A. Community Expectations
1. Community Accountability
The following policies reflect the values of Housing, Dining, & Auxiliary Enterprises (HDAE) and were established to uphold our mission of creating a community that is safe and conducive to living and learning. As a member of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) community, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these policies and abide by them. Violation of any of the following policies jeopardizes your housing contract, violates the UCSB Student Code of Conduct 102.07, and may result in University Sanctions.
These policies apply to all UCSB residents and their guests when they are on HDAE properties (for example, residence halls, university apartments, parking lots, and Dining Commons) and are also enforceable while participating in Housing sponsored activities on or off campus.
Please consult Residential and Community Living (R&CL) should you have any questions regarding the policies and your responsibilities as a resident outlined in the sections below.
Your responsibilities as a resident include:
- Compliance with the policies outlined in this document
- Demonstrating respect for all members of the community
- Examining your own behavior when approached by another and working toward resolving conflicts amiably
- Maintaining a safe environment for yourself and your community members
2. Bias Response
As stated by the University of California's Principles of Community grounded in the mission of instruction, research and public service, UC values diversity, affirms the inherent dignity of every person and upholds communities of justice. UC strives for a campus and a world free of discrimination, intolerance and hate, and is equally committed to freedom of expression, critical inquiry, civil dialogue and mutual respect.
Residential & Community Living values diversity and inclusivity and will work to promptly address acts of bias and harassment directed at any individual or group in our residential communities; such acts are unacceptable in our residential community. These acts are considered violations of the Residential & Community Living Terms and Conditions, UCSB Campus Regulations, the UC Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students (PACAOS Section 104.90), and may be a violation of state or federal law.
Hate Crime
A hate crime is a traditional criminal offense with an added element of bias towards a federally protected class of people. For the purposes of collecting statistics, Congress has defined a hate crime as a "criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic origin or sexual orientation." Hate itself is not a crime, and the FBI is mindful of protecting freedom of speech and other civil liberties. Hate crimes will be handled by campus police.
Examples of Hate Crimes:
- Physically harming a community member because of their sexual orientation
- A student damages another student's residence hall window sill by carving a racist remark on it
Bias Incident
A bias incident is an offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity but may not rise to the level of a crime. Bias incidents include hostile environments and harassing behavior that is severe or pervasive to the point that it threatens an individual or limits the ability of the individual to work, study, or participate in college life. The resident may or may not have specific or general intent to harm, but contributes to creating a hostile or unwelcoming living environment.
Examples of Bias Incidents:
- A guest uses a racial slur during a documentation
- A community member yells a homophobic slur at another community member
- Two residents are targeting a third by joking and using derogatory terms repeatedly such as the n-word or retard
For more resources and examples of how to identify bias, please visit the Teaching Tolerance resource on identifying and responding to bias incidents at Identifying and Responding to Bias Incidents
3. Complicity
Part of being a responsible citizen within university housing includes being aware of your surroundings. Housing, Dining, & Auxiliary Enterprises (HDAE) expects students who anticipate or observe a violation of policy to remove themselves from the situation immediately: failure to do so may result in being charged for the policy violations being observed.
B. Community Standards of Conduct
1. Alcohol and Other Drugs
In the event that a resident is found responsible for violating any of the Alcohol and Other Drug policies, the resident will likely be sanctioned to attend an educational course provided by the UCSB Alcohol & Drug Program.
1.1 Alcohol Containers
It is a violation of policy for residents under the age of 21 to be in the presence of alcohol containers (sealed or open). This includes containers used as decorative items.
1.2 Alcohol Emergency Response
Any resident, regardless of age, evaluated by Emergency Services due to alcohol consumption will be minimally referred to Student Conduct and the Alcohol & Drug Program.
