Campus Living Rules 2023-2024

All students and guests are responsible for abiding by these as specified. In addition, the UB Student Code of Conduct should always be followed. The Student Code of Conduct is administered by the Office of Student Conduct and Advocacy. 

UNIVERSITY LIMITS OF LIABILITY

Students shall not hold the University at Buffalo or Campus Living liable, financially or otherwise, for any expense, loss, or damage resulting from violation of these rules, regulations, or standards, or because of the negligence of any student.

Table of Contents

1.00 General Responsibilities

Campus Living residents and their guests are expected to abide by the rules, regulations, and standards of the University at Buffalo now in effect, including the UB Student Code of Conduct, rules regarding underage possession and consumption of alcohol, as well as public intoxication. Residents must also comply with the terms and conditions of occupancy as stated here (and as specified in the Campus Living Housing Agreement) and as posted in your living area. In addition, all New York State and Federal laws are in effect at all times.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly fashion while residing in the Campus Living community. Any behaviors deemed as disruptive to sleeping, studying or harmonious community living are prohibited. Any behavior deemed threatening to the general health or safety of Campus Living residents, including oneself, is prohibited. Students and guests who are present for violations will be held responsible for contributing to those violations if they knowingly had the opportunity to stop the violation and did not, or if they make the conscious decision to not remove themselves from the situation and/or report it to a staff member.

Campus Living residents and their guests are expected to be tolerant and respectful of the diversity within our community. No person(s) should be discriminated or harassed due to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, ability/disability, and/or socioeconomic status.

1.10 Room Assignments and Room Changes

In accordance with the Campus Living Agreement, only a license is granted with respect to room accommodations, and no tenancy is created. Only the registered occupant(s) of a room are permitted to maintain residence therein. Students may not “sublet” rooms, nor may a student permit any other unauthorized occupancy of residence hall or apartment space except those apartments that allow for summer subletting in full year agreements (South Lake Village, Creekside Village West, and Flickinger Court). In these areas, see your village office for further information. Campus Living reserves all rights with respect to the assignment and reassignment of room accommodations and may, at its sole discretion, terminate such accommodations, making an appropriate financial adjustment of the charges.

Voluntary room changes must be approved by Campus Living Housing Services staff or the appropriate residential area or village office staff. Occupants requesting a room/apartment change must be officially checked out of their assigned room and into the new room by the stated deadline. An improper check-out and lock change fee will be assessed if proper procedures are not followed. Hindering a room change and/or circumventing the housing lottery process may result in disciplinary action.

1.15 Entry Into Student Rooms and Apartments by University Officials

The university reserves the right to enter any assigned room. Students’ privacy rights are given important consideration before entering a room or apartment. When practical, university officials will give 24-hour advance notice to occupants before such entry.

Campus Living staff may enter rooms for the following:

A.    During an exigent circumstance such as any fire alarm, building evacuation or if there is an immediate concern for a student’s safety. In such cases, the staff member is required to announce their need to enter and clearly identify themselves. Under these circumstances, Campus Living staff is often accompanied by University Police or other emergency responders.

B.    To make a repair or check on immediate facilities issue, this includes work orders put in by a student but can also be in anticipation of a problem such as a leak or flood.

C.    When an alarm clock or device is left on and unattended, disrupting the community.

D.    To prepare for new occupants, or to determine if vacant space is prepared for occupancy.

E.    Health and safety inspections—in the halls during each vacation period and mid-semester; in the apartments twice a year.

Health and Safety inspections are an opportunity for Campus Living staff to:

  • Ensure your safety,
  • Notify you of potentially hazardous conditions, and
  • Allow you the opportunity to correct any infractions or advise you in advance of any potential financial costs you may incur.

Refusal to cooperate under these circumstances may lead to disciplinary charges being filed.

