Housing and residence life regulations

The purpose of Housing and Residence Life regulations is to outline expectations for students residing in University housing and residence halls. In addition to the student code of conduct, the following regulations apply to all students residing in Housing owned or controlled by the University.

Policy

In a shared living environment, a need exists to balance individuals' rights and the community's general order. The establishment of approved policies, standards of conduct, and behavioral expectations serve to maintain such a balance.  To create and manage an environment that supports reasonable and responsible behavior, the following Housing and Residence Life regulations have been established to protect the rights of all members of the University community. These regulations are published to provide students with general notice of accepted behavior. They should be interpreted broadly and are not designed to define conduct in exhaustive terms. Violations of Housing and Residence Life Policies and Standards of Conduct shall be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. They may result in termination of the University Housing Agreement and/or any sanction(s) described in the Student Code of Conduct’s Process and Procedures section.

Alcohol and Drugs

All students residing in Lynn University-owned or operated residence halls must comply with the University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and are expected to abide by all Florida State Laws and Statutes regarding possessing and consuming alcoholic beverages. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 is against the law.

If you are under the age of 21 and present in a residence facility, individual room, suite, apartment, or general vicinity where alcohol is being consumed, you may be considered to be consuming alcoholic beverages. 

If you are of age, you may responsibly possess and consume alcoholic beverages in your room or common apartment area/living room. You may not drink alcohol in hallways, courtyards, or other open community spaces, lounges, or lobby areas inside or outside buildings. Providing alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited.

If one roommate is of legal drinking age and another is not, each must observe the law as it pertains to them. The individual of legal drinking age must store their alcohol in a separate, private location on their side of the room or within their private residential room.

Possession of alcohol paraphernalia is strictly prohibited in all residence facilities. Paraphernalia is considered items possessed or used in conjunction with consumption, binge drinking, communal drinking, etc. This includes but is not limited to, communal/ large drinking containers (kegs, beer balls, etc.), beer funnels, beer bongs, and beer pong tables/equipment. In addition, displays of empty alcoholic beverage containers (including packaging) and items used for the consumption of alcohol (for example, shot glasses) are strictly prohibited in all residence facilities. Residence Life staff or Campus Safety may confiscate and dispose of the item or ask the resident to remove the items.

The illegal possession, use, or sale of or any attempt to obtain any illegal drug, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substance (including marijuana) is strictly prohibited in the residence hall facilities. If you choose to possess and/or use illegal controlled substances/paraphernalia, you may be subject to the full extent of law upholding, student conduct violations, and University Housing and Residence Life Agreement violations, including immediate housing agreement termination. 

Note that the State of Florida’s Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act does not change the university’s prohibition regarding the possession, use, provision of, or sale of cannabis or otherwise authorize individuals to use medical cannabis on campus. Drug paraphernalia is considered items possessed with or used in conjunction with controlled substances, which include but are not limited to the following: hookahs, whippets, water pipes, bongs, pipes, syringes, containers, clips, etc. 

Prescription drugs must be in the original pharmacy container from a licensed pharmacist with your legal name listed on the label. Your prescription drugs must be used only as directed by your doctor. Possession or use of marijuana, even if prescribed, is prohibited.

Students present in a residence hall room where controlled substances are used or sold may be considered to be possessing or using controlled substances and may be subject to housing agreement termination and conduct action.

Note that the State of Florida’s Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act does not change the university’s prohibition regarding the possession, use, provision of, or sale of cannabis or otherwise authorize individuals to use medical cannabis on campus. Federal law, including the Drug-Free Schools Act, continues to prohibit cannabis. Thus, cannabis possession or use, even if in compliance with the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, is prohibited on campus.

For more information regarding drug policies at Lynn University, please refer to the Community Polices of the Lynn University Policies and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act annual notification. 

Amplified Instruments/Musical Instruments

Students living on campus are entitled to an environment conducive to sleep and study and amplified, and all other musical instruments are not to be used or played in student rooms or public residential areas without prior approval.

