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HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE Mission Our mission is to provide students living in university housing with a safe and secure environment that is conducive to academic and personal achievement.
Vision Our vision is to provide quality opportunities and connections for academic and personal growth. We believe our residence life program is a fundamental component of the UCF experience and we are committed to: 1. Providing a qualified and diverse staff dedicated to the mission and vision of the department. 2. Fostering a welcoming environment where individual differences are shared and explored. 3. Providing opportunities for holistic education through individual and community development. 4. Establishing intentional and purposeful relationships among students and staff. 5. Advocating for personal responsibility, accountability, and sound, ethical decision-making.
Statement on Diversity and Inclusiveness We strive to create a community where each person feels welcomed and valued for his or her own individual contribution. We will achieve this by: 1. Encouraging students and staff to better understand themselves as well as others in the community. 2. Providing programs and opportunities for all to share experiences, values, cultures and beliefs. 3. Identifying biases, assumptions, ridicule and prejudices as they occur and readily challenging the statements that may be obstacles of true community.
UCF Creed Integrity: I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty. Scholarship: I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the UCF community. Community: I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual. Creativity: I will use my talents to enrich the human experience. Excellence: I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake.
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s a UCF student living on the Orlando or Rosen College campus, you have the opportunity to get involved in a community of
new friends and enjoy many exciting experiences. Living in a campus community fosters the development of lifelong friendships and memories. The Department of Housing and Residence Life (DHRL) encourages you to make your UCF housing experience all that it can be. The Residence Life staff is here to assist you, but we recommend that you take the lead by participating in your community, listening to others, sharing your experiences and knowledge, adhering to the expectations of the community, and by being a role model for others.
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Getting Started As a UCF resident, there are certain responsibilities that you assume when you move into the residential communities. Some of these principles and responsibilities are highlighted in this guide. A more detailed description of all UCF policies is published in The Golden Rule Student Handbook. Bikes: Register your bike with the UCF Police Department. They can engrave it at no charge, making it easier to identify if it is stolen.
through their insurance, though you may still want to consider purchasing your own policy. We aren’t responsible for the theft or loss of your personal property.
Use the bike racks we provide. Don’t lock your bike to light poles, trees, electrical posts or stairway railings—UCF Police Department and Housing staff will remove your bike if you do. Also, bikes and frames are not allowed inside your building. You may be charged $25 for any bicycle kept in your room.
Mandatory Meetings: Your opening and closing hall, building or floor meetings are mandatory. These meetings are a chance to get to know your RA and the other students sharing your space, as well as opportunities to review policies and rules. If you can’t make a meeting, tell your RA as soon as possible.
For a full listing of on-campus bicycle rules, read the Bicycle Guide provided by the UCF Police Department.
Parking: Decals are available for purchase from Parking and Transportation Services. For details and to register, visit www.parking.ucf.edu.
Emergency Evacuations: Learn your evacuation route and policies—they are posted throughout your living areas. Make sure you know where to meet when you evacuate. Fees: For a list of standard fees and charges, please visit www.housing.ucf.edu. Find Out Where Things Are: Locate your mailbox, laundry room, vending machines, common areas, the community office, etc., as soon as you move in. Liability: UCF doesn’t carry insurance to cover your personal belongings. Check with your parents about the coverage you have 4
Room Condition Inventory: Before you move in, we complete a “room condition inventory.” It’s always your responsibility to report any damages in your living areas—if you don’t, you may be charged for any postinventory damages. Vehicles: Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed near buildings, sidewalks, courtyards or housing greens. This includes cars and trucks (including moving trucks), unauthorized golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, etc. If a vehicle isn’t authorized, we’ll have it towed at the owner’s expense.
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Residence Life Staff Getting to know the staff in your building helps you get the most of your living experience, so visit your community office. The staff members were selected through a rigorous selection process and are prepared to help you. Resident Assistants (RA)
Graduate Assistants (GA)
RAs live in your community. They answer your questions and help you with day-to-day life, as well as plan fun and educational events. RAs also help enforce policies and university regulations.
GAs are UCF graduate students who live in your community. They help our area coordinators with community development and administration.
