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University Housing Policies


The following policies are in place to assist you in understanding what is necessary to create a safe, secure, and livable community. While most residents hold values that would naturally cause them to live by these policies, it is important all residents know what is expected from the community and its members.

All policies are derivatives of Northern Kentucky University's Governing Regulations and/or Administrative Regulations or of Prohibited Conduct as outlined in the University Student Handbook. Students found in violation of any of these policies may be subject to disciplinary actions.

 

Abandoned Property    


Abandoned property left in residential facilities, on breezeways, in stairwells, laundry rooms, or on the premises may be disposed of within 24 hours. Storage space is not available. Residents are responsible for the removal of all personal belongings. University Housing is not responsible for the residents' or other person's loss of money, valuables, or personal property.

Alcohol   


In additional to federal, state and local laws governing the use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, the University prohibits the possession, furnishing or use of alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) by all persons while in the residence halls. Residents and their guests are not permitted to appear in a public place or at activities manifestly under the influence of a controlled or other intoxicating substance.

Additionally, the presence of empty alcoholic beverage containers and/or alcohol paraphernalia (e.g. Beer Bong), that could be construed as possession, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, is prohibited.

Violation of this regulation may be subject to disciplinary action which could result in removal from the residence halls. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the normal criminal justice procedure.

Non-residents found in violation will be issued a no-trespassing sanction.

Appliances   


All appliances must be UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved. Safety and sanitation standards do not permit major appliances in the residence halls. Television sets and radios, stereos, electric razors, clocks, hair dryers, lamps, heating pads, electric blankets, fans, computers, non-university refrigerators, and microwaves are permitted in the rooms-all other appliances are not permitted.

Non-grounded extension cords are not permitted in any residential facility.

Up to six (6) additional cubic foot of refrigerator space is permitted in the apartments and only two (2) additional cubic feet are permitted in Kentucky and Commonwealth.

Coffee pots and George Foreman Grills may only be used in the kitchen area of apartments and the kitchenette area of Kentucky, Commonwealth, and the University Suites.

Additionally, cooking is permissible in apartment kitchens with ventilation hoods (exception: microwave cooking may occur in residents rooms located in Kentucky, Commonwealth, and University Suites). Washing machines, dryers or dishwashers are NOT permitted.

Bicycles   


For Kentucky, Commonwealth and University Suites, bicycle racks are located outside the buildings. Residents should use the racks when school is in session since bicycles are restricted from the interior of the residence halls. It is recommended that bicycles be removed from campus during break and vacation periods.

For Norse Hall and Woodcrest Apartments, bicycles may be kept in the resident's apartment with the roommate(s)' approval. Racks are located outside Woodcrest Apartments & Norse Commons. Bicycles may not be stored in breezeways, or accessways as this creates a fire hazard. Failure to follow this policy is considered a fire safety violation.

All bicycles abandoned for 30 days will become University property to dispose.

Cleanliness & Sanitation   


Cleanliness is imperative. Residents are not permitted to sweep dirt, trash, or waste out of doors or throw such items from windows or balconies. Additionally, letting dirty dishes/laundry pile up, spoiled or otherwise inedible foodstuffs accumulate, or the creation of any unsanitary condition is prohibited. Clotheslines are not permitted on apartment balconies.

Complicity   


A student shall not, through act or omission, assist another student, individual, or group in committing or attempting to commit a violation of University Housing policies. A student who has knowledge of another committing or attempting to commit a violation of the Code of Conduct or University Housing policies is required to remove him or herself from the situation, and failure to do so when reasonable under the circumstances may be the basis for a violation of this policy.