Appliances

All appliances should be used carefully within the residence halls, supervised, and plugged in when not in use. Appliances equipped with auto shutoff and designed for minimal use (i.e., coffee makers, curling irons) are permitted. Unauthorized use of all cooking appliances and high-resistance heating elements including, but not limited to, air fryers, toasters, toaster ovens, Crock-Pots, electric skillets, rice steamers, woks, deep fryers, grills, and hot plates/pots is prohibited in all residential facilities.

Multiple items should not be plugged into one outlet unless used through a URL-approved power strip. Rewiring student rooms by non-university employees is not permitted, nor is the use of extension cords or plug adapters.

Refrigerators are permitted in students’ assigned rooms. The maximum size allowed for refrigerators is four cubic feet. Microwaves of 700 watts or less are permitted in students’ assigned rooms and must be used for reheating purposes only. Only one microwave is allowed in each room.

Barbecues and Grills

The University has provided grilling areas located within the residential community. Grilling may occur only at these designated areas. Any flammable materials (i.e., propane) used for grilling may not be stored in the residence hall rooms. Personal grills are prohibited on campus.

Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

A Room Condition Report is generated for each student and itemizes the condition of the room before the student’s arrival. Students are required to review and sign these forms to verify the condition of their living space. At the end of each contract period, each student must complete the following steps to check out of the building properly:

1. Sign up for a check-out time with the resident assistant (RA) on the floor and complete all check-out procedures at the time of appointment;
2. Restore the walls, ceilings, doors, and windows to their original state by removing posters, decals and other coverings;
3. All drawers must be emptied and cleaned;
4. All personal property and trash must be removed from the room and building;
5. University furniture must be reassembled. Beds should be returned to their upright positions, and
6. Windows should be locked, air conditioning should be turned on, and lights should be turned off.

Please complete these steps correctly at checkout to avoid a charge for improper checkout (see below). A cleaning charge may be applied should the room need excessive cleaning. Additionally, conduct action may be taken.

Late/Improper Checkout

Students must follow all University-established dates, deadlines, and standards regarding the check-out process. Residents who fail to check out on the established check-out date may be charged a fee, an additional improper check-out charge, and any other fees associated with the improper check-out. To avoid fee assessment, the Office of Housing and Residence Life must approve late check-out situations before the published check-out date.

Abandoned Property

Property left behind in a residence hall or university-operated space outside the contracted residency dates will be held for 14 days by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. After 14 days, any items that have not been claimed will be discarded. The student will have no recourse to recover discarded items after the allotted period.

Consolidation

During the year, vacant spaces may exist within the residence halls. The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to consolidate rooms by requiring residents without roommates to move into other rooms with vacancies, regardless of circumstances. All empty spaces must be available for immediate occupancy by new and transferring residents at all times. The Office of Housing and Residence Life will determine which residents need relocation. Failure to consolidate correctly may be considered noncompliance, resulting in disciplinary action.

Confiscated Items

Items confiscated from a student’s room for any reason will be held for 14 days. The students are responsible for retrieving these items from the Office of Housing and Residence Life and removing them from campus. If these items are not collected within 14 days after confiscation, the confiscated items will be discarded. The student will have no recourse to recover confiscated items after the allotted period. Illegal items shall not be returned.

Damages/Vandalism

Attempted or actual damage to property of the University, property of a member of the University community, or other personal or public property is unacceptable. Each student is responsible for the condition of their housing space and shall be billed for damages and/or loss of furnishings. Upon checkout, the room must be in the same condition as when it was first occupied. Should a common area within a residence hall be damaged, persons responsible will be billed for damages if they can be identified; otherwise, a standard fee may be assessed to all who reside within that specific building.

Posters and Hall decorations hung by residence life and housing staff are considered university property. Tampering with, vandalizing or removing posters or flyers is prohibited. 

