Chapter Four: Residential Life

THE RESIDENCE HALLS
The University's residential community provides a fulfilling and unique living/learning experience for students. With support staff that helps meet residents' social, intellectual, cultural and personal needs, the residential community provides an opportunity for residents to practice personal development strategies. All residents are empowered to make individual choices and in so doing, take full responsibility for their actions. Each resident brings diverse experiences to the hall community that maximizes chances for receiving a holistic college education. Residents are expected to contribute to and respect the choices of their respective hall community. Refer to the residential housing agreement for important information regarding occupant rights and responsibilities.

All full-time undergraduate students whose permanent residence is outside a 50 mile driving distance from the University, have completed fewer than 90 credits, and will be under the age of 21 as of the first day of classes, are required to live in a University Residence Hall. Students turning 21 after the first day of classes, who wish to move out, may do so at the end of that semester only. Living within a 50 mile driving distance from the University is defined as living in a residence, that is located within a 50 mile driving distance from the University with a mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, U.S. court-appointed legal guardian, sister, and/or brother over the age of 21. Plans for off-campus release by any student in any of the above categories must be approved by the Director of Residential Life (DRL) prior to the first day of classes. Part-time students may live in a residence hall during the summer, if they meet summer housing requirements. Failure to obtain approval may result in loss of deposit, a semester's or summer's charge, and/or the ability to matriculate. For fall and/or spring semesters, a student dropping to part-time status, going on co-op, or falling below a 2.0 cumulative GPA must file a Provisional Status form in the Office of Residential Life to enter or remain in the Residence Halls. Violation of this contract may result in financial penalties. Absolutely no private enterprises may be operated in the residence halls.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE AND JUDICIAL AFFAIRS STAFF
The Director of Residential Life (DRL) and Judicial Affairs and with the assistance of the Assistant Director of Residential Life and Judicial Affairs (ADRL) is responsible for overseeing the entire residential living community structure. S/he coordinates with Resident Directors (RDs), Resident Advisors(RAs), Office Assistants (OAs) and Reisdential Hall Monitors (RHMs) to ensure that resident concerns and hall community issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner.

A residence hall community is staffed by at least one full-time Resident Director (RD), whose job it is to integrate intellectual and residential approaches to hall community management, and Resident Advisors (RAs), whose job it is to assist residents with personal and academic concerns. Additionally, office assistants help the RDs, RAs, residents, and department of residential life.  All hall community staff are resource agents for residents development, not caretakers of residents' personal wishes. A collaborative approach with residents is used to help residents overcome challenges in their new environment.

RESIDENCE HALL SECURITY
The majority of our residence halls are equipped with a 24-hour security system that monitors access into all the halls buildings. There are cameras on each floor, in each elevator and on the exits/entrances of each hall.  All residents are expected to carry and show an identification card at all times for security reasons. Residents who allow others to enter the residence halls without proper authorization violates our safety and security procedures and places everyone who lives in the residence at risk and may be held responsible for the conduct of the unathorized persons.

KEY CONTROL AND LOCKOUTS
Students are issued a UB identification card that also acts as a meal and access card for those living in residence. Residents who lose their proximity/UB ID card may be issued another for $60.00. Students who lose their room key will be issued a temporary spare key for up to one week. Spare keys are available from the Department of Residential Life located in the Garden Level of the Wahlstrom Library. Spare keys can be picked up between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon and between 1:00 and 4:30 p.m. If the original key is not found within seven business days, the University will initiate a lock change for that room. The loss of a room key must be reported immediately for the protection of the resident, his/her roommate, the rest of the residents of that hall, and the future occupants of that room. Copies of keys should not be made by the resident. Residents found to have copied university keys will be charged to replace the keys and locks associated with those keys and face disciplinary charges as well. A replacement key must be obtained from the Department of Residential Life during working hours. If the resident refuses to obtain a replacement key, security will notify Residential Life for disciplinary action. The student who lost the original key must pay $60.00 (to replace the lock and cut all new keys for that room including spare keys). Once the lock is changed, the locksmith will place a sign on the door informing the occupants to pick up their new keys from the Office of Residential Life during regular business hours as stated above. If the key is not picked up by 4:30 p.m. on the day the lock is changed, the key will be brought to the residence hall RA office and the occupants of the room may pick their keys up from the RA on duty from 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the RA office. Both the $60.00 UB ID proximity card charge and the $60.00 lock change charge must be paid to the Cashier or the charge(s) will be placed on the resident’s housing bill.

