Residential and Community Life Policies and Procedures

Our community values the health, safety, and wellbeing of all of our campus members. The Office of Residential and Community Life (ORL) is committed to fostering welcoming, inclusive, and engaging community living experiences for all residents. At Morris, this is a shared community responsibility. Living on campus requires residents and staff to have an awareness and understanding of these policies and procedures. The following policies and procedures for residential communities are a part of the Residential and Community Life housing application and contract.

The following policies and expectations for residential communities are a binding part of the student housing contract. They are subject to change. Any changes are published and shared with students currently living in University housing.

Questions? Contact your Community Advisor, Building Advisor, Community Development Assistant, or ORL at [email protected]. 

Resident Rights and Responsibilities

Each student has the right and responsibility to:

  • Read, study, and sleep without interference, unreasonable noise, or other distractions.
  • Have personal privacy within one’s assigned housing space.
  • Live in a clean and safe environment.
  • Have guests with the understanding that guests will honor others’ rights.
  • Expect that personal belongings will be respected by others.
  • Be free from physical and emotional intimidation and harm.
  • Comply with residential life staff.
  • Report residential life and university violations to the appropriate staff.

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Table of Contents

  1. Abandonment of Property
  2. Alcohol
  3. Balconies
  4. Bicycles
  5. Caring for Approved Support Animals
  6. Community Kitchens
  7. Courtesy
  8. Damages and Vandalism
  9. Discrimination and Harassment
  10. Disruptive Behavior
  11. Drugs and Controlled Substances
  12. Electric Appliances
  13. Failure to Comply
  14. Fees
  15. Fire Safety, Evacuation, and Hazards
  16. Furniture
  17. Gambling
  18. Guests
  19. Guns, Knives, and Other Weapons
  20. Hazing
  21. Hygiene, Health, and Safety
  22. Illegal Entry and Exit
  23. Indoor Sports and Sport Equipment
  24. Lock-Outs, Keys, and U Cards
  25. Lofts
  26. Missing Person Policy and Procedure
  27. Noise Policy
  28. Other Violations
  29. Pets
  30. Persistent or Recurring Behavior
  31. Political Solicitation
  32. Posters and Hallways
  33. Public Areas
  34. Rights of Privacy
  35. Safety
  36. Sexual Misconduct
  37. Smoking
  38. Smudging
  39. Solicitation
  40. Theft
  41. Threatening or Harassing Behavior
  42. Windows and Window Screens

  1. Abandonment of Property

    The Office of Residential and Community Life (herein referred to as “ORL”) is not responsible for property abandoned by residents upon vacating a housing assignment. ORL makes every effort to notify residents when personal property is found after a resident has vacated an assigned housing space. ORL will retain abandoned property for 30 days after resident notification. After these 30 days, any unclaimed property left in a student housing assignment room or in a shared public community space will be donated or disposed of at the discretion of ORL staff. Students may be charged for the disposal of abandoned property and/or necessary cleaning caused by the abandoned property.

  2. Alcohol

    ORL is committed to sustaining an academic environment that promotes the health, safety, and wellbeing of all members of the community. As such, University students are prohibited from illegally possessing, using, or distributing alcohol in all ORL areas. The Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code states that illegal or unauthorized possession or use of alcohol means possessing or using alcohol illegally or, where applicable, without proper University authorization. Providing alcohol to minors means directly or indirectly providing alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age.

    Alcohol Regulations

    1. Students who are under the legal drinking age are not allowed to consume or be in the presence of alcohol in ORL spaces.
    2. The possession of empty alcohol containers is not permitted in the residence halls. This includes bottles, cans, beer bongs, kegs, party balls, and/or other alcohol paraphernalia.
    3. Possession and consumption of alcohol is not allowed in the common areas of residential living spaces. Common areas are defined areas for use by all residents, including hallways, basement areas, restrooms, lounges, and lobbies. Refrigerators located in kitchens on residence hall floors are considered part of a common area.
    4. Residents are allowed to consume alcohol in their room when all residents and guests of the room are of legal drinking age or older. Alcohol is not allowed in any room where any student is under the legal age. When guests under the legal age are present, all alcohol must be secured out of sight and may not be consumed. Guests who are of legal drinking age or older may only possess or consume alcohol in rooms where all other residents are of legal drinking age or older.


    Violations of the alcohol policy are seen as serious breaches of the housing contract and University policy. Alcohol violations can result in removal from on-campus housing. It is the responsibility of individual residents to know, understand, and comply with existing local, state, and federal statutes and regulations related to the possession, distribution, and consumption of alcohol. When there is suspicion or evidence of an alcohol violation, Public Safety will be contacted to help residential life staff address the situation. Public Safety may refer students to ORL or the Student Behavior Committee for follow-up. The University addresses all reported alcohol violations.

