University Housing

The University Housing Student Conduct process consists of five steps.

1. Notice of a possible violation should be reported to a Residence Life Staff Member (e.g. Community Director, RA, DM) or University Police. The Community Director or another University Housing professional staff member will serve as the Hearing Officer. Notice of a possible violation can be submitted in writing by anyone in the University community.
2. After reviewing the notice of a possible violation, the Hearing Officer will request in writing an initial conference with the student or students involved. The notice must contain: The request for a conference by a specified deadline and the alleged conduct of the student or guest; i.e., charges. The purpose of the meeting is to make the student aware of charges and discuss their involvement in order to determine whether further action is warranted.
3. The Hearing Officer manages the initial conference. Should the Hearing Officer be one of the parties involved in the matter at issue, another Hearing Officer will be appointed by the Director of University Housing to manage the initial conference. If the student does not attend the initial meeting/hearing, the case is decided based on the information the Hearing Officer has at the time. At the conference, the Hearing Officer will: 
   • Explain the charges and request information from the student
   • Determine if further action is warranted
   • Request a plea from the student
   • Determine if the Hearing Officer can decide the case or if the student must be charged with social misconduct as outlined in the Student Conduct Code
     • If students are non-residents or the incident may jeopardize the student’s enrollment status, the case will not be decided by the Hearing Officer.
4. If it is determined that the Hearing Officer will decide the case, they may do so at the initial conference. They have the following options: 
   • Dismissing the case. A letter will be sent to the student to confirm the decision. A copy of that letter will be placed in the student’s University Housing file.
   • Sanctioning the student. The Hearing Officer will apply the appropriate sanction (see Sanctions). The decision concerning an appropriate sanction may be discussed in the initial conference. However, a decision may or may not be made during the initial conference. A written decision will be made during or after the initial conference.
   • Referring the case to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs as social misconduct. The case will be processed through the SIUE Student Conduct Code. The Hearing Officer will provide the Director of University Housing with the incident report and notes from the initial conference. This information will be forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee.
   A student has the right to appeal the decision of the Hearing Officer. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Director of University Housing within two working days of the date of the sanction letter.

This section defines the sanctions which may be imposed for violating University Housing terms and conditions or living guidelines. The sanctions listed in this section may be imposed independently or in combination. Sanctions should be selected and imposed with two goals in mind: (1) to protect the members of the University Housing community and (2) to assist in the education of the person responsible.

1. Disciplinary Reprimand: An oral conference or written reprimand noting the seriousness of the violation of the University Housing rules and regulations.
2. Disciplinary Warning Status: A written warning noting that repetition of violations or additional violations will subject the student to further sanctions. This warning shall last for a stated period of time and until the conditions of any other imposed sanctions have been met.
3. Assessment for Restitution: Payment for the restoration of property. Failure to pay the assessed amount in a specific period of time will prevent the student from obtaining transcripts and registering for classes, and may subject the student to further sanctions.
4. University Residence Probation: The requirement imposed by the Hearing Officer that the student demonstrate, for a specific period of time, the capacity of conduct in conformance with the University Housing standards. Any violation of University and Housing policies while on University Residence Probation may result in separation from the University residence and/or other sanctions.
5. Parents Notification: The University may notify parents of students under the age of 21 years for violations of federal, state or local law or institutional disciplinary rule or policy regarding the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances.
6. University Residence Transfer: The transfer of a student from one University residence (living unit or building) to another by the Director of University Housing or designee.
7. Community Service: Any violator of the University Housing terms and conditions and/or Housing policies may be required to perform community service. A student may choose to perform community service in lieu of an assessment for restitution for damage to University property.
8. Referral to Intervention Program: If the Hearing Officer, Associate Director of Residence Life or Director of University Housing perceives that it is necessary that a student be referred to an intervention program, they may choose to do so. Refusal on the part of the student may result in further disciplinary action. The student may be required to attend or participate in a workshop, program or creative sanction (such as a paper, bulletin board, etc.).
9. Loss of Privileges: Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time, including but not limited to loss of participation in certain activities and/or loss of access to designated facilities or areas.
10. Suspension: Excludes a student from University Housing facilities for any reason during the stated period of suspension and disallows a student from all activities sponsored by University Housing, whether on or off campus. A resident student under a weekend suspension is prohibited from being in University Housing facilities following their final class on Friday through 5 p.m. on Sunday.
11. Notification of Termination of Residency: A student will be required to properly check out 72 hours after notification. In cases in which a resident’s behavior constitutes a significant threat to the safety of the residents or other persons or to the property of others or the University, a maximum of 24 hours notice will be given. The resident will be held financially responsible for 50% of the remainder of the contract.
12. Charged with Social Misconduct as outlined in the Student Conduct Code: A student may be charged with social misconduct in case of a serious infraction, or any incident relating to the University Housing policies, rules and regulations.