If a student of Warner Hall loses an elevator key, they must go to security, request a new key and $60.00 will be charged to the student account.  This charge is to replace the key and to activate the card from Brown Elevator.

The University does not assume responsibility for personal property loss. Any loss should be reported immediately to Campus Security at ext. 4913. All residents are encouraged to obtain home owner’s or renter’s insurance before residing on campus. In emergencies, the RAs can open residents' room doors, but only for the occupants of that room with proof of identity. After three lockouts, residents will be charged $3.00 cash per lockout.

MAINTENANCE AND HOUSEKEEPING
Please notify your Resident Director or RA of any problems. The housekeeping staff assigned to each building is responsible for cleaning bathrooms and public areas only. The following is a sample list of maintenance and repairs that should be reported to your RD or RA immediately:

MAIL SERVICES
To receive your mail in the shortest period of time, please inform your friends and relatives to address your mail as follows:

First Name Last Name
Room Number Residence Hall
Your Mailbox Number
Street Address of your Hall
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Each resident will be assigned a mailbox in his/her hall. Mail is received, sorted and placed in mailboxes. Packages and any mail piece too large to fit in your mail box will be held in the Mail Center.  The Mail Center will send an e-mail to your UB e-mail address informing you of the package.  Please be sure to bring your UB ID with you when retrieving items from the Mail Center.  Mail and packages will not be released without valid picture ID.  When students leave for summer vacation, they need to complete a domestic forwarding address card to receive their first-class mail. If no forwarding domestic address is on file, first-class mail will be "returned-to-sender." All other mail will not be forwarded due to U.S. Postal regulations and will be discarded. Residents must also complete forwarding cards when they move from one hall community to another. Please see your mail clerk for forwarding cards. Mail not picked up within thirty (30) days will be deemed abandoned and may be destroyed.  The University will not sign for and accept delivery of mail marked "certified, return receipt requested" or similar, nor with the University sign acknowledging receipt of courier packages. 

TELEPHONES
While on campus, it is only necessary to dial the last four digits of the number to call a campus extension. Every resident student has a telephone jack in his/her room that when a phone is plugged into will have the ability to make on-campus and local calls. Students should bring their own telephone, equipped with a cord designed for plugging into a standard modular jack. Students wishing to make long distance telephone calls will need to purchase a telephone calling card. Many students rely on cell or mobile telephones, but be careful when choosing a cell phone company and cell telephone as the residence halls are constructed of reinforced concrete and many telephones will have intermittent service reception if at all.

ROOMS
Each student is provided with a twin bed, desk, desk chair, closet, an overhead light, and a bureau. Each room has a MicroFridge, a one unit combination refrigerator, microwave oven, and freezer.  All rooms have an outlet for a TV connection to our cable television provider "Cablevision of Connecticut ". Cable television, High Speed Internet connection, and local telephone service are included in your residence hall "Easy Living" bill. Students must provide their own cable and ethernet cords.  Common area or hall televisions may be available in the social and main lounges of each residence, but this varies from hall to hall. 

APPLIANCES
The use of appliances in students' rooms is limited. Therefore, the only electric appliances allowed in the residence halls are electric blankets, razors, fans, coffee makers, radios, stereos, typewriters, computers, TVs and lamps (Halogen, torchiere type floor lamps are strictly prohibited). Because they are fire hazards, students are not permitted the use of broilers, toasters, hot plates, candles, halogen, torchiere floor lamps, or other items specified by residence life staff. Use of such items will be subject to fine and removal. Air conditioners and space heaters are also prohibited due to their power loads and our concern for fire safety.