Damage Charges and Billing

A Room Condition Report is generated for each student and itemizes the condition of the room before the student’s arrival. Every student is responsible for maintaining and leaving the facilities clean and free of damage. At the end of each semester, the residence life staff will assess each room according to the original Room Condition Report and determine if any damages have occurred. Any room damage charges will be billed to the student’s account.

Decorations

Students are encouraged to decorate their rooms in a way that will please them. Students can decorate their residences if they adhere to the following guidelines.

1. Any decoration that violates Florida Fire Codes is prohibited;
2. Student decorations are permitted to cover a maximum of 50% of each wall and door in any room. If any wall is decorated or covered more than 50%, the student(s) may be asked to remove the necessary amount of decorations to comply with fire safety regulations;
3. Alcohol bottles/cans may not be displayed;
4. Students are not permitted to paint or paper the walls, woodwork, or ceiling nor refinish any of the furniture;
5. Items may not be hung from the ceiling or sprinklers at any time or in any fashion;
6. Contact paper is not permitted on any surface;
7. Use or installation of wood paneling, wood structures and/or tile is prohibited;
8. Plastic tape around window or closet areas is not permitted; staples/nails on doors, walls, ceilings, closets, or any other surface are not permitted due to the damage caused upon removal;
9. Live or cut trees are not allowed in student rooms;
10. Smoke machines are not allowed, and

The use of tape, glue, paste, nails, tacks, chalk, markers, hooks, screws, and other fixtures on the walls, ceiling, furniture, doors, or glass that causes damage is prohibited. The use of blue painter’s tape is permitted.

Any exceptions to these policies must be submitted in writing to the Director of Housing and Residence Life or a designee and approved before any changes. When making any public display that can be seen from the exterior of room doors or windows, you may NOT have:

1. Any clothing, towels, shoes, etc., hanging out of windows;
2. Any signs, flyers, or messages that slander, threaten, intimidate, harass, or embarrass any member of the University community;
3. Any message that elevates one group above another;
4. Any message that stimulates violence, promotes sex, or any harassment or “hate” language or symbols;
5. Any message that promotes drugs or alcohol or use thereof;
6. Any business, highway, city, state, community, or University signs or property that has not been legally obtained or
7. Any commercially sold or personal business-related product advertisement or promotion.

The Office of Housing and Residence Life will review any resident or staff complaints due to offensive or questionable decorations. Appeals of decisions will be at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Residence Life or a designee.

Doors

All fire doors and exterior doors in all residence halls must remain closed. Door-propping can lead to problems with safety, pest control, and climate control.

Furniture

All rooms are furnished, and residents are responsible for all furnishings provided in their rooms. Furnishings may not be removed from assigned locations. Alterations and/or damage to furnishings will result in charges for replacements or restoration to original condition. Lynn furniture may not be placed outside the room. Waterbeds, pools, Jacuzzis, lofts, or homemade bunk beds are prohibited. The residence life staff reserves the right to have students remove personal furnishings from a room if those furnishings are believed to pose a safety risk, create roommate conflicts, impede movement within the room, or pose a fire hazard. Community/lounge furniture may not be removed or relocated. Personal furniture may be allowed if space permits and with roommate consent.

Gambling

Illegal gambling, as outlined in the University’s Gambling Policy (see Volume II of the Lynn University Policy Manual), is not allowed in the residence halls. Any student found in violation may be mandated to seek counseling and/or face disciplinary action.

Guests and Host Responsibilities

Residents are not permitted to assign or allow any assigned space to another person and/or guests. Residents assume full responsibility for their guests’ conduct and familiarity with University rules and policies. Guests are expected to observe all University rules and regulations. Residents are expected always to accompany their guests within the residential areas. Authorized or unauthorized guests not in compliance with University rules and/or policy may be removed from University property and issued a trespass warning.