Residence Hall and Apartment Patrol Staff (RHAPs) RHAPs are students who monitor community safety from midnight to 8 a.m. every day. They respond to concerns and work with RAs to enforce housing and university policies.
Office Assistants (OA)/ Program Assistants (PA) OA/PAs work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They assist with day-to-day community operations.
Area Coordinators (AC) Our ACs supervise the student staff in each area and put our residence life programs into action. All have their master’s degrees and live right in your communities.
United Resident Student Association (URSA) URSA works to promote unity in your community and to provide educational and social events and programs. Together with your community’s Area Council, URSA provides you opportunities to gain leadership skills and improve your living experience at UCF. Joining is a great way to get involved, gain leadership experience, develop organization skills, and make lifelong friends and connections. Learn more about URSA at www.housing.ucf.edu/ursa.
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Services and Features Appliances and Cooking: Appliances must be in good working order. Modification of the building wiring or the appliances UCF provides is strictly prohibited—no wiring splices, leaks or alterations that would ordinarily void the manufacturer’s listing. Building and Cleaning Services: On cleaning days, you are expected to remove all of your things from your sink, counter and shower stall, as well as pick your items up off the floor. If you fail to do so, your AC will be notified and you could be held in violation of your housing agreement. The following cleaning and maintenance services are mandatory. Double rooms located in Apollo, Hercules, Nike and Libra Communities: Bathrooms are cleaned and the carpets vacuumed weekly. Apartments located in Lake Claire, Nike, Hercules and Rosen College: Bathrooms in the apartments are cleaned weekly. The Towers: Your space is cleaned about five times a year, including the summer, and is inspected by maintenance routinely for repairs. Bulletin Boards: RAs post information on hall, building and community bulletin boards. The boards are for staff use only. Cable TV: Your place is wired with one outlet for cable TV, so you will need to supply your own TV and cable wires for additional connections. Community Centers, Courtyards and Lounges: Our community spaces are specifically designed for use by our staff and our residents. Our community spaces may not be used for outside meetings or personal functions unless approved by the Area Coordinator or his or her designee. Computer Usage: UCF has strict guidelines for computer usage. You may not use your connection for commercial purposes or establish your own wireless networks. Tampering with another student’s computer is a violation of UCF policy.
Also, your Internet connection will be restricted if you use the server for any of the following: • Pornography or other obscene material • Downloading illegal files • Peer-to-peer file sharing • Running a server Please refer to the Golden Rule Student Handbook, as well as your contract with Computer Services. Data Port/Internet: High-speed Internet is available for students through UCF ResNet. Your computer can be connected to ResNet by using the data port in your room. You will need to purchase a category five networking Ethernet cable to connect to the data port. For more information, visit www.resnet.ucf.edu. Exterminator: We treat your place for bugs regularly—don’t try to do it yourself. If you have a problem between treatments, report it to the Work Management Center at www.fo.ucf.edu. Laundry: Your community has coin and/or UCF Card-operated laundry facilities. For UCF Card information and refunds, go to UCF Card Services in the John T. Washington Center on the Orlando campus. If you lose coins, visit your community office. Maintenance Requests: Need something fixed? Go to www.fo.ucf.edu and fill out a work order. If you need to, you can also call the Work Management Center at 407-823-5223. After hours and weekend emergencies should be reported to your RA. Movie Channel: Channel 9 plays newly released movies. We also have an on-demand streaming video service for all the movies currently showing. For a complete listing of current movies, please visit www.reslife.housing.ucf.edu. Recycling: Separate your recyclables from your trash and use the correct receptacles. Social Media (MySpace, Facebook, etc.): Be careful about sharing personal information, pictures or contact information. We don’t seek out this information, but we may when you violate other policies. Trash: You are responsible for emptying your own trash into the dumpsters or trash compactors. You will be fined $25 for every bag of trash left in your room or not placed in the correct dumpsters or trash compactors. 7
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Thriving in Your Community Living in relatively close quarters with other students is an adjustment
for everyone. You’ll face some challenges—it will help if you state your boundaries and expectations early and clearly. Roommate(s)
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Prepare before you meet them. Figure out what you need to know and how you want to start your relationship, as the first meeting sets the tone. Problems? Contact your RA.