1.3 Alcohol Over 21
Residents and guests who are 21 or older may consume and store alcohol within the privacy of their own room or suite and not in public view or in the presence of persons under the age of 21. Providing alcohol to persons under 21 is prohibited. Residents who fail to remove themselves from incidents where persons under the age of 21 are consuming alcohol are also in violation of this policy. Carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages or consuming them in public (for example, lounges, hallways, stairwells, common bathrooms, or outdoor areas) is also prohibited.
1.4 Alcohol Under 21
It is a violation of policy for residents under the age of 21 to possess, distribute, and/or consume alcohol; be in the presence of alcohol; or be in the presence of others consuming alcohol. Residents who fail to remove themselves from incidents where alcohol is present are also in violation of this policy.
1.5 Alcohol Large Quantity
Residents, regardless of age, are prohibited from using or storing alcohol that is excessive for responsible personal use. Possession or use of any keg (empty or full), beer bong, or other mass drinking device is prohibited. Residents found responsible for violating this policy may be subject to immediate contract cancellation.
1.6 Behavior under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Disruptive behavior or the inability to exercise one's safety, or the safety of others, due to alcohol or other drug consumption is a violation of Residence Hall Community Standards.
1.7 Controlled Substances/Illegal Drugs
It is prohibited to distribute, solicit, procure, sell, or manufacture controlled substances. The possession, use, distribution, cultivation, manufacture, or sale of drugs, including medicinal marijuana, or drug paraphernalia (for example, bongs, pipes, and vaporizers) is prohibited. Being in the presence of illegal drugs is prohibited within, or in the vicinity of, university housing. Additionally, residents suspected of using drugs, due to odor, disruptive behavior or by information brought to staff will be documented.
1.8 Controlled Substances/Illegal Drugs Emergency Response
Any resident evaluated by Emergency Services due to drug use or misuse of controlled substances will be minimally referred to Student Conduct and the Alcohol & Drug Program.
2. Concealment of Information
Concealing information from university staff members is considered a violation of Residence Hall Community Standards.
3. Guest Behavior
Guests are expected to comply with university staff directions or be subject to immediate removal from University Housing property. Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests at all times. When guests violate residence hall, Dining, or ResNet policies, the host will be subject to disciplinary action and the guests may be asked to leave. Residents are responsible for properly and accurately identifying guests to staff upon request.
4. Guest Visitation
Hosting an overnight guest requires prior approval by roommates and/or suitemates. A resident's request to not have guests supersedes the ability of another resident to have guests. All guests between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. will be considered overnight guests and registered with the front desk of each residence hall. Overnight guests must be at least 18 years of age and may not stay longer than three consecutive nights. No resident may have overnight guests more than seven nights in any quarter. Non-residents may not be guests in university housing for more than seven nights per quarter whether with the same or different hosts.
During Halloween, other special events, or in extraordinary circumstances (for example, public health reasons), restrictions on guests, registration procedures, and other security precautions may be implemented for the community's safety. University housing reserves the right to restrict guest visitation and social gatherings as necessary.
5. Hall and Floor Meetings
Residents are accountable for the information presented at hall and floor meetings.
6. Harassment
Harassing behavior of any kind is prohibited. See the Student Conduct Code for more information. For information and to report hate incidents and crimes, please visit the UCSB Student Life bias reporting page at Bias Incidents | Student Life.
The University of California Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment can be found at Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment. Please also refer to the UCSB Local Response Procedures at Title IX Response Procedures.
6.1 Physical Harassment
Physical harassment or the threat of physical harm, intimidation, as well as conduct that threatens the health and safety of the community is prohibited.
6.2 Sexual Harassment
Sexual activity which occurs without the explicit consent of all parties involved, not in private, or without the proper consideration given to the rights of other residents is prohibited.
6.3 Verbal and Nonverbal Harassment
Verbal and nonverbal harassment made directly or indirectly (via email, social networking sites, written messages, etc.) is not tolerated. This includes verbal and nonverbal threats, malicious pranks, abusive language or harassment due to sexual orientation, ability, race, gender, religion, ethnicity or nationality.
