Our Policies
Not all items are covered by these policies. Communities are encouraged to establish their own policies by secret vote after thorough discussion. Those policies enacted by the community are to be established by an extensive majority and posted prominently. Students in the presence of any policy violation may be subject to disciplinary action or police action.Air Vent Blockage
The air vents located above and/or in the room door are designed for airflow from room to hallway. Blockage of these vents will result in disrupting the airflow in other rooms. Call the Physical Plant at 744-7154 if your room is too hot or too cold. Repair costs may result should you block your air vent.Alcohol
Students are expected to comply with state and local laws regarding the use of alcohol. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, including 3.2 beer, in any residence hall or on university grounds, except where otherwise specified, is prohibited.In accordance with Federal Law, if someone is under 21 and documented for an alcohol violation, his or her parents may be notified. Consumption of alcohol is permitted in Davis rooms ending in 01-06, the first floor of Patchin, first floor of Friend, and Sitlington Halls by persons 21 years of age or older. These residents also have the option to vote to restrict alcohol consumption. Alcohol is not permitted in any other residence hall facility.
Alcohol consumption in the above halls is governed by State and Federal laws. All residents are responsible for being aware of social host liability and especially the liability of supplying minors with alcohol. If those under 21 are in possession of alcohol, they will be asked to pour it out. The police may be called, and disciplinary action will be taken. Providing alcohol to others is a suspendable offence at OSU.
Alcohol is only allowed inside private residences, suites, and apartments in the above referenced buildings including balconies and patios, but not in public areas. When alcohol is being consumed, the front door will remain closed.
Alcohol is for individual consumption only; therefore, no common source containers (i.e. kegs, trash cans, bathtubs, punch bowls, etc.) will be permitted. Staff may question those in possession of large quantities of alcohol.
All residents of campus housing are expected to abide by the community standards. The Residential Life staff will confront those who are being disruptive. Individuals in violation of these policies and/or the community standards will be subject to disciplinary action. Individuals who violate any laws will also be subject to legal action.
The use of alcohol within campus housing by those over 21 years of age is a privilege. This privilege can be suspended if it is abused.
Please read the following information about the Dangers of Drug and Alcohol Abuse .
The following table describes some the possible consequences of alcohol related behavior violations.
| Alcohol Related Behavior | 1st Incident | 2nd Incident | 3rd Incident |
| Consumption; In the presence of a violation of policy and/or state or federal law | Semester (6months) housing probation, paper, poster, Alcohol 101, community service, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | University probation, removal from community, research paper, community service, Alcohol 101, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | University suspension, removal from housing, police notification, parental notification if under 21 |
| Providing | 1 year housing probation, OSUPD conference paper, poster, Alcohol 101, community service, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | University probation, removal from housing, research paper, Alcohol 101, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | University suspension, police notification, parental notification if under 21/td> |
| Intoxication | Peer counseling, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | Peer counseling, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | Peer counseling, police notification, parental notification if under 21 |
| Incapacitation | 1 year housing probation, professional counseling, program, research paper, Alcohol 101, community service, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | University probation, professional counseling, program, research paper, Alcohol 101,AA Meeting, police notification, parental notification if under 21 | University suspension, removal from housing, profession counseling, community service, police notification, parental notification if under 21 |
Bicycles
Bicycles must be registered with the OSU Parking/Transit Services. The service is free and beneficial for your own protection in case of theft. Chaining your bicycle to trees, stairways, and signposts will result in tickets and/or confiscation by OSU Police. Your bicycle may be kept in your room if you and your roommate agree. For safety reasons bicycles may not be kept in the hallways, lounges, or other common areas in the hall. Bicycles and like items (roller blades/skateboards) may not be ridden in the halls due to safety and property concerns. Violation may result in disciplinary action. At no time are motorcycles, mopeds, or other vehicles permitted in Residential Life facilities.Borrowing Furniture
For inventory and maintenance reasons, all furniture in common areas should remain where it is found. If common area furniture is found in a resident's room, disciplinary action may be taken. If the furniture is damaged, you will be required to pay for repair costs.Candles
The use of candles, incense, kerosene lamps, and flammable liquid-fueled devices are prohibited in the residence halls.Drugs