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
All incoming freshmen and students with fewer than 90 credits will be assigned double-as-double or triple-as-triple rooms with roommates. To receive a room, residents must pay the room deposit, complete a Housing Contract, a meal plan contract, and register as a full-time student, and be cleared by the Bursar. Returning students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, and be a full-time registered student for the respective semester living on campus. Residents who drop below a 2.0 average will be placed on a Residence Hall Provisional status for one semester. All students under the age of 21 who live more than 50 miles from campus and have earned fewer than 90 credits must live in University operated residence halls. Students turning 21 after the start of the semester may move off-campus only at the end of that semester. Students, under the age of 21, living within a 50 mile radius of campus must live with either a parent, sibling, grandparent or United States court approved guardian who is over the age of 21.

GRADUATE STUDENTS
The University can ordinarily house each graduate student in his/her own single or double-as-single room for an additional cost. However, some incoming first-year graduate students may have to be placed with roommates, depending on the availability of rooms. Priority concerning roommate assignment depends upon the date the residence hall deposit is paid and a student’s cumulative grade point average.

UNDERGRADUATES
New students are assigned on a first come, first served basis according to their requests as stated on their housing contracts and student survey responses. At an additional cost, students with 90 or more credits may request assignment to a single.

PROCEDURES FOR ROOM CHANGES
Because adjusting to a new person in your life takes time and compromises, students desiring a roommate change must wait until the end of the first week of classes. This is also the grace period students have to arrive on campus to retain their room assignment. After this time, if a student feels his/her roommate situation is still not conducive to his/her academic or personal success, he/she should see the RA to resolve any personal conflicts that may be present. If not already completed, residents will be asked to complete a "Roommate contract" with which to better resolve their differences. If after meeting with the RA, a room change is still desirable, students can seek out their Residence Director (RD) for in-hall room changes, or between hall changes. Dates for the start and end of these room change periods will be posted in the halls. Final approval for a room change must come from the RD, ADRL and/or DRL. Only after the proper paperwork has been completed by all parties can residents move to their new room.  A student must carry his/her room change form until his/her name appears on the housing list.  Copies should be given to one's RA, RD & mailroom.

The University reserves the right to assign additional roommates or change room assignments, if necessary. Students in less than fully occupied double or triple rooms must keep the empty bed(s), desk(s), drawer(s), closet(s), etc., free and available at all times throughout the semester and year so that a new student may move in at any point during the semester or semester break. As we are an international university serving the world community, students may need to arrive at different times during the year. Please help us to make all students feel welcome by keeping your room's unoccupied space(s) available.

Residential Life staff will make every attempt to communicate with students when a new roommate will be arriving; however, this may not always be possible. Students who improperly take over their room risk a fine of $200 for each infraction.

Students may not change rooms after the fifth week of classes, except when approved by the RD, ADRL and only after all the proper paperwork has been completed.

Procedure for Changing Rooms
The student meets and speaks with his/her RA, RD, or other professional staff member to discuss the reason(s) for a room change.

1. If an acceptable reason is given for the room change, the student meets with the RD or the office of Residential Life to discuss available spaces and to approve the change if within hall.
2. If approved, the Residence Director completes an Occupancy Change Form and forwards that information to an RA who completes a room check-in form and coordinates new room key arrangements.
3. After the student has moved all his/her belongings into the new room, he/she must contact an RA to complete the old room check-out form and return the old room key within 48 hours. Residents may not have keys to two rooms for more than 48 hours. Students who do not return keys or have a check-out form completed will be fined for improper check-out, may be forced to move back to his/her former room and may be referred to their Hall Direcor for Judicial Sanctions. 
4. Any damages or repairs noted on the room check-out form will be reported on a maintenance form and the student responsible will be billed.

SPECIAL INTEREST AREAS
"Special Interest" (e.g., substance free residence hall) room assignments/residence halls are voluntary. However, during times of overcrowding, students may be assigned to these areas. Students assigned to a special interest area will be referred to their Hall Director for Judicial Sanctions if they violate the theme of the special interest living environment. Once established, the students in these areas meet to develop group activities and rules consistent with the theme of the special interest house/floor/area. Residents who violate the theme of this special interest will be removed from that environment and moved to another living situation, when possible, immediately and may face disciplinary action.