7. Personal Care
Residents are responsible for their own self-care, which is defined as appropriate personal hygiene, mental health, management of medical conditions or illnesses and/or disability-related personal needs.
8. Recording Device and Camera Use
Residents are prohibited from making a video recording, audio recording, taking photographs, or streaming audio/video of any person in a location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (for example, residential living quarters, bathrooms, etc.), without that person's knowledge and express consent. See the Code of Conduct for additional information.
9. Resident Behavior
Residents must refrain from actions that disrupt the normal functioning and operation of university housing or pose a significant risk to the community. Residents and guests who, by virtue of their inappropriate behavior or conduct, exhibit an inability to live in a community setting, refuse intervention, or endanger themselves or others, may be subject to administrative action and/or contract cancellation.
10. Staff Direction
Residents and their guests must follow the directions of university staff members at all times. Not answering doors, providing false information, failing to provide information to staff, interfering with staff while they are performing their duties, and/or being uncooperative or verbally abusive to staff is strictly prohibited.
Residents must immediately follow staff directions given in response to a public health concern. Refusal to follow staff directions in response to a public health concern may be considered a serious violation constituting a nuisance injurious to the health of the community (Civil Code 3479) which may terminate the resident's contract in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure 1161(4).
11. Theft
Theft of personal and university property is prohibited.
C. Community Standards of Facilities Use
1. Bathroom Policy
Except for designated Gender-Inclusive housing areas, bathroom facilities are designated men's and women's. Single user restrooms may be used by people of all genders. Trans and non-binary residents or guests may use any bathroom in which they feel most comfortable.
2. Bunk Beds and Lofts
For safety and egress purposes, bunk beds and lofts must remain in a position (for example, away from windows) and at a height approved by Housing staff.
3. Closet and Cabinet Doors
Removing closet and cabinet doors is prohibited. If removed, damage and/or reinstallation fees will apply.
4. Cleaning
Residents are responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, and non-hazardous living environment. Rooms should be prepared for scheduled cleaning as instructed by the housekeeping and custodial staff. It is also the resident's responsibility to keep common areas (for example, lounges, bathrooms, kitchenettes, etc.) clean, sanitary, and non-hazardous. Excessive cleaning fees will apply.
5. Cooking
Cooking is only permitted in designated areas. Smoke created when cooking may activate building alarms and it is the responsibility of the resident to take the necessary precautions to prevent this from occurring. Ventilation fans must be used at all times while cooking. Unattended cooking, frying and deep frying are prohibited.
The following items may not be stored in student rooms:
- Microwave ovens
- Water heaters/kettles
- Coffee makers with exposed heating elements
- Barbecues
- Rice cookers
- Toasters
- Blenders
- Other electrical or gas cooking instruments
6. Damage
Residents will be held responsible for damage caused willfully or negligently to University property. Fees for repair will be sent to the responsible party's BARC account. Report damages immediately and do not attempt to repair.
7. Decorations
Marking on doors, windows, or walls is prohibited. Physical alterations to rooms are not permitted. Adhesives of any kind are not permitted on ceilings, doors, walls, or windows. Materials that create a hostile and/or intimidating environment could be a violation of University harassment policies. See the Student Conduct Code for more information. For information and to report bias incidents, please visit Bias Incidents | Student Life.
7.1 Ceiling Decorations
It is prohibited to decorate ceilings with stickers, glow-in-the-dark stars, paint, etc.
7.2 Door Decorations
Message pads or door decorations are limited to two pieces not larger than 8½" × 14" each, due to fire hazard.
7.3 Hallway Decorations
Must be made of nonflammable materials. For more information about decorating and fire safety, contact the Campus Fire Marshal.
7.4 Window Decorations
Posting materials on room/suite, hallway or lounge windows and/or displaying items through windows is not allowed (unless approved by the Resident Director or Assistant Resident Director).
8. Doors
Tampering with or propping doors is prohibited.
