution is usually found by working “up” the staff chain. Contrary to popular belief, “Going straight to the top” usually involves both more time and less convenience for you as officials gather information or delegate the situation to the person closest to the situation.
The chain of authority for help in residence hall is generally RA, duty RA, front desk, NOC, CC, AC, central office RED staff, Dean of Students.
Life-threatening or seriously dangerous situations can always be reported to UCPD at 911 or 513-556-1111. Below are some situations that you might encounter and where you can begin seeking help as needed.
Where to Make a Report or Get Assistance
- UCPD at 911 or 513-556-1111
- Front Desk
- Your floor RA, or the On-Call RAs for your building
- Your Community Coordinator or Area Coordinator
Campus Living
MainStreet
Beginning at University Pavilion and extending to the Jefferson Complex’s Turner and Schneider Halls, MainStreet is the corridor through the heart of campus—the hub of activity and campus life. From the comprehensive service delivery of OneStop to the programs, organizations, and retail options in Tangeman University Center (TUC) and Steger Student Life Center (SSLC) to the state-of-the-art facilities of the Campus Recreation Center—MainStreet is the center of 24-hour activity for the community.
MainStreet includes but is not limited to:
Steger Student Life Center
- Ethnic Programs and Services
- Experienced-Based Learning & Career Education
- LGBTQ Center
- Meyers Gallery
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
- Office of Student Life/Dean of Students
- Student Activities and Leadership Development
- Student Wellness Center
- Women’s Center
Tangeman University Center
- Bookstore
- Catskeller Dining Center
- Food Court
- MainStreet Cinema
- MainStreet Connection Center
- MainStreet ExpressMart
- Bearcats Café
- PNC Bank
Campus Recreation Center
- Aquatics
- Climbing Wall
- Group Fitness Classes
- Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching
- Market on Main
- CenterCourt Dining Center
Campus Shuttle and Metro Bus Services
Two shuttle systems provide services on or near campus. Campus Transit System (CTS) operates shuttles on campus; these are available to all students, staff, and faculty. Bearcats Transportation System (BTS) operates shuttles on off-campus routes, exclusively for use by UC students. UC Shuttle Tracker displays real-time route and shuttle data to a mobile phone or PC browser. Transportation Services may be reached at 513-556-4424. The shuttle tracker is available online or via the DoubleMap (iOS) (Android) app.
Office of University Housing
The office of University Housing is located in Marian Spencer Hall on the first floor and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can answer questions regarding your Housing Agreement, meal plans, room and board fees, and room reservations. Information on the Terms and Conditions of the Housing Agreement can be found online or at the offices of University Housing and Food Services (513-556-6461).
University Dining Services
There are numerous on-campus dining options for students and their guests. CenterCourt and Stadium View at the Campus Recreation Center, MarketPointe at Siddall, and On the Green at Marian Spencer Hall serve those with meal plans while also offering a retail option. Please visit the Food Services website for hours of operation and menu information. All locations welcome the Bearcat Card. Retail facilities on campus include our campus cafes and the many eateries along MainStreet.
Meal plans offer a block of meals for use over the semester. Students with a meal plan can also use swipes for meal exchange items at DAAP Café, Catskeller, and Bleecker Street Café at UC Blue Ash once per meal period (e.g., breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Bearcat Card (BCC) dollars can be added to any of the meal plans.
Residence hall students who are required to have a meal plan (e.g., first-year students) may review meal plan information online.
Additional BCC dollars are always available for purchase separately. Campus Dining Passes, serving the needs of upper-class students and other members of the university community are also available. Please visit our website for further details.
Basic Safety Tips
Safety is a shared responsibility among all UC community members and their guests. While safety is never a guarantee, you can enhance your personal safety and security in various ways, including the following:
- Keep your room locked whenever you are gone—no matter how briefly—or sleeping.
- Always keep your keys and Bearcat Card with you.
- Report lost or stolen keys or access cards to the service center of your hall immediately.
- If you lose your Bearcat Card cancel your account immediately via this link or by calling Bearcat Card Customer Service at 513-556-2000.
- Record serial numbers and manufacturer of valuables.