Consolidation   


The Office of University Housing, as stated in your "Dining and Housing Agreement," reserves the right to consolidate residents. This consolidation is performed within units/halls/areas to maximize the use of space and allow for the most people to obtain the living option they desire and are able to afford. Consolidation usually occurs through the first eight weeks of each semester. The remaining resident(s), once identified as being in a consolidation situation due to a resident withdrawing, changing rooms, etc., will be notified and must comply with one of the following options:
  • Accept a roommate of the resident's choosing who is currently without a roommate. The Hall Director must approve this decision and appropriate action must be taken within 72 hours or the resident can be obligated to pay the established private room fee for the amount of time the resident continues to reside in the single occupancy room.
  • Accept a roommate selected by the Hall Director OR move to another room within the same facility that currently has only one occupant. It is up to the Hall Director to approve this decision and appropriate action must be taken within 72 hours or the resident can be obligated to pay the established private room fee for the amount of time the resident continues to reside in the single occupancy room.
University Housing will make every effort to accommodate reasonable requests and the needs of the residents. Failure to consolidate is a violation of a reasonable directive and financial repercussions may result.

Disorderly Behavior   


Residents are not to engage in any behavior that by reasonable community standards would be considered lewd, indecent, obscene, disorderly, harmful, or potentially harmful to self or others.

This type of behavior, as well as practical jokes and/or pranks, often leads to injuries, damage of personal or University property, and /or confrontations that may become violent. Therefore, any student involved in this misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the residence halls.

The University reserves the right to remove a resident from the Residence Hall who, over a period of time, indicates that he/she is not willing to abide by or adjust to residence hall policies and procedures. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the normal criminal justice procedure.

Disregarding Reasonable Directives   


University Housing residents are not to disregard the reasonable directive, verbal or written, of any University official, University Police officer, or member of the residence hall staff. Residents are not to obstruct emergency personnel, University Officials, DPS officers, or members of the University Housing staff in the conduct of assigned duties.

Disrupting Residence Hall Functions   


Conduct which, by itself or in conjunction with the conduct of others, disrupts or impairs the performance of normal residence hall functions is prohibited.

Drugs   


Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs as defined by local, state, and federal laws, and not prescribed by a properly certified and licensed medical practitioner is prohibited on University-owned or controlled property.

The possession of drug paraphernalia is also prohibited under law and university policy. Drug paraphernalia includes all equipment, products and material of any kind that are used to facilitate, or intended or designed to facilitate, violations of state law.

Additionally, the offender is subject to disciplinary action including dismissal from campus residency and possible suspension from the University. If, in fact, a violation of law occurs on campus, the alleged violator will be arrested and go through the normal criminal justice procedure.

Emergency Exit Doors   


The emergency exit doors in Kentucky and Commonwealth are set on an emergency alarm system. Exit these doors only during an emergency. If you exit these doors in non-emergency situations, this act is considered a violation of fire safety/minor policy and disciplinary action may be taken.

Additionally, the propping of any exterior door in the University Suites, Kentucky or Commonwealth Halls is prohibited.

Fire Safety   


Sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and fire alarms are provided in the residence halls as specified by fire safety codes. Since the equipment is for safety of the residents, any abuse or misuse of it, either directly or indirectly, will be dealt with accordingly.

Because intentionally causing a fire or fire hazard and unauthorized alteration, misuse or abuse of fire equipment endangers the entire community, residents who abuse these items may not only face University disciplinary sanctions, but may also be subject to arrest. Abuse of fire safety equipment includes, but is not limited to,damage to smoke detectors, damage to exit signs, propping open fire doors, and damage to fire hose pipes. Additionally, failure to evacuate during a fire alarm is not only a safety hazard but it is a violation of University policy.

Any activity or the use of any object that causes an open flame or is considered by the Housing staff to be a safety hazard (which includes, but is not limited to, bicycles inside Kentucky or Commonwealth Halls, University Suites, bicycles in the stairwells or access ways of Norse Hall or Woodcrest Apartments unsafe room decorations, candles, incense, oil and kerosene lamps, and obstruction of fire escape routes such as hallways and stairwells) is prohibited.

Residents are not to tamper with or obstruct fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers in their rooms. If a resident suspects fire safety equipment to be faulty, they should immediately report their concerns to the Office of University Housing.

Fire or Severe Weather Evacuations   


Failure to comply with residence hall guidelines whenever a fire or severe weather alarm sounds is strictly prohibited (see General Information "Emergencies" section).

Furnishings & Fixtures   


Furnishings and fixtures belonging to the University are not to be moved out of the unit.

