Official On-Campus Housing
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.
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 rules, regulations, or standards, or because of the negligence of any student.
Students referred for violations of the Student Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct, located in 9 Norton Hall. The Director of Student Conduct will decide on the appropriate process for resolution. A student may be referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary (SWJ), or to an Administrative Hearing. For more information, contact the Office of Student Conduct at 716-645-6154 or visit their website.
Restrict students from contacting certain individuals, including by first person, third person, or electronic means, and may also restrict students from certain campus living locations as may be appropriate.
If there is a hold on your account, you may be prevented from dropping a class, adding a class, resigning a class or graduating from UB. To remove a hold, log into your HUB Student Center (through MyUB) to review the hold and find instructions for removing it.
A meeting conducted by a Campus Living staff member to adjudicate alleged violations of Campus Living Standards.
These are the processes by which the Campus Living Community Standards are enforced. Students participate in a Community Standards Meeting with Campus Living staff to discuss and resolve alleged violations. The process promotes accountability, reinforces community expectations, and creates opportunities for positive student-staff interaction and learning.
“Documented” is the term we use to describe the process that occurs when a Campus Living team member witnesses and/or reports an incident that may include a violation of the UB Student Code of Conduct or a Campus Living Standard. In most cases, when observing a student who may be violating a standard, the team member, usually a community assistant (CA), will identify themselves, communicate which standard may have been violated, and request identification of the student(s) involved. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should remember two things:
The team member will submit an incident report stating the circumstances surrounding the alleged standard violation and the students involved. This incident report is then forwarded to a member of the Campus Living Staff, who will notify you via email to your buffalo.edu account with the subject line: “UB Campus Living Community Standards Notice” regarding a Community Standards Meeting. At the meeting with the Campus Living staff member, you can discuss your involvement in the incident. During this meeting, you are encouraged to be honest and to ask questions.
The process starts when Campus Living Staff receive an Incident Report. After reviewing the incident report, the student will receive a meeting notice via their University at Buffalo e-mail address with:
At the Community Standards Meeting, students will be given an opportunity to resolve the incident, which may include taking responsibility for the violation(s).
If a student ignores the Campus Living Staff member’s written notice to schedule a Community Standards Meeting, the case may be adjudicated in the student’s absence.
An Assistant Hall/Complex Director typically meets with students for lower‑level issues such as health and safety concerns, roommate conflicts, or minor policy violations. The Assistant Hall/Complex Director may also follow up with a student through written communication.
A Residence Hall Director or Complex Director typically meets with students for first‑time or lower‑level violations, or when a situation needs additional follow‑up. They can assign a range of sanctions, including up to Campus Living Probation.
For more serious violations, you may meet with an Area Director, Assistant Director, or Associate Director. In some cases, the Senior Associate Director or Director may also meet with you. These administrators can issue any Campus Living sanction, including Cancellation or Dismissal from Housing.
For more serious violations, including those that may involve both Campus Living policies and the UB Student Code of Conduct, students may meet with the Assistant Director for Residential Student Conduct.
Non‑residential students who are alleged to have violated Campus Living policies may also be referred to the Assistant Director for Residential Student Conduct.
The Assistant Director for Residential Student Conduct has the authority to issue all Campus Living sanctions as well as all sanctions outlined in the UB Student Code of Conduct, including the most serious outcomes.
Students have the right to appeal a Community Standards Meeting, including a decision to terminate a resident’s housing agreement, based on the following circumstances:
If appealing a Community Standards Meeting decision, a student must submit a written statement explaining the reasons for the appeal within three (3) business days of the date postmarked on the Community Standards Meeting outcome letter.
Appeal Decisions are typically issued within 10 business days of submission of the appeal and any response/follow-up.
If the Appeal Officer or Designee determines that your appeal meets the required criteria, they will assign it to one of two processes: an “Administrative Appeal Review” or an “Administrative Appeal Meeting”. No matter which process is used, all appeals are handled impartially by a neutral decision‑maker.
An Administrative Appeal Review is used for certain cases where the sanctions are up to Campus Living Probation.
Appeal decisions from an Administrative Appeal Review are typically issued in writing within 10 business days of receiving the appeal and any necessary follow up information.
An Administrative Appeal Meeting may be used for more complex cases and is conducted by an Area Director, the Assistant Director for Residential Student Conduct, or their Designee.
Appeal decisions from an Administrative Appeal Meeting are typically issued in writing within 10 business days after the meeting.
The original decision and sanctions remain the same.
The original decision has changed in some way. Modifying the original decision (examples include reducing community service hours, adjusting deadlines, or removing a sanction).
