Standards

During the COVID-19 pandemic we may be required to institute additional temporary standards to help ensure the safety and health of our residents.  At this time there are no temporary standards and if any are added this area will be updated

Residence is our students’ home and we want to ensure they are not inundated with advertising or solicitation. Most university sponsored initiatives will be permitted to be advertised, but all requests must be received at the main Residence Services Office or by emailing resservices@uwindsor.ca

Level One Offence

• Advertising, soliciting, promoting, or selling products, events and services in Residence without the permission of Residence Services
• Campaigning in residence without the written permission from Residence Services
• Posting posters anywhere in residence that have not received express written permission from Residence Services

Students who are 19+ years of age, who choose to consume alcohol, are encouraged to do so in a responsible and safe manner. Alcohol may be consumed by students 19+ years of age in their private rooms, or in the common floor lounges. Residence lobbies, stairwells, hallways, outdoor spaces and washrooms are considered public areas and therefore alcoholic beverages may not be open or consumed in these areas. To transport alcohol from one area to another, it must be in a non-glass sealed container (e.g. original container, water bottle, travel mug etc.).

Level One Offence

• Transporting open alcohol in public spaces.
• Consuming alcohol in study spaces (e.g. Lancer Lounge, Winston's Den, study rooms) and 1st floor community spaces (e.g. Atrium, lobby spaces) except pre-approved by Residence Services..
• Possessing individual sized glass alcohol bottles within Residence. An individualized sized bottle is defined as a glass container that contains any alcoholic beverage including, but not limited to, beer, cider and coolers
• Creating displays in their Residence room and/or storing/stacking of large amounts of alcohol-related recyclables (e.g. beer walls, monuments to alcohol)

Level Two Offence 

• Possessing and using tools, props and other materials that lead to the suspicion of drinking games (i.e. ping pong balls, game tables etc.)
• Possessing drinking paraphernalia which includes, but not limited to, funnels, beer bongs, etc.
• Producing any type of alcohol (i.e. home brewing) within Residence

Level Three Offence

• Possessing, distributing to and/or consuming alcohol by individuals who are under 19 years of age.
• Possessing "common source" and large volume alcohol containers. Examples of "common source" alcohol containers include kegs, mini kegs, and Texas mickeys
• Participation in, or present during, any form of drinking games
• Participating and/or instigating activities that involve the consumption of alcohol that may endanger the physical, and/or psychological well-being, safety and/or welfare of an individual and/or group of individuals (e.g. hazing, initiation, practical jokes, funneling)
• Consuming alcohol to the point of over-consumption which includes, but not is not limited to, the following signs and symptoms; vomiting, loss of motor control, unconsciousness and/or inappropriate behaviour

Students who are 19+ years of age, who choose to consume cannabis, are encouraged to do so in a responsible, legal and safer manner. Scent-free and smoke-free forms (e.g. oils, legal edibles) may be consumed by students 19+ years of age in their private rooms or in the common floor lounges. Residence lobbies, stairwells, hallways, outdoor spaces and washrooms are considered public areas and therefore cannabis may not be consumed in these areas.

Cannabis and/or cannabis paraphernalia must be stored in air-tight containers at all times within residence to reduce the impact on other students and staff members. 

Level One Offence

• Consumption of cannabis in public spaces
• Consuming cannabis in study spaces (e.g. Lancer Lounge, Winston's Den, study rooms) and 1st floor community spaces (e.g. Atrium, lobby spaces) except pre-approved by Residence Services.

Level Two Offence

• Possessing cannabis plants
• Cannabis related cooking/baking
• Exposing others to the smell of cannabis either through improper storage or other means (e.g. smell being on your clothing)
• Engaging in suspicious behaviours that implies a student is likely smoking cannabis within residence (e.g. strong odor, butts/ashes)

Level Three Offence

• Possessing, distributing to and/ or consuming cannabis by individuals who are under 19 years of age
• Selling cannabis, regardless of age
• Consumption of cannabis via smoking or use of vaporizer type device within a 9 metre range of the building or under any overhang of the Residence Buildings
• Consumption of cannabis via smoking or use of vaporizer type device within a residence building
• Consuming cannabis to the point of over-consumption which includes, but not is not limited to, the following signs and symptoms; vomiting, loss of motor control, unconsciousness and/or inappropriate behaviour

Residents are required to follow the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and are required to store any prescription drugs, including controlled drugs in a safe manner. Please contact resservices@uwindsor.ca for assistance.