Students are expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the use and possession of drugs. The use or possession of all types of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, and other depressants, stimulants, or hallucinogenic drugs, other than those prescribed by a doctor, is prohibited on University property, including the campus living units. OSU Police is typically involved in all drug related issues. Violations will be considered the most serious of matters, and may lead to equally serious consequences, even University suspension.Please read the following information about the Dangers of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
Electrical Appliances
Any electrical extension cord that is used must be 14 gauge or heavier. Prohibited appliances are: open coil cooking appliances, electric griddles, and George Foreman grills (except in Bost, Davis, Kamm, Peterson-Friend, Morsani-Smith, Sitlington, and Young Halls). Also prohibited are portable heaters, sunlamps, broadcasting equipment (short-wave citizen band, etc.), air conditioners, ceiling fans (except where provided), and other such items. This is for the safety and general comfort of the community.Do not nail extension cords to walls, place them under rugs or beds, string them on pipes, etc. Periodically inspect all cords and appliances for cracks or other defects. Please be aware that over loading an electric circuit with too many appliances can cause problems. Computer equipment can be affected by other electrical appliances used in your room. Cooking appliances may only be operated in kitchen areas.
Escort Policy
Residents are responsible for their guests. A guest is a person who is not assigned to your specific living area and with whom you are socializing within your common or personal living area. Guests in all halls must be escorted by a resident of the hall they are visiting at all times, unless otherwise posted. A guest must be hosted by a resident of that hall, and the host/hostess is responsible for informing the guest about applicable University and Residential Life regulations. A guest must not be left unattended by their host in residence hall units. All communities can vote to further restrict this policy.In buildings with common bathrooms, guests who are visiting on a floor of the opposite gender are prohibited from using the bathroom facilities on that floor unless otherwise posted. Each community determines if a bathroom will be open to visitors of the opposite gender. Under no circumstances is using an opposite gender shower appropriate. Bathroom facilities for guests of the opposite gender are provided in the main lobby or mezzanine areas.
Fireworks and Explosives
Under state and federal law, these may never be kept in any Residential Life facility.Flammable Materials
Please refer to the candle policy. Smoking is allowed in approved areas but should never be put out in trash cans. Smoking is not allowed in elevators or stairwells.Grilling
BBQ grills are not permitted.Guests
A guest is a person who is not assigned to your specific living area and with whom you are socializing within your common or personal living area. Residents are welcome to have overnight guests of the same gender. All Residential Life policies must be observed and guests must be constantly escorted while in a living area. In the case of double rooms, suites, or apartments prior consent of the roommate, suitemate, or apartment-mate is required. Guests must not infringe on the rights of roommates or of other residents. Guests may not sleep in lounges or living rooms. Guests are limited to three night visits in an academic year. Visits of greater than three nights, even with breaks in between or in different resident's rooms, are prohibited except with permission of the Residence Area Coordinator. Residents, or the guest if a student, could be charged a per night fee.Residents are required to notify the Resident Assistant or Community Facilitator when they have overnight guests. In case of an emergency, staff members need to know who is in the building, and in case someone needs to reach a guest, staff can reach him/her in the appropriate room.
Guests may consider staying in Scott Hall, which provides overnight accommodations for students, professors, alumni, and guests of residents for a very reasonable rate. Inquiries on rates and availability can be made by contacting Scott Hall Guest Services at (405) 744-5019.
Guns and Weapons
Guns are not allowed in any Residential Life facility. If you possess a gun, you can store it with OSU Police free of charge. Residential Life, OSU Police, and state authorities can determine what qualifies as a weapon, including a common item that is used in a threatening manner, and can ask that it be removed from the premises. Disciplinary action may also be taken.Keys
Keys are issued for the use of the resident for their room/unit only. It is not appropriate to lend your keys to anyone. The keys are the property of the University and are not to be duplicated.Light Bulbs
If any of the light bulbs in University-provided appliances and/or fixtures should burn out, you may request replacement bulbs from Physical Plant Services by calling the Action Desk at 744-7154. Do not replace bulbs yourself in fixtures provided by Residential Life.The desk or office may sell postage stamps for your convenience. OSU also offers a campus mail service. Through this service you can send business related mail anywhere on campus at no charge. Mailboxes are used for campus and US Mail only and are not to be used for solicitation or campaigning. Mailboxes are provided for use by current residents only.