The case is sent back for further review. This may involve the original conduct officer taking another look at the case or scheduling a new Community Standards Meeting. If your case is remanded, you will have the same right to appeal the new outcome.
A student may be asked to sign a behavioral agreement if they engage in behavior(s) that are disruptive to the community. Such behaviors may include roommate conflicts, high-risk alcohol or drug use, or harm caused to oneself.
Campus Living Probation outlines more severe consequences for misconduct during the probationary period. Probation may also include restricted housing privileges, such as the right to visit a particular building, the right to host guests, or the right to possess alcohol if over 21. Violation of Campus Living Standards while on Campus Living Probation may result in dismissal from Campus Living.
If a minor violation has occurred or it is the resident’s or student’s first violation, a warning may be issued.
Students found responsible for any of the items listed below and/or in the “Termination of Agreement” section of the Housing License Agreement may be dismissed from Campus Living, their housing license agreement will be terminated, their visitation privileges will be revoked, and they will be ineligible to live within or visit Campus Living facilities for a period of one year. After one year, students must submit a letter to the Office of Residential Life requesting consideration of the reinstatement of housing privileges.
Campus Living may terminate a resident’s Housing License Agreement for breach of the license agreement’s terms by the resident, or for any of the following reasons or conditions:
Community Service is a primary sanction for students found in violation of Campus Living Standards. The number of hours depends on the severity of the violation and any prior violations. Students sanctioned to community service are referred to the Office of Student Conduct and given a reasonable amount of time to complete their hours.
Referral to UB Counseling Services
A student respondent can be required to undergo an assessment with a counselor at UB Counseling Services. These situations usually involve indications of high-risk alcohol or substance use or need for a more general mental health assessment. Campus Living Staff can request a referral, but a counseling referral can only be mandated by the Director of Residential Life, or their designee.
Students may be assigned other sanctions that provide opportunities to learn, including but not limited to reflection papers or short research papers on a given topic, hall or village council meeting attendance or creating a bulletin board that provides information and resources to the community.
A student may be asked to write a letter of apology and/or reflection to address the impact of their actions toward others and/or during an incident.
Depending on the type of violation, specific privileges of a Campus Living resident may be revoked. For example, a student may be denied the option to have visitors in the halls, or an over-21 student may be denied the option of possessing alcoholic beverages in the residence halls or apartments.
If a student has damaged university property, the student can be required to compensate Campus Living or UB for such damage. When appropriate, restitution may be accessed in conjunction with other sanctions.
Students found in violation of Campus Living Standards relating to alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, may be mandated to attend UB Students Avoiding Further Exposure to Risk (UB SAFER). This program is provided to educate students about the choices they make regarding alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs and to promote harm reduction strategies. Students may be required to meet with the Health Promotion staff for an assessment as part of this sanction.
Students found in repeated violation of Campus Living Standards may have their housing agreement deemed to be nonrenewable. Nonrenewal means that after the current housing license agreement ends, the student is no longer eligible to live on campus. 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 a housing license agreement nonrenewal. This includes, but is not limited to, students who commit acts of vandalism, students found responsible for multiple violations of the standards and regulations, 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. The ‘non-renewed’ student will be ineligible to live on campus or visit Campus Living buildings, typically for a one-year period.
Campus Living residents and their guests are expected to abide by the regulations and standards of the University at Buffalo now in effect, including the UB Student Code of Conduct, standards 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, as specified in the Campus Living Housing License Agreement, and as posted in your living area. Additionally, all New York State and Federal laws are always in effect.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and cooperative 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 a conscious decision not to remove themselves from the situation and/or report it to a staff member.
Campus Living residents and their guests are expected to be accepting and respectful of the diversity within our community. No person(s) should be discriminated against 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.
In accordance with the Campus Living License 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. Campus Living reserves all rights with respect to the assignment and reassignment of room accommodation 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 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.
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 or community 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 are 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, speakers, or other 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 which occur at regular intervals during the academic year and are announced prior to the inspection date.
Health and Safety inspections are an opportunity for Campus Living staff to:
Refusal to cooperate under these circumstances may result in disciplinary action.
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 standards. Specifically:
A. Beds may not be lofted unless the lofted bed is provided by Campus Living. 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 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. Submit a Work Order to request to raise or lower beds.
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, skating, skateboarding, bicycling, bouncing balls, or water sports) are not allowed in any Campus Living building, or the terrace of the Ellicott Complex. Motorized (gas or electric) vehicles are not permitted in the residence halls. Electronic self-balancing boards and electronic scooters, or e-bikes are not permitted on campus.
C. University-owned furniture and equipment (such as lounge furniture, electronics and IT devices, televisions, microwaves, and recreational equipment) may not be taken from, or moved within, the building without written permission from Campus Living staff.