Common Area Furniture
The public areas in Norse Commons as well as Kentucky and Commonwealth Halls, & the University Suites, lobbies, and floor lounges have been furnished for your comfort. Furniture in these areas should not be moved from their designated areas. Moving furniture from its location is prohibited and University Housing staff is specifically authorized to require the return of furniture to its proper location.

Room Furniture
You are encouraged to arrange your room furniture in whatever manner you choose, provided that you meet the following guidelines:
  • Furniture must rest on the floor and may not be suspended, stacked, or placed on supports.
  • Furniture may nor be moved from one room to another or exchanged between rooms (your room furniture has been specifically cataloged by inventory number and location). 
  • Extra furniture resulting from a vacancy may not be moved from a room.
  • Additional furniture should not be placed in a room in Kentucky or Commonwealth Halls due to fire safety regulations and space restrictions.
  • A limited amount of furniture may be added to apartment units and the University Suites, but existing furniture cannot be removed to make room for additional furniture. It is recommended that you move into your room/apartment and assess the space before adding furniture, then consult your RA.
Violation of this policy is considered unauthorized use of property.

Games of Chance   


Gambling and games of chance are prohibited in Residential Village. Violation of this policy is considered a violation of state, federal and municipal law.

Grilling   


Grills are provided within the Village for student use. Designated areas for grilling vary among different residence areas. No grilling will be permitted on balconies since all balconies and entryways must be clear. Grilling in unauthorized areas is considered a fire safety violation.

Harassment   


Any behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment or unreasonably interferes with the educational or work performance of any individual at any time is prohibited. Harassment can be verbal, nonverbal, physical or written, and includes the use of technology such as the telephone, voice mail, answering machine, e-mail, or other electronic communication media.

Improper Trash Disposable   


You are responsible for removing your room/apartment trash to a dumpster. If the dumpster nearest your room/apartment is filled, do not place your garbage on the outside of the dumpster.  If the dumpster has not been emptied and is overflowing, please call University Housing.

Do not place garbage in stairwells or in breezeways. Garbage belonging to you found in hallways, stairwells, breezeways, restrooms, or outside dumpsters may be returned to you for proper disposal and disciplinary action may be taken to include fines as outlined in Housing Policy Notification Statement.

Keys/NKU ID card   


If you get locked out of your room/apartment, you must contact a Resident Assistant and show a picture ID in order to gain access to your room/apartment. (See Lock-out Policy)

Residents are prohibited from possessing residence hall keys and AllCards that have not been issued in that resident's name or lending residence hall keys to another person.

Lost Keys   


If a resident's keys are lost, the resident should notify University Housing immediately. Locks will be changed to provide personal and property safety with the resident being billed for any charges.

Lock Out Policy   


When residents become locked out of their room, regardless of the reason, they should take immediate action to regain access to their room and notify the proper University Housing staff member. The RA will require the student locked out of their room to fill out a lock- out form.

The first lock-out is free of charge. Subsequent lock-outs will be subject to fines as outlined in Housing Policy Notification statement. If the floor or apartment area RA is temporarily unavailable, the resident should next contact their respective desks in order for the desk staff to contact the "RA-on-Duty." The RA-on Duty will respond with due diligence. While we provide this service, all residents are responsible for having their keys  at all times and they should remain patient with the staff and appreciate the service.

After three lock-out incidents, disciplinary action may be taken. This policy is in force to protect University property as well as all persons and property of persons that may be at risk due to lock outs.

Parking   


All vehicles parked on University property are subject to the regulations as stated in the Traffic and Parking Regulations Handbook. Additional parking information can be located through Parking Services.