Exterior Doors and Windows: Banging on exterior doors or windows is considered a noise violation.
Cohabitation: Your assigned space cannot be shared with any other individual(s) not assigned to your room. See the “Visitors and Guests” section for more information. Roommate Agreements: We recommend you start with a roommate agreement, which you can get from your RA. Talk to your roommate first if you have problems. Then, if you need help talking to your roommate, your RA can help. A copy of the roommate agreement is available to you at reslife.housing.ucf.edu/resources/forms. Room Changes: If mediation between you and your roommate is unsuccessful, you can inquire about a room change. Unauthorized Room Changes: If you change rooms or swap keys without authorization from your community office, you may be found in violation and fined $200.
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Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. every day and apply to all areas in and around the community (including surrounding outside areas). Exam periods have 24-hour periods of quiet time. You are expected to be considerate and keep noise at an acceptable level at all hours of the day.
Reporting Violations It’s your responsibility to confront your peers about unacceptable behavior and to report it to your RA or UCF Police. We can’t guarantee your anonymity—the person you report has the right to full disclosure. If a violation happens in your room, you and your roommate(s) are held responsible, including damages, even when you aren’t actively involved. If it isn’t clear who the responsible party is, all involved will be held accountable.
Ombuds Office UCF has an Ombuds officer to help you figure out where to go and to get generalized advice about university policies. Everything you discuss with the Ombuds officer remains confidential unless there is a threat of serious harm. For more information, visit the office’s website at www.ombuds.ucf.edu.
Visitors and Guests Let your guests know about the rules, as you could be held accountable for any unacceptable behavior. Stay with your guest— we won’t allow them in your room if you aren’t with them. Also, we reserve the right to ask them to leave. Never have more than two overnight guests (children and relatives included). Also, no guest can stay more than seven nights per academic year. Be considerate and discuss your plans to have overnight guests with your roommates
ID Always carry your UCF ID—have your visitors and guests carry a photo ID, as well. Staff may request your ID at any time.
Knights Mail and Mailboxes You are expected to check your mailbox and UCF e-mail regularly, as you’re responsible for all communication sent to them. We use your Knights e-mail for all electronic communications.
Locked Out? Always carry your keys and/or key card—and never give or lend them to anyone. If you get locked out of your place, go to your community office for help. You will need to present a photo ID to get into your place. After your third lockout of the semester, we will begin charging you a fee for every following lockout. If you lose your key and/or key card, report it immediately to your community office and the staff will help you order a new one. You are responsible for the cost of the replacement of any lost or stolen keys or key cards.
Tips for Better Living • Keep your place clean and free of garbage • Comply with housing and health codes • Respect your roommate(s) • Control the noise level and your guests • Be respectful if you need to approach others about problems
Be Safe • Don’t let anyone you don’t know into your community • Lock windows and doors at all times and don’t give away keys • Keep the same answering message—never indicate you are alone or away • Contact work management immediately if any safety locks or devices need repair • Lock your car and hide valuables at all times—even if you are present • Check the back seat and the floor of your car before entering • Use the blue light emergency phones on campus • Avoid placing hidden keys outside your room and never lend keys out • Learn your evacuation routes for fires and storms • Exit immediately if there is a fire—leave your valuables—and stay low if there is heavy smoke • Respond to all alarms in your building or community
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Safety Procedures Fire Safety and Evacuations Learn where your alarms and equipment are located, as well as how to evacuate. Some important elements include: Building Fire Alarms: If the alarm in your building sounds, go immediately to your evacuation location (at least 300 feet from the building). If you see a fire, pull the nearest alarm, call 911 and keep going to your building’s evacuation location. Evacuation: Whether it’s an actual evacuation or a drill, all residents have to comply or be in violation. Elevators: Never attempt to use an elevator to evacuate the building for safety purposes. False Alarms: Any campus resident who activates a fire alarm, regardless of intent, is responsible for any related costs from the Fire Department response. If you activate a false fire alarm, you are responsible for all related charges. The cost is $300. False alarms aren’t just about pranks—it could be related to cooking, smoking, vandalism, policy violations, etc. Note: Neither students nor staff can interrupt a Fire Department call to the campus community once the units have been dispatched. Fire Extinguishers: Learn to use a fire extinguisher. Your RA can teach you how to use one. In addition to the extinguishers provided, we recommend every resident also have their own multipurpose/class extinguisher in the event of an emergency. Fire, Health and Safety Inspections: Room inspections are completed throughout the year to conduct specific fire, health and safety checks. If we find violations, your AC will give you a specified amount of time to correct the violation. Failure to correct violations may result in student conduct charges and a review of your housing agreement. Some violations are subject to immediate housing agreement termination.
