Residential Life Policies and Procedures

Alcohol, marijuana, other drugs, and related paraphernalia

Alcohol

Students are expected to know applicable State and Federal laws and University expectations around alcohol and other drugs. The following guidelines apply to alcohol and drugs in Residential Life spaces (the South 40, The Village, and all apartments owned by Residential Life).

Underage possession of alcohol is prohibited by Missouri State Law and is also a violation of the student conduct code. Any student violating the University’s alcohol policy is subject to follow-up. Residential Life places its highest enforcement priority on enforcing violations that are repeated, disruptive, dangerous, and/or flagrant.

  1. Drunk and disorderly behavior that disrupts the community is prohibited.
  2. Alcohol is not allowed in public spaces in and around Residential Life buildings. These spaces include but are not limited to: window ledges, balconies, lounges, lobbies, hallways, pools, and lawns.
  3. Pictures, posters, containers, and signs that refer to alcohol and other drugs and are displayed for public view are prohibited.
  4. Activities that potentially encourage excessive or dangerous drinking are not allowed, including:
    • Kegs and large common containers containing alcohol.
    • Bars – what constitutes a bar will be left to the discretion of the Residential Life Staff.
    • Drinking games.
    • Hard alcohol is not permitted in any space where one or more occupants is under the age of 21.
  5. Packages containing alcohol may not be sent or received in any residential mailrooms regardless of the recipient’s age.
  6. Consumption of alcohol by students (including residents and non-residential students) and guests is permitted only in an assigned room, suite, or apartment where the resident assigned to the space and everyone present is 21 (legal drinking age) and the door is closed.

Students who violate the alcohol policy may be required to meet with their RCD and may be referred to a representative of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the alcohol and other drugs health educator, or other campus resources.

Drugs

  1. Use, possession, sale, or manufacture of any illegal drug including marijuana, cocaine, nitrous oxide and other inhalants, methamphetamine, heroin, rohypnol (roofies), Gamma Hydroxy-Butyrate (GHB), ketamine (Special K), ecstasy, etc. is strictly prohibited.
  2. Drug-related paraphernalia is not permitted under any circumstance and may not be used as decoration. Hookahs and/or other tobacco smoking devices are not permitted under any circumstances, may not be used as decoration, and will be confiscated and not returned.

Students who violate the drug policy may be required to meet with their RCD and may be referred to a representative of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the alcohol and other drugs health educator, or other campus resources. In some cases the matter may be referred off-campus for criminal prosecution.

As it pertains to alcohol, the University also has a “medical amnesty and active bystander protocol” with which students should be familiar. That protocol can be found on the Habif Health & Wellness website. The medical amnesty and active bystander protocol is designed to encourage students to seek medical care in an alcohol related emergency by reducing the potential barrier of University disciplinary consequences in certain circumstances.

Title IX Policy

The University recognizes that students who have been using alcohol or who have violated University COVID policies may be hesitant to report incidents of sexual misconduct due to the fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. Therefore, a student who reports in good faith that they witnessed or were the victim of sexual misconduct will generally not face disciplinary charges for being under the influence of alcohol or for violating COVID policies at the time of the incident.  If a student has engaged in particularly egregious or repeated behaviors (e.g., intentionally leaving isolation/quarantine housing and exposing others in violation of the University’s COVID policies), the University may consider taking further disciplinary action. 

Appliances

Electrical Appliances that incorporate unshielded heating elements or draw more than 750 Watts are prohibited. All appliances used must be in good condition with special attention given to seals, electrical cords and plugs. Therefore, all appliances and their cords must be UL approved. Additionally, only power strips with circuit breakers may be used as extension cords. For a complete list of prohibited items, please see Residential Living: Important Things to Know.

Balconies

For the safety of residents and guest, the use of grills and/or other cooking devices on balconies is strictly prohibited.  Items may not be hung, draped over, or otherwise affixed to balconies.  Additionally, throwing and/or directing objects, laser pointers, or any substance from, into, or onto residence hall windows, doors, terraces, ledges, roofs or other areas is prohibited.

No indoor furniture should be placed on balconies.

No outdoor grills or other cooking devices should be used or placed on balconies.

Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited inside building managed by residential life due to fire safety.  Bicycles should be secured to bicycle racks outside of the residence halls and may not be secured to fences or handrails.  By May, all bicycles must be removed from residential life premises.  Failure to do so will result in bikes being removed and donated to charity.