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. Charging electric or hybrid vehicles using Campus Living building outlets is prohibited, except for designated charging stations. Designated vehicle charging stations are available in various locations on campus.
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, except in an emergency.
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 unless they have been given permission.
H. No one may access or use fire escapes or fire ladders, except in an emergency.
I. No one may paint, wallpaper, contact paper, glue items, write on room walls and doors, install a lock on a door or window, 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. Excessive damage or holes in the apartments will be charged.
K. No one may damage, vandalize or deface common areas, including hallways, bathrooms, lounges, laundry rooms, elevators, stairwells, and outside areas such as courtyards and terraces. This includes spray painting and other crafting. 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. Including damage caused by an approved animal.
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. Lounges are not to be slept in by residents or their guests.
O. Improper disposal of medical sharps. Sharps disposal containers are available upon request by submitting a work order.
P. Other than bodily waste, the only permissible item that can be flushed down University toilets is toilet paper.
Q. Residents and their guests are required to maintain an appropriate level of cleanliness and orderliness within their room. Campus Living will conduct health and safety inspections of each resident room as needed. 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. Unsanitary conditions, such as garbage, dirty or improperly stored dishes, spoiled perishable food items, dirty clothes, containers of bodily fluids or waste, used menstrual products or other clutter must be corrected. Each room must have clearly defined passage areas to be used in case of emergency.
R. All personal items must be removed upon check out at the end of a student’s housing license agreement. There is not any university storage between housing license agreements. Personal items may be left in the assignment during academic year breaks (fall, winter, and spring).
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 License Agreement) from Campus Living is a possible sanction for creation of such a hazard.
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 from a Campus Living staff member. Apartment community buildings may be reserved by Campus groups or organizations, fees may apply. Authorized groups should make a 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 standards, and any applicable laws. Sponsors and organizers of any authorized, unauthorized, approved or unapproved event will be liable for disciplinary action and will be held fully responsible for the event, including financial responsibility for any damage that may occur as a result. Alcohol is not allowed at any event hosted within Residence Hall or Apartment Lounges.
Cooking food in student residence hall rooms 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.
Food must be stored appropriately, and anything used in food preparation must be cleaned completely. Food being cooked cannot be left unattended. Garbage and grease must be disposed of properly in trash cans.
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 a wall outlet. Only one refrigerator may be plugged into a duplex outlet. Chest freezers are not permitted. MicroFridges are prohibited in Greiner Hall.
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 standard 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.)
All residents and guests are required to abide by reasonable standards of noise and quiet hours are defined and established by Campus Living. Extended quiet hours are implemented in some theme areas, during exam periods, by agreement of a particular area, or as an imposed sanction by university officials. Standard quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays (Sunday - Thursday) and 12 midnight to 10 a.m. on weekends. Each residential community may modify these hours to begin earlier or end later. Ask your CA or 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. Loud talking or laughing, pounding or running, playing loud music, radios, television, or musical instruments are prohibited during Quiet Hours (see 1.40: Amplified Sound Equipment or Musical Instruments).
Courtesy Hours are always in effect. If a noise problem arises, residents are asked to notify the person(s) and communicate the issue. If the problem persists, residents should notify Campus Living staff. If another resident requests that a noisy behavior be discontinued, this request should be honored.
In the halls and villages, 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. Any violation of quiet hours or intentional disruption may result in immediate suspension from the residence halls, regardless of scheduled final exams.
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
Pursuant to federal requirements and 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.
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) and New York State Education Law Beau’s Policy allow the university to notify parents if students are involved in drug-related incidents. The full policy can be found in the UB Student Life Guide.
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.
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, including water guns, tasers, “Nerf” or “Orbeez” type guns, and creating or possession of 3D printed weapons or parts. Knives, except for those expressly used in food preparation, are prohibited. Decorative, martial arts weapons, and any toy that mimics a weapon is prohibited. Possession and use of bows and arrows is prohibited. Weapons for use in hunting may never be brought into a residence hall or apartment; see University Police at Bissell Hall for storage. Violation of this section may result in immediate dismissal from Campus Living.
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.
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.
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.
Also see Article 3, #29 Reasonable Request, of the UB Student Code of Conduct
A person is responsible for failure to comply when they, 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 valid ID when required. Campus Living officials include, but are not limited to (Living Learning) 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.