Level Two Offence

• Possessing illegal drug paraphernalia (purchased or home-made)
• Engaging in suspicious behaviours that imply a student is likely using or possessing/participating in illegal drugs

Level Three Offence

• Selling or distributing to others illegal or prescription drugs within the residence buildings or on the grounds of the University
• Possessing excessive quantities, and/or misusing over the counter medications or prescription drugs in residence
• Possessing or using illegal drugs within a Residence Building or on the grounds of the University

Residents are encouraged to decorate their rooms to make them feel at home. Decorations may be secured using non-damaging adhesives (e.g. white sticky tacky, removal adhesive hooks, painters tape).

Level One Offence

• Displaying or hanging anything, including flags and banners, in windows or on exterior of room/suite doors (with the exception of the laminated door tags made by Residence Life Staff, or with permission from Residence Services)
• Displaying any messages, or advertising any activities, that promote alcohol, illegal substances, pornography or other inappropriate visuals in any prominent places (including being able to see through the windows)
• Attaching fabric on any walls or ceilings (i.e tapestry)
• Using holiday/mini lights that are not CSA approved or are frayed or damaged
• Displaying any decorations in an unsafe or inappropriate manner

Residents are responsible for the activities that occur within their assigned room and are expected to respect, and take care of, the space and furniture that is provided.

If damage occurs in an individual bedroom/suite a resident may be found responsible for the damage if they or their guest caused the damage. If the guest of a resident is another resident both residents may be held responsible.

Level One Offence

• Removing or adding window treatments
• Taking residence furniture apart without written permission from the Residence Facilities Manager or Residence Facilities Coordinator of their building
• Removing closet doors
• Opening, removing or damaging the screen in their window
• Repairing any damages to their room or lounge or other common space on their own
• Taping carpets to the floor
• Failing to report issues in rooms/suites that are causing, or have the potential to cause damage (e.g. leaks), if known to the individuals

Level Two Offence

• Writing, carving, sticking anything into/onto Residence or University property, including but not limited to graffiti, using tacks on walls, using tape, marking up bulletin board
• Painting or wallpapering of suites, rooms or common room; excluding murals that have been approved and provided with express written permission by Residence Services
• Removal of existing light bulbs in corridors/rooms/lounges or common spaces
• Moving furniture from within residence areas for their personal or community use
• Moving furniture in, or out, of residence rooms/suites/lounges (e.g. couches, mattresses, freezers etc.) without permission from Residence Services
• Stacking or propping up of the residence furniture

Level Three Offence

• Engaging in behaviours that cause, or have the potential to cause significant damage due to carelessness and/or negligence
• Causing willful damage, vandalism, graffiti or neglect that leads to serious damage

The residences are governed by the laws and regulations of the provincial government which are enforced by the Office of the Fire Marshal. As part of these regulations it is every resident’s duty to report any unsafe situations to a member of the residence staff.

Fire Prevention

It is your duty to report any unsafe situations, such as a blocked fire exit to the proper staff member. In addition please note the following:

• Smoking in all residences is prohibited
• Cooking is not allowed in bedrooms
• Eliminate unsafe electrical appliances, frayed extension cords, "octopus" plugs, and other hazardous conditions. We recommend CSA approved power bars with surge protectors and built in circuit breakers
• For your safety, natural Holiday trees or other natural decorations (ie: straw, corn husks) are not allowed in any part of our residence facilities
• Do not overload wiring by using high voltage appliances, turning on too may electrical devices at one time, or using multiple outlet plugs or extension cords
• Familiarize yourself with your residence, including exit locations, what to do in the event of a fire emergency, the fire alarm system and evacuation procedures
• If you have any questions regarding fire safety in your residence please contact a member of the Residence Life Staff
• If you remain in the building during a fire alarm, you endanger not only your life, but also the lives of the firefighters and fellow residents who may have to rescue you. As such, everyone is expected to co-operate by evacuating the building IMMEDIATELY upon hearing the alarm, or face disciplinary sanctions

Evacuation Process

All residents must evacuate their rooms, if it is safe to do so, and leave the building immediately when the fire alarm sounds. If possible to safely do so, bring appropriate shoes and clothing as you exit the building. If a resident does not have shoes or clothing with them they should NOT return to their room prior to exiting. All residents are encouraged to always wear shoes when walking around the buildings.

When exiting, use the closest exit and stairwell (do NOT use the elevator) and proceed outside as soon as possible. Gather in your building’s meeting location:

• Alumni – meet in Clark parking lot (across from Alumni Hall on Sunset )
• Cartier – meet in grassy area in front of Cartier/Vanier
• Laurier – meet in grassy area between Vanier/Residence Hall West/CoRE

Residents with a disability (permanent or temporary) should inform the Residence Services office by email at resservices@uwindsor.ca. Resident will meet with the Residence Life Coordinator to develop a safe evacuation plan.