For more information, visit Washington University Police (WUPD) headquarters to obtain a bike lock or to register your bicycle online.

Chalking

Chalking is only allowed on uncovered sidewalks and pathways. Chalking is not allowed on buildings, walls, trees, covered sidewalks, or other surfaces.  This includes the raised limestone wall surfaces along the pathway next to Gregg House on the South 40. Groups that chalk in residential areas that require clean-up may be charged for the cost of clean-up.

Construction Sites

The campus is in the midst of major facility improvements. Construction has been a way of life in recent years. With this in mind, and for safety reasons, only authorized personnel are permitted to enter any area where construction is occurring. All unauthorized entry by students will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and/or University Police.

Copyright

The Internet, and WU Copyright law applies to all intellectual works (including articles, software, html code, computer graphics, sound recordings, movies, web pages, etc.). If you are the author/creator, you are the copyright owner. ONLY the copyright owner has the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, or display a particular work. This means that if you can see it, hear it, and/or touch it — it may be protected. So if you weren’t the author/creator, you don’t have the right to share it, modify it, or download it to your computer. Sharing copyrighted materials without the owner’s permission violates copyright law, with or without any money changing hands. So, if you didn’t write it, you don’t own it. If you don’t own it, you can’t share it, upload it, or download it.

Damages

At the end of each semester, Residential Life Staff inspect all resident rooms. Any damages encountered will be documented, photographed, and charged to the resident(s) of the unit.

Darts

Metal-tipped darts and cork dartboards are not permitted.

Decorations

Use of unauthorized decorations is prohibited.  Residents may be charged for any and all damage or damages resulting from violation of the decoration policy.  Residents are encouraged to personalize their rooms, but must follow the guidelines. For a complete list of unauthorized decorations, please see Residential Living: Important Things to Know.

Discrimination

Washington University’s policies and programs are non-discriminatory. The University administers all programs without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  If you would like to report a bias incident that involves a student, click here.  If you would like to report a bias incident that does not involve a student, please contact Human Resources.

Disruptive Behavior

Behavior that is disrespectful to the community which includes, but is not limited to, drunken behavior, “dorm-storming,” sports in the hallways, noise complaints, pranks, and any other disorderly conduct is prohibited.  Individual or group activities that result in disturbances or distress to others, or that cause damage or destruction to property, are also prohibited.

Facebook/electronic communication

Students are expected to be familiar with the University Computer Use Policy

Failure to comply

Students are expected to comply with all reasonable requests and instructions of University officials and staff including those working with Residential Life. Students must cooperate with staff (including Resident Advisors), provide accurate information, and properly identify themselves to a University official when those staff members are in the performance of their duties. Students who do not comply will be referred to their Residential College/Community Director (RCD), The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, off-campus authorities, and/or a non-University organization.

Fire safety

Tampering with fire safety equipment is strictly prohibited.  This includes inappropriate use of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pulls, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire panels, propping fire doors, etc. Tampering with fire safety equipment is a federal offense and subject to punishment by law.

Furniture

The misuse and/or damage of furniture is prohibited. Common space furniture in the residential community should not be moved or taken to individual resident suites or rooms. Furniture in individual suites and rooms should not be placed on balconies and under any circumstance left in the hallway corridors.  Residents who move furniture from its appropriate location will be fined.  Rooms with missing furniture at the end of the academic year will be charged the full replacement cost for each missing item.

Harassment

Washington University advocates a positive and safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Harassment is defined as unwelcome and objectively offensive conduct that (a) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational environment, (b) is directed at a particular individual or individuals, and (c) is abusive or severely humiliating. Such behavior is subject to disciplinary action.

The Office of Residential Life refers all incidents of harassment to the appropriate office(s) for further investigation and resolution.

For more information, please see Sexual Violence.

Health and safety

COVID-19

  • Students can have guests in their room/suite, but must make sure everyone (including the host) are wearing a mask and abiding by general safety code regulations regarding how many people are permitted in a space. For suites, there should be no more than 8-10 in the common area of the suite. For individual rooms, there should be no more than 4 people per space.
  • Students are highly encouraged to socialize outdoors whenever possible, always adhering to public health requirements regarding masks and physical distancing.