GUESTS
A guest/visitor is anyone not assigned to that resident hall as an occupant.  The resident, in person, must sign in guests and the guest must leave some form of picture identification at the front desk. Guests without valid photo ID will not be allowed to enter the residence hall. A resident is responsible for the whereabouts and conduct of his/her guest(s) during the entire visit and any damages they may cause. From 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., each resident is permitted to sign-in no more than four guests at any one time. Between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., each resident is permitted to sign-in no more than one guest at any one time. Guests must sign-out anytime they are leaving the hall. Security will initiate an investigation whenever a guest ID card is brought to them.  Security will interview the student who hosted the guest to determine the guest's whereabouts.  

If students are expecting a guest for more than a two-day period, they must obtain permission from their roommate and the building's RD. No guest may stay overnight in a residence hall community, or any other residence hall community, for more than two nights in any seven-day period without permission from the RD, the ADRL and/or the DRL. Specifically, this means that within any seven-day period, a guest may only stay for two nights within the residence hall system as anyone's guest.  After the first two nights, the guest must get special permission from the RD of that building, the ADRL or DRL before spending another night in any residence hall on campus.  If a guest stays more than two nights ina seven day period without permission, the resident hosting will be bill $25.00 per night and may face additional judical action.  Repeat offense(s) may result in arrest for trespassing and the student's guest privileges will be revoked for the rest of the school year. 

Subject to the paragraphs above, members of the opposite sex are permitted to visit student rooms in accordance with the visitation hours established by each hall or floor. Guests younger than 18 years of age may only visit between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. These visitors are not allowed overnight stays in the residence halls. Permission must be requested and granted by the RD, ADRL or DRL in advance of each visit. When inviting any guest to your room, it is critically important, and courteous, that you be considerate of your roommate and discuss with him/her before inviting any guests. If your roommate does not consent to your having a guest, you may not have that guest stay in your room.

Certain guest policies may be enacted during the semester ,break periods, and emergencies to protect against vandalism, large party nights, and emergency situations. The University will make every attempt to notify residents of these events, when possible, to ensure compliance and good student service.

Check-in and Check-out Procedures for Returning and New Residents
Returning residents must present proof of registration, clearance from the Bursar, proof of immunization, and picture proof of identity before moving into the residence hall. New residents must be fully registered within one week of the beginning of classes. All residents must maintain full-time status, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and meets all health requirements to be admitted to and remain in a residence hall. Permission must be granted from the DRL or ADRL to waive any of these requirements. Students are required to notify their RA if they will be absent from their Residence Hall for two consecutive nights.

Checking In:
        Students may check-in for the Fall semester shortly before classes begin (dates will be stated in published literature).

• No one is admitted prior to that time without permission from the DRL or ADRL. There is a daily charge ($25.00 for early arrival).
• Forfeiture of a student's assigned room is effective if the occupant(s) fail to check-in by the end of the first week of classes. Another room will be assigned if one is available after that time. The occupant is still financially responsible until such time as s/he is determined to be a "NO SHOW" by his/her RA. 

Checking Out:
      At the end of the semester, or whenever a resident leaves an assigned room, an RA must inspect the room for cleanliness,
      damage, and missing furniture. At this time, a checkout form will be completed by the RA and compared to the check-in form.

• Any damages or missing furniture will be billed to the responsible student.
• Any questions concerning damage charges should be directed to the RD immediately. Both occupants will share charges if there is a dispute over who actually committed violations.
• If a student fails to check out properly, a $75.00 fee will be assessed to the student's account and the student cannot contest any applied charges.

LEAVING RESIDENCE HALL PERMANENTLY
Residents moving off campus permanently, if not transferring, graduating or asked to leave must contact the DRL or ADRL for authorization and completion of appropriate forms. Permission from the DRL or ADRL must be granted before moving off campus. Failure to do so will result in charges for the full housing cost contracted. Housing contracts are for at least one semester. Please refer to the Residence Hall Refund Policy as stated in the Key to UB.

Hazardous Property
The following hazardous items are prohibited in all residence halls. Possession or use of such hazardous substances may result in disciplinary actions, fines, immediate confiscation, and/or suspension, dismissal, expulsion.