- Record credit card and bank account numbers, company names, and phone numbers so you can promptly cancel any lost or stolen cards.
- Mark textbooks with your name or other distinct information in a consistent and hard-to-see place to increase the chances of recovering them at buyback.
- Keep money, checkbook, credit cards, and other valuables in a secure location. In almost every room, some lockable space is available for each resident. Bring a combination or key lock to use it.
- Avoid carrying or keeping large amounts of cash.
- Be alert for unescorted persons in the residence halls; report instances to the hall staff.
- Avoid walking alone and using ATMs at night.
- When you leave for evenings or weekends, tell a roommate or friend where you are going and when you plan to return.
- If you receive harassing/obscene calls, keep track of this activity, notify a staff member who can help you write an incident report, and report the activity to UCPD at 513-556-1111.
- Remember the UCPD anonymous tip line, 513-556-COPS (556-2677).
- If you observe suspicious activity or experience/witness a crime, call UCPD and notify a staff member.
Bearcat Guardian
Bearcat Guardian is a state-of-the-art safety app that allows you to turn your cell phone into a safety device. It works on any mobile phone running on any US-based mobile carrier network. Please visit the Bearcat Guardian webpage for more information.
Bicycle Registration
All students, staff and faculty at the University of Cincinnati are asked to register their bicycle with the Department of Public Safety. Information collected during the registration process is entered into a database and used to identify the bicycle in case of theft. Please visit the Bicycle Registration webpage for more information.
Cell Phone Safety Tips
When using any cell phone on campus, please remember these tips:
- Contact UCPD for non-emergency situations at 513-556-1111.
- For emergencies, call 911. Your call will be directed to Cincinnati police, so clearly state you are on the UC campus and need UCPD.
- Give your exact location—including building, floor and room. When outdoors, be as specific as possible when describing your location.
- In your room, know where your phone is (especially when going to sleep) and keep it charged.
- In the event of a major emergency in the area, cell phone systems may be overwhelmed. Plan for a secondary notification system in advance (e.g., email or Web communication) to let family and friends know you are safe.
- In the residence hall, there is a campus phone on each floor. In Stratford houses, there may be lobby phones instead. From those phones, you can reach UC’s Public Safety by dialing 911 or 6-1111.
Crime & Public Safety
The Uptown west campus proper is one of the safest areas in the city, though precautions are always appropriate. No area is 100% safe or risk-free. If you experience a crime on campus, notify UC Police Department at 911 (emergencies) or 513-556-1111 (non-emergencies). You can report crimes anonymously at 513-556-COPS (513-556- 2677). In some cases, UCPD jurisdiction may extend to off-campus locations due to a mutual aid agreement with the city.
Emergency Alert System and Campus Safety Network
For more information on subscribing/registering for text and email services that are used for communication during emergencies, see UC Public Safety's Emergency Management website.
Fire
Familiarize yourself with fire evacuation routes and the locations of emergency devices such as pull stations and fire extinguishers. Residents and their guests are responsible for complying with the following fire safety rules and procedures:
- Avoid fire risks associated with other policy violations by observing rules about candles, incense, cooking, and extension cords.
- Tampering with or misusing any life-safety equipment—including but not limited to extinguishers, detectors, and sprinkler heads—is prohibited. Remember that nothing may be hung from any of these items at any time.
- If you are present where a fire starts and it cannot be quickly extinguished with available equipment, leave the room—closing the door behind you. Activate the nearest pull station immediately and evacuate the building. Call 911 first to report the fire, then you may attempt to contact your RA or CC.
- To prevent the spread of smoke in any fire, keep fire doors closed at all times.
- In a fire alarm, quickly put on shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, bring keys, and ID, and immediately evacuate the building.
- Evacuation during fire alarms is required by law. Failure to evacuate can result in criminal action and disciplinary action through the University.
- If you need evacuation assistance because of a permanent or temporary disability, remain in your room with the door closed and call 911. In the Campus Recreation Center Hall only, there are designated areas of rescue assistance in the stairwells.
- Once you have evacuated a room or hall, residents may only re-enter after the fire department instructs you to do so.