1.20 Care and Use of Facilities

The university requires proper care and use of Campus Living facilities at all times. Assigned residents of each room are financially responsible for keeping their room and its contents in good order and free from damage by themselves and others. Students may not engage in any activity that can damage Campus Living facilities or property. Any such action is cause for financial liability for any damages and the possibility of other sanctions in accordance with these rules. Specifically:

A.    Beds may not be lofted.  Residence hall beds can be requested to be put in a “raised” position (only utilizing the provided notches in the bed posts) but are not allowed to be bunked, lofted, or raised in any other manner to a height exceeding 34" from the floor. For safety reasons, only Campus Living staff may raise or lower beds. Use of cinder blocks or commercially available bed risers is prohibited. Note: Campus Living does provide lofted beds in some rooms. In apartments, beds are raised or lowered only by exception. Submit a Work Order to request this.

B.    Recreational equipment such pool tables, ping pong tables, foosball tables, pools, metal tip darts, etc. are not allowed in student rooms, apartments or floor lounges. Sports or similar activities (including frisbee, rollerblading, skateboarding, bicycling, bouncing balls, or water sports) are not allowed in any Campus Living building, or the plaza of the Ellicott Complex. Electronic self-balancing boards (i.e Hoverboards) and electronic scooters are not permitted on campus.

C.  University-owned furniture and equipment (such as furniture, stereos, televisions, microwaves, and recreational equipment) may not be taken from, or moved within, the building without written permission from a Campus Living office.

D.  No one may tamper with or alter the electrical system or any other cables or wiring in the building. This includes circuit breakers, switches, wiring, and any data/telecommunication cables.

E.  Screens, windows, and window railings must always remain in place. Students are prohibited from hanging anything out of their windows or throwing or handing any items out of their windows. Students are prohibited from entering or exiting the residence halls or apartments through windows.

F.   No one may enter restricted areas. Restricted areas include but are not limited to: residence hall or apartment roofs, mechanical rooms, janitor closets and ResNet closets, etc. Some residence halls have exterior balconies as part of the architectural façade. Access to these balconies is prohibited. No one may tamper with roof doors or roof locks, or climb building exteriors.

G.   Students are not allowed to enter residence halls that are closed over breaks unless they have been given permission.

H.  No one may improperly access or use fire escapes or fire ladders.

I.   No one may paint, wallpaper, write on room walls and doors, or remove any door within their room or apartment.

J.  In the Residence Halls, no one may make holes of any kind in their room walls, doors, or ceilings. In the apartments, a few well-placed nails in walls are acceptable. Excessive damage or holes in the apartments will be charged. No holes or nails in ceilings or doors.

K.  No one may damage, vandalize or deface common areas, including hallways, bathrooms, lounges, laundry rooms, elevators, and stairwells. Hallway damage includes the tearing down or defacing of posted material. Elevator damage includes intentional misuse resulting in a malfunction, such as jumping that can cause the tripping of the overspeed switch.

L.   No one may damage, vandalize, alter, or deface their room/apartment or furniture provided.

M.  Residents and guests are prohibited from entering or using bathrooms that do not correspond to their gender, gender identity, or gender expression.

  • At the University at Buffalo, you have the right to use restroom and changing room facilities that correspond to your gender identity. No one is permitted to deny you access to a restroom or changing facility based on your gender identity, or to harass you for using the facility. No one can require you to use a single-occupant/gender-inclusive restroom instead of the restroom of your choice.

N.  No one may interfere with the operation of smoke detectors or any other life safety systems or devices.

O.  Lounges are not to be slept in by residents or their guests.

P.  Improper disposal of medical sharps. Sharps disposal containers are available upon request by submitting a work order.

Q. Other than bodily waste, the only permissible item that can be flushed down University toilets is toilet paper.  Note: Residents may be asked by residential staff to flush small amounts of cannabis.

Campus Living will conduct health and safety inspections of each resident room as needed.

  • Residents and their guests are required to maintain an appropriate level of cleanliness and orderliness within their room.
  • Unsanitary conditions, such as garbage, dirty or improperly stored dishes, spoiled perishable food items, dirty clothes, or other clutter, etc., must be corrected.
  • Each room must have clearly defined passage areas to be used in case of emergency.
  • Common courtesy and common sense should be the guide. Please contact your residence hall/complex director if you have questions on how to meet these standards.

Violation of this section could result in financial liability for all custodial or maintenance charges as well as damages that may result.  Since some violations of this section may create a clear danger to members of the Campus Living community, dismissal (termination of Campus Living Housing Agreement) from Campus Living is a possible sanction for creation of such a hazard.