Microwaves
Students may have one microwave oven in any residence hall room. Microwaves must be rated 900 watts or less at the highest setting.Paintball(et. al) Gun Policy
Any type of recreational targeting equipment (including, but not limited to: paintball guns, pellet guns, AirSoft guns, bb guns, bows, martial arts weaponry, etc.) and associated components including ammunition found on Residential Life property may be immediately confiscated and destroyed. These types of implements are being listed separately from fire arms (hand guns, hunting rifles, etc.) due to their easy accessibility and potential harm for our community.Parking Permits
Any motor vehicle parked on University property between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, must display a valid OSU paid parking permit. This includes all residence hall students who own a vehicle. A parking permit can be obtained from the OSU Police Department located on the first floor of the USDA Building.Pets
Pets are not allowed in any Residential Life facility due to concerns for health, safety, sanitation, noise, and humane treatment. The only exceptions include legal fish, small crustaceans, mollusks, turtles, and small amphibians. Fish or other crustaceans that are dangerous or harmful to humans or creatures and are prohibited by state or federal laws are not allowed. Dogs, cats, reptiles, etc. are prohibited.Approved pets must be retained in aquariums filled with water that may not exceed 20 gallons in size. Extra aquariums are permitted provided the total gallons per resident does not exceed 20 gallons. Legal pets must remain in their aquariums at all times.
Illegal pets must be removed immediately and may be removed by University staff or other officials. Residential Life is not responsible for what happens to any pet when it is removed or while it is living on OSU property. Legal pets found to cause a community disturbance will also be required to be removed. Students are allowed to keep turtles as pets only if their roommate agrees and the following are adhered to: Turtles must be more than 5 inches in length and must be able to live in, at most, a 20 gallon aquarium. No snapping turtles are allowed. To help prevent diseases, any person handling a turtle will immediately wash their hands with antibacterial soap. Further, any area outside the aquarium that the turtle comes in contact with will be disinfected immediately, including any sinks used to wash turtle equipment. Any person not handling a turtle within the above restrictions will be asked to remove the turtle immediately.
Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary sanctions, assessment for damages, cleanup, etc. Second time violators of the pet policy will be evicted from on-campus housing. The only exception to this policy is that of service dogs for students or their guests with such a need.
Anytime that you are leaving campus for any length of time, please take into consideration the care of your fish and turtles. They should be properly cared for at all times.
Pets in the Suites and Apartments
As of July 3, 2003, all current occupants of apartments or suites found with an illegal pet, or related pet paraphernalia (food and water dishes, toys, litter boxes, etc) will be subject to an immediate restitution of $1000 for deep cleaning charges (entire apartment/suite: carpet, tile floors, walls and furniture) with additional charges possible at checkout, depending upon the condition of the suite or apartment. The entire suite/apartment will be cleaned, etc. Residential Life will not decide where the pet has been and where it has not. Residents are responsible for settling "ownership" and pet responsibility issues between themselves. All residents are responsible for what occurs in their living space. Any pet "reappearances" will be subject to additional charges. "Just Visiting" is not permitted--illegal pets are not allowed in Residential life facilities at any time!The illegal pet/paraphernalia will be required to be removed immediately. If the resident is unable to do so, Residential Life will work with local authorities (police and Animal Control) to have the animal removed. Residential Life and Oklahoma State University are not responsible for what happens to an illegal pet when it is removed.
In addition to restitution, violation(s) of the pet policy will result in disciplinary action. Possible consequences include (but are not limited to): Community Service, Residential Life Probation, University Conduct Probation and/or revocation of housing contract with student responsibility to fulfill financial obligation of contract. Animals found have been causing significant health issues for residents and extensive damage to our facilities.
