Residence Hall Regulations

Residence Hall Rules and Regulations

Section Contents

The safety of all students residing within the Residence Halls is a priority for the Mohawk Valley Community College Dormitory Corporation and Mohawk Valley Community College. These Residence Hall Regulations are a supplement to the Code of Conduct Regulations.  They detail regulations that are unique to Residence Hall living as well as Code of Conduct Regulations that have standard sanctioning guidelines if they occur in the Residence Halls.  All students residing in the Residence Halls will be required to comply with these Residence Hall Regulations, as well as all Mohawk Valley Community College policies and procedures and the Code of Conduct Regulations.  Any student who fails to comply with Residence Hall Rules and Regulations may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the disciplinary procedures set forth in the Code of Conduct.

The Dormitory Corporation reserves the right to enter/inspect rooms for health, safety and maintenance reasons. This includes the right to enter a student’s room and/or suite, or any other area, whenever there is reason or cause to believe that there exists a danger to person or property or a violation of College policy and/or Residence Hall rules and regulations.

Depending on the nature of the violation, the College and/or the Dormitory Corporation reserves the right to notify law enforcement of such conduct at its discretion.

For more information, see Community Living Standards – A Guide to Residence Hall Regulations.

Fire Related Regulations

Policy#

Violation

Range of Potential Sanctions - Actual sanction will depend on severity of incident and student’s prior disciplinary history

RH1A

Arson

Residence Hall Dismissal; College Suspension/Expulsion; Legal Action; Restitution

RH1B

Deliberately activating, disabling, or tampering with any part of the fire alarm system; jeopardizing fire safety

Subject to Residence Hall Suspension or Dismissal & Legal Action

RH1B2

Covering a Smoke Detector or a similar act that has the potential to interfere with activation

1st Offense: Safety Probation with written notice that a 2nd violation will result in Residence Hall Dismissal

2nd Offense: Residence Hall Suspension

RH1C

Intentional failure to leave Residence Hall during alarm

(Evacuation compliance is mandatory for all students whenever fire alarms are activated)

Safety Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal; Legal Action; Educational Sanction

RH1D

Negligently jeopardizing fire safety including operation of fire equipment

Safety – Comprehensive Probation; Educational Sanction; Residence Hall Suspension

RH1E

Causing a False fire alarm - unknown malicious activation

$5 fine for all residents in building

RH1F

Negligent activation of any part of the fire alarm systems

Warning; letter of apology to Utica Fire Department; Safety Probation; Residence Hall Suspension. May be charged any fine the College incurs from City of Utica.

RH1G

Accidental activation of fire alarm

Letters of apology to residents and Utica Fire Department. May be charged any fine the College incurs from City of Utica.

RH1H

Intentionally opening a fire exit when no emergency exists

Warning; Safety Probation


Alcohol Violations

***ALCOHOL & DRUG RELATED VIOLATIONS MAY RESULT IN PARENTAL/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION***

Policy#

Violation

Range of Potential Sanctions - Actual sanction will depend on severity of incident and student’s prior disciplinary history

CR12D/RH2A

Use or possession of alcoholic beverages except when authorized by appropriate College administrators.

1st Offense – Alcohol and Drug Probation and Mandatory Alcohol Education

2nd Offense – Comprehensive Probation - Residence Hall Suspension

Note: Incidents involving mass quantity may result in greater sanctions.

CR12E/RH2B

Distribution of alcoholic beverages except when authorized by appropriate College administrators.

Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal; Legal Action

RH2C

Presence in a location within the Residence Halls where alcohol is knowingly present

1st Offense – Alcohol and Drug Probation and Mandatory Alcohol Education

2nd Offense - Comprehensive Probation - Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

RH2D

Possession of empty alcohol containers

Warning; Alcohol and Drug Probation

RH2E

Possible alcohol/drug overdose, requiring staff assistance (*Students discovered alone by College or Residence Hall staff who require emergency medical care as a result of their alcohol or drug use are not eligible for amnesty under the Medical Amnesty Policy)

Warning; Mandatory Substance Abuse Education; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

CR12F/RH2F

Possession of paraphernalia commonly used with alcohol. This includes possession of paraphernalia commonly associated with the use of alcohol.