9. Electric Micromobility Devices
Electric micromobility devices include but are not limited to electric scooters, bicycles, skateboards, self-balancing scooters, etc. In accordance with California Civil Code (CIV) Section 1940.41, residents are allowed to store a personal micromobility device in compliance with UL 2849 and UL 2272 National Safety Standards and the Office of State Fire Marshal regarding lithium-ion battery safety.
For questions about micromobility device safety standards, please contact UCSB's Fire Prevention team at Fire Prevention | Environmental Health & Safety.
Storage restrictions:
- Micromobility devices may not be stored in stairwells, common areas, and lounges
- Micromobility devices may not be locked to handrails, trees, or signposts
- Micromobility devices may not block entrances, exits, or sidewalks
10. Elevators
Tampering or misuse of elevators is prohibited. Violators are subject to disciplinary action and/or fees that result from tampering with or misuse of equipment.
11. Event Planning
Loud, unruly, or alcohol-related events are prohibited in university housing. Large events are limited to lounges, recreation rooms, and outdoor spaces, and require prior approval of the Resident Director or Assistant Resident Director. Outdoor or off-campus hall-sponsored events must be approved by the Resident Director or Assistant Resident Director. Policies and procedures regulating programs and activities apply to all residence hall and Residential Hall Association Coordinating Board sponsored events whether on or off campus.
12. Facility Use
The residence halls and their facilities (for example, lounges, meeting rooms, classrooms, and gyms) are reserved for the use of residents. The use of facilities by outside organizations is limited and up to the discretion of the Resident Director or Assistant Resident Director.
13. Fire Safety
13.1 Fire Alarms
Activation of fire alarms (intentional or accidental) is prohibited.
13.2 Fire Alarm Evacuation
Residents are required to immediately evacuate the building when the alarm sounds.
13.3 Fire Damage
If a resident intentionally starts a fire, or if a fire results from negligence, residents may be held financially responsible for property damage or personal loss, and may be subject to immediate contract cancellation.
13.4 Fire Emergency Equipment
It is prohibited to tamper with any emergency equipment (for example, fire alarm pull stations, smoke and heat detectors, fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler systems, exit signs, evacuation maps, and lights).
13.5 Fireworks and Explosives
Possession, storage, or use of fireworks and/or explosives is prohibited.
13.6 Open Flames
Lighting any object that maintains an open flame (for example, candles, incense, and sterno) is prohibited.
13.7 Smoke Detectors
Tampering with or covering smoke detectors is prohibited.
13.8 Smoking
It is prohibited to smoke inside residence halls, dining facilities, or public areas.
UCSB is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors, with a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment. Under the authority of California Government Code 7597.1, the following are prohibited anywhere at all indoor and outdoor spaces managed by UCSB:
- Smoking and the use of all tobacco products
- The use of smokeless tobacco products
- The use of unregulated nicotine products (for example, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers)
14. Furniture
University-owned furnishings and property must be kept in the same rooms and/or shared spaces (for example, living room, kitchen, etc.) where provided. All university housing furniture must remain within the corresponding room and/or shared spaces in the unit. Residents will be charged for any damage to university property.
University housing community center or recreation room furnishings are not allowed in resident apartments. University housing reserves the right to restrict furniture per environmental, health, and/or safety needs and pest management (for example, excessive furniture, die or beer pong tables, etc.).
15. Heating and Air Conditioning
Air conditioning units and space heaters are prohibited.
16. Keys
Residents are responsible for all university housing issued keys (for example, unit key, electronic key, bedroom key, mailbox key, etc.). Duplication or inappropriate use of any university housing issued key is prohibited.
Residents are expected to immediately report any lost or stolen keys to university housing for replacement or rekey. Key replacement fees vary by key type and will be assessed accordingly. If you are locked out of your apartment, you may get a temporary loaner key from an R&CL staff member; charges may apply.
Keys must be turned in upon move-out or when transferring apartments. Failure to return corresponding keys will result in a replacement key charge.