1.25 Reservation of Residence Hall and Apartment Space

Also see Article 3, #41 University Grounds, UB Student Code of Conduct

Only recognized residence hall groups are eligible to reserve space in the residence halls. Other groups must seek sponsorship via a Campus Living staff member. Apartment community buildings may be reserved by Campus groups or organizations—fees may apply. Authorized groups should make each reservation request with the appropriate area or village office. The sponsors and organizers of any event will be responsible for adherence to these procedures, all UB and Campus Living rules, and any applicable laws. Sponsors and organizers of any authorized, unauthorized, approved or unapproved event will be liable for disciplinary action and also will be held fully responsible for the event, including financial responsibility for any damages that may occur as a result. Alcohol is not allowed at any event hosted within Residence Hall or Apartment Lounges.

1.30 Cooking

Cooking of food in student residence hall or apartment bedrooms is prohibited, with the exception of thermostatically controlled devices, including Keurig-type appliances, for heating water. Cooking in the residence halls is permitted in areas specifically designed for that purpose. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of these areas.

  • Use of microwaves, toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, and appliances with exposed heating elements are strictly prohibited in student residence hall rooms and apartment bedrooms. Small appliances (including George Foreman grills) can be used only in designated kitchen areas. In apartments, approved and provided appliances may be used in the kitchen area.
  • Student use or possession of propane, charcoal grills, and flammable liquids are strictly prohibited in the residence halls and apartments. Use of charcoal grills can occur in designated outdoor areas.
  • Food must be stored appropriately, and anything used in food preparation must be cleaned completely.
  • Garbage and grease must be disposed of properly in trash cans.
  • Cooking appliances that do not have automatic shut-offs (e.g., some hot pots and all immersion coils) are prohibited and cannot be used or possessed in the residence halls or apartments.
  • Food being cooked cannot be left unattended.
  • Violation of this rule may result in confiscation of impermissible or misused appliances, along with other sanctions.

1.35 Refrigerators

Refrigerators that are owned or leased by students are subject to inspection, as requested by Campus Living staff. Student refrigerators must be no larger than 4.5 cubic feet, and only one such refrigerator per single or double room is allowed. For students living in a triple or quad or apartment, up to two refrigerators no larger than 4.5 cubic feet are allowed. Refrigerators must be directly plugged into an outlet.  Only one refrigerator may be plugged into a duplex outlet.

1.40 Amplified Sound Equipment or Musical Instruments

The use of amplified sound equipment or musical instruments may be restricted. Restrictions may include the mandatory use of headphones or limiting hours of use. Sound may not be amplified or projected out of windows. Any disruption caused by sound or vibration is prohibited. Violation of this section may result in the required removal of the equipment from the residence halls/apartments, confiscation, and other disciplinary sanctions. (See Section 1.45 for quiet hour restrictions.)

1.45 Quiet/Courtesy Hours

All residents and guests are required to abide by reasonable standards of noise as established by Campus Living. Quiet hours are defined by Campus Living staff. Additional quiet hours are implemented in some theme areas, during exam period, by agreement of a particular area, or as an imposed sanction by university officials. Quiet hours run in general from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays (Sunday - Thursday) and midnight to 10 a.m. on weekends. In Governors, quiet hours begin at 10 p.m. on weekdays. Each residential community may modify these hours to begin earlier. Ask your RA or village office for the specific quiet hours in your area.

During quiet hours, students are requested to refrain from congregating in the hall, bathroom, or elevator areas, including areas adjacent to the building, at the discretion of the Residence Hall Director/Complex Director, and loud talking or laughing, pounding or running; playing loud music, radios, television, or musical instruments (see 1.40: Amplified Sound Equipment or Musical Instruments).

“Courtesy Hours” are always in effect. If a noise problem arises, residents are asked initially to notify their neighbor and communicate the issue. If the problem persists, residents should notify Campus Living staff. If another student requests that a noisy behavior be discontinued, this request should be honored.