Pets   


Pets are NOT permitted, except for fish in tanks no more than 10 gallons. Residents living in residence hall rooms or apartments should not feed or otherwise encourage stray animals to frequent the area. Any resident wishing to register a complaint regarding the keeping of an illegal animal should not hesitate to contact his/her RA or Hall Director. Fish tanks must be registered by completing the Fish Tank Registration Form , and submitting it to the University Housing office in 101 Norse Commons. Residents who violate the Pet Policy will be assessed the following charges for maintenance/repair to the unit:

  • Walls for the entire unit will be washed an/or the unit will be painted. Damage fees' range from $90.00 to $300.00 depending in the type of unit and the extent of damage.
  • Carpet will be cleaned. Damage fees range from $30.00 to $90.00 depending on the type of unit. 
  • The entire unit will be treated for fleas, including bombing-Damage fees for flea treatment will be assessed at the time of service. Cost will include labor and material. 
  • Additional damage fees may be added for damage caused to furniture or carpet requiring replacement or additional cleaning beyond methods described above. 
  • Damage fees may be assessed at any time during the academic term. Repairs and maintenance will be conducted when the resident has vacated the unit. Failure to remove the animal(s) in question may result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Housing Handbook. Residents who refuse to remove the animal(s) in question may be asked to vacate the Residential Village.

Physical Assault/Harm   


Residents are not to engage in any behavior which inflicts, or is intended to inflict, bodily harm upon any person, including taking reckless action, which results in harm to another person or self.

Quiet Hours   


The residence halls and apartment are communities. A reasonably quite atmosphere is required for residents to pursue their studies. Excessive noise or disruptive conduct is not permitted at any time (this includes, but is not limited to music being played out of the windows, slamming doors, loud yelling in public areas, etc.). Quiet hours have, therefore, been set for all residential facilities.

Quiet hours for the Residential Village are Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 a.m. These hours include areas outside the buildings, in lobbies and lounge areas and in rooms/apartments.

You are expected to respect the right of your fellow students at all times. Noise in any room with the door closed should be barely audible in adjacent rooms.

During finals week, 24-hour quiet hours are in effect throughout the residence halls. Pursuant to this policy, residents are required to leave or check out of the residence halls within 24-hours of their last final.

Reporting Emergencies   


The intentional false report of, or the intentional failure to report a bomb, fire, or other emergency in a residence hall facility or on University property is strictly prohibited. This includes misuse of fire pull alarms and the intentional activation of smoke alarms. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the normal criminal justice procedure.

Room Damage   


Since your room/apartment is your home away from home, we encourage you to add your personal touch. Decorations can be hung with only "sticky tack" (which is available at the campus bookstore), provided no damage is done to walls or woodwork.  Any damage that occur in a room can result in fines and/or fees charged to the student occupant(s).

Items such as double-faced tape, adhesive tape, and masking tape are prohibited since they damage walls. No painting may be done, locks added, or alterations made to any part of the building or equipment. Any nailing, boring, or screwing into walls or woodwork is prohibited. Curtains may be hung with tension rods only. A $30.00 minimum damage charge will be assessed to you for any such damage.

Contact Paper or wallpaper (including borders) is NOT permitted on any surface of the apartment or room. All shelf and drawer paper must be removed completely when an apartment/room is vacated. Do not place labels or tape on any surface including the door to your apartment/room.

Students have the opportunity to appeal damage charges/fees by contacting the Associate Director of University Housing within ten business days of billing notification.

Sexual Assault   


Residents are prohibited from conduct which subjects another person to sexual contact by force, or while the person in incapable of consent, or when the person is under the influence of a substance which impairs his/her ability to consent. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the normal criminal justice procedure.

Smoking   


All NKU residence halls are smoke free. This policy is strictly enforced and violations are considered a fire safety violation. Violators are subject to fines and/or judicial sanctions. Smoking is not allowed in University Housing facilities or within 15 feet of any residence hall entrance or window. Smoking is prohibited in breezeways and all common areas, as well as in student rooms / apartments. Residents and their guests are provided with outside areas near the residence halls which have been designated for smoking. These designated areas have receptacles available for the proper disposal of cigarettes.

Solicitation   


Residents or guests of residents wishing to engage in solicitation, sales, or fundraising must comply with NKU sales and solicitation policy. The University Housing Office must approve solicitation in the Residential Village. Forms are available in the Student Life Office. Students may not conduct any private business operations from the University residence or use residence telephones for such activity. This is considered a violation of the solicitation policy.