    Regardless of the number of alcohol violations, ORL may move forward with removing a student from on-campus housing if an alcohol-related incident is significant or severe. This can include, but is not limited to, harassing or abusive behavior(s).


    Alcohol Violations

    Outcomes for violations of this alcohol policy increase in severity through a three-step process.

    1. First Violation: Students found to be responsible for violating ORL alcohol policies will meet with their Area Coordinator to discuss and review related policies and appropriate outcomes. Students can be assigned an outcome that includes completion of an alcohol education online module or a reflection assignment.
    2. Second Violation: Students found to be responsible for a second alcohol-related violation will meet with, depending on the severity of the situation, their Area Coordinator or the Associate Director of Residential and Community Life. Students can be reassigned to another ORL housing space at the discretion of the ORL. Additional outcomes, depending on the situation, can include students writing a paper or developing a presentation on related topics such as examining outcomes of high-risk alcohol consumption, learning effective bystander intervention strategies, or understanding campus policies related to alcohol use.
    3. Third Violation: Students responsible for a third alcohol violation will meet with the Associate Director or Director of the Office of Residential and Community Life to review and discuss alcohol policies and outcomes. Students will forfeit their housing contract without a refund and be asked to vacate their on-campus residential space. Students will receive an administrative directive prohibiting return to ORL buildings as a resident or a guest. A third alcohol violation may be referred to the Student Behavior Committee for further review and action.


    Students will be emailed a letter following violation meetings with ORL. Letters will include outcomes of the alcohol review and discussion with residential life staff and provide details on completing any assigned outcomes. Failure to comply with the outcomes of a violation may result in immediate removal from on-campus housing and referral to the Student Behavior Committee.

    Medical Amnesty for Alcohol-Related Emergencies

    If you see another student or member of the University community who is in need of medical care and support related to the consumption of alcohol or other substances, seek help immediately by calling Public Safety or 911. The University of Minnesota’s Student Conduct Code and ORL Policies and Procedures are aligned with Minnesota’s Medical Amnesty statutes. ORL will not apply disciplinary sanctions for underage possession and consumption of alcohol if a student contacts a 911 operator to report that they or another student is in need of medical assistance for an immediate health or safety concern. To be eligible for Medical Amnesty under state law and institutional policy, the following conditions must apply:

    • The student who reports the need for medical assistance must be the first person to make such a report;
    • This student must provide a name and contact information;
    • This student must remain on the scene until assistance arrives; and
    • This student, the individual in need of care, and any other helpers must cooperate with authorities.


    The student who receives medical assistance and up to two “helpers” acting in concern with the student initiating contact with a 911 operator shall also be immune from disciplinary sanctions. Because ORL recognizes the potential application of disciplinary sanctions could deter residents from seeking medical attention for themselves or others, ORL will apply Medical Amnesty when the above conditions are met. However, a resident requiring emergency evaluation or treatment at a medical facility may be required to complete an alcohol assessment or education program. This is not considered a disciplinary response, but rather an educational intervention aimed at reducing the harmful effects of significant or severe alcohol use on the individual resident and the residential community.

  3. Balconies and Stairways

    Students found throwing anything off of a residential life building balcony or fire escape stairways without permission from ORL staff will face disciplinary action. Personal items (lights, decorations, furniture, plants, etc.) are not permitted on balconies or fire escape stairways.

  4. Bicycles

    Bicycles may not be left in stairwells, hallways, or other public areas inside residential life buildings. Bicycles may be stored in your residential life space with agreement from your roommate or suitemate. Bicycles may not be ridden indoors and must be carried to and from a resident’s room. Residents are encouraged to register bicycles through Public Safety. Bicycle racks are provided outside close to ORL buildings for the use of residents. ORL will notify residents by email when winter storage for bikes is available during the late fall semester.

  5. Caring for Approved Support Animals

    Failing to abide by the Support Animal Resident Responsibilities as outlined and agreed to during the Disability Resource Center and ORL verification process impacts not only the animal but the surrounding residential community and any roommates assigned to residential spaces. Complaints about, or observance of, any behaviors that violate this agreement may result in a violation of this policy. Any violation of this policy may result in the removal of the animal from the residential community.

  6. Community Kitchens

    Residents may choose to leave appliances in the community kitchens that are not permitted in resident rooms, such as toasters or toaster ovens. When appliances are not in use, there can only be one of each type of appliance on the countertop. There are cupboards in community kitchens that residents can store appliances in if they would like. ORL does not assume responsibility if property is damaged, lost, or stolen. ORL recommends that residents store appliances in their rooms and bring items to the kitchen when cooking.

    Dirty dishes are not to be left in the kitchen or bathroom sinks. This poses a health hazard and prevents custodial staff from accessing surface areas when cleaning. ORL staff will dispose of any dishes left in the community kitchen sinks, along with dirty dishes left on countertops or tables, on the final set of ORL staff rounds every night.