Residence Hall Health and Safety Inspections

The Office of Housing and Residence Life will conduct periodic health and safety inspections in the residence halls. The inspections will include a check of areas such as: 

• Electrical, heating, and cooling appliances.
• Housekeeping, health hazards, and pest control.
• Other unauthorized hazardous or illegal items. 

Notification of all Health and Safety Inspections will be done at least 48 hours before the safety inspections start. Inspections will occur in the absence of residents only after multiple attempts to schedule a time have failed. Residence Life staff reserves the right to enter a space without a resident present for Health and Safety Inspections. Communication will be shared through eRezLife regarding whether the resident passed or failed the inspection.

Children

Students are not allowed to perform babysitting responsibilities in the residence halls or other buildings on campus, nor may minor children, including siblings, under the age of sixteen be admitted to the residence halls as “overnight guests.” Any student who babysits in the residence halls will be subject to disciplinary action.

Overnight Guests

The overnight guest policy is designed to balance the need for an environment conducive to study, sleep, and reasonable privacy in the residence halls and the desire to have residents host friends and family. The Office of Housing and Residence Life expects roommates to discuss the issues surrounding visitation not covered by the policy and to agree on guidelines regarding when guests will and will not be allowed in their room. The following guidelines apply to overnight guests:

1. Residential students are expected to register all guests via the Guest Registration form in the Housing and Residence Life portal, eRezLife.
2. Guests are expected to abide by the policies and procedures of Lynn University and the Office of Housing and Residence Life;
3. Hosts assume full responsibility for their guests’ conduct and familiarity with all Lynn University policies;
4. Guests must be escorted by their hosts at all times. Hosts must be with guests in their room;
5. Roommate(s) must give consent for overnight guests;
6. No overnight guest will be allowed to stay for more than three (3) consecutive nights;
7. A resident may not have overnight guests more than six (6) nights in any given calendar month;
8. No individual overnight guest may be hosted in University housing more than six (6) nights total in any calendar month; and
9. Except with prior approval from the Office of Housing and Residence Life, a resident may host up to two (2) overnight guests simultaneously.
10. No overnight guests are permitted in the University residence halls during times of emergency, including hurricanes and tropical storms.

Hall meetings are held periodically and are mandatory for all residents. Meetings are for explaining rules and procedures or addressing problems or concerns.

Pets and Animals

With the exception of service and emotional support animals approved by the Student Accessibility Services office, no pets or animals of any kind other than fish (maximum 10-gallon tank) are allowed in the residence halls or on the property immediately surrounding these facilities. The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to require immediate removal of the pet(s) and charge the resident(s) for all costs incurred in the removal of the pet(s). Any cost associated with possessing a pet, including damaged furniture, cleaning, pest control, etc., will be charged to the room.

See the University’s Pets and Demonstration Animals policy for additional information.

Prohibited Items

The following list of items prohibited on Lynn University property has been established to promote a safe environment for all community members. Possession or use of a prohibited item is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. A person found responsible for violating the prohibited items policy may face sanctions up to and including expulsion from the University. The University reserves the right to prohibit additional items without notice.

1. Antennas/Satellite Dishes: External antennas of any type are prohibited;
2. Appliances: Cooking appliances and high-resistance heating elements are prohibited. These include, but are not limited to, air-fryers, toasters, toaster ovens, Crock-Pots, electric skillets, rice steamers, woks, deep fryers, grills, hot plates/pots and coffee makers;
3. Beds/Lofts: Only University-issued beds/lofts are permitted. No other loft equipment, homemade bunk beds, and/or waterbeds are allowed;
4. Dartboards: Using and possessing metal and/or plastic tips or other sharp points is not permitted. Magnetic darts and dartboards are allowed;
5. Flammables and Fireworks: Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of fireworks or explosives on University premises is prohibited. This includes using or possessing any flammables, including, but not limited to, candles, incense, open flames, fragrance pots, lighter fluid, dangerous chemicals, propane, smoke bombs, torches, and gasoline canisters.
6. Halogen Lamps: The use or possession of halogen lamps in the residence halls is strictly prohibited;
7. Pools and Jacuzzis: Pools and Jacuzzis are prohibited within the residence halls and/or outside the residence halls;
8. Water Guns/Balloons/Buckets/Water Events: Water guns, toy guns, and any water activity within the residence halls and/or outside the residence halls are not permitted and
9. Weapons: Weapons, as defined in Volume II of the Lynn University Policy Manual, are prohibited on campus and in the residence halls and
10. Unauthorized routers and wireless access points.