Warning; Alcohol and Drug Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

 

Drug Violations (Including Cannabis)

Note: New York colleges and universities, including Mohawk Valley Community College, receive federal funding through Title IV in the form of student financial aid. As a condition of accepting these funds, the College is required to certify that it complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). The federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act. Thus, to comply with the DFSCA and avoid losing federal funding, the College prohibits all marijuana (cannabis) use and students may be subject to conduct action for its use anywhere on campus or in the Residence Halls, regardless of New York state laws permitting such use for adults.

Note: Incidents involving quantities greater than 3 ounces or 24 ounces of concentrated cannabis will result in increased sanctions, including, but not limited to Residence Halls suspension/dismissal.  Possible Legal Action. 

Policy#

Violation

Range of Potential Sanctions - Actual sanction will depend on severity of incident and student’s prior disciplinary history

CR12A/RH2G

Use or possession of controlled or illegal substances at the College. This includes the use or possession of cannabis (in any form)

1st Offense – Cannabis: Alcohol and Drug Probation and Mandatory Education

2nd Offense – Cannabis: Comprehensive Probation - Residence Hall Dismissal

1st Offense – Controlled or illegal substance other than cannabis: Comprehensive Probation - Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal/College Suspension/Expulsion. Possible legal action.

CR12B/RH2H

Distribution or sale of controlled or illegal substances at the College. This includes the sale of cannabis, in any form

Residence Hall Dismissal – College Expulsion.  Possible legal action

CR12C/RH2I

Possession of paraphernalia commonly used with illegal substances. This includes possession of paraphernalia commonly used with the use of cannabis. Examples of cannabis paraphernalia include, but are not limited to rolling papers, bowls, bongs, or other paraphernalia

Warning – Alcohol and Drug Probation

RH2J

Presence in a location within the Residence Halls where controlled or illegal drugs (including cannabis) is knowingly present

1st Offense Cannabis – Alcohol & Drug Probation and Mandatory Education

2nd Offense Cannabis – Comprehensive Probation - Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

1st Offense – Controlled or illegal substance other than cannabis:
Comprehensive Probation - Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal/College Suspension/Expulsion.

RH2K

Quality of Life Violation: Activities that produce an odor of cannabis in the Residence Halls that is severe enough that it reasonably impacts the quality of life for other residents

1st Offense – Warning, Educational Sanction

2nd Offense – Warning - Alcohol & Drug Probation

 

Care and Use of Property Related

Policy#

Violation

Range of Potential Sanctions - Actual sanction will depend on severity of incident and student’s prior disciplinary history

RH3

Deliberately or negligently creating a mess that results in no damage

Warning; Educational Sanction; Community Service

CR7/RH3B

Damage or vandalism, including the intentional, reckless damage to or destruction of College property or the personal property of another.

Probation; Restitution; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal; College Suspension/Expulsion – Possible legal action

RH4

Reckless/Negligent/Accidental damage

Restitution

RH5

Improper disposal of garbage

$10 fine; Community Service; Educational Sanction

 

Room Code Violations

Policy#

Violation

Range of Potential Sanctions - Actual sanction will depend on severity of incident and student’s prior disciplinary history

RH6

Furniture obstructing view of all beds

Warning; Fine; Safety Probation

RH7

Re-positioning/removal of ceiling tiles or hanging items from ceiling

Warning; Fine; Safety Probation

RH8A

Possession of an unauthorized item

Fine ($25 per microwave, $10 per other) and confiscation; Safety Probation

RH8B

Possession of an eBike, eScooter, similar item with Lithium-Ion Battery inside the Residence Halls

Educational Sanction; Safety Probation – Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