1. Explosives of any kind:  Gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, or other flammable liquids
2. Motorcycles, motor scooters, or other gas powered motors
3. Guns, firearms or replicas thereof, fireworks, explosives, and weapons of all types, including, but not limited to: pellet guns, BB guns, paint ball guns, cross bows, bows and arrows, spear guns, hunting knives, fighting knives, butterfly knives, throwing knives, knives longer than 4 inches, slingshots, clubs, brass knuckles, ice picks, and straight razors, etc.  
4. Incense
5. Fireworks
6. Illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia
7. Potentially hazardous quantities of Biological or Chemical agents
8. Stolen property of any kind

HOLIDAY HOUSING
Housing is available for the Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring Break periods. All residence halls, except 12-month facilities, are closed for the winter and summer breaks. Any resident staying in the 12-month facility(ies) will be charged for the summer and winter vacation periods. This is charged separately and under separate contract.

RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION
The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is the united body of all resident students. The RHA Executive Board, composed of executive officers (President, VP, Treasure, Secretary and two additional Communication Chairs) and a Senator from each Resident Hall meets regularly and is the means of communication between the residence hall students and the administration. Through this exchange, the RHA attempts to promote understanding and unity on campus for the benefit of all students and a healthy social, recreational, and educational environment for all residents.

The RHA supports the following Guidelines for the Protection of Students' Rights. It is every student's right to have a good living environment conducive to academic success. All residents have the right to:

1. A healthful, clean environment
2. Quiet study hours
3. Privacy and personal security
4. A recognized hall government

RESIDENCE HALL GOVERNMENT
The residents of each hall elect their own residence hall government officers. The individual Resident Director is the Advisor to its own hall government. These elected student leaders have input in the review and development of policies concerning residential life. Each floor elects representatives to the residence hall government. The representatives convey all relevant information back to their floors during weekly floor meetings. All residents are encouraged to attend the meetings and bring suggestions and ideas to share.

RIGHT TO INSPECT ROOMS
The right to inspect rooms is retained by the University. Rooms may be searched without notice to the student if the University reasonably believes that there is the presence of property or activity in the room that violates any University policy, criminal law or constitutes an immediate hazard to the safety, health or welfare of any occupant of the residence hall. Upon reasonable notice, or without notice in the University's sole discretion, rooms may be entered by University personnel for extermination, maintenance repair and/or to turn off loud music. In cases when there is probable cause, except for maintenance and noise elimination situations, the Dean of Students, DRL, ADRL or designee must grant verbal and/or written approval prior to inspecting a student's room.

In addition, to preserve the aesthetic physical structure of the living community and to ensure that rooms are being taken care of, residence life staff will be conducting monthly unannounced room inspections to check the overall condition of the room.

The following are safety violations. An immediate $50.00 fine will be imposed on room occupants for these violations. Residential life staff may also immediately confiscate the objects listed below:

1. LIT AND UNLIT CANDLES AND INCENSE ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS AT ANYTIME
2. Cooking units or hot plates with exposed heating elements
3. Immersion coils of any type
4. Electrical appliances with frayed or damaged cords
5. Octopus-like electrical cord arrangements
6. Cloth, paper or wood draped under or covering the ceiling or ceiling light fixtures, radiators, or electrical outlets
7. Cloth and/or paper that covers or surrounds outlets or electrical appliances
8. Space heaters of any type
9. Christmas or string lights not "Underwriters' Laboratories" listed
10. Christmas trees or cut plants larger than three feet in height
11. Flammable decorations. Hanging wall and ceiling products such as tapestries, posters, and flags, may not cover more than 50% of any one wall space. This is to prevent the item from igniting and spreading the fire faster
12. Halogen, floor torchiere lights.

If the above violations are found, a student will be fined an immediate (no hearing held) $50.00 on initial inspection and an additional $50.00 every time an inspection (announced or unannounced) is conducted and for every day that a residence hall staff member views the violation. Unapproved or unacceptable materials may be confiscated and stored until arrangements are made for proper handling.

Small electrical appliances that generate heat such as hair dryers, curling irons, clothes irons, and the like are permitted and need to be used properly and not left unattended. Students need to examine their own appliances periodically for faulty wiring.