In the halls, during final exam periods, it is imperative that the environment be conducive to study 24 hours- per-day. This period will begin the last day of classes and will end when the halls close for breaks. Any violation of quiet hours or intentional disruption may result in immediate suspension from the residence halls, regardless of scheduled final exams. So as not to disturb others, students in the residence halls are required to vacate their room and the residence halls within 24 hours of their last exam.

1.50 Drugs (Cannabis and Controlled Substances)

Also see Article 3, #36 Substances, #20 Impaired Driving, and Article 5, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

Cannabis

Pursuant to federal requirements and existing SUNY policy, the use, possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis (marijuana) remains prohibited on SUNY campuses and subject to code of conduct or disciplinary actions.  Evidence of the use, possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis (including odor, smoke, vapor, residue, or paraphernalia) is also prohibited in all Campus Living buildings.

  • All higher education institutions that receive federal funding, including UB, must comply with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA), which requires, among other things, that the university take actions to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs.  SUNY policy also mandates compliance with the DFSCA. The university also must have standards of conduct and sanctions for employees and students related to unlawful possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs. Regardless of any provisions of state law, marijuana and products containing marijuana are illegal controlled substances under federal law.  Therefore, the legalization of recreational use of marijuana in New York does not change the university’s obligations under the DFSCA.

Controlled Substances

The use, possession, distribution or attempt to do so, of controlled substances, or the evidence of such, including odor, smoke, vapor, residue, paraphernalia, or illegal substances is prohibited in all Campus Living buildings.

Persons in a room or apartment where there is evidence of controlled substances may be held responsible.  Controlled substances and drug paraphernalia will be confiscated by the University Police.

As outlined in the Campus Living agreement, some violations of this section may result in immediate suspension or dismissal from the halls or apartments.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows the university to notify parents if students are involved in drug-related incidents.

In addition to other sanctions, students in violation of the section may be required to attend UB Students Avoiding Further Exposure to Risk (UB-SAFER), facilitated by the Office of Health Promotion. UB-SAFER is an educational sanction focusing on harm reduction strategies.

1.55 Weapons and Explosive Materials

Also see Article 3, #40 Weapons, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

Weapons, ammunition, explosive materials, fireworks, gasoline or any other flammable liquids such as propane or butane are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments. In addition, air guns, spring guns, paintball guns or other instrument in which the propelling force is a spring, compressed air, or CO2 are prohibited – this prohibition extends to “Nerf” or “Orbeez” type guns. Knives, except for those expressly used in food preparation, are prohibited. Decorative or martial arts weapons are prohibited. Possession of bows and arrows is also prohibited. Weapons for use in hunting may never be brought into a residence hall or apartment; see University Police at Bissell Hall for storage of these. All prohibited weapons and explosive materials will be confiscated by the University Police. Violation of this section may result in immediate dismissal from Campus Living.

1.60 Gambling

Also see Article 3, #17 Gambling, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

No student shall gamble for money or other valuables within Campus Living facilities. This includes gambling online using Campus Living wireless access, ResNet, or administrative networks.

1.65 Security Procedures

Campus Living has taken many steps to provide a safe and secure environment; however, the ultimate responsibility lies with those who live in the community. Residents and their guests will be subject to disciplinary action if they attempt to bypass the security system in the following manner: failure to respond to requests by designated personnel including student security personnel, propping doors, entering a secured area behind someone, entering residential fitness areas when closed, allowing access to someone you do not know, and forcing open locked doors. Students are not permitted to copy or loan to any other person any key or access card that has been issued by a university official. Residents and guests must, upon request, provide appropriate university identification to University Police or Campus Living staff.

1.70 Rushing and Pledging Activities

Also see Article 3, #19 Hazing and Article 7, Student Organizations, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

Rushing and pledging activities by any student organization, Greek letter, or similar group in a residence hall must be specifically approved by the Residence Hall or Complex Director at least three days in advance. In accordance with New York State law and the UB Student Code of Conduct, any “hazing” is strictly prohibited. Violation of this section by participating in unauthorized or unlawful activities may result in disciplinary sanctions.