    Community kitchen areas include refrigerators. Residents are required to label food items with the provided name and date stickers located in the kitchen. Food that is not labeled, stored properly, or is expired will be thrown away.

  7. Courtesy

    Out of consideration of other residents, students should consider if their doors should be open or closed for the activities they are taking part in (i.e. late night video gaming, loud movies, sleeping, etc.).

  8. Damages and Vandalism

    Residents are expected to treat residential living spaces and common areas with respect and care. Residents are responsible for any damage in their rooms that is not indicated on the Room Condition Report. Damage and vandalism of facilities or furnishings is not acceptable and may be referred to the ORL. Residents can be held financially responsible for damages to University property and for unacceptable levels of cleanliness. Charges for damages and unacceptable levels of cleanliness in ORL spaces and common areas will be billed to the responsible resident(s) or, if responsibility is unknown, may be equally divided among residents assigned to the space. Damage charges may include the material and labor costs associated from the damage.

  9. Discrimination and Harassment

    The University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated in ORL facilities. Violations of these policies will be referred to the Director of Residential Life and/or the Student Behavior Committee for appropriate action. See Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code and Board of Regents Policy: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity.

  10. Disruptive Behavior

    Participating in an activity or exhibiting behavior that causes harm, substantially disrupts the normal operations of the ORL community, or infringes on the rights of other residents of the University community, is not permitted. Some examples of prohibited disruptive behaviors are outlined below:

    • Harm to Others: engaging in conduct that endangers the physical and/or mental health, safety, or welfare of another person. This includes, but is not limited to, yelling or fighting.
    • Pranks: engaging in practical jokes that may cause damage or involve illegal activities or are unwanted by residents.
    • Retaliation: engaging in behavior, including, but not limited to, intimidation, harassment, and threats toward another person that you believe has brought a concern to a University official or other authority. Retaliation can include verbal, written, and electronic communication or actions taken by students or others on the student’s behalf.
    • Residents may be held responsible for any actions of their guests that are reflected in the prohibited behaviors listed above.

  11. Drugs and Controlled Substances

    The misuse and abuse of illicit drugs poses a threat to the residential community as well as the educational mission of the University of Minnesota. As such, ORL seeks to provide an environment free from the detrimental effects of alcohol and drugs.

    Housing Regulations

    1. Violations of the Drugs and Controlled Substances policy will be seen as a serious breach of the housing contractual conditions and University policies. The possession, consumption, growing, or manufacturing of controlled substances and being in the presence of, or being under the influence of, controlled substances (e.g., illegal drugs [including cannabis]) is prohibited and may result in termination of the housing contract.
    2. The possession of drug paraphernalia, such as bongs, pipes, etc., is prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to the use of controlled pharmaceuticals when prescribed by a medical professional and consumed in a manner consistent with their directives as outlined in the FAQ section of the Drug Free University policy.
    3. The state of Minnesota has legalized cannabis for recreational use by adults 21 years or older. However, federal laws, such as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the Administrative Policy: Drug Free University, and the Drug Free Workplace Act prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of cannabis on campus.
    4. Medical cannabis use is not permitted on campus, regardless of legal status in the state of Minnesota.
    5. The odor of cannabis or any other controlled substance is sufficient to warrant an alleged violation of this policy.
    6. If there is suspicion or evidence of a controlled substance violation, Public Safety will be contacted. Residents may face criminal charges in addition to ORL outcomes and Student Behavior Committee action.


    Drugs and Controlled Substances Violations 

    Outcomes for violation of the drug and controlled substances policy increases in severity through a two-step process.

    1. First Violation: Residents found in violation will meet with either the Associate Director or the Director of Residential and Community Life to review the controlled substance policy and outcomes. Residents will be on probation for one year. While on probation, any future violations of ORL policies may result in termination of the housing contract. Students found in violation may be reassigned to a new housing space.
    2. Second Violation: Residents found in violation for a second policy violation will meet with either the Associate Director or Director of Residential and Community Life to review the controlled substance policy. Residents responsible for a second violation will forfeit their housing contract without a refund and will be requested to vacate their on-campus residence. Residents will receive an administrative directive prohibiting their return as a resident or guest in ORL facilities. Students will be referred to the Student Behavior Committee for further review and possible action.


    If the severity of the incident related to any drug (controlled substances) violations should warrant immediate removal from on-campus living, that action may be taken by ORL. This could include, but is not limited to, harassing or abusive behavior; evidence of the sale of drugs or controlled substances to others; or violations while under the influence of drugs; or drugs associated with felony level charges under criminal law. The time frame for completing outcomes will be communicated through email to the student. Failure to comply with any of the given outcomes within the specified time frame may result in immediate removal from on-campus living and immediate referral to the Student Behavior Committee.