ROOM, WALL, AND DOOR DECORATING
Decorations that stick to doors or walls permanently or require metal fasteners or anything that might leave permanent markings are not permitted. Students will be billed for any damages or repairs needed as a result of room and door decorations. The use of decorations that are flammable are also not permitted. No more than fifty percent of each wall can be covered with decorations to prevent a fire from spreading. Posters must have at least 4 inches of space around their perimeters to prevent the spread of fire. All decorations must be removed when a student checks out or fines will be placed on the student's account. Doors may not be painted. Door numbers must be visible at all times. At no time can more than 50% of the exterior or 50% of the interior of any residence hall room door be covered with decorations or materials. This is to prevent the door from becoming engulfed in flames which would prevent an easy exit from the room. The interiors of residential rooms must conform with all university policies, including but not limited to,  the policies against sexual and other harassment, hazing, discrimination, and hate crimes.

ROOM AND PUBLIC AREA PAINTING
Students who wish to paint their rooms may do so if the following steps are followed: 1) The student obtains written approval for painting his/her room from the RD, 2) The student signs the Room Painting Agreement and selects an approved color from the selection offered by DRL.

Students seeking permission to paint a public area, such as a hallway, must discuss the project with the RD and obtain permission.

The RD will explain the process and the regulations for room and public area painting including proper disposal of equipment and materials.

NOISE REDUCTION POLICY
Consideration hours are in effect all the time, seven days a week. Consideration hours require that noise and activity be maintained at a level that does not disturb other residents. As a rule, if a resident's door and window are closed, other residents should not be able to hear the noise, music, etc., from outside that room.

Quiet hours are not negotiable. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Noise that can be heard outside of a room at a level that disturbs residents is not permissible. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with offenders. RL staff may enter a room that is the source of a present and recurring noise disturbance if the occupant of that room fails to open the door. The sole purpose of this entry is to stop the noise. Residents may have to remove sound systems or television sets if they continue to be the source of disturbing noise.

During such periods as mid-terms and final exams, 24 hour quiet hours will be enforced from the end of classes until the end of finals or graduation. A policy of zero tolerance will be enforced throughout the residence halls. Students violating this policy will be immediately fined $25.00 and face disciplinary sanctions. Repeat offenders may be progressively fined larger amounts or be separated from housing until after the semester concludes.

RESIDENCE HALL DAMAGES
As indicated in the Residence Hall Contract, resident students will be held responsible for room and public area damages. Public area damage will be assessed to each student in a particular hall on a prorated basis. Unclaimed damage to rooms and public areas will be divided among occupants and affected floor and/or hall residents respectively.

Such common area damages as: flooding caused by intentionally vandalized plumbing, intentional elevator vandalism, and the pulling of false fire alarms, for example, will be billed equally to all hall residents of that hall unless the responsible parties can be determined or take responsibility for their actions.

ROOM TEMPERATURE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Refer all temperature complaints to the RA on-duty, your RA, or the Residence Director.

RESIDENCE HALLS REFUND POLICY
For Housing Fees

ROOM DEPOSIT
During the academic year, a $200.00 room deposit  is required to reserve a room. (Different policy applies for the summer session). These deposits will be applied to the student's account. The $200.00 room deposit is 100% refundable if the University refuses the student admission to the residence halls; or a new student withdraws in writing with the DRL on or before June 1. If a returning student decides not to live in the residence halls the room deposit is not refundable.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Undergraduate students who are 21 years of age or older before the first day of class, have more than 90 credits, and/or are married and can produce a marriage certificate may live off-campus. Graduate students may reside off-campus. The University does not arrange for off-campus housing. Please see the following link for area realitors:  http://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/4325.asp

FIRE EVACUATION
Your cooperation in the following procedures may be important in saving your life and the lives of other residents of the community if a fire or similar disaster should occur. It is the responsibility of every resident to be familiar with these procedures and standards and to observe them fully.