17. Ledges, Roofs, Balconies, and Walls
The use of ledges and roofs for any purpose, hanging or sitting on balcony railings, and the scaling of building exteriors is prohibited. Throwing objects from ledges, roofs, or balconies is prohibited.
18. Misuse of Property
Tampering, possession, or misuse of university property is prohibited (for example, relocating and/or tampering with furniture).
19. Noise
19.1 Courtesy Hours
As a courtesy to other residents, and in effort to maintain an environment conducive to living and learning, excessive noise is prohibited.
19.2 Daily Operations
Residents should expect some noise from regular maintenance and care of our facilities and grounds. When long term projects arise, residents will be given notice regarding planned sustained noise.
19.3 Quiet Hours
The minimum quiet hours established for all residence halls are as follows:
| Day | quiet hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | Begin at 10:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 a.m. |
| Friday | Begin at 1:00 a.m. Saturday and end at 10:00 a.m. |
| Saturday | Begin at 1:00 a.m. Sunday and end at 10:00 a.m. |
These hours pertain to all regular academic weeks. On University Holidays, Quiet Hours begin at 1:00 a.m. and end at 10:00 a.m.
During Study Week (the week before Finals) and Finals Week, Quiet Hours are 24 hours a day.
During Quiet Hours, amplified music, televisions, musical instruments, voices, etc., should not be heard by people in neighboring rooms, corridors, or areas outside of the building. All residents share the responsibility of maintaining Quiet Hours.
20. Occupancy Procedures
20.1 Check-In
Students must complete a Room Condition Report during check-in.
20.2 Check-Out
There will be a charge incurred for failure to follow the appropriate check-out procedures when changing rooms or moving out of the residence halls (for example, due to contract cancellation, end of quarter or end of academic year etc.).
During periods when the halls are closed, access to buildings requires prior approval. Failure to vacate one's room by the last day of the contract will also result in a late check out fee and removal of personal property by the University, according to state law.
Residents will also be assessed fees associated with improper storage of belongings. Failure to leave the room in a clean and orderly condition as determined by the University will result in a cleaning charge.
20.3 Room Changes
After the second week of classes of each quarter the student may petition to change rooms. The student must obtain written permission by the university prior to transferring to another room. The student is responsible for the rent of the vacated room (until the room is completely vacant and all assigned keys are returned), as well as the rent on the new room. The student must complete the transfer within 3 days.
Moves not approved by the university will be seen as void and may result in the student returning to his/her original location, facing disciplinary action and being assessed an improper change fee.
21. Pets
Pets and animals are prohibited at all times anywhere on the premises, with the following exceptions:
- Approved animals required for disabilities
- Aquarium fish in tanks not exceeding 10 gallons (limit to one tank)
Residents and their guests are responsible for complying with this policy regardless of length of stay. Residents are prohibited from feeding animals outside of the apartment (for example, patios, balconies, sidewalks, etc.). Residents and their guests must comply with the university Pets on Campus policy and the Service and Support Animal policy.
22. Public Areas
Hallways, walkways, and doors must be kept free of obstructions. Sleeping in lounges or other public areas is prohibited, unless it is in conjunction with a hall-sponsored event and approved by the Resident Director or Assistant Resident Director.
Residents must respect the occupancy limits posted in communal spaces (for example, community centers, lounges, recreation rooms, etc.). University housing reserves the right to restrict social gatherings, as necessary.
23. Trash
Trash should be discarded in designated areas. Residents may be subject to cleaning fees for storing and/or disposing of trash outside of the designated areas (for example, patios, sidewalks, balconies, etc.).
24. Trespassing
Unauthorized presence in university housing buildings, rooms, or restricted areas is prohibited.
25. Vandalism
Deliberate damage, removal, or defacing of university housing or personal property is prohibited. Fees will be assessed for property damage and charged to the responsible individual(s) University BARC account.
26. Windows and Screens
Removing screens and climbing through or throwing objects out of windows is prohibited. Charges for missing or damaged screens may apply.