  12. Electric Appliances

    ORL facilities are not wired to support the use of large electrical appliances (air conditioners or large fridges). All appliances brought to campus must be in good working order. Please do not overload the electrical outlets with adaptors or extension cords. All extension cords must be UL-approved and plugged directly into the wall outlet. A UL-approved fused multistrip outlet may also be used.

    • Residents may use small electrical appliances in ORL facilities if the appliance does not have an open heating element, use grease or cooking oil, or have an open flame. Appliances with automatic turn-off timers are recommended.
    • Items that are not allowed include, but are not limited to: electric grills, toaster ovens, and deep fryers.
    • Residents are allowed to have 1 fridge per room. Refrigerators must be 4.4 cubic feet or smaller.
    • Residents may only use space heaters approved and provided by ORL.
    • No other major appliances, including non-University-installed air conditioners or dishwasher units, are permitted in ORL facilities.

  13. Failure to Comply

    Failing or refusing to correctly identify yourself or your guests is prohibited. Failure to comply with the directives of University officials and their authorized agents acting in the performance and scope of their duties, including the directives of Community Advisors, Area Coordinators, Administrative and Facilities staff, University staff, or law enforcement official(s), is prohibited.

  14. Fees

    ORL does not use fees as a disciplinary measure. However, students may be required to cover additional costs incurred by ORL due to student conduct. These costs may include but are not limited to repair of damaged property, fire alarm costs, and extra custodial cleaning time. These fees may be charged to an individual or distributed amongst residents that share an area.

  15. Fire Safety, Evacuation, and Hazards

    In compliance with Minnesota State Fire Code and state law, residents are required to leave the building in the event of a building alarm. Failure to exit residential life areas during a fire alarm may be referred to ORL for disciplinary action.

    Residents must stay in kitchen areas at all times while using cooking appliances (stoves, microwaves, etc.). Residents may be fined for a fire alarm resulting from unattended cooking. The responsible student(s) can be held responsible for part or all of the fire department fees, as well as expenses for damages.

    Tampering with Fire Equipment and False Alarms

    • Tampering with fire or life safety equipment, including smoke detectors, fire doors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and AEDs may create a serious safety hazard. Tampering or damaging sprinklers will result in significant damage fees.
    • Residents are prohibited from hanging objects or hitting the sprinklers.
    • Activating the fire alarm under false pretenses or tampering with life safety equipment is a violation of state and local laws. Residents who tamper with the equipment will be referred for University conduct action and/or civil prosecution.
    • Violations of this policy may result in termination of the housing contract.

    Evacuation from Fire Areas

    Residents are encouraged to be aware of fire safety and how to evacuate an area if there is suspicion of a fire. If smoke or flames are present, residents should – if it is safe to do – activate the fire alarm system and call 911. Residents are required to leave the area when a fire alarm sounds. Steps to evacuate from a fire area include:

    1. In the event of a fire, leave the area and call 911.
    2. If the door is hot and the hallway is unsafe, plug any openings or cracks through which smoke may enter your room using wet towels, sheets, or clothing.
    3. If the door is cool, crouch low and open the door slowly. Close the door quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
    4. If visibility permits, exit the building. Stay as low as possible if smoke is present.
    5. Never use elevators. Fire may prevent the elevator from operating.
    6. If you encounter heavy smoke in a stairwell, go back and down another set of stairs.
    7. If trapped in a room, attempt to do the following:
      1. Call 911 to report the situation and location.
      2. Wedge wet towels or clothing under the door jam to keep smoke out.
      3. Keep a soaked towel over your head.
      4. Open the window for ventilation; break if it is sealed.
      5. Make your presence known and wait for rescue.


    Exterior Stair Use in On-Campus Apartments

    One of the two bedrooms in each On-Campus Apartment above grade has an emergency exit door that leads to an exterior emergency exit stairway. These stairs must be kept free of personal items and completely clear for emergency use at all times.


    Avoid Fire Hazards

    When decorating your room, no more than 30% of your door may be covered with material. No flammable material may be affixed to your room door or adjacent walls. Items may not be hung from smoke detectors, or sprinkler heads, or pipes. Light fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets may not be tampered with. The following items are prohibited:

    1. Candles and candle warmers
    2. Incense or any smoking paraphernalia that has the potential for an open flame
    3. Halogen lamps, neon lighting, strobe lights, lava lamps
    4. Concealed extension cords, multiple-outlet adapters, and octopus adapters

  16. Furniture

    Furniture located on the floor, lounges, and other public areas are for the use of all residents. Furniture in these areas may not be removed or placed in individual student rooms. There is no storage space available for student room furniture. All University furniture must remain in student rooms. No personal furniture or furniture from resident rooms is allowed in public areas. To prevent damage charges, do not remove closet doors.