Residence Life Staff may complete room checks during any fire alarms in order to determine the cause of the alarm as well as to ensure the evacuation of the building. Room entry policy does not apply when searching rooms under instructions from Fire Department.

Level One Offence

1. Blocking and/or obstructing and/or decorating fire safety equipment (i.e.: fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, heat detectors, sprinklers and fire doors)
2. Overloading an electrical outlet
3. Hanging any materials (i.e. large flags, tapestries) from ceilings or on walls
4. Possessing more than two small sized live/artificial plants or possessing any large live/artificial plants in residence (artificial holiday trees are permitted during the holiday season). Residence Services may require the student to discard the plant(s) should there be an issue with pest control

Level Two Offence

1. Having more than four times the stated occupancy of the room or unit (e.g. double rooms may have maximum of 8 people in a room at any time, single rooms may have a maximum of 4 people) or exceeding the room capacity as per the Windsor Fire Marshall
2. Possessing/using a traditional hotplate in residence, a personal microwave, barbeque or any other appliance with an exposed element. NOTE: portable induction cooktops and personal microwaves are permitted in Alumni Hall as long as they are stored and used in the kitchenette within the suite
3. Misusing microwaves within residence buildings, including but not limited to; not using microwave safe items and leaving microwave while in use
4. Using fire doors during non-emergency situations
5. Improper use, or storage of, compressed air containers, flammable hair products or any storage of fuels (e.g. gas, propane)
6. Misusing stoves including, but not limited to, leaving the stove unattended while cooking
7. Materials may not be attached to or placed inside or over light fixtures
8. Possessing and/or using candles and/or incense unless for pre-approved religious reasons (battery operated candles are permitted)

Level Three Offence

1. Intentionally setting off a false alarm, tampering with or misusing any fire equipment
2. Risking the safety of others or blocking others from a safe and timely evacuation
3. Failing to, or taking longer than deemed appropriate to, evacuate the building during a fire alarm
4. Stealing fire safety equipment

Residents are permitted to have a maximum of two guests at any time and are allowed to have a guest stay overnight up to a maximum of 12 nights per semester (with consent of both residents in double rooms). Guests are defined as persons who do not live in the residence hall in which they are visiting. This includes students who are residents of another building and family members of the resident.

In order to ensure a safe living and learning environment for all of our residents, guests are not permitted in residence after 9:00 pm during the following periods; early arrival period, Windsor Welcome Week, Winter Break, Reading Weeks, extension periods and/ or during exams. All University of Windsor students and non-students/residents must show proper identification to gain access. Residents must be prepared to show their student UWIN ID card. Non-residents must provide either UWIN ID or government issued photo ID. If proper ID is not shown, the guest may not enter the building. If guests arrive prior to Desk Staff arrival, they are required to be signed in by their host once Desk Staff hours begin.

Residents are responsible for the behaviour and conduct of their guest(s) and must inform their guest(s) of Residence and University Policies. A guest may be required to leave if their conduct is disruptive to the community.
 

Exceptions may be made to the Guest Policy at the discretion of the Residence Life Coordinator please contact them directly to request an exception.

Level One Offence

• Failing to sign in guests with the front desk staff
• Exceeding the maximum amount of 2 guests at any given time
• Having an overnight visitation exceed three consecutive nights or twelve nights per semester
• Failing to obtain consent from roommate(s) prior to guest arrival
• Bringing or having guests present in residence during any of the following dates: Early Arrival period, Windsor Welcome Week, Winter Break, Reading Week, extension periods and/ or after 4:30 pm during exams without permission
• Allowing guests to sleep in public areas
• Attempting to and/or signing yourself into a building that you lived in previously

Level Two Offence

• Leaving guests unattended within a residence building

Level Three Offence

• Subletting or allowing another individual to live in the room

In keeping with the University of Windsor's Harassment Prevention Policy and Human Rights Policy, Residence Services is committed to providing a safe and tolerant environment for all members of the residence community. The University of Windsor is committed to providing a respectful learning and work environment and maintaining a workplace that is harassment free as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Harassment based on a person's race, culture, creed, sexual orientation, gender, age or appearance will not be tolerated. To this end, the University will strive to ensure the applicability of the rules of natural justice to achieve fair treatment of all members if the University community and will endeavour to create an environment free of harassment and all forms of prohibited discrimination.