Additional approximate charges (not an all-inclusive list) that may be incurred due to an illegal pet: Carpet replacement: $3000; Re-painting of entire apartment/suite: $1500.
Department of Residential Life Service Animal Policy
Service dogs are welcome on Residential Life property (all necessary paperwork and authorization/evaluation from Student Disability Services must be completed prior to the animal's arrival in the residence halls). Service animals are often a new experience for many of our residents. Please engage staff and other campus resources to assist you in helping your community members respect and understand the responsibility of your service animal. Your animal is to wear its service animal identification vest when it is working.Reasonable behavior is expected from service animals while on/in the residence halls and surrounding grounds. If the animal displays unacceptable behavior, the owner is expected to utilize necessary training techniques and support to rectify the situation.
Service animals will always be kept under control. Dogs will be on a leash except in the student's room with the door shut.
Cleanliness is mandatory in a community living situation such as the Oklahoma State University Residence Halls. Daily grooming, in combination with occasional baths should keep odor to a minimum. The use of bathroom facilities is to be done in a considerate manner of the other residents who use the bathroom.
All shots must be kept current and dog will wear its current rabies vaccination tag at all times. Current and up-to-date medical care for the animal should be provided as necessary.
Flea/tick control is essential and adequate preventative measures need to be taken. If a flea/tick problem develops, notify staff immediately and take immediate and appropriate steps to deal with the problem.
The animal will be housebroken prior to entering Residential Life property.
When dogs are walked, waste will be immediately picked up and disposed of in an exterior trash can or dumpster.
Disturbing or disruptive noise by the service animal will be kept to an absolute minimum.
Any disruptions or concerns about the animal will be reported to the Residence Director immediately. Judiciary action may occur.
Food must be kept in a covered storage container. Plastic and/or paper bags are not sufficient at keeping out pests.
In the dining halls, the animal must remain quietly under/next to your table and keep themselves (and their noses, paws, etc. away from food trays and serving areas.
Students are financially responsible for any and all damages resulting from the service animal.
Violations of this policy may result in the required removal of the service animal from Residential Life property.
Property Abandonment
Abandonment of personal property may occur when a student does not vacate their room/unit by a specific contract end date, is evicted from their on campus housing but does not vacate by the specified date, or related reasons. When property has been deemed abandoned, Residential Life will attempt notification of the resident by certified letter and/or phone call at the permanent addresses listed in the OSU mainframe or known contact information. If no response is received by the resident, Residential Life will consider the property permanently abandoned. Belongings deemed permanently abandoned will be packed and stored at the owner?s expense for 30 days, after which they may be donated to a local charity.Practical Jokes
Practical jokes and pranks may damage property or injure other students. Practical jokes and pranks can also increase the noise level and disturb non-involved residents. Students who engage in practical jokes and pranks will be held responsible for damages and disciplinary action may be taken (see Community Standards).Quiet Hours
Residents are asked at all times to be courteous of students on their community who may be sleeping or studying, offering the same respect for others' rights that you might ask of them. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action. Each community/wing determines specific quiet hours by majority vote (see Community Standards).Refrigerators
Refrigerators are permitted (limit of 3 amps per room). Full-size refrigerators are acceptable in Allen, Bennett, Booker, Jones, Patchin, Stinchcomb, Zink Halls, Village CASNR, Vilalge HES, Village C, Village D, Village E and Village F. Your Resident Assistant or Community Facilitator will need to check your room for compliance. Refrigerators are provided for residents in Bost, Davis, Kamm, Morsani-Smith, Peterson-Friend, Sitlington, and Young Halls. Fullsize refrigerators are provided in common areas in Village CASNR, Village HES, Village C, Village D, Village E and Village F.You are allowed to leave your refrigerator plugged in and running during breaks. It is your responsibility to remove any perishable food from the refrigerator prior to break periods. Spoiled food clean up and disposal will be your responsibility. The University is not responsible for loss of items due to power outages.