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Fire Safety Equipment: Tampering with equipment in any way—from false alarms to altering evacuation signs and more—is punishable by law and could cost you a $5,000 fine and/or six months incarceration. There may also be additional costs related to clean up, etc., and your housing agreement could be cancelled.
Cooking Apartments: Each apartment has a full kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator and range oven. Deep fryers are prohibited. Be careful when you or your guests are cooking—never leave your stove or oven unattended for even a second. Any leftover food or garbage must be placed in a garbage bag and taken directly to the area dumpsters or trash compactors to avoid odor, bugs or unsanitary conditions. Community Kitchens: Community kitchens are available in select areas and are available for food preparation only. Community kitchens are not to be used for class projects, science experiments, washing hair, etc. Additionally, residents who use community kitchens are required to clean up after themselves before leaving. Always be ready to present your student ID when using the community kitchen. Refrigerators: You may have small refrigerators (smaller than five feet total capacity), popcorn poppers, hot pots, and coffeepots with an automatic shut-off feature, provided they are in good working order and are plugged into a power strip. If you have appliances that exceed five feet, you will be asked to remove them and charged the $25 fee per occurrence.
Did Your Cooking Set Off the Alarm? If your smoke detector sounds from cooking in your apartment and there is no fire: 1. Call your community office/duty station 2. Identify yourself and location, and tell someone that a smoke detector is sounding 3. Turn on vent/fan and open windows 4. Do not prop the apartment door as smoke may set off the full building alarm
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Residence Halls: Due to safety concerns, the following items are prohibited: two sided/ open faced /indoor electric grills (ex.”George Foreman Grill”), deep fryers, toaster ovens, toasters, electric skillets, hot plates and/or any appliance with exposed heating coils. If you violate this policy, we may charge you a $25 fee per occurrence and review your housing agreement. Stove Top Extinguishers (Fire Stops): Units with a stove and hood have magnetic extinguishers mounted in the hood, which will activate in the event of a stovetop fire. If you activate yours, contact staff immediately for replacement. You will be responsible for the cost of replacement and any related cleaning charges.
Other Safety Guidelines Dangerous Weather: Sometimes, Central Florida has dangerous weather and emergencies occur. Staff will help you learn and follow procedures. Students are encouraged to return home when they can and shelters are provided for those who stay. Good Samaritan: If an emergency arises, UCF officials may move your belongings if there is potential damage or loss of property, or threat or harm to a person. Illnesses: If you get a contagious illness, let Health Services know, as well as your community office. We can help you. Prohibited Items: Examples of prohibited items include: • Live cut trees (like Christmas trees) • Flammable or hazardous materials of any kind • Candles and incense • Decorations • Bicycles • Grills Room Entry: Authorized UCF personnel (including law enforcement) may enter your room for normal inspection, fire code enforcement, maintenance purposes, verification of resident occupancy, and emergency situations, including well-being checks.