All residents have the responsibility to act appropriately and respectfully, and to conduct themselves in a manner that does not place themselves or others at risk. If any resident is faced with an act defined as harassment, they are to immediately contact their Resident Assistant or Residence Life Coordinator and report the situation. Residents are encouraged to file a complaint or report any form of harassment either with Residence Services, through the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility on campus or through Campus Community Police.

Level Two Offence

• Writing and or drawing graffiti anywhere in or on a residence building that may be offensive to a person's race, culture, creed, sexual orientation, gender, or appearance
• Gossiping or spreading rumours which are malicious or intentionally hurtful and/or destructive in nature
• Behaviour that indicates or portrays an unwelcoming/uninclusive attitude towards other residents or staff

Level Three Offence

• Posting and/or distributing materials and/or creating petitions in residence that are discriminatory, offensive, inappropriate and or threatening in nature
• Distributing and/or creating voicemail, telephone calls, email, pictures, web based social media (e.g. facebook, instagram) written messages or posters that are inappropriate, hostile, offensive, threatening, repetitive and/or persistent
• Engaging in unwanted contact; physical, verbal, sexual, written or otherwise
• Engaging in verbal or physical threats or actions against a person and or property
• Failing to abide by the University of Windsor Harassment Policy or related legislation or policies
• Engaging in behaviours that are physically, mentally and/or emotionally abusive, intimidating or threatening in nature towards any resident student, Residence Life Staff or other University Staff (e.g. bullying, blackmail)

Though custodial staff provide general cleaning of common areas, lounges, kitchens, washrooms, hallways and study rooms, residents are jointly responsible for the cleanliness and neatness of these areas.

Residents are responsible for the cleanliness of their room, bathroom and common areas (where applicable) and shall maintain their rooms in a manner which is sanitary and acceptable to their roommate(s), the Residence Life Coordinator and/or Residence Life staff.

If at any time a room is determined to be extraordinarily dirty by a member of the Residence Services staff, the student will be responsible for cleaning the room within 2 days. If the room is not satisfactorily cleaned, it will be cleaned by the University's Custodial staff and the student's account will be charged for the associated costs.

Common areas which are damaged, dirty, or not kept to standards (determined by Residence Services) may result in additional housekeeping charges to the individual or floor responsible, and/or the closure of that area for a specified amount of time.

Level One Offence

• Littering
• Leaving dirty dishes in common spaces
• Improperly disposing of garbage (ie leaving garbage bags outside your suite/unit/room)
• Collecting empty containers, and recyclables that Residence Services deems to be in excess of recycling purposes
• Not returning plates, silverware and/or trays to a food service outlet
• Flushing inappropriate materials down drain and toilets (e.g. paper towels)

Residents will be issued all appropriate keys/cards without charge when they check-in. If a key is lost, the loss should be reported immediately to a Residence Facilities Coordinator (FC). If a key card is lost, the loss should be reported immediately to the UWinCard Office. Residents who lose their keys must pay the replacement cost. Cards will be replaced according to current University of Windsor charges at the UwinCARD Office. If a resident finds keys/card that were not issued to them they must be returned to the Residence Office.

Residents who lock themselves out of their room will receive free lockouts for the month of September. From October on, each lock out (except in the case of technical difficulties with the lockset) will be $5. Charges will be posted after check out to a maximum semester charge of $50. If an Alumni Hall door is dead bolted then the roommate who dead bolted the lock on the door will be charged for the lockout.

Level Two Offence

• Accessing a room that is not the student's room
• Propping external doors and/or allowing people to follow you in the building
• Following students into a building that you do not reside in
• Creating duplicate keys or cards
• Lending keys to another resident and/or guest and/or being in possession of another resident's keys or card
• Entering or assisting others in entering or exiting through windows or emergency doors
• Entering a bedroom or suite without permission at the time of entering

Level Three Offence

• Entering restricted areas including, but not limited to areas labeled "Authorized Personnel Only" (e.g. the tunnel, roofs, elevator shafts, staff offices and maintenance areas) without permission

Quiet Hours

• Sunday to Friday morning: 11:00pm-8:00am
• Saturday and Sundays: 1:00am-10:00am

During these periods residents shall not make noise on the floor, in their room or in common areas which may disturb the study or sleep of another resident.

NOTE: Residence Services may permit "wake up calls" during Welcome Week and/or other special events by written permission.

Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means that residents are to be mindful of their noise impact on others at all times.

We encourage residents to speak directly to the student who is responsible for the disruptive noise. This includes, but is not limited to; the volume of computer speakers, stereos, amplifiers, TV's and musical instruments.

During Exam periods, all residences will adhere to a 23 hour quiet policy. A break of 1 hour per day (typically 9:00pm-10:00pm) will be determined by the Residence Life Staff in which quiet hours may be relaxed, however, courtesy hours will still be in effect.