1.75 Guests

  • All visitors to any apartment/suite/room must be guests of students licensing the apartment/suite/room therein.  
  • Guests, whether overnight or not, are welcome to stay if there is approval of all roommates. (This has been amended for Spring 2022. See notation above about additional requirements for registering overnight guests.)
  • Individuals who are experiencing illness, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the coronavirus, are restricted from visiting the residence halls and apartments and should seek the advice of a health care provider about whether they need to quarantine/isolate.
  • Guests are expected to provide identification upon request. Guests must be accompanied by their host at all times.
  • Guests are the responsibility of the host, and residents may be held responsible for their guest’s misconduct.
  • No keys, swipe cards or bathroom combinations shall be given to guests.
  • The maximum length of a guest’s stay is three (3) nights in a fourteen (14) day period.
  • Guests may be current UB students or nonstudents. All are held to the same standard of conduct as each residential student. 
  • Guests may be required to leave at the discretion of Campus Living staff.
  • Guests may be banned from residence halls or apartments as a result of disruptive behavior. In the residence halls, overnight guests are not permitted during break periods.
  • The University reserves the right to limit or restrict guests as a means of addressing a safety, health and wellness issues, such as widespread public health crises.

1.80 Reasonable Request of a Campus Living Official

Also see Article 3, #29 Reasonable Request, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

A person is responsible for failure to comply when he or she, knowing, or having reason to know, that the requesting person is a Campus Living official, fails to comply with a reasonable request, including attending a meeting or providing accurate and true ID when required. Campus Living officials include, but are not limited to Resident Advisors, Academic Assistants, Community Assistants, Assistant Hall/Complex Directors, Residence Hall/Complex Directors, Assistant Directors, Associate Directors, Director, custodial and maintenance staff, University Police, and public safety aides.

1.85 Pets, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals

Animals or evidence of animals including food, cages or other supplies are prohibited in the residence halls and apartments at all times, even on a temporary basis. This is in accordance with safety and health rules and for the welfare of the animals. Residents are fully responsible for the care and humane treatment of their animal, and for the actions of their animals that could cause injury to an individual, or damage to university facilities.

  • The departments of Campus Living and Environmental Health and Safety have determined that fish in a tank no larger than 10 gallons are allowed. Poisonous or predatory fish are prohibited.
  • Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals to assist people with documented needs are permitted in the residence halls and apartments for that purpose only.
  • Prior to bringing the animal onto campus, appropriate documentation from both a licensed care giver as well as a veterinarian who has an ongoing relationship with the animal must be provided to, and approved by University at Buffalo staff, specifically Campus Living Housing Services Office or the Office of Accessibility Resources.
  • Find more details on special living accommodations
  • Failure to comply with the Service Animal/Emotional Support Animal Approval Process will be treated as a violation of this rule.

1.90 Alcohol

Also see Article 3, #1 Alcohol and #20 Impaired Driving; Article 5, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Student Organizations, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the University at Buffalo campus and in Campus Living buildings is governed by state law and is further governed by the UB Student Code of Conduct, and by this section of the Campus Living Rules.

Campus Living is particularly concerned with behaviors or decisions that lead or may lead to a dangerous misuse of alcohol. Persons who host parties involving alcohol, provide alcohol to underage persons, supply alcohol to persons already intoxicated, or otherwise jeopardize the safety of others through a violation of Campus Living rules and regulations regarding alcohol are subject to immediate suspension or dismissal from Campus Living, as well as campus and criminal charges.

Campus Living staff have been instructed to apply the alcohol regulations in the following manner:

A.   Persons under the age of 21 may not possess or consume alcohol anywhere in the residence halls or apartments. Alcohol and empty alcohol containers are absolutely prohibited in the first-year residential areas (Clement, Goodyear, Richmond, Spaulding, Wilkeson, Clinton, Dewey Lehman, and Roosevelt), Greiner Hall and Creekside Village East. Because these building are predominantly occupied by residents under the age of 21, they are all considered “dry”.

B.  In rooms or apartments where all residents are under 21, no alcohol may be possessed or consumed. This includes possession by guests or visitors who are of legal drinking age. Anyone present in an underage room or apartment where the consumption of alcoholic beverages is occurring will be in violation of this section.