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Searches: DHRL staff will not search your place without your consent unless the police have a warrant. Sexual Misconduct: The university will not tolerate sexual misconduct, abuse, harassment, exploitation, intimidation or coercion. The university is committed to maintaining a community in the residential facilities in which students and staff can live and work in an atmosphere that is free of all forms of sexual misconduct. Those who violate this policy may be subject to the full extent of Law Enforcement, student conduct action, and Housing and Residence Life charges and violations may result in immediate housing agreement termination. Smoke Detectors: Some detectors are connected to the main alarm system and to the UCF Police Department, who will respond to tampering. Tampering with the device puts you and your community in danger. Sprinklers: Sprinklers protect you and your belongings and are not to be tampered with or used to hang items on. If sprinklers are activated, we do not assume any responsibility for damaged items. Vandalism: Vandalism is any willful act of destruction, defacing, or tampering with UCF’s or another student’s property. We prosecute vandals and may press criminal charges. Video Surveillance: Your community has surveillance cameras that are viewed after the fact and only if needed. They aren’t actively monitored, so don’t rely on them to stop crimes in progress. Windows and Screens: Your windows are an emergency exit, so don’t block them in any way. Also, hanging or climbing out of your windows is prohibited unless it’s an emergency situation—and don’t drop, shoot or throw anything out of them. Don’t remove your screens from your windows—you could be held responsible for replacing them if damaged or lost.
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What Not to Do in Your Community Your living space isn’t just yours—it belongs to UCF and your roommates, too. Also, remember that you have to abide by federal and state laws. Here are just some of the major laws and rules to consider, as breaking them can get your removed from your community.
Advertisements: If it’s a flyer or other posting, talk to your community office. Never attempt to advertise on your own. Alcoholic Beverages: Not 21, yet? Don’t drink alcohol, and don’t allow underage people to do so in your room—you’re legally responsible for adhering to the law. You don’t have to be drinking alcohol, however, to be responsible for it—even if it’s not your room. If you’re under 21 and in a UCF residential facility where others are drinking, you will be considered to be consuming alcoholic beverages and be subject to housing agreement action.
Some other basic rules to follow include: • No alcohol paraphernalia—kegs, beer funnels, beer pong tables, etc. • No drinking in shared community spaces, even if you’re of age • If you are 21, don’t drink when underage people are in your room • Never provide alcohol to a minor We continue to enforce all of the above policies on UCF football game days. Also, all official UCF tailgating policies and fan behavior guidelines will be enforced. Visit the game day website for information at www.ucfgameday.com. Animals: Only fish (not turtles, snakes or lizards, etc.) in a tank no larger than 10 gallons and guide/service animals are allowed in UCF housing. Going away for a bit? Take your fish. Don’t feed any stray animals—they may carry disease and the food you leave may attract other pests. Also, we may charge you a $25 fine per occurrence if we find an illegal pet or animal. Chronic Misbehavior: If a resident or guest is involved in repeated or flagrant violations, establishes an unacceptable pattern of misconduct, or is frequently found to be in non-compliance with The Golden Rule Student Handbook, and/or the Community Living Guide, s/he may be subject to disciplinary action, including housing agreement termination. Controlled Substances and Drugs: The presence of any illegal drugs is strictly prohibited in our facilities. No using. No selling. No paraphernalia such as hookahs, bongs and pipes. If you take prescription drugs, they must be in their original containers, and you may only use them as prescribed.
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If you choose to possess and/or use any drugs and/or paraphernalia, you may be subject to the full extent of law enforcement, student
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conduct violations, and Housing and Residence Life agreement violations, including immediate housing agreement termination. Electrical Guidelines/Extension Cords: We don’t allow extension cords and only approve specific surge protectors. Check with your RA about the specifics of our guidelines as they pertain to the Florida State Fire Marshal and state policy. If you do overload and trip the circuit, unplug some of your electrical appliances and relocate them to different outlets. When needed, contact the community office to help re-set the circuit breaker. Fights: Physical altercations (fights), verbal or written abuse, harassment and/or other conduct that endangers the health, safety or well-being of others can get you removed. Gambling: UCF doesn’t allow gambling of any kind on campus or at its events, including unlawful games of chance for money and wagering on a team or organization—especially when you’re in a position to influence the outcome. Grills: Some communities provide stationary grills you can use, but you have to supply your charcoal and utensils. If you use it, clean it. Students living on the Rosen College campus should inquire about use at the Rosen College Residence Life office. Musical Instruments: Practicing of any musical instruments (including drums, guitars and any amplified instruments) at a volume heard beyond your room is prohibited in your residential communities. Musical instruments may not be played in common areas such as lounges or pods without permission from a Residence Life staff member. Operating an On-Campus Business: You are prohibited from operating an active, on-site business out of your UCF residence. You may use your on-campus Internet connection to conduct business as long as you are following housing, university, state and federal laws while doing so. Pool (Rosen College): You should follow the pool rules, but also pay attention to your noise level and your personal safety. No matter what your age, we don’t allow alcohol by the pool.