RH9

Exceeding maximum room occupancy

Warning; Revocation of Privileges

 

Miscellaneous Policies

Policy#

Violation

Range of Potential Sanctions - Actual sanction will depend on severity of incident and student’s prior disciplinary history

RH10

Possession of stolen public property (i.e., street signs)

Confiscation without notification; Warning; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal; Legal Action

RH11

Unauthorized pets

*Removal of pets; Warning; Fine (An approved ESA is not considered a pet)

RH12

Athletic activity/sports in the Residence Halls

Athletic activity/sports are not permitted in residence hall rooms, common areas or hallways of the residence halls due to the potential for injury and damage. This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as rollerblading, throwing/ hitting/ bouncing balls or pucks, throwing Frisbees, tackling, boxing, wrestling, etc.

Warning; Fine; Safety Probation

RH13

Throwing any object out window or over balcony; removing/raising/ tampering with window or screen. Includes disabling any safety mechanism.

Community Service; Room Reassignment; Safety Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

RH14

Jumping/leaning out window or over balcony; climbing onto a roof; entering or exiting through a room window

Safety Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal; Restitution for damage

RH15

Moving common area furniture into student rooms; exchanging furnishings between rooms

Warning; Fine; Return of items

RH16A

Candles and incense (possession)

1st Offense - Warning
2nd Offense - $10 Fine

RH16B

Candles and incense (burning)

1st Offense - $50 Fine and Educational Sanction
2nd Offense - Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

RH17

Failure to recycle

Educational Sanction; $10 fine

RH18

Loaning/borrowing keys or proximity card

1st Offense-Warning
2nd Offense-Probation
3rd Offense- Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

RH19

Quiet hours violation

1st Offense – Educational Sanction; Warning - verbal/written
2nd Offense - Written Warning; Fine; Community Service

3rd Offense – Comprehensive Probation; Room Re-Assignment. Subsequent violations result in more severe sanctions

RH20A

Providing access to residence halls for anyone other than your own visitors or guests

1st Offense-Warning; Educational Sanction;  
2nd Offense-Safety Probation
3rd Offense-Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal
Restitution: Restitution for any loss that occurs due to violation.

RH20B

Tampering or propping entrance doors to any Residence Hall

1st Offense-Educational Sanction
2nd Offense -Safety Probation
3rd Offense- Residence Hall Suspension/ Dismissal. Must pay for any entrance damage, if any.

Restitution: Restitution for any loss that occurs due to violation.

CR14/RH21

Failure to comply with reasonable instructions from authorized College personnel or notice

Warning; Educational sanction; Comprehensive Probation; Residence Hall Suspension

RH22

Violation of Smoke/Tobacco/Vaping Free Campus Code of Conduct Policy in Residence Hall or Residence Hall area 

1st Offense - $10 Fine
2nd Offense - $15 Fine
3rd Offense – Comprehensive Probation; Residence Hall Suspension

RH23

Unauthorized room change

1st Offense - Return to original room 2nd Offense - Safety Probation

RH24

Guest/Visitor Pass violation

1st Offense- Warning; subsequent violations - Warning; Revocation of Privilege; Safety Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

RH25

Gambling, Unauthorized Solicitation or Use of dorm room for commercial purposes

Warning; Safety Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal; Legal Action

CR8/RH26

Presence in any unauthorized area, including but not limited to the failure to follow a written or verbal directive limiting or prohibiting an individual’s presence in any area on campus.

Warning; Educational Sanction:
Comprehensive Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

CR11/RH27

Obscene, indecent, or lewd conduct including, but not limited to: public urination, public nudity, and sexual acts in public.

Warning; Educational sanction; Comprehensive Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

RH28

Obstructing video surveillance in or around the Residence Halls

Warning; Educational sanction; Comprehensive Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal

CR6/RH29

Obstruction, disruption or prevention of orderly classes, meetings, and other College activities.  

Warning; Educational sanction; Comprehensive Probation; Residence Hall Suspension/Dismissal