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. Other 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. If an unapproved animal is found, residents will have a limited amount of time to remove the animal.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals to assist people with documented needs are permitted in the residence halls and apartments for that purpose only. Residents are fully responsible for the care, supervision, and humane treatment of their animal, including maintaining appropriate sanitary conditions, and promptly removing and disposing animal waste. Residents are also responsible for ensuring that the animal does not create excessive noise, disturbances, or disruptions to the residential community. Residents are responsible for any actions of their animal that result in injury to individuals or damage to University property or facilities. Animals found to be in violation of University or Campus Living policies may be required to be removed from the residential community within a timeframe specified by Campus Living staff.
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 standard.
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 Standards.
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 standards and regulations regarding alcohol are subject to immediate suspension or dismissal from Campus Living, as well as campus and criminal charges.
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. 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 standards regarding the possession or consumption of alcohol will be requested to immediately dispose of the alcohol.
Violations of this section may result in referral to UB Students Avoiding Further Exposure to Risk (UB-SAFER). Those found in violation of the Campus Living alcohol standard 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) and New York State Education Law Beau’s Policy allow the university to notify parents if students are involved in alcohol-related incidents. The full policy can be found in the UB Student Life Guide.
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 following residential areas: Clement, Richmond, Spaulding, Wilkeson, Clinton, Dewey, Lehman, Roosevelt, Greiner and Creekside Village. 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 standards and regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and can also be held responsible for any violations of these standards 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 (24-30 count) of beer, or two liters of wine, or one liter of distilled spirits.
F. Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor or spirits) should not be stored in common spaces in an apartment, suite, or room unless all residents are over 21 years of age. If residents are of mixed ages including over 21 and under 21, then all alcohol must be stored in the legal drinkers’ bedroom or secure location and cannot exceed the allotted amount. Any resident over 21 years of age who wishes to drink in a common space of an apartment, suite, or room can only have one (1) can/bottle of beer or glass of wine or mixed drink at a time. Students who are 21 or older and who reside in an apartment, suite, or room 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 or consume any 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.
Solicitation in Campus Living buildings or on the grounds is prohibited. Students may not use any Campus Living facilities, apartments, suites, or rooms or permit rooms to be used for any commercial purpose whatsoever. 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.” Postings for events at bars and nightclubs are prohibited.
Any person found soliciting in the halls or apartments is subject to arrest for criminal trespass.
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.
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 the actions of an individual, that resident may be subject to immediate dismissal 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 considers these behaviors as a threat to the safety of the entire community. Therefore, any violation of this standard may result in dismissal from Campus Living housing.
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.
Rooms and apartments may be decorated to assist in the personalization of the rooms. Restrictions do apply.
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.
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 facing hallways or the exterior of student rooms or apartments may be decorated but are considered public areas. Whiteboards, corkboards, memo boards, or similar items are not permitted. Door decorations may not damage door surfaces or create health/safety hazards. Decorations may not cover more than 30% of the aggregate door area as they are considered fire hazards. 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.
Room numbers on doors or door frames must not be covered. Residents are not allowed to tape around doors, or stuff towels or sheets under doors.
Residents may be required to remove excessive wall or door 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.
Recording devices or door cameras, such as “Ring Cameras”, are not permitted on the exterior of an apartment, suite, or room door.
Bottle or can collections are prohibited. Alcohol bottles, even empty, are prohibited from being used as decoration. For recycling purposes, empty bottles or cans may be collected but limited to no more than one tall kitchen trash bag. The recyclables must not constitute a fire or safety hazard.
Any lamp requiring or utilizing a halogen or halogen-type bulb is 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.
Both window and portable air conditioning units are prohibited.
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 and may not plugged into another power strip. Electrical power cords may not be placed under carpets or rugs. Refrigerators should be plugged directly into the wall outlet to prevent overloading the electrical system.
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. 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.
Use of any video equipment, recording device, or computer in a manner that impermissibly infringes upon another person’s right to privacy may result in disciplinary action and/or the required removal of the equipment from the halls and apartments. Furthermore, other misuses of university or personally owned computers, including hacking into another person’s computer, sending a harassing e-mail, instant message, blog or other online journals, etc., is 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 unsecured. Misuse of someone else’s computer is prohibited.
Students are responsible for their personal web content, including but not limited to social media posts. Threatening or harassing content or content promoting activity which would constitute a university or Campus Living violation is prohibited. Any unauthorized use of university electronic equipment or university computers may result in disciplinary action. Tampering with electronic systems, internet connections, apartment intercoms, or theft of streaming services is prohibited.
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 violate 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 and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 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 professional staff, (living learning) community 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.
Residents who are found in violation of Campus Living Standards may be placed on Campus Living Probation for a specified time. Students who are found responsible for a violation of Campus Living standards or university rules and regulations while on Campus Living Probation may be suspended or dismissed from Campus Living housing.