  17. Gambling

    Gambling, or activities involving the use or exchange of money during or at the close of playing a game, is prohibited within ORL facilities. This includes sports pools, entertainment pools, and/or online gambling using the University network.

  18. Guests

    Overnight guests are not allowed during the first 2 weeks of the fall semester in spaces with more than 1 assigned resident. A guest is defined as any individual who is not an assigned resident of a space. Students who live and are assigned to other ORL spaces are considered guests when visiting other buildings. It is the responsibility of the resident to inform guests of the policies and procedures of the University of Minnesota Morris and ORL. Guests are expected to observe the same policies and procedures as their host. Guests who exhibit inappropriate behavior may be required to leave. Guests who repeatedly violate policies may be restricted from ORL facilities. Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests.

    Residents must escort guests, including residents from other floors, at all times. Overnight guests may be allowed for up to 3 consecutive nights (no more than 2 times a month) with the mutual agreement of roommate(s). Roommates include all students assigned to the living unit which includes double-occupancy hall rooms, Green Prairie suites, and On-Campus Apartments unit. This limitation is designed to prevent abuse of roommate rights and the housing contract. Residents violating this policy will be required to meet with ORL staff. Any additional expectations about guests in living units should be determined and outlined in the room, suitemate, or apartment agreement process.

    All overnight guests must be 16 years of age or older. In incidents (including but not limited to policy violations, medical emergencies, and/or incidents of sexual misconduct) involving non-resident guests under the age of 18 in on-campus communities, Public Safety will be called to respond to the incident and report to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. ORL reserves the right to restrict guest access to facilities due to safety concerns or if significant campus or community events require a higher level of security for our facilities.

  19. Guns, Knives, and Other Weapons

    Weapons are not allowed in ORL facilities. Residents may not possess guns, ammunition, or any other weapon replicas (including, but not limited to, knives, darts, BB/pellet guns, bow and arrows, paintball guns, airsoft guns, mace spray, swords, or any knives longer than 2 inches) anywhere in ORL facilities. Nerf guns or water guns are allowed to be stored in resident rooms, but the use of Nerf, water, or other toy guns in the halls is prohibited. Knives with blades longer than 2 inches are allowed if they are designed and used for cooking purposes. Students who carry a blade, such as a kirpan, for religious purposes should contact ORL for exemption information.

  20. Hazing

    Hazing is any method or activity on ORL property or in connection with any ORL-related group that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual (including, without limitation, an act intended to cause personal degradation or humiliation). Hazing is also defined in the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Policy: Student Code of Conduct. Students are prohibited from engaging in this behavior. Any group of students acting together may be considered an organization for purposes of this section whether or not they are officially recognized. Neither the express nor implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation while hazing is going on, is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence is the presence of hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this section.

  21. Hygiene, Health, and Safety

    Residents and guests are prohibited from behaviors that create hygiene, health, or safety hazards within the residential community. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, unhygienic room conditions sufficient to attract pests or cause long-term damage to the facility, the presence of unmanaged bodily fluids in student rooms, strong odors from rotting garbage, and sinks that are clogged and unusable due to poor cleaning. Public areas, such as the community kitchen or lounge areas, are not to be used for personal hygiene purposes. The dying of hair in campus bathrooms or public areas is prohibited.

    Room, apartment, and suite cleanliness is the responsibility of the assigned residents. There must be a 3-foot-wide clear path to all doors and windows, from any given point in your room, to prevent injury in the event of an immediate evacuation from the room. Clear pathways mean that nothing is on the floor other than the traditional floor coverings (i.e. rug, carpet, tile, etc.). Food, beverages, or dishes that are molding and/or rotting are considered a health hazard and are not allowed.

  22. Illegal Entry and Exit

    Entering or exiting illegally, improperly, without authorization, or during non-contract periods without proper permission is not allowed. Prying open any residence door or apartment door using excessive force is strictly prohibited. Propping emergency exit doors without authorization is not allowed. Nonresident guests are prohibited from using ORL laundry facilities. Residents will be held responsible for the behavior of their guests when guests utilize these facilities. Entering or exiting through any residence hall window or apartment window is prohibited.

  23. Indoor Sports and Sport Equipment

    The main corridors, lobbies, hallways, and other common areas in ORL facilities are designed specifically for access to student rooms and public areas. To ensure safe passage, protect buildings, and courtesy for other residents, indoor sports of all types (playing catch, dribbling a ball, etc.) and the use of sporting equipment is not permitted. The use of balls and other sporting equipment may risk breaking sprinkler heads. Residents who break a sprinkler head are responsible for the damages caused. Sporting equipment must be used in designated areas (i.e., outside or at the Regional Fitness Center). This includes in-line skates, roller skates, and skateboards. These items must be carried (not worn) when inside the buildings. Weight lifting equipment, such as barbells, may not be used in resident rooms. Tap dancing is also prohibited.