For the health and safety of residents and guests, the behaviors outlined below are strictly prohibited:

  • Unauthorized access or use of residential facility roofs
  • Tampering with fire safety or other safety equipment, this includes, but is not limited to, tampering with or covering smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide detectors
  • Possessing or storing flammable decorations, appliances, a gas engine vehicle or any form of combustible fuel and/or other property that may be deemed a fire hazard
  • Causing a fire or false alarm in or about a residential community
  • Failing to respond and evacuate appropriately, if required, at the sounding of the fire alarm system
  • Installing an unauthorized lock on a bedroom, bathroom, closet, or suite door
  • Inadequately securing one’s residence hall room and/or failure to lock room doors, including door tapping and propping
  • Improper disposal or collection of trash or debris that could lead to room/suite entry obstruction, unsanitary hazardous conditions and/or fire safe hazards.
  • Hindering the operation of the Mechanical or Electronic door hardware on any door in any building that is overseen by Residential Life is prohibited.
    • Tampering with the door hardware could be considered a breach of security and a fire code violation.
  • Additionally, propping of bedroom and suite doors by any object with the purpose of overriding the security and integrity of the door is prohibited.
      • Any door found propped open when the resident of that space is not present could be found in violation of this policy.

Inspections

The Residential Life staff, as well as maintenance staff, conduct routine facilities and safety checks. Each Residential College Director will inspect each room in his/her college for damage, missing furniture, etc. at the end of each semester and during breaks.

Guest Policy

Visitors will be allowed in residence halls according to regular policy. Students may visit friends in other residence halls. Everyone must follow masking and other public health requirements as applicable.

Non-university guests are allowed, as long as they complete the visitor self-screening prior to their arrival, wear a face covering while inside any university facility,  and follow all public health guidelines while on campus.

Students can have guests in their room/suite, but must make sure everyone (including the host) are wearing a mask and abiding by general safety code regulations regarding how many people are permitted in a space. For suites, there should be no more than 8-10 in the common area of the suite. For individual rooms, there should be no more than 4 people per space.

Students are highly encouraged to socialize outdoors whenever possible, always adhering to public health requirements regarding masks and physical distancing.

Key card policy

Residents are prohibited from loaning their student ID to anyone.  Student ID cards provide residential student’s entry into residential communities, therefore loaning your student ID poses a safety risk.

Laundry equipment problems

See laundry service

Lock-outs and lost keys

South 40 Procedure

Create a new room keycard at the kiosk located in the Residential Life Center Annex. (The kiosk is available 24 hours a day. If you find yourself at the South 40 Kiosk, please read the following instructions before retrieving your replacement key.

  1. Press STUDENT button at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Enter your WUSTL Email and WUSTL key password.
  3. Press LOGIN.
  4. Click CREATE NEW ACCESS CARD at the bottom of the screen.
  5. Take the access card that is dispensed from the right side of the machine.
  6. INSERT the dispensed card (from step 5) into the slot on the left.
  7. WAIT for the machine to spit out your new card.
  8. Take your new card.

A $5.00 charge will be administered for all lockouts starting after Labor Day weekend.

North Side & OFF-CAMPUS Procedure

Create a new room keycard at the kiosk located in the Village House Lobby (right before the mailroom) or the Lofts 6300 Enright Lobby (to the right of the security desk).

The kiosk are available 24 hours a day and is accessible with your six-digit WashU ID number and four-digit pin number, which can be found under the “Campus Housing” tab on WebSTAC.

A $5.00 charge will be administered for all lockouts starting after Labor Day weekend.

NOTE: North Side residents may also use the 24-hour room key kiosk in the Residential Life Center Annex on the South 40, using your six-digit WashU ID number and four-digit pin number (found on WebSTAC), for a charge of $5.00.

VILLAGE AND LOFTS Kiosk Instructions

  • On the Keycard Center Machine screen, touch “Get a Temporary Card.”
  • Once prompted, enter your 4-digit pin number. (Your pin can be found in Webstac, on the left side, click “Campus Housing” and underneath this “Room Key Kiosk Info” on the computer provided).
  • Enter your 6-digit student ID number (this can also be found on Webstac). Then press submit.
  • Once you hear a beep, a card will be dispensed.
  • IMPORTANT – Take the dispensed card and insert it into the slot that reads card encoder on the Keycard Machine Center until card is finished encoding. It will dispense back out to you.

You are finished! Take your card and immediately swipe into your room door. This will automatically deactivate your old card. Please throw away your old card as it will no longer work.

LOCK PROBLEMS

If there is a problem with your lock, the Residential Life Center can assist you by phone at 935-5050 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

After business hours you should find an RA or go to the RA duty office in the Residential Life Center Annex at the following times:

  • Monday – Friday,  5 p.m. – Midnight
  • Saturday – Sunday: 1:30 p.m. – Midnight
  • Midnight – 8:30am, call WU Police Department (935-5555).