27. Wiring
Taping electrical cords to the carpet or walls is prohibited.
D. Community Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited in university housing:
- Candles and Incense – Use, possession, and/or storage of candles or incense is prohibited.
- Dart Boards – Dart boards are prohibited.
- Electronic and Vapor Cigarettes – Electronic and vapor cigarettes are prohibited.
- Halogen and Incandescent Lamps – Halogen and torchiere-style lamps are prohibited.
- Hazardous Materials – Storage or use of hazardous materials, flammable liquids, gasses, or corrosive materials is prohibited.
- Hookahs – Possession, storage, or use of hookahs is prohibited.
- Hoverboards/Self-Balancing Scooters – Possession, storage, use, or charging of battery-powered boards known as hoverboards, or sometimes referred to as electronic skateboards or scooters, and other similar equipment is prohibited. For additional information, please visit the UCSB Interim Electronic Scooter Policy at Interim Electronic Scooter Policy
- Motorized Vehicles – No vehicles or machines (for example, motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds) can be brought into, or stored in, university housing.
- Satellite Dishes – Satellite dishes are prohibited in or around university housing.
- Smoke or Fog Machines – Possession, storage, or use of smoke or fog machines is prohibited.
- Waterbeds – Waterbeds are prohibited.
- Water Devices – Possession, storage, or use of water devices (for example, water balloons, water guns, inflatable or above ground pools) is prohibited. Organized water events are permitted on the lawns outside of university housing if they are approved by the Residential Housing Association Coordinating Board, Resident Director, or Assistant Resident Director.
- Weapons – Possession, storage, use, or threatened use of any weapon is prohibited. University regulations strictly prohibit the use or possession of firearms (with or without a California permit). Also prohibited are weapons including, but not limited to:
- Stun guns
- Daggers
- Retractable bladed knives
- Non-kitchen style knives with a fixed blade over 2.5 inches
- Nunchucks
- Paint pellet guns
- BB guns
- Air pellet guns
- Any device which closely resembles a firearm (for example, water guns)
- Slingshots
- Swords
- Darts
- Explosives
- Spear guns
- Bows and arrows
- Other dangerous items
Residents found responsible for violating this policy may be subject to immediate contract cancellation.
E. Community Prohibited Activities
- Bicycling, Scootering, Skateboarding, and Skating – The use of roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, etc. inside university housing is prohibited. Stunts and trick riding create a safety hazard, as well as disruptive noise, and are prohibited on walkways or in other areas within the vicinity of university housing.
- Chalking – Chalking on residence hall buildings and walls is prohibited. Chalking is only permitted on sidewalks with prior approval by the Residential Housing Association Coordinating Board.
- Counterfeiting – Copying, manufacturing or otherwise altering university documents is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, parking permits, meal tickets, and ACCESS cards.
- Entrepreneurial Enterprises – No business may operate out of, or use as its base of support, any location on Residence Hall property, or through ResNet.
- Gambling – Gambling is prohibited.
- Posting and Distribution – All postings must be approved by the Resident Director or Assistant Resident Director of the building. Posting materials on room/suite, hallway, or floor lounge windows is prohibited. Any signs or objects deemed offensive may require removal. Materials that create a hostile or intimidating environment could be a violation of University harassment policies. Individuals, as well as organizations, will be held accountable for this policy. See the Student Conduct Code for more information. For information and/or to report bias incidents, please visit Bias Incidents | Student Life.
- Solicitation – Solicitation of any kind is prohibited, unless pre-approved by the Residential Housing Association Coordinating Board.
- Sports and Roughhousing – Hallways and lounges are not to be used as grounds for sports, wrestling, or roughhousing.
F. Dining Community Standards
Residents are required to abide by Residential Dining Policies provided at the following link: Residential Dining Policies
G. ResNet Community Standards
Residents are required to abide by ResNet Acceptable Use Policies provided at the following link: ResNet Acceptable Use Policies