  24. Lock-Outs, Keys, and U Cards

    Security of room and personal property depends on responsible care of room keys and U Cards. Building authorization is granted to residents on their U Card and key(s). Unauthorized use, possession, duplication, or tampering of keys, U Card access, or Dining Hall meals is prohibited. Residents are strongly encouraged to keep their keys and U Card with them at all times. Residents should not lend keys or U Cards to other individuals for the purpose of allowing that person to enter the residence halls or apartments unescorted.

    When residents are locked out of their room, an ORL staff member may assist you. Staff members are not expected to routinely unlock doors for residents. Each resident is offered two complimentary lock-out occurrences. Additional lock-outs are subject to a fee charged to the student’s University account.

    Residents who are locked out of their room during University business hours may go to ORL in Clayton A. Gay Hall for assistance. To request a lock-out or a loaner key, residents must bring their student ID or other identification with them to the ORL. Failure to return a loaner key will result in a fee charged to the student’s University account. A replacement fee will be charged to the student’s University account for lost keys and to re-core the lock on the resident door. Residential spaces with multiple keys will have additional re-core charges to the student’s University account. When lock-outs occur after University business hours (including the weekend), residents can call the Community Advisor On-Call (phone numbers listed near building entrances/exits).

  25. Lofting and Beds

    ORL provides furniture lofting kits in bedrooms in spaces where furniture can be lofted. Bed safety rails are provided in bedroom spaces. ORL staff do not loft or deloft beds. Residents must unloft beds themselves when moving out of an assigned housing space.

  26. Missing Person Policy and Procedure

    In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 2008, all residents may register a missing person contact with ORL. This is the individual who will be contacted by the University in the event a resident is determined to be missing. For purposes of this policy, a resident may be considered a missing person if the resident’s absence from residential life and the campus community is suspiciously different to their usual pattern of behavior and/or unusual circumstances may have caused the absence.

    In the event a resident is under 18 years of age and has not been legally emancipated, the missing student resident’s parent/guardian will be contacted. For students who are 18 years of age and above or emancipated minors, the contact may be a parent or any other designated individual(s).

    A resident can be reported missing at any time. Public Safety will conduct a thorough investigation into all reports of potential missing residents. If a resident is suspected to be missing, students can contact Public Safety, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, or ORL. If a report of a potential missing person is made to ORL or the Office of Student Affairs, staff will immediately contact and work with Public Safety.

    Cooperative efforts may include:

    • Conduct a health and wellness check on the resident
    • Attempt to make contact via phone, e-mail, or other means
    • Identify other students who may be aware of the missing person’s whereabouts (i.e. roommate, friends, classmates, etc.).
    • Checking attendance at class or on campus employment, use of the meal plan, etc.


    Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers in furtherance of a missing person investigation may have access to the missing person contact information. Public Safety will be notified for any missing person whether or not they have designated a missing person contact.

  27. Noise Policy

    Residents have the responsibility to be considerate of others at all times and respect 24-hour courtesy hours. This means respecting another’s right to sleep, to study, and to not be disturbed. Each resident has the responsibility to confront any noise problem that is of concern to them and to call upon a Community Advisor if assistance is needed. Each floor may decide on community guidelines to help maintain an atmosphere that will respect the rights of those residents who are studying or sleeping. No music or speakers should be audible outside one’s room. The University reserves the right to confiscate sound amplification equipment for repeated or flagrant violations of the above housing noise policy. Out of consideration for others, residential life areas require all residents to observe “Quiet Hours.”

    Quiet Hours

    • Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 pm to 8:00 am
    • Friday and Saturday:1:00 am to 10:00 am
    • During Final Exams week there are 24-hour Quiet Hours that are enforced starting on the night before the University Study Day.

  28. Other Violations

    To violate the Student Conduct Code, Board of Regents policies, University of Minnesota administrative policies, or any local, state, or federal law(s) within ORL property or at any ORL-sponsored event off-campus is prohibited.

  29. Pets

    Fish kept in an aquarium (one tank up to 10 gallons per room), service animals (i.e. guide dogs for the visually impaired), and University-approved Support Animals are allowed in ORL facilities. All other animals in ORL facilities are prohibited. Aquariums cannot exceed a 10 gallon maximum per room. Residents are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of their fish tank. Decorative rocks should not be put down the bathroom sink, kitchen drains, or flushed in the toilets. If a pet is found in ORL facilities, residents will be given immediate notice to remove the pet from on-campus housing. If the pet is not removed or another pet is found, ORL maintains the right to remove the pet from ORL facilities. Residents may be removed from housing for failure to comply with removal of pets.