Quiet and Courtesy Hours

Courtesy hours are in effect at all times in the residence halls. Students have the right to study or sleep in their room at any time without unreasonable interruption. Therefore, loud talking, music, or other disruptive activities in rooms, courtyards, lounges, stairwells, or lobby areas are discouraged. Stereos, radios, TVs, instruments/equipment, and other sound systems should never be played so loudly that they disturb others. Failure to comply or continued disturbances may result in the immediate removal of any above items from the residential community. Speakers may only be placed in windows or doorways with approval. Residents are responsible for turning down sound systems or discontinuing noisy activity if requested by another resident or staff member at any time.

Quiet Hours 

Sunday – Thursday: 10 p.m. – 10 a.m.

Friday – Saturday: 12 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Quiet hours are enforced at these times, regardless of holidays or semester breaks. Residents’ noise levels should not interfere with the residential community's academic pursuits.

Windows, Balconies, Hallways, Railings, Balconies, Roofs, and Stairwells

Sitting on, standing on, climbing, or hanging from a balcony window, railing, stairwell, or roof is prohibited. Objects may not be placed on windowsills or ledges. Clothing, bikes, banners, signs, plants, or other items may not be hung or placed outside of rooms, including on balconies, roofs, and/or windows.

Throwing or hanging objects from windows, hallways, stairwells, and balconies is hazardous and not allowed.

To assist with regulating the air conditioning units, students living in the residence halls must keep their windows closed. Objects may not be placed on windowsills or ledges. 

Residence Hall Postings

All posted materials and flyers must specify the date, time, place, and sponsor of the event/program. All materials must conform to the policies and procedures of the Office of Housing and Residence Life. The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to make exceptions to this policy at any time. Lynn University student organizations, departments, and offices requesting posting must bring materials to be posted to the Office of Housing and Residence Life in the Student Center. Each recognized student organization, office, and/or department is responsible for bringing the appropriate number of materials. Recognized student organizations must obtain approval for their poster from the Office of Housing and Residence Life and stamp it in the lower right-hand corner. University offices will not need to have their posters stamped.

Off-campus vendors, organizations, and/or individuals should only make materials available with prior approval from the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Flyers may only be placed under individual residence hall room doors if approved by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. If appropriate, any policy violations may be addressed by the Office of Housing and Residence Life or via the Conduct Review Process. Housing and Residence Life staff reserves the right to remove unapproved postings.

See the On-campus posting and marketing policy.

Residence Hall Schedule

Residence halls are closed during winter break. Students must vacate rooms within 24 hours after their last class. Opening and closing dates and times are published in the academic calendar (see Catalog). Students who have not prepaid their spring semester tuition and room and board fees (in full) are required to remove all belongings from their rooms over the winter break.

At the end of the academic year, except for students participating in commencement, all students are expected to vacate residence halls within 24 hours of completing their last class—residence halls officially close on the date and time published in the University academic calendar.

Summer housing may be available to students who have indicated a desire to remain on campus during this period and are continuing at the university in the subsequent Fall term.

Restricted Areas

For general safety and order, some areas in the residential community are restricted and not intended for student use. These include lakes, canals, roofs, overhangs, electrical and mechanical closets, air conditioning units, communications and network closets, maintenance break rooms, and storage rooms. Fishing