Medical Care & Emergencies
The University Health Services (UHS) is in The Lindner Athletic Center (Main Campus). Call 513-556-2564 or visit the UHS website for more information, including available services, appointment scheduling, walk-in services, and non-hospital urgent care centers that accept UC Student Health Insurance.
If you are involved in a medical emergency in which hall staff respond, they may call for an ambulance even if you have not requested one. Residence hall staff members are not allowed to transport a student to or from the hospital under any circumstances. Upon release from the hospital, students are responsible for their own transportation back to the residence hall, so students are encouraged to retain emergency funds for this transportation. While hall staff members cannot transport students, they may be able to help students identify alternate means of return. Students are strongly discouraged from walking back from any hospital.
Registered Sex Offender Information
Information regarding registered sex offenders is available on the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office website or by calling 513-946-6222. All University of Cincinnati residence halls are within 1,000 feet of local schools. Registered sex offenders must comply with relevant laws.
Severe Weather/Tornadoes
In a weather emergency, follow the instructions communicated via the public address system or those given to you by hall staff or safety personnel. In the event of a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning, weather sirens and automated messages sound in most halls. Stay indoors and move to a designated severe weather shelter area. In most halls, shelter areas are found at the lowest levels of the halls or in interior stairwells. Avoid windows and remain in the designated area until you are instructed to do otherwise.
Sexual Assault Response Services
The university understands how traumatic experiencing sexual assault can be and seeks to provide a variety of resources to assist you. If you experienced sexual assault, you are encouraged to report the crime to UC Police at 911 or 513-556-1111 and to seek medical care. Reporting the crime to the police does not require that you pursue prosecution. However, if you are seeking confidential support, on-campus resources are available on the Title IX website.
University employees (including Resident Advisors—RAs) are required by law to report alleged felonies, including sexual assault. RAs are trained to inform/remind people of their status as a mandatory reporter if/when they believe a reportable incident may be shared. This is to ensure you are aware of their obligations and is in no way intended to discourage you from sharing information or reporting crimes to your RA. The university investigates all allegations of sexual assault. The university’s Title IX Coordinator can be reached at 513-556-3349.
Shelter-in-Place Warning
“Shelter-in-place” usually refers to an emergency situation in which potentially hazardous materials have been released into the outdoor air. If a shelter-in-place warning is issued, an announcement will be made over your hall’s public address system, or you will be informed by staff. You will be instructed to close all windows and exterior doors, and you may be instructed to turn off air conditioning or heating fans in your room. Remain indoors and follow the instructions given over the emergency announcement system and by your hall’s staff members. Unless informed otherwise, it is safe to continue all other normal indoor activities as usual during a shelter-in-place warning. In the event of a building evacuation (fire alarm) during a shelter-in-place situation, residence hall staff and Public Safety officials will direct you to an alternate indoor location in another building.
In some campus or neighborhood emergency situations, such as a shooting, you may be advised to remain in your residence hall, and you may be further advised to stay in your room or suite behind a locked door. In most cases like this, a long, steady alarm tone is followed by an announcement with instructions.
Stratford Heights and some block lease housing locations do not have the same alarm system as other UC halls. Contact your hall staff for more information.
Student Behavior and Residence Hall Rules & Regulations
Introduction
All University of Cincinnati students are expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as abide by the rules and regulations of the University. The University and Resident Education & Development have established policies and regulations to help you understand the standards and expectations for student behavior within the residence hall community. They are based on respect for the rights of others and a commitment to an environment that reflects the University’s mission and educational goals. This document contains the University rules and policies administered under the authority of the Board of Trustees with direct significance for student behavior. The complete rules of the University are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the complete Student Code of Conduct is available from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. If you have questions about policies or your responsibilities, consult your Resident Advisor (RA), Community Coordinator (CC), or Area Coordinator (AC).
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct identifies behavior considered unacceptable and not permitted for all students of UC. The complete Student Code of Conduct is available online from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. It is the responsibility of each student to know the Student Code of Conduct and other University policies that are applicable to their behavior.
Residence Hall Rules & Regulations
Residence halls exist to promote the educational mission of the University and to foster the development of students. By living in community, students learn more about themselves and others and work toward common goals, including but not limited to their academic success. All residence hall rules and regulations have rationales and purposes. Rationales fall into the following categories:
- Comfort: As a home, the residence hall should be reasonably comfortable for those who live there and those who help to maintain the facility.