  30. Persistent or Recurring Behavior

    Persistent or recurring behavior that violates any ORL policies will impact continued ability to live in on-campus housing.

  31. Political Solicitation

    Political solicitation may take place in ORL facilities under specific guidelines. Any individual or group not following these guidelines is in violation of ORL regulations. Non-resident offenders should be asked to remedy their actions and leave the premises. If the parties involved refuse to leave, Public Safety will be called for assistance. A resident found in violation of solicitation guidelines will be subject to discipline.

    Political solicitation is usually conducted during the months of September through November in advance of a general election date, but it may happen at other times based on the timing of primary or special elections. Because residents may register to vote in the precincts where their residential buildings are located, candidates for elected office seeking to represent the precincts often seek to campaign in the residence halls. The University of Minnesota and ORL encourage all student residents to become politically informed and involved in the electoral process.

    Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 211B.20) allows residential communities to establish political solicitation guidelines for candidates or workers accompanied by candidates. Specified in the state law are the following:

    1. Residents may deny admittance into their personal residential unit.
    2. Reasonable and proper identification is required of, and an identification badge must be worn at all times by the candidate or campaign volunteer while in residence halls or apartments.
    3. Visits by candidates and campaign volunteers accompanying the candidate for the sole purpose of campaigning may be limited to a reasonable number of person(s), reasonable hours, and prior appointments.


    To furnish a consistent procedure in all residential communities for candidates, the following University guidelines have been established for the period in advance of an election day. See additional section below for procedures on Election Day.

    In Advance of Election Day Campaign Process for On-Campus Housing Facilities:

    1. Prior appointments will be required with the Area Coordinator/Area Supervisor of the community at least three business days in advance of entry. Prior appointments allow our staff to provide advance notification to student staff and residents regarding candidates’ visits and to ensure that no more than one candidate (with accompanying campaign workers) is in a residence hall or apartment at any given time.
    2. No more than two (2) campaign workers may accompany the candidate on any visit to a residence hall or apartment building. No media may accompany the candidate, nor can any campaign workers record in or broadcast video or audio from residential buildings, without advance consultation with the University of Minnesota Morris’ Office of University Relations.
    3. Candidates and campaign workers (collectively, campaigners) on their arrival and departure must check in and out with Public Safety by calling 320-589-6000. All campaigners will be asked to individually sign in and out and will be given a copy of this policy to review and/or take with them at the time of sign-in.
    4. Campaigners must wear visible identification (including name and position for which they are campaigning) for the entire length of time they are in the residential community.
    5. Campaigners must furnish identification to building staff when requested or halt campaigning temporarily, if asked, while staff verifies their approval to be in the building or their status as signed in for campaigning.
    6. Any resident may place notice on the door of their room requesting that campaigners not solicit at that door or disturb them. All campaigners must abide by the notice.
    7. Campaigners may distribute campaign literature supporting any candidate or campaign issue by handing it to residents or placing it under residents’ room doors, unless a resident has placed a notice on the door of their room requesting not to be disturbed. Campaigners may not post flyers or any campaign literature on residents’ doors.
    8. Reasonable hours for campaigning are determined to be from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
    9. Campaigners are expected to adhere to the same guidelines as non-residents.
    10. At no time may campaigners affix banners, posters, or flyers to the residential facility promoting their candidate or initiative.
    11. Residence life food service areas may not be used for campaign purposes.
    12. Residential post office boxes may not be used for campaign literature unless that literature arrives via the U.S. Mail. Unstaffed tables will be provided in lobbies for dispensing campaign materials.

     

    On Election Day Campaign Process for On-Campus Housing Facilities: 

    1. ORL will grant political candidates extended access to the on-campus residence halls and apartments on primary or general election day for campaigning purposes as outlined below. All procedures remain in place for primary or general election days (unless altered by the extended access items listed below).
    2. Candidates will be permitted access to campaign in residence halls and apartments on primary or general election days between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
    3. Campaigners must schedule election day visits by noon on the day before election day, notify Public Safety of their arrival by calling 320-589-6000 and wear identification badges at all times while in the residence halls/apartments.
    4. Campaigners will be allowed to distribute any campaign literature under resident room doors between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., unless a resident has placed a notice on the door of their room requesting not to be disturbed.
    5. ORL may choose to partner with student organizations such as MCSA to conduct non-partisan, get-out-the-vote efforts on an election day. A written agreement would outline the parameters of the effort. Such an agreement will need to be finalized a minimum of one week prior to election day.

  32. Posters and Hallways

    All posters must be date stamped by Student Events and Engagement staff before being dropped off to ORL for posting in the shared public areas of ORL facilities. Posters for campus events may be placed on a public area door for the day of the event and must be taken down the same day. Other than this exception, posters cannot be posted on any exit, fire, floor entrance or wing doors or in stairwells.