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Room Vacancy: If there is a vacancy in your room, we will assign you a roommate. If you attempt to enter and/or use any part of a vacant room, discourage or prevent a new resident from moving into the room we will review your housing agreement and possibly charge you additional fees. Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in any residence hall/apartment room, hallway, lounge, laundry room, community center, classroom, breezeways or enclosed stairway of any building at UCF. You may smoke outside as long as you are at least 15 feet from any building. Solicitation: We don’t allow you to solicit anything on campus—no magazines, cosmetics, organizations seeking funds, clubs selling cookies, books, etc. If a solicitor bothers you, get a physical description and report it to your community office. Sometimes, the Department of Housing and Residence Life or URSA will conduct fundraisers and drives for charitable causes, but these activities always operate out of the main office—never door-to-door. Remember: never invite a solicitor into your room. Weapons: Possession or use of firearms, fireworks, explosives or dangerous/ flammable chemicals of any kind is strictly prohibited in or near your UCF community. This includes, but is not limited to: • Firearms and/or ammunition, including BB guns and pellets • Nerf, water and airsoft guns, or any toys that look like guns • Weapons for sport, including paint ball guns, bows and arrows, diving knives, hunting weapons, etc. • Stun guns • Swords • Sling shots • Martial arts or medieval weapons • Flammables—liquids, solvents, gases If you choose to possess and/or use weapons, you may be subject to the full extent of law enforcement, student conduct violations, and Housing and Residence Life agreement violations, including immediate housing agreement termination. 13
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Decorating Your Apartment It’s a new space, so of course you want to make it
a home with your own style. We want you to love where you live—decorate it in the right ways.
Here are some guidelines to help you make it the best for everyone: • No painting the walls, ceiling, etc. • Don’t cover more than 20 percent of your wall space • If it’s affixed—a light fixture or cabinet, for example—don’t change it • Don’t remove or alter any UCF furniture— it may be considered theft • If it’s larger than 2’ x 3,’ get it approved before using • Take all of your personal items when you move • Never obstruct or prop-open doors • Avoid offending others—think before you display it • Be considerate of your roommates • No stolen street signs • Keep common areas free of obstructions and decorations • No curtains or drapes on the windows • Only hang items using the provided strips— never affix anything directly to the walls • Don’t hang, mount or affix anything to your ceiling • Use decorative or holiday lights indoors only— and only approved lamps Altering: You may not change, add to or alter any UCF property. This includes, but is not limited to, changing or altering light fixtures, electrical devices, cabinets, doors, furniture, fixtures, locks, adding shelves, poles, swings, etc. Constructing lofts is prohibited. Exterior Room/Apartment Doors: Only Housing and Residence Life approved door decorations and properly affixed message boards will be allowed on your exterior door facing community space. Any additional postings are under the discretion of Housing and Residence Life staff.
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The Student Conduct Review Process Our intentions are to ensure fairness, provide a positive educational experience and protect the campus community at large. We want all UCF students to thrive and this is reflected in our rules and regulations.
You and your guests must abide by all rules and laws, as well as written and verbal
requests from staff, or be found in violation. Repeated violations of any of our rules may provoke disciplinary action or housing agreement termination.
Always consider the consequences of your actions—make sound decisions. As a
member of the community, all of your actions impact everyone’s standard of living. Goals of the Student Conduct Review Process
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Our main goal is for you to accept the responsibility for your actions and to better understand their consequences. We issue sanctions to make violators aware of their infractions.
Following the report of a documented incident, you will be notified by the Area Coordinator or designee about scheduling a meeting to discuss your involvement in the alleged violation. During that meeting or informal hearing, you will be informed of the charges you face. Your rights and responsibilities in the student conduct review process will be explained to you and you will have the opportunity to share your perspective.