Restitution
Students may be asked to make restitution for their damaging actions if deemed necessary by hall staff and administration. Examples of destructive behavior that may result in a student making restitution include damages to property, stolen items, disruption in services, etc.Retention Pond or Oklahoma Pond
The retention pond located in front of Stinchcomb and Booker Halls is off limits to all residents and their guests. Movement over the fence to the pond side of the fence is not permitted. Nor may objects be thrown over the fence into the pond (including fishing lines, trash, bodies, etc.) No swimming, diving, wading, fishing, or falling into the pond is permitted. Residents are not at any time permitted on the retention pond ramp. Only authorized University Personnel may have access to the ramp and/or pond.Roofs
Due to potential structural damage and safety concerns, residents are not allowed on any roofs. Violations may result in disciplinary charges.Screens
Except in an emergency, screens are not to be removed from the windows for any reason.Smoke Free Environments
Each community in every residence facility votes during the spring semester on whether they would allow smoking in student rooms, hallways, lounges, or any other locations on their community for the following year. Students found smoking in smoke free areas will face disciplinary charges and may be removed from the community. Smoking is prohibited in Bennett, Booker, Drummond, Kerr, Parker, Stinchcomb, Stout, Wentz, and the Village Halls. Allen, Bennett, Bost, Davis, Jones, Kamm, Morsani-Smith, Patchin, Peterson-Friend, Sitlington, Young, and Zink Halls allow smoking in individual rooms upon unit resident agreement, and residents vote each fall on which common areas will be smoke free. Please be aware that residents smoking in theirs will be charged cleaning/damage costs, if necessary, to remove odor and/or burns and return the unit to Residential Life standards.Trash
Residents of Bost, Davis, Kamm, Morsani-Smith, Peterson-Friend, Sitlington, and Young Halls and their guests are required to keep trash inside their apartments.. Any trash (litter or in bags) in the breezeway is a violation of this policy and will result in a judicial hearing and/or sanctions. Improper trash disposal may cause a charge of $25 per bag or piece as well as disciplinary action.Use of Grounds and Facilities The lawns and recreation areas around the buildings are part of the community living environment. You are expected to care for them just as you would your community or room. Residents often gather formally and informally in these areas for picnics, sports, or other social events. If damage to the grounds or facilities occurs, such as broken windows, you will be held responsible for repairing the damage.
Vandalism
Vandalism is defined as the deliberate or unintentional destruction, damage, or defacement of public property belonging to Oklahoma State University. If vandalism is found to have occurred, the OSU Police will be contacted, and the responsible person(s) will be subject to both Residential Life and University sanctions.Visitation
Visitation is a privilege and all residents of a room/apartment/suite must approve of any guests. If one resident does not desire a guest to be in the room/apartment/suite, then the guest should leave. Guests are not to enter a room/apartment/suite without the resident host of that guest present. All overnight guests must be approved by the appropriate administrative officer. No guest may stay in a residence facility longer than three days without paying and notifying the staff. Contact Conference Services at 744-6956 for information on guest housing. Residents are responsible for their guests.Twenty-four hour visitation is available in Allen, Bennett, Booker, Bost, Davis, Jones, Kamm, Patchin, Peterson-Friend, Morsani-Smith, Sitlington, Stinchcomb, Young, and Zink Halls. Residents may have guests visit at any time throughout the day or night with a proper escort. This policy is intended for visitation only and not for overnight stays by the opposite gender. Visitation options within Kerr-Drummond, Stout, and Wentz Halls are: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.
The windows
In Drummond, Kerr, Parker, and Wentz Halls the windows are not designed to be opened and should be closed except in case of fire. Opening the windows disrupts the airflow to other rooms. Call the Physical Plant at 744-7154 should your room be too hot or too cold.Allen, Bennett, Booker, Bost, Davis, Jones, Kamm, Patchin, Peterson-Friend, Morsani-Smith, Sitlington, Stinchcomb, Stout, Young, Zink, and the Village Halls all feature units with individual heating and cooling systems, and residents may open their windows at any time.
Also, no items should be hung outside the windows, placed on the ledges, or on balcony or patio railings.