C.  Open alcoholic beverage containers are not permitted outside student rooms or apartments, including, but not limited to, student rooms and public areas, such as lounges, hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, entry ways or surrounding areas, complex grounds, parking lots, etc., regardless of whether a student is of legal drinking age.

D.   A student living in the residence halls or apartments is responsible for informing guests of rules and regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and can also be held responsible for any violations of these rules and regulations by the guests.

E.  Use or possession of kegs, beer pong tables, beer funnels, or other devices used for alcohol consumption is prohibited in the residence halls and apartments. A student of legal drinking age may not possess more than one case (30-24 count) of beer, or two liters of wine, or one liter of distilled spirits.

F.  If all the residents of a student room or apartment are not of legal drinking age, those residents over 21 may keep alcohol in the room; however, these students are prohibited from drinking with, serving, or in any way providing alcohol to those residents who are not of legal drinking age. Students who are 21 or older and who reside in a room or apartment with students who are not yet 21 may be held responsible for violating this section if they do not take reasonable steps to ensure the underage residents do not gain access to the alcohol they possess.

G.  An underage student who is present in a student room or apartment where some or all of the residents of that room are of legal drinking age may be in violation of this section if there is reasonable suspicion that the underage student was possessing or consuming alcohol.

  • Any person suspected to be consuming or possessing alcohol may be required by a member of the Campus Living staff to produce identification and proof of age.
  • Violations of this section may result in referral to UB Students Avoiding Further Exposure to Risk (UB- SAFER).
  • Enforcement of any of these regulations or laws regarding the distribution, possession, or consumption of alcohol shall be done by the University Police and/or Campus Living.
  • Any person who violates any of the rules regarding the possession or consumption of alcohol will be requested to immediately dispose of the alcohol.
  • Those found in violation of the Campus Living alcohol rule will be treated in a manner consistent with the university’s educational mission and its concern for the health and safety of its students. Sanctions given for alcohol offenses will consider the prior conduct of the student and the specific circumstance and outcomes of the conduct. Alcohol offenses that include violent behavior, harassment, vandalism, or the blatant disregard for the safety of oneself or others will result in the most severe sanctions.
  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allow the university to notify parents if students are involved in alcohol-related incidents.

2.00 Solicitation and Posting

Solicitation in Campus Living buildings or on the grounds is prohibited. Students may not use any Campus Living facilities/rooms or apartments, or permit rooms to be used, for any commercial purpose whatsoever. Any door-to-door solicitation is regarded as an invasion of privacy and is therefore prohibited. This restriction applies to both commercial and non-commercial solicitation and to distribution or posting of written materials as well as personal contact, which includes “Dormstorming.” Any person found soliciting in the halls or apartments is subject to arrest for criminal trespass. Postings for events at bars and nightclubs are prohibited. All postings must be approved by Campus Living staff and may be placed in designated areas only. Contact your area/village office for specific information. Campus Living staff and Hall/Village Council members may go door to door with permission of the Residence Hall/Complex Director or Assistant Hall/Complex Director. A letter will be issued indicating permission is granted.

2.05 Fire Alarms and Fire-Safety Equipment

Also see Article 3, #16 Fire Safety Equipment, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

Any tampering with smoke and fire detection systems, fire alarms or fire-safety equipment is prohibited. This includes alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, heat and smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire escapes and fire doors. If a fire alarm is intentionally set off by your actions, you may be dismissed from Campus Living housing. All residents are required to follow fire evacuation procedures. This includes evacuating whenever an alarm is sounded.

University Police, Fire Department, and Campus Living personnel are authorized to enter rooms to ensure that they have been evacuated properly.

Campus Living wishes to convey to all students that this behavior is viewed as a threat to the safety of the entire community. Therefore, any violation of this rule may result in dismissal from Campus Living housing.