Lost Student ID

If a student ID card is lost, notify the Residential Life staff, and then visit the Office of Student Records for a replacement.

REMEMBER: Loaning your student ID to anyone is prohibited.

Lofted furniture

The Office of Residential Life permits students to use their own loft furniture. However, lofts must be approved by the Facilities & Services Coordinator in Residential Life. There are several guidelines that must be followed to ensure that the loft is safe for all occupants of the room. The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to ask students to remove a loft if it is deemed unsafe.

Missing student notification policy

Washington University is committed to ensuring the safety of the members of our University community.
Policy and Procedure Form can be downloaded here.

Mold Prevention

Brochure – How to Prevent Mold and Mildew

Move In/Move Out

Coming soon.

Open flame

The use, presence and/or storage of candles, incense, and other combustible materials is prohibited in residence halls, regardless of decorative purposes.  If your religion or faith requires candle burning for certain occasions/holidays, contact your RCD for special consideration prior to use or possession in the residential community.

Painting

Painting of resident rooms/suites is not permitted. Residents should not use abrasive adhesives (duct tape, masking tape, glow stars, etc.), which might remove paint. Nails, screws, and other tools that damage the wall surface are also not permitted. Talk to your RA for recommended decorating tips.

Pets

Residents are permitted to have approved Service and Assistance Animals and fish in small aquariums in their rooms. Any other animals found in the residence hall must be immediately removed. The removal and any necessary cleaning, repairs and/or pest control will be done at the expense of the resident(s) responsible who will also be subject to disciplinary action. Residents found with pets or animals in their rooms that have not been approved may face disciplinary action.

For more information about pet accommodations and additional, please visit Disability Resources information on Requesting Housing Accommodations.

Posting guidelines

Unauthorized or sanctioned posting in or around the residential community is prohibited.

Privacy policy

An individual’s right to privacy is important in a residence hall community setting.  The University expects students and their guests to meet reasonable expectations of privacy of other individuals within the community.

Therefore, taking photographs of another person particularly in a state of nudity or partial nudity or any photograph that may be deemed lewd or obscene of another person without their explicit consent is prohibited.  This policy specifically pertains to rooms or suites where the door entering the space is closed and there is a reasonable expectation of privacy of other individuals in the space.

Quiet hours

Quiet hours are 11:00 pm to 9:00 am Sunday – Thursday, and 1:00 am to 10:00 am Friday and Saturday. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Subwoofers are not permitted.  Failure to comply with quiet hours, courtesy hours, or the possession of a subwoofer may result in disciplinary action.

Room occupancy

Residents are prohibited from using a room and or suite in the residential community other than the one assigned to them.  This includes use for extra storage of personal belongings or entertaining guest (regular hour and overnight).  If you would like to request a room change, it must be done in accordance with your housing agreement.

Safety and security

Blue Light Phones
Blue light phones are emergency phones located throughout the campus and are identified by the blue light. Phone activation automatically connects you with University Police who are able to track your location and then send assistance.
Campus map of blue light phones (PDF)

Earthquake
In case of an earthquake, remain calm and stay where you are; most injuries occur when people are entering or leaving buildings. Protect yourself from possible falling objects and do not use stairwells or elevators. If you are outside, stay clear of buildings, trees, walls, and utility wires. Emergency Information In the event of a University-wide emergency, information will be posted on Emergency Management.

Fire
If you encounter a fire in your building, pull the closest fire alarm and evacuate the building to your designated emergency assembly point (EAP). Emergency evacuation procedures are posted in every bedroom or suite. Failing to evacuate a building when hearing a fire alarm is in violation of University policy.

Tornado
Tornado sirens are tested the first Monday of every month in St. Louis at 11:00 a.m. If you hear a tornado siren at any other time, immediately proceed to the lowest level of your building and seek shelter in a closed space with no windows.

Community Safety

Room & Building Entry
Safety and security are priorities everywhere on campus. Make a conscious effort to lock your door every time you leave, even if only for a minute. Report anyone checking for unlocked doors. All students do not have access to all Residential Life-managed buildings. Be careful about people who might follow you in. Do not let anyone into the building without asking for ID.

University Police
University Police are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The campus police headquarters is located on the South 40 on the ground level of Lien House. University Police can be reached by calling 5-5555.