- Community: A strong, positive sense of community enhances living and learning.
- Consideration for others: Living in a community setting requires that members show respect for one another and for employees performing University functions.
- Respect for people and property: Respect is an element of civility, a core University principle.
- Cost management and conservation of resources: Responsible management of financial and physical resources is in the best interest of current and future students.
- Education: Residence halls exist to support the academic mission of the University.
- Law: Students and the University are responsible for obeying laws.
- Health: Promotion of good health is in the best interests of self and others.
- Privacy: A reasonable level of privacy enhances the quality of life.
- Safety and security: Safety and security are basic human needs and support higher functions such as learning and personal development.
- Student development: Residence halls foster the cognitive, psychosocial, and moral development of students; promote students’ development of their adult identity; and help prepare students for independent living and civic participation.
- Welfare of self or others: Residents are responsible for themselves and responsible to all other members of the hall community. Community members are interdependent.
Resident Education & Development and Housing Services established the following regulations for the residence halls, presented in alphabetical order, in support of an education and safe residential community. These rules and regulations (as well as the Housing Agreement and other published residence hall information) are incorporated in the UC Student Code of Conduct. Violations will result in disciplinary action. The following definitions apply to all UC residence hall rules and regulations:
- Resident: The student who has a Housing Agreement with University Housing and has been assigned to a specific space within a residence hall. Persons living in the residence halls who violate residence hall or university policies while not a student as defined by the Student Code of Conduct may be subject to immediate removal from the hall and criminal prosecution for those violations.
- Guest: Anyone visiting or signed in by a resident in his/her residence hall, whether in that resident’s room, another resident’s room in the hall, or a semi-public area. Residents from other halls and parents are considered guests.
- Host: A resident who has a guest(s) in the hall.
- Public Areas: Areas in the residence hall for the use of all hall residents and their guests, unless otherwise designated. (Some hall lounges may be reserved for the use of residents only.) There are no true “public” areas in any residence hall since residence halls are not open to the general public, only to hall residents and their guests.
- Semi-public Area: Areas in the residence hall that have been reserved. Additionally, individual suites or rooms with doors open constitute semi-public areas.
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.
Resident Education & Development (RED) will not approve, endorse, authorize, or sponsor any student- based events involving alcohol in residence hall or dining facilities under its authority.
Dry Halls - Alcohol Prohibited
During the Fall and Spring semesters (including break periods before, during, and after) the following residential communities are considered dry: Calhoun Hall, CRC Hall, Dabney Hall, Daniels Hall, Marian Spencer Hall, Morgens Hall, Schneider Hall, Scioto Hall, Siddall Hall, Stratford Heights, Turner Hall, and USquare. In dry halls no alcoholic beverages or alcohol containers are permitted on the premises. This includes cans or bottles used for decoration.
Wet Halls - Alcohol Permissible
During the Fall and Spring semesters (including break periods before, during, and after) all other communities are considered wet. In these communities, alcohol is permitted as stipulated in the University Alcohol Policy. Persons possessing alcohol must be 21; alcohol is permitted in the room or suite of the approved halls with the door closed. For residents sharing a suite/apartment with someone who is not of legal drinking age, alcohol must be contained in their bedroom and is not permitted in the common areas. During the summer semester, all communities are considered wet.
Individuals who bring alcoholic beverages into residence hall rooms 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 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 RED 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.
Residents may use the following appliances in their room, suites, or apartments: clocks, stereos, televisions, fans, personal computers, lamps, University-provided microwaves, and 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 of these halls and to space limitations.
- 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 Turner, Schneider, and Campus Recreation Center (CRC) Halls, one (1) additional microwave per suite is permitted. The microwave must not exceed 600 watts. Within the suites of these halls, 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 Morgens Hall, 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 halls, residents are responsible for the cleaning of all microfridges, 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.
- RED Staff may enter rooms to turn off unattended appliances that are disruptive to the community.
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.