Level One Offence

• Failing to comply with Courtesy Hours or Quiet Hours

Level Two Offence

• Failing to comply with Exam Quiet Hours
• Repeatedly failing to comply with courtesy or quiet hours during the same day/night

Level Three Offence

• Creating/causing excessive noise that interferes with the academic work of residents and /or significantly disturbs the residence community

Residents are permitted to have a maximum of 2 fish in a fish tank/bowl no larger than 3 gallons. It is up to the resident to ensure that the fish are treated humanely and receive proper care. Any damage caused by a fish tank/bowl will be the responsibly of the resident. If Residence Services suspects a fish is being treated inhumanely the actions will be reported to our local animal protection agency.

Level Two Offence

• Pets are not permitted in residence as visitors

Level Three Offence

• Having any animals, other than the maximum number of fish, including but not limited to, reptiles, rodents, cats or dogs. Service animals permitted with appropriate documentation

Level One Offence

• Failing to follow signage with posted hours for room and game/activity usage

Level Two Offence

• Failing to respond to the written or verbal direction of the Residence or University Staff
• Engaging in behaviours that indicate a lack of respect, civility, courtesy, or cooperation with a member of the residence community, including residents, guests, Residence Staff, and University Staff
• Failing to provide identification when asked by Residence Staff and/or University of Windsor personnel
• Intentionally providing a misleading and/or false report of an incident
• Engaging in actions that are deemed to be a nuisance or annoyance to residents, Residence Life Staff and/or University Staff

Level Three Offence

• Engaging in any conduct or act which is deemed to be inappropriate and/or unbecoming as per Residence staff or peers

Residence Services adheres to the University of Windsor Smoking Policy. Please refer to the Campus Smoking Policy guidelines and the maps posted in each residence location indicating the Designated Smoking Areas (DSA). Please refer to the residence Cannabis Policy for information specific to the use of that drug within residence.

Level Two Offence

• Engaging in behaviours that imply a student is likely smoking/vaping, using a hookah or any other smoking device within residence (e.g. presence of cigarette butts/ashes, open screen, strong smell of smoke)

Level Three Offence

• Smoking/vaping, using a hookah or any other smoking device inside or within a 9 meter range of a residence building/overhang

Wireless internet is provided to all residents throughout our residence buildings which is governed by the Information Technology Services Acceptable Use Policy. Students are encouraged to review this policy. Students may face sanctions from the University of Windsor if they are found responsible for unacceptable use as per the policy.

In addition to the University’s policy, Residence Services has specific expectations around use of technology.

Level Two Offence

• Destroying, removing and/or modifying any electronic equipment within their room or in any other residence building relating to receiving data, telephone or television transmission
• Connecting wires, cables or other electronic devices between rooms hallways or outside buildings through windows (residents are permitted to plug in laptops in the plugs located just outside of Laurier study rooms)
• Setting up a wireless access point that is drawn from the University of Windsor internet

Residence is an opportunity for students to move towards independent living and as such we encourage all residents to make positive choices for themselves and their community. It is the responsibility of every resident to ensure they are contributing to a positive living and working experience for everyone.

Level One Offence

• Throwing, dropping, kicking any object or substance from a window, staircase, balcony, railing and/or roof
• Participating in, athletic activities and/or water fights within the residence buildings, building entrances/patios or in Vanier Hall

Level Two Offence

• Leaving items in rooms (e.g. study rooms, lounges) to "claim it as your own" so no one else uses this space. Items left for public use (e.g. video game consoles) are permitted to be left in rooms, however, the University does not take responsibility for any loss/theft
• Sleeping in community spaces without permission
• Damaging or removing bulletin boards, posters or information booths/boards
• Relocating or being in possession of University or Residence property (e.g. including furniture from shared common areas)
• Operating a business venture of any kind from their residence room, without written permission from Residence Services
• Tampering with the elevator (including jumping in the elevator) or ringing the emergency alarm in a non-emergency situation

Level Three Offence

• Repelling, throwing objects out of balconies or windows or jumping off balconies and windows or railings
• Forging, altering, misusing or damaging of University documents
• Impersonating, either in person or in written from, a Resident Assistant, Residence Staff, or any other University personnel
• Possessing stolen goods, including University signage, street signs, pylons and or materials of a similar nature. Vandalizing, stealing and willful or negligent damage of another person's or University of Windsor's property
• Gambling for money, monetary gain
• Using and/or possessing firearms, ammunition, weapons (including but not limited to knives and swords), simulated weapons or replicas, fireworks and other dangerous devices