For More Information, visit the Washington University Police Department website.

Suspicious Behavior
Please report any behavior or person that makes you feel uncomfortable or seems suspicious, including staff, non-students and non-staff, solicitors, and vendors. Report any suspicious person to a staff member or call University Police immediately at 5-5555.

Satellite dishes

No satellite dishes are permitted on any Residential Life-managed building.

Screens

Screens should remain in the windows at all times. If your screen is loose, please fill out a maintenance request.

Search and seizure

The University retains its right to search your room to enforce University policy, address health or safety concerns, and/or for other institutional purposes.

Sexual harassment/assault

The Office of Residential Life is dedicated to creating a respectful learning community, free from any form of sexual assault or harassment. Sexual assault affects all members of the University community, and we must be responsible for one another. Campus resources for sexual assault prevention and survivor support are available to all members of the University community. No one asks to be sexually assaulted and sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor.

The Office of Residential Life refers all incidents of harassment to the appropriate office(s) for further investigation and resolution.

For more information, please see the RSVP Center website.

Smoking and tobacco

WUSTL strictly prohibits all smoking and other uses of tobacco products within all University buildings and on University property, at all times. This policy applies to everyone on campus, including students, faculty, staff, patients, contractors and visitors. For more information about this policy, please visit:
More information about this policy.

Solicitation

Solicitation of any kind in the residential community is prohibited.  This includes but is not limited to door-to-door sales, flyers, or product parties. Residents of university residence facilities are not permitted to sublease, rent, or share their residence with any individual(s) that are not on the residential housing agreement/lease as assigned by residential life.  This includes but is not limited to posting a room/suite for rent anywhere in print or electronically (i.e. AirBnB, Couchsurfing, or Craigslist).

Because of the potential interference to the living environment of others, students are not permitted to run businesses out of their Residence Hall rooms.

Tampering

The Office of Residential Life places a very high level of importance on maintaining the security of our residence halls. In furtherance of that commitment, students are prohibited from tampering with any of the safety or security features in the halls including, but not limited to, room windows –toppers and screens, closed-circuit television equipment, and building, room or window locks. Violations of this policy may result in referral to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, fines, or other disciplinary action.

Vandalism

Destruction, defacement, or damage of any public space or property (bathrooms, lounges, hallways, etc.) is prohibited. Resident(s) responsible for such damage will be fined appropriate costs for repair, replacement, and labor. Public area damages not blamed on a specific individual may be charged to residents of a floor, building, or unit if a cause can be determined.

Weapons, firearms, and explosives

Under the Washington University Policy on Weapons, Explosives or Fireworks, the possession, storage, or use of firearms, pellet/bb/guns, knives, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons is prohibited on all University property, except as specified in the policy. Employees, students and visitors are strictly prohibited from carrying an storing weapons on University property and may not store weapons or ammunition in vehicles parked in University parking facilities, regardless of a valid concealed carry permit, except as specified in the policy. Use, possession, and storage of fireworks, combustibles, or explosive devices or components is also prohibited except as specified in the policy. Any authorized use, possession, or storage of fireworks must also separately adhere to the policy and procedures set forth by the Environmental, Health and Safety office. What constitutes a dangerous weapon will be left to the discretion of the Residential Life Staff or the Washington University Policy Department. Violations of this policy may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action, including immediate expulsion as a student from the University. In addition, violations may be referred for criminal prosecution.

Room Condition Reporting

Your Room Condition Report (RCR) is a form that you as a student in Residential Life Managed housing complete. It describes the physical condition of your room when you move in in August and when you move out in May. This year, your room condition report will be completed online via your WashU Housing Portal.

Residential Life staff have gone through and inspected the condition of your room before you arrived, now it is your turn! As a resident living in the space, it is IMPORTANT you also inspect the condition of your room. Your RCR will become available to you once you are checked in (received key from a res life staff member).

We highly recommend that you go and complete the form right away. We use this form to fairly assess damages, if any, at the end of the year. Below are step by step instructions.

Please note: If you are housing assignment indicates the letter “A” you have been assigned to the left side of the room. If your housing assignment indicates the letter “B” you have been assigned to the right side of the room. Please inspect according to your room assignment.

Complete this form as soon as you have checked in. It will close early September. 

Accessing the Room Condition Report:

  1. Go to WEBSTAC and log into your WashU Housing Portal
  2. Find the Room Condition Report at the top navigation.
  3. Go to your room and inspect its condition and complete your report.
  4. You are all done!