A. When the alarm sounds, leave immediately.

B. If You Are In A Burning Building

1. If there is smoke in the room, keep low to the floor.
2. Call x4911 and/or 9-911 to report an emergency from your campus, room phone, or call 203-576-4911 or 911 on your cell phone to report your location and the nature of the emergency.
3. Stay calm and report the emergency accurately.
4. If possible, put a wet towel over your mouth and nose.
5. Before passing through any doors, feel the metal doorknob. If it is hot, do not open the door. Attempt exit through a window if it is low enough to the ground.
6. Open the window from the top, if possible, (to let out the smoke and the heat) and from the bottom (to let in fresh air).
7. If you cannot exit out the window, hang something up in the window to attract the attention of the Fire Department, such as a pillowcase or shirt.
8. If you can open the door, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly in order to make sure there is no heat or heavy smoke on the other side. If there is, then close the door again.
9. If you are able to leave the room through the door, close it as you exit.
10. Go to the nearest exit or stairs. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
11. If it has not already been activated, activate the fire alarm system by pulling on the bar marked "PULL" or following the directions as stated on the alarm station.
12. If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, go to an alternate exit.
13. If all exits on the floor are blocked, go back to your room, close the door, open the window as described, wave something out the window, and shout for help.
14. After evacuating the building, stand clear of it by crossing the street or evacuating to a SAFE ZONE. Allow the fire-fighting equipment to maneuver around the building as necessary.

C. Safety Standards

1. Fire doors in halls and stairwells must be kept closed at all times.
2. Do not take any chances with fire. Even a small one can get out of control within seconds. In case of a fire, the alarm should be activated, the building evacuated and Campus Security Department called.
3. If you are in a room where a fire starts, leave quickly. Close the door to confine the blaze to that one room as long as possible and do not lock the door.
4. Make a habit of keeping a towel and slip-on shoes near the door.
5. Always close and lock the door to your room when you go to bed. Many people have been killed in their sleep by rising heat and toxic gases even before they knew there was a fire.
6. If you wake up at night and smell smoke, do not open your door until you feel it with your hand. If it is hot, leave it closed. Use your campus or cell telephone to call for help or go to the window and call for help unless you can get through other rooms that do not lead into the corridor. DO NOT JUMP!
7. Know the location of all fire exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishes before you need to use them. Make it a practice to know the emergency exit or pathway from any room you are in and a habit of counting how many steps it would take to get from your room to a hall door if you were blinded by smoke.
8. Multiple outlet extension cords are not permitted. Do not string wires or extension cords under rugs, over hooks, or in any place where these may be subject to wear or mechanical damage. All electrical cords should be checked periodically for wear or damage. Use only authorized appliances and only those that are Underwriter Laboratories (UL) listed.

Fire Alarms
When a fire alarm sounds in a residence hall, all residents must evacuate the building(s) immediately and completely. Evacuation is expected each and every time the fire alarm sounds. Failure to evacuate the building promptly during a fire alarm will result in a $50.00 fine and possible disciplinary action. Please wait for Security to give the okay before reentering the building. In cases where it is determined that a false fire alarm has been perpetrated, each resident of that hall will be billed $25.00 each time the intentional false fire alarm is pulled if we are unable to identify the perpetrator(s).

RESIDENCE HALL PUBLIC AREA USAGE
Please obtain the guidelines for using a Residence Hall Public Area from the Residence Hall Director before planning any event.

PLAIN VIEW DOCTRINE
Hall staff members are obligated to report evidence of policy violations based on a "plain view" doctrine. This means that if hall staff discover any violations of University/Hall policies, State, and/or federal laws during the course of executing official routine business, the RD must be contacted immediately and a report filed. This includes the confiscation of illegal property (weapons, candles, drug paraphernalia, etc.) that may be used as evidence. For confiscation, hall staff must comply with the "Right to Inspect Room" policy. Evidence will be turned over to Campus Security for documentation until disposition of the incident. In some cases, police will be called.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in all common areas of residence halls. Students may not possess alcohol or alcohol containers or drink from open containers of alcohol in common areas of the residence halls. Alcohol consumption and possession is prohibited in any residence hall designated as "Substance Free." Students under the age of 21 may not possess or consume alcohol or alcohol containers anywhere on the University of Bridgeport campus. UNDER CONNECICUT LAW THE USE BY A MINOR OR ALCOHOL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IS ILLEGAL AND THE OWNER AND/OR OPERATOR OF THE LOCATION MAY BE HELD CRIMINALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES.

SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN RESIDENCE HALLS
Important residence hall policies and procedures are listed below. The University reserves the right to change these policies and procedures as conditions warrant.