2.10 Open Flames and Heat-Producing Items

Also see Article 3, #4 Arson, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

Items that produce an open flame or that produce heat (for example: space heaters, candles, oil burners, candle warmers, incense burners) are not allowed in residence halls or apartments, including for religious reasons. Plug-in type air fresheners are prohibited

2.15 Room and Apartment Modifications and Decorations

Rooms and apartments may be decorated to assist in the personalization of the rooms. Restrictions do apply. Fire safety equipment, such as heat detectors and smoke detectors, may not be tampered with or covered. Other restrictions:

Prohibited Decorations

Decorations may be used but must not interfere with fire safety equipment and may not be placed in an area creating a health/safety hazard. Use of lights and other electrical decorations must be UL or ETL approved and may not interfere with the electrical circuitry of the facility. Decorations may not be hung out of windows. Live-cut trees are strictly prohibited. Students may be required by Campus Living staff to take down any decoration. Students may be held financially liable for any damage or cost for decorations improperly placed or disposed of.

Room/Apartment Windows, Doors, Walls, and Ceilings

Students are not permitted to add curtains, draperies, wall hangings, or other combustible materials of more than 10% of the aggregate wall area as they are considered fire hazards.

Doors of student rooms or apartments may be decorated but are considered public areas. Door decorations may not damage door surfaces or create health/safety hazards. Room numbers on doors or door frames must not be covered. Residents are not allowed to tape doors, or stuff towels or sheets under doors. Obscene and/or offensive materials are strictly prohibited. Doors are not to be removed. Decorations or furnishings may not obstruct or obscure the visibility of an exit door.

Residents may be required to remove excessive wall decorations such as posters or pictures, to comply with New York State Fire Codes. Nothing is permitted to be hung from the ceiling, within two feet of the ceiling, or on sprinkler piping or sprinkler heads.

Bottles and Cans

Bottle or can collections are prohibited. Alcohol bottles, even empty, are prohibited from being used as decoration. For recycling purposes, bottles or cans may be collected but limited to 35 cans or bottles in the halls and full tall kitchen bag in the apartments. The recyclables must not constitute a fire or safety hazard.

Halogen, Multi-Arm and Upward-Facing Lamps

Any lamp requiring or utilizing a halogen or halogen-type bulb is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, torchiere and desk lamps. Also prohibited are multi-arm lamps with plastic shades and all types of “upward-facing” bowl lamps.

Air Conditioners

Both window and portable units are prohibited.

Extension Cords and Power Strips

Extension cords are not permitted. If additional outlets are necessary, surge protected outlet adapters and power strips with circuit breakers may be used. Each power strip must be individually plugged into a wall outlet; they may not be daisy chained (plugged into another power strip). Electrical power cords may not be placed under carpets or rugs.

2.20 Smoking

Also see Article 3, Section 34, of the UB Student Code of Conduct

New York State law and SUNY policy prohibits smoking in all residence halls, apartments and indoor areas generally accessible to the public. Additionally, the University at Buffalo is a completely smoke-free campus. Under the UB Student Code of Conduct and UB’s UBreathe Free Policy, smoking (use of tobacco products, as well as use of electronic cigarettes or other devises used for “vaping”) is prohibited on campus.

  • By law and SUNY policy, smoking is prohibited in any residence hall or apartment facility, including, but not limited to, student rooms and apartments, hallways, lounges, and stairways.
  • It is a violation of this section to smoke outside in a location where the smoke may affect the air supply of residential buildings (i.e. generally within 50 feet of building entrances or windows).
  • Use or possession of Hookahs in the residence halls and apartments is prohibited.
  • Use of E-cigarettes or other devices used for “vaping” is prohibited in the residence halls or apartments.

2.25 Misuse of Video/Cable/Computer Equipment

Any unauthorized use of university video equipment, the Campus Living cable system, or university computers may result in disciplinary action. Tampering with cable equipment, electronic systems, internet connections, apartment intercoms, or theft of cable service is prohibited. Use of any video equipment or computer in a manner that impermissibly infringes upon another person’s right to privacy may also result in disciplinary action and/or the required removal of the video equipment or computer from the halls and apartments. Furthermore, other misuses of university - or personally owned - computers, including hacking into another person’s computer, sending harassing e-mail, instant messaging, blogs or other online journals, etc., is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Students are responsible for their computer and things that are sent from it when they leave it unattended or leave it unsecured. Misuse of someone else’s computer is prohibited. Students are responsible for the content of personal web content. Threatening or harassing content or content promoting activity which would constitute a university or Campus Living violation is prohibited.