Threatening Behavior   


"Threatening behavior” means any statement, communication, conduct or gesture, including those in written form, directed toward any member of the University community that causes a reasonable apprehension of physical harm to a person or property. A student can be guilty of threatening behavior even if the person who is the object of the threat does not observe or receive it, so long as a reasonable person would interpret the maker’s statement, communication, conduct or gesture as a serious expression of intent to physically harm.

Unauthorized Entry   


Forced or unauthorized entry into any residence hall building, wing, room, or apartment is prohibited. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the normal criminal justice procedure.

Unauthorized Room Change   


Residents are prohibited from residing in a residence hall room that is not their assigned space. All room changes or moves must be made with the written consent of the Hall Director or Assignment Specialist.

Visitation   


General Guidelines for All Building Occupants
The term "Residence Hall Visitation" refers to the visitation by all non-residents and residents of another area with residents in residence hall room/apartments or wing lounge areas, during regularly scheduled days or hours.

All visitors and overnight guests are guests of the resident(s) they are visiting. They may only stay as long as they observe procedures, policies, and regulations established by the residents, the staff, and the University. Residents will be held responsible for their guests' behavior. Guests must be 18 years of age or older, or a NKU student. S/he must be escorted to and from resident's room for the purpose of the visitation. Any guest must be accompanied by the resident any time the guest is not in the resident's room/apartment.

It is important that roommates be courteous to one another when having guests and be sensitive to roommate(s)' right to privacy-therefore, no student is permitted to have a guest in his/her room over the objection of the roommate. No student shall be denied access to his/her room at any time or be placed under undue hardship by the presence of a visitor. Visitors should use toilet facilities designated for their gender. At no time may visitors use shower facilities designated for the opposite sex in KY/CW or without the consent or roommates in the suites and apartments.

Guests (occasional visitors) are not to abuse visitation privileges by residing in the residence halls. The University Housing office reserves the right to distinguish between a visiting guest and actual residency. Flagrant violations of the visitation guidelines could result in the cancellation of visitation privileges, cancellation of housing/dining agreement, and/or other disciplinary action.

Visitation Policy
Residents will be permitted 24-hour guest visitation to allow students the flexibility to visit each other's rooms. However, this does not permit or condone cohabitation All regularly assigned occupants of the room must agree to and be responsible for guests. Any guest of the opposite sex must be 18 years of age or older, or a Northern Kentucky University student. S/he must be escorted to and from the resident's room. Any guest must be accompanied by the resident.These policies - to respect the rights of privacy of all residents - shall be supervised by members of the residence hall staff. Residents must remain in the unit whenever their guest is in the apartment/room.

Overnight Guests
Residents will be permitted 24-hour guest visitation to allow students the flexibility to visit each other's rooms. However, this does not permit or condone cohabitation. Overnight guests are permitted with the roommate(s)' approval. No guest may be an overnight guest for more than two consecutive nights or for more than ten nights total during the academic year. The host is totally responsible for the behavior of the guest during this time. Residents wishing to have a guest use a roommate's bed must first obtain permission for the use of the bed from their roommates. Temporary absence of the roommate does not make the bed available.

Weapons & Firearms   


Possession or use of any type of firearm, ammunition, explosive device (including fireworks), or other weapon on residence hall property or on University-owned property is strictly prohibited. Weapons include, but are not limited to, martial arts weapons, knives (other than cooking utensils), bows and arrows, air guns, rifles, shotguns, and BB guns (e.g. - Airsoft gun).  If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the normal criminal justice procedure. Sanctions up through eviction are typical with weapons/firearms violations. 

Windows, Stairwells, & Breezeways   


Entry and/or exit through a residence hall window is prohibited. Throwing or dropping objects out of a window or from a breezeway is also prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Do not store boxes or other items in the breezeways or stairwells. Fire code states that all breezeways and stairwells must remain free and clear at all times. Those cluttering breezeways and stairwells are committing a fire safety

Vandalism   


Willful and/or malicious action that results in damage to property is prohibited. This includes damage to personal property, damage to University property or facilities and unreported accidental damages. When those responsible for vandalism are unable to be identified, community billing may be assessed.