Misuse of Fire Safety Equipment
If a fire alarm system is intentionally activated as a false alarm or a fire is set in a residence hall, violators will be subject to a severe disciplinary action, including arrest, expulsion and damage billing.  A person identified as responsible for the removal or misuse of fire extinguishers, standpipe hoses, valves, horns, emergency exit signs, glass coverings, etc., will be subject to severe disciplinary action, including arrest, expulsion and damage billing.

Persons having information relating to the setting of fires or false alarms are expected in all cases to notify a university staff member. Any person who knowingly withholds information from university staff that relates to setting fires or false alarms will be subject to disciplinary action and fine.

University Reward for identification of peron making False Fire Alarm
The University will credit $1,000.00 to the account of any student who gives information regarding anyone creating a false fire alarm, providing that information leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible. This may require testifying in a court of law.

University Reward for identification of person making Bomb Threat(s)
The University will award a full semester's tuition for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of any person or persons making bomb threats.

Residence Halls Smoking Policy
Smoking in all residence halls and cafeterias is against Connecticut State law. Students in violation of this policy and State law will be fined and face disciplinary action.

Solicitation Policy
Merchandise may be displayed in lobbies or presented to groups in lounges with permission from the Director of Residential Life. No door-to-door sales or canvassing is permitted by a student, club, or organization. Student or club sales and advertising must be cleared through the Resident Director. Non-students wishing to sell or advertise must be cleared through the Department of Residential Life. Residents may not use the residence halls to operate private enterprises.

Anyone found violating these policies may be escorted out of the building by residential life staff and/or Security. Outside violators may be banned from entering residence halls and University-owned facilities in the future, and/or arrested.

Surveys, Polls, etc.
All surveys, polls, etc., by any University staff, faculty, group or person must be approved by the Director of Residential Life before being used or distributed to residents. Surveys, polls, etc., will be evaluated for value, content, appropriateness, etc.

Safety and Security Policies in the Residence Halls or any other Building owned or leased by UB
The following actions are violations of the Student Conduct Code and are cause for disciplinary action and fines:

1. Water fights in the residence halls
2. Frisbee or ball-playing in the halls
3. Not following security policies as stated in this "Key to UB" or procedures
4. Propping doors
5. Throwing items off of roofs or out of windows 
6. Not maintaining healthy living conditions
7. Withholding information related to incidents that place residents' safety at risk
8. Falsely reporting an emergency or policy violation
9. Moving off campus improperly (one semester's housing cost)
10. Switching rooms without authorization
11. Failure to check out properly or return keys: $75.00 fine
12. Living in the residence hall illegally over vacation periods: whole rate of stay will be charged
13. Inappropriate housing of guests: $25.00 per extra night stay
14. No room may be occupied by 8 people at any one time
15. Furniture may NOT be removed from any residence hall room except by residence hall staff. Removal of furniture from the building will be considered theft of University property.
16. Misuse of University property: $50.00 fine
17. Not keeping kitchenettes, stoves, ovens, and/or microwaves clean. All kitchenettes and University-owned cooking appliances must be maintained and monitored by residents. Failure to maintain these may result in the area being shut down and the appliances being removed indefinitely
18. Affixing anything to a university housing structure with the intent of making it permanent without the express written consent of the Director  
19. Unauthorized painting or decorations
20. Littering inside, outside, or by throwing garbage out of windows  ($50.00 fine, removal from residence halls, and/or expulsion).
21. Fish are the only pets allowed in the residence halls, and only in fish tanks with a capacity of fewer than 10 gallons of water. Fish tanks must be shut off during vacation periods unless the resident has paid to live in residence: $100.00 fine for possessing other pets.
22. Ignoring Quiet Hours: Students are under a continuous obligation to maintain a quiet study atmosphere in the residence halls: $50.00 fine for repeated loud music violations to separation from housing
23. Public Area Policy violation
24. Continued violation of any residence hall or University policy
25. Violation of any other act as found elsewhere in this handbook
26. Failure to show student identification when requested by residential life, security personnel, and/or other university officials. 
27. Failure to obtain a replacement key ($60.00) 
28. Interference with operation of security monitors