2.30 Physical Abuse and Harassment

Also see Article 3, #27 Physical Violence, #18 Harassment, #32 Sexual Harassment, and #33 Sexual Violence of the UB Student Code of Conduct

The UB Student Code of Conduct prohibits Physical Violence, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence.  Such conduct may also constitute violation of federal and/or state law. Conduct that potentially violates any of the above provisions of the Student Code of Conduct is reportable to University Police and usually referred to the Office of Student Conduct. Students may contact the Office of Student Conduct at 9 Norton Hall for additional information.

Any student who intentionally physically abuses, harasses, threatens, intimidates, or endangers the health or safety of students or Campus Living staff (including resident advisors, community assistants, academic assistants, student assistants, cleaning and maintenance personnel, University Police officers, or other students) may be charged with a violation of this section. This includes acts of physical violence and harassment as defined in the UB Student Code of Conduct. Such acts include, but are not limited to, fights, domestic violence, sexual violence, use of a weapon or laser pointer, or any conduct that threatens or intimidates a person, creating a rational fear within that person. Harassment and threats via telephone calls, e-mails, instant messages or other electronic means, including social media sites, are prohibited. Violations of this section, may also result in immediate dismissal from Campus Living housing (See Section 2.35).

2.35 Cancelation of Agreement and Dismissal from Campus Living

Campus Living may terminate a resident’s Housing Agreement for breach of the agreement’s terms by the resident, or for any of the following reasons or conditions:

A.  The resident ceases to be enrolled as a student and is not involved in a documented legitimate academic activity.

B.  The resident is responsible for a health or safety violation, such as a false fire alarm, illegal discharge of fire extinguisher, or use or possession of fireworks. Any tampering with or misuse of health and safety equipment is prohibited and punishable by university and/or civil court action. Action can also be taken by Campus Living.

C.  The occupant or any guests, visitors or invitees of such occupant are a clear and present danger to the on-campus student and staff population. Examples include incidents involving assault and related offenses, possession or use of a weapon, possession or distribution of a controlled substance or other conduct as may be determined to have serious or dangerous implications for the students living on campus. Continued and/or serious violations of on campus security systems or procedures may also be cause for termination of the housing agreement.

D.  Students diagnosed with a contagious medical condition must vacate their rooms until the condition is corrected.

E.  Willful destruction of university property in excess of $1,000 in value.

F.   Campus determination that continued occupancy would likely present health problems that create an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of the campus community. Such judgment would be made by the Director of Housing Operations (or designee) with advice from other campus sources.

G.  The resident is determined to be in violation of Campus Living Probation determined via an administrative hearing, as detailed below, or university suspension hearing.

In cases where allegations have been made regarding violations of this section, an administrative hearing will be held to determine responsibility and further action. As outlined in the Campus Living agreement, violations of this section may result in immediate suspension or dismissal from housing if the violator has been determined to be a clear danger to himself/herself or others. In these cases, an administrative hearing will be convened to review the case and determine sanctions. Administrative hearings will be conducted by the Director of Residence Life or their designee. The outcome of this hearing will be in compliance with the terms of the housing agreement. Students may be subject to additional charges under the UB Student Code of Conduct and/or arrest under New York State law.

2.40 Violation of Campus Living Probation

Residents who are found in violation of Campus Living Rules may be placed on Campus Living Probation for a specified time period by an Assistant Director, Associate Director, Director, or Designee. Students who are found responsible for a violation of Campus Living rules or university rules and regulations while on Campus Living Probation may suspended or dismissed from Campus Living housing, as provided for in Section 2.35.

2.45 Nonrenewal of Campus Living Housing Agreement

Students found in violation of university rules and regulations or Campus Living rules, at the discretion of an Assistant Director, the Associate Director, the Director of Campus Living, or a designee, may have their housing agreement deemed nonrenewable. Living on campus is not a requirement at the University at Buffalo; therefore, any student who is continually disruptive to the community will be considered for nonrenewal. This includes, but is not limited to, students who commit acts of vandalism, students found responsible for multiple violations of the rules, students on probation for any violation, students who hinder the studying or sleeping of other members of the community, and students who are found to have endangered the health and safety of themselves or others.