Policy Violations and Reporting If a conduct problem should arise within the residential community, it will be addressed by Housing and Residence Life representatives or a university police officer. If the UCF Police Department initiates contact with the student(s), a Housing and Residence Life representative may also be called in to assist in the situation. Following the alleged violation, the Housing and Residence Life representative will prepare an incident report for the Area Coordinator that details the nature of the incident, conflict or situation. The UCF Police Department may also file their own police report with the Office of Student Conduct. Your case will then be referred to the Area Coordinator for the area in which the incident occurred, or to the Office of Student Conduct, depending on the severity of the incident. These determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.
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If you accept responsibility for violating a Housing and Residence Life policy and/or UCF Rules of Conduct found in The Golden Rule Student Handbook, then the Area Coordinator or designee, acting on behalf of the department and the Office of Student Conduct, will recommend educational and punitive sanctions. If an alleged violation of the UCF Rules of Conduct is not resolved with the Area Coordinator or appropriate designee, it will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. Depending on the outcome of the case referred to the Office of Student Conduct, a resident’s housing agreement could be terminated. Other sanctions may be:
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Administrative Move: As stated in the Housing and Residence Life agreement, DHRL has the right to change room assignments, temporarily or permanently, in the interest of orderliness, health and safety, conduct, etc., after written notice to the assignee. Denial of Future Housing and Residence Life Agreements: A recommendation may be made to not offer a future housing agreement to individuals who have a history of offenses which are disruptive to the community environment. This status may be temporary or permanent. Educational Requirement: You may be required to complete educational requirements in addition to one of the above-mentioned sanctions. The sanctions may include, but are not limited to, community service, alcohol/drug educational programs, reflective papers, required meetings or interviews, or giving presentations. The sanction will be decided upon by the Area Coordinator or designee and will be related to your specific incident. Failure to complete these sanctions will result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct for a violation of the UCF Rules of Conduct as found in The Golden Rule Student Handbook.
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Housing and Residence Life Agreement Termination: If you have your housing agreement terminated you must vacate your current housing assignment by the date specified by your Area Coordinator. In addition, you may be issued a Trespass Warning prohibiting you from entering any UCF or affiliated housing facility. You will not receive any refund and will be required to pay all related fees according to your housing agreement. Restitution: You will be assessed the repair/replacement cost for any damage you cause to university or personal property. Warning: You may receive a written warning for your behavior, stating that if you are involved in other incidents or a repeated violation of the rules and regulations of the residential facilities, you can expect additional action.
Appeals Process for Housing and Residence Life Agreement Termination An appeal may be submitted to the Housing Agreement Termination Appeals Board (HATAB). Membership is comprised of university personnel appointed by the Director of Housing and Residence Life or designee. The members meet twice a month to review appeals. Continued...
Housing and Residence Life Agreement Interim Removal: If you are involved in a serious incident, your housing agreement may be temporarily suspended/terminated for a period of time during which your level of responsibility will be determined. During this time, you are responsible for making other living arrangements with the understanding that you will not be permitted to enter any residential facilities. Once responsibility is determined, further action will be taken accordingly.
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Requirements for the appeal process: 1. The appeal must be submitted within three (3) business days in receipt of the Housing Agreement Termination letter. 2. The appeal must be submitted in writing using a word processing program with an official student signature. Hand-written appeals will not be accepted. 3. The appeal must be written by the student including current contact information and PID. 4. Students do not attend the board meetings. 5. The decision of the HATAB is final. The letter of appeal should be placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to: Housing Agreement Termination Appeals Board (HATAB) Housing Administration Building Building 73 Following the HATAB review, a final decision letter will be sent to the student notifying him/her of the appeal status.