Residents may not possess or use the following appliances in their rooms or suites: 3D printers, air conditioners, air fryers, broilers, deep fryers, dehumidifiers, electric blankets, electric grills (see also section 9. Health and Safety), 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. RED reserves the right to direct students to remove additional appliances not included in this list.
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, CP Cincy, Morgens, Scioto, The Deacon, The Eden, U Square, University Edge, 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.
Overloading circuits is prohibited. After consulting with Public Safety, other appliances may be removed for safety reasons. Extension cord use is limited to one (1) appliance per cord and one (1) cord per appliance. Using multiple cords in sequence is prohibited. Electrical cords, extension cords, and string lights may not be wound around or otherwise unsafely attached to personal or university property. Public Safety and hall staff reserve the right to require that person(s) discontinue the use of certain appliances, cords, or configurations.
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
- 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 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.
- Radios, portable stereos/TVs, or other sources of loud noise may not be brought into the dining centers.
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.
- 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. 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. Students are responsible for monitoring wall covering amounts and random fire inspections may occur. Resident Education & Development 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 scooter or hoverboard is prohibited. Please note that this does not apply to wheelchairs and other assistive devices that are used for mobility assistance.
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 semipublic 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 environment within their room. Rooms or items accruing trash, mold, insects, or rust should be disposed of and/or properly cleaned.
- 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. Residence hall 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 a false report of a fire, bomb, or other emergency is prohibited.
Rationales: Consideration for others; education; safety and security; privacy.
- Guests
- 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 asked to leave by RED and/or Public Safety staff. In addition, hosts are required to report any violation of University or residence hall rules and regulations by their guests to an appropriate RED 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 five-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 five (5) 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.
- In buildings with shared community-style bathrooms (Daniels, Dabney, Calhoun, and Siddall), guests are welcome to use the bathroom that best aligns with their gender identity or where they feel most comfortable.
- 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 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. In exceptional circumstances, visitation may be suspended at the discretion of hall staff.
- In exceptional circumstances, guest check-in may be required in any hall at any time at the discretion of University Housing and/or RED if such measures are 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.
- In exceptional circumstances, staff members may require guests to leave a room or suite even when capacity is not exceeded.
Room Type | Maximum Capacity | Residents + Guests |
Single | 4 | Resident + 3 Guests |
Double | 6 | 2 Residents + 4 Guests |
Triple | 9 | 3 Residents + 6 Guests |
Quad | 12 | 4 Residents + 8 Guests |
Five-Person | 15 | 5 Residents + 10 Guests |
Six-Person | 18 | 6 Residents + 12 Guests |
Seven-Person | 21 | 7 Residents + 14 Guests |
Eight-Person | 24 | 8 Residents + 16 Guests |
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 the Office of Resident Education & Development or University authorities upon request. This includes breaks between semesters or other 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 to carry 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 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. RED Staff will document unauthorized pets and require residents to remove them within 24 hours. 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 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 duty 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.
Resident Education & Development 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.
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. Additional regulations regarding restroom designation and use are included in the section of this document addressing guest and visitation policies. 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.
Rationales: 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 an RA 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 or railings is also prohibited.
- Decks, patios, and porches may be subject to load limits.
- Doors may not be propped open or otherwise misused.
Reporting Options
Students are encouraged to report incidents that violate University policy, and those that may involve illegal, unethical, or inappropriate behavior. Resident Education Staff are trained to document situations. The best person to report such incidents to is your floor RA or the RA On-Call for your community. However, if you’re not comfortable making a report to your RA, there are several other reporting options available to you. These include the following:
- Speak with the Community Coordinator of your building or another RED professional staff member
- Speak with a coach, professor, or academic advisor,
- File a report using UC’s public Incident Report Form
- Make a report to EthicsPoint. EthicsPoint is an anonymous reporting hotline available to the university community. Call EthicsPoint toll-free at 1-800-889-1547 or visit the reporting website.
Student Conduct Process
Resident Education and Development follows the same Student Conduct Process outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Alleged violation(s) of University policies and these Residence Hall Rules and Regulations may be adjudicated by Resident Education and Development staff and/or staff from the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards. Residents who have been documented for an alleged violation should monitor their university e-mail account for communication from the hearing officer assigned to their case.