Students should follow these guidelines carefully when appealing a University Housing charge, payment extension, staff member’s decision or contract cancellation: 

1. All appeals must be made in writing. It is important that the appeal be clear, concise, factual and thorough.
2. The student who wishes to appeal a decision must submit a written appeal, along with any supporting documentation. Each case will be considered on its own merits.
3. All disciplinary appeals must be made within two (2) business days of the decision.
4. All damage charge appeals must be made within 90 days of the decision if the resident has vacated. Appeals for damages of current residents must be made within two (2) business days of charge notification.
5. The Community Director is the appeal officer for actions taken by the Resident Assistant or Assistant Community Director.
6. The Associate Director of Housing is the appeal officer for decisions made by the Central Housing staff.
7. The Director of University Housing or designee is the appeal officer for disciplinary actions taken by all hearing officers. 
8. The Director of University Housing will hear all appeals of University Housing decisions after the preceding steps have been followed.

Front Desk of Bluff, Evergreen, Prairie, and Woodland serve as a security function. The desks are situated in a fashion that allows them to view the only entrance and exit that residents are permitted to utilize. Residents must use their Cougar card to swipe into the building and gain access 24 hours a day.

Space changes will be not be permitted during the academic year unless in the event of an emergency or serious health and safety concern. 

Roommate conflict can be difficult and uncomfortable. However, there are benefits to experiencing conflict. These types of situations provide opportunities to develop necessary, real-world skills, such as strengthening communication skills, better understanding personal values, and learning to compromise and negotiate.

Space changes are a last resort in dealing with roommate conflict. Except in emergency situations, students may request a space change anytime during the course of the fall or spring semester except during the three-week move freeze that occurs at the beginning of each semester. This gives University Housing time to assign students who need assignments, process cancellations and identify open spaces. Space changes are typically not granted during the summer, due to our facilities maintenance schedule. University Housing has very few open spaces during the academic year, so the opportunity for space changes is limited and not guaranteed.

How can I change my room if I do not get along my roommate? 

If a space change request is made due to difficulties with current roommate(s), the student will first be required to have a conversation with their roommate(s) and communicate their concerns and needs. This conversation should take place in person (not via text or social media) and in a manner that seeks to resolve, not escalate the conflict.

What if I am unable to resolve the conflict on my own?

If a student is unable to successfully address the conflict with their roommate, they should consult with their Resident Assistant (RA). The RA will attempt to improve the living environment by mediating the conflict and facilitating a written living unit success plan. Students should not wait until the situation escalates; they should be proactive in appropriately addressing roommate concerns when they arise.

What if consulting with my RA does not resolve the conflict?

If consulting with the RA does not adequately address the concerns, the next step is for the student to consult with their Community Director (in the hall office or the Commons Building). The Community Director will assist with mediating the conflict by scheduling a meeting with all roommates.

What if I have tried these steps, and I am still unhappy with my roommate situation?

If residents have made a good faith effort to address the conflict in a mature, respectful and civil manner, the Community Director will allow a resident to fill out a Space Change Request Form. University Housing is not able to grant all space change requests due to space availability. Priority goes to students living in temporary assignments and then emergency situations (determined by Housing staff). Residents are able to participate in an approved room swap if no open spaces are available.