    Resident room doors are considered part of the hallway and therefore are part of a shared public space. Residents are allowed to put postings on their door, but no more than 30% of the door may be covered due to fire safety reasons.

  33. Public Areas

    Public areas in ORL facilities consist of all lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells. No personal furniture or furniture from residents' rooms is allowed to be left in these shared public areas.

  34. Rights of Privacy

    The University respects the resident’s right to freedom from illegal or unreasonable searches and invasion of privacy. Nevertheless, the entry into, or search of the living quarters of a student may be conducted by the following people for the purposes and under the procedures detailed below:

    • By authorized University personnel with 24-hours advance notice to ensure that health, fire, and safety regulations are maintained.
    • By authorized University personnel with 24-hours advance notice to make improvements and repairs and to provide routine maintenance services.
    • By authorized University personnel without notice if resident requests repair or maintenance work to be done in their room.
    • By authorized University personnel without notice in emergency situations to protect the health and welfare of the student, or to make emergency repairs to prevent damages to the property of the student and the University.
    • By authorized University officials without notice when there is clear and present indication that a violation of University or civil regulations is being committed, and that the delay required in procuring a warrant would endanger the health and safety of the resident(s) or result in the probable destruction of the evidence of the violation.

  35. Safety

    Items or behavior in ORL facilities which impose a threat to the safety of the residents are prohibited. Health and safety checks may be made to ensure there are no violations of health and safety codes (i.e., room cleanliness, no open flames, no unsafe physical structures or electrical equipment, etc.). Storage is not permitted in interior or exterior stairwells. Building evacuation routes must remain clear at all times.

  36. Sexual Misconduct

    ORL and the UMN Morris community is committed to developing an environment which will not tolerate sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is a violation of ORL policies and the Student Conduct Code.

    Sexual misconduct means any non-consensual behavior of a sexual nature that is committed by force or intimidation, or that is otherwise unwelcome. Sexual misconduct includes the following behaviors: sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual or gender-based harassment. Full definitions for the behaviors that qualify as sexual misconduct may be found in the Administrative Policy: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence.

  37. Smoking

    Smoking is not allowed in any ORL facilities, including entrances, stairways, or balconies. Residents found smoking within ORL facilities may be charged a fee for cleaning and labor of the space. Smoking is permitted on University grounds. However, there is to be a distance of 25 feet from all building entrances and windows when smoking. This policy includes electronic cigarettes and vaporizers.

  38. Smudging

    Smudging involves the burning of sage, sweetgrass, tobacco, cedar, and/or other sacred herbs in spiritual, religious, prayer, or faith practices. The University of Minnesota Morris recognizes the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and the rights of Native Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to exercise their traditional religions and sacred ceremonies under the law. ORL is supportive of honoring and respecting these traditions and ceremonies involving smudging in ORL buildings.

    Residents should do the following when smudging:

    • Prior to smudging for the first time in your room, on-campus apartment, suite, or meditation room, we encourage residents to identify the location of the nearest fire pull station and fire extinguisher in the building.
    • Residents may want to consider notifying roommates when smudging.
    • Residents are not required to notify ORL staff, but can consider alerting their Community Advisor if they do not wish to be interrupted when smudging.
    • Students are expected to follow traditional cultural practices for smudging which includes providing a safe environment to contain the embers and ashes in abalone shells, ceramic bowls, or similar items.
    • After smudging, please extinguish any embers to eliminate the risk of fire.
    • In the case of an emergency, please contact Public Safety at 320-589-6000 and/or 911.

  39. Solicitation

    ORL views ORL facilities as a student home and is protective of resident privacy. Soliciting or conducting business in ORL facilities, including from within residence hall rooms, apartments, or suites is not permitted. This includes approaching students with product(s) and/or services, sliding information under doors, stopping students in the hallways, calling students, posting unapproved signage, etc.

  40. Theft

    Should a theft occur in an ORL facility, contact Public Safety or an ORL staff member. Public Safety may ask for serial numbers and/or descriptions of items that were taken. ORL strongly encourages residents to keep doors locked to secure personal belongings.

  41. Threatening or Harassing Behavior

    Threatening or harassing behavior including threats and harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression are prohibited by university policy and may be violations of state and federal law. Violations of these policies will be referred to the Director of Residential and Community Life and/or the Student Behavior Committee for appropriate action.

  42. Windows and Window Screens

    To prevent wind damage, windows must not be opened more than 45 degrees. Windows open more than 45 degrees are susceptible to damages from strong winds and adverse weather conditions. Residents will be responsible for window damage resulting from opening windows more than 45 degrees.

    Screens must not be removed by residents unless in an emergency situation. Throwing objects out of windows is prohibited. Throwing objects at campus buildings and windows is not permitted. You will be charged for any damages or cleaning fees caused by your actions.