Student Conduct Disciplinary Sanctions From The Golden Rule Student Handbook: If you accept responsibility for violating a UCF Rule of Conduct found in The Golden Rule Student Handbook, then one or a combination of the following sanctions will be imposed upon you. Recommended sanctions for UCF Rules of Conduct violations will be forwarded to the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for final disposition. This list of sanctions includes, but is not limited to the following: Disciplinary Warning: An official warning that your behavior is in violation of the UCF Rules of Conduct, and that if you are subsequently found in violation of this rule—subsequent action may be more severe. Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary probation status shall be for a specific length of time extending from a week to a number of semesters. Restrictive conditions may be imposed and vary according to the severity of the 18
offense. Restrictive conditions may include, but may not be limited to, the following: loss of good standing, which may become a matter of record; ineligibility to receive any university award, scholarship, loan, honorary recognition, or initiation into any local or national organizations; and denial of the privilege to occupy a position of leadership or responsibility in any university student organization, publication, or activity, or ability to represent the university in an official capacity or position. Under disciplinary probation, you may continue to attend classes and you are given a chance to show capability and willingness to live in accordance with university rules. However, if you are subsequently found in violation of a rule while on disciplinary probation, the university may suspend or expel you from the university. While on Disciplinary Probation, a hold will be placed on your academic record for record keeping purposes. Contact the Office of Student Conduct for a temporary release. NOTE: Disciplinary Suspension or Expulsion may be implemented in serious cases or when you have multiple violations. These cases will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. Your housing agreement will be temporarily suspended pending the outcome of your disciplinary hearing. Mediation: Residents may be referred to Dispute Resolution Services. Dispute Resolution Services offers training and services directed at resolving interpersonal disputes. Facilitation of communication between parties promotes understanding, settlement and reconciliation. Dispute Resolution Services enhances the mission of the university by promoting individual responsibility and contributing to the growth and development of all involved.
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Appeals Process for Student Conduct Disciplinary Sanctions All appeals must comply with the guidelines provided in The Golden Rule Student Handbook. Specific questions about appeals may be
directed to the Student Government Association judicial advisor or the Office of Student Conduct. Parental Notification The University of Central Florida will notify parents or guardians of dependent students, defined in F.S. 228.093 under the age of 21, when you are found responsible for violating university alcohol or other drug policies as found in The Golden Rule Student Handbook. Parents will be notified if: 1. You have been found for the second or more time(s) in violation of the university policy regarding the use, possession, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages. 2. You have been found for the second or more time(s) in violation of the university policy regarding public intoxication. 3. You have been found in violation of the university policy that prohibits driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or a narcotic or other controlled substance not expressly permitted by law. 4. You have been found in violation of the university policy regarding belligerent and/or aggressive behavior while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or a narcotic or other controlled substance not expressly permitted by law. 5. You have been found in violation of the university policy regarding the attempt to obtain or the use, possession, sale, or distribution of any narcotic or other controlled substance not prescribed by law. 6. You required professional treatment in a medical facility for a condition associated with the use of alcoholic beverages or a narcotic or other controlled substance not expressly permitted by law. These guidelines do not preclude the university’s contacting parents or guardians for other policy violations that may endanger the health and well-being of a student or other individuals in the community. 7. Parents or guardians will be notified in writing by the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and, whenever possible, students will be informed in advance that their parents or guardians will be notified.
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Important Numbers Housing Administration Building
407-823-4663
Housing Work Management Center
407-823-5223
Community Offices Apollo
407-882-5016
Hercules
407-882-7010
Lake Claire
407-882-5000
Libra
407-882-5009
Nike
407-882-7000
Rosen College Apartments
407-284-6000
Towers at Knights Plaza I
407-882-9400
Towers at Knights Plaza II
407-882-9406
Towers at Knights Plaza III
407-882-9408
Towers at Knights Plaza IV
407-882-9418
Other Emergency - Police, ambulance or in case of fire
911
UCF Police Department (non-emergency)
407-823-5555
Campus Operator
407-823-2000
Health Services
407-823-2701
First Year Advising and Exploration
407-823-3789
UCF Libraries
407-823-2562
Safe Escort Patrol Service
407-823-2424
Student Financial Services
407-823-2827
Victim Services (24/7)
407-823-5555
V oice : 4 0 7 8 2 3 4 6 6 3 Fa x : 4 0 7 8 2 3 3 8 3 1
w w w. h o u s i n g . u c f. e d u Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services
1005SDS119-8/10
HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE P. O . B o x 1 6 3 2 2 2 O rlando , F L 3 2 8 1 6 - 3 2 2 2