Before a resident receives a list of available spaces, they may need to complete an online module. The purpose of the module is to provide students with information about how to live successfully with a roommate. After the resident completes the module, the Community Director will email the resident a list of open spaces via their SIUE email account. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with potential new roommates before they pick a new space.

Residents will have three business days to pick a space from the list and begin the space change process (check out of old space, check into new space). If a resident does not identify a new space within three business days their Space Change Request Form becomes null and void and they drop to the bottom of the space change list.

Each resident of University Housing is the person responsible for informing their guests of these regulations and ensuring that guests are in compliance with the University policy on alcohol beverages. The resident may be subject to disciplinary action for guests non-compliance with these regulations. Non-student guests may be subject to civil and criminal action for violation of these regulations.

Intoxication is not an acceptable or appropriate condition and may be cause for disciplinary action. Intoxication is defined as either (1) not having the normal use of mental or physical facilities due to the introduction of alcohol or other drugs into the body; or (2) have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more.

Bluff, Prairie and Woodland residents and guests are not permitted to have alcohol, alcohol containers (even if empty), or devices used for rapid consumption of alcohol. This policy is applicable to all residents regardless of age.

Evergreen and Cougar Village residents and their guests must be 21 years of age or older if they choose to possess and /or consume alcohol in their residence. Please see more stipulations of this policy in the Living Guide.

Kegs: Possession of a keg on University property will lead to termination of residency. Containers holding more than one gallon of alcoholic beverages or devices promoting the rapid consumption of alcohol (i.e. - funnels, bongs, etc.) are prohibited on University property and will be confiscated.

The Student Conduct Code of SIUE defines social misconduct to include violations of University policies and regulations, local ordinances, and state and federal laws, which include, without limitation, the manufacture, sale or distribution, and/or the unauthorized possession or use of controlled substances. The misuse of chemical or controlled substances that may create a hazard to oneself or others is considered a violation of this policy. Such violations may result in termination of residency from University Housing.

Noise levels in and around University Housing are expected to be moderate and conducive to a positive study environment. The right to study is clearly greater than the right to make noise. Roommates and neighbors should reach a general agreement about acceptable noise levels to prevent conflict.

If you are having difficulty with a neighbor regarding noise, you should attempt to talk to the person and resolve the problem. If you have further difficulty, you should call the Front Desk/Commons Desk. The desk worker will then contact a Resident Assistant to follow up with the situation.

Guidelines for Noise in University Housing:

• In Bluff, Prairie and Woodland Hall if you can hear noise one suite down, then it is too loud.
• In Evergreen Hall if you can hear noise in the hallway five lights down from the space, then it is too loud.
• In the 400 side of Cougar Village, if you can hear noise just outside the building, then it is too loud.
• In the 500 side of Cougar Village, if you can hear noise from the sidewalk/other side of the building, then it is too loud.
• Quiet Hours are established for more intense “quietness.” Sunday-Thursday, quiet hours are from 10 p.m.-9 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, quiet hours are from 12 a.m.-12 p.m. All noise should be kept to a minimum during these times. This includes common areas such as stairwells, lobbies, hallways, breezeways and lounges.

University Housing takes fire safety very seriously. Students are reminded that tampering with fire equipment, including smoke detectors, is a violation of the SIUE Student Code of Conduct, as well as state and federal law. University Housing at SIUE has a no tolerance policy regarding tampering with fire equipment. Students who tamper or compromise any of the fire prevention and detection systems will have their residency terminated immediately. People found responsible of tampering with fire equipment for other than actual emergency situations or intentionally setting false fire alarms can potentially face a jail sentence, fines up to $10,000 and expulsion from the University. Make sure to keep units free of debris and do not tamper with smoke alarms.

Information about conduct forms.

• Apology Letter
• Building Healthy Relationships in College
• Fire Safety Sanction
• Forgery
• How to Disagree Agreeably
• Involvement@SIUE
• Policy Worksheet
• Reflection Paper Instruction Sheet
• Smoking Cessation Benefits
• Social Media Evaluation

Completed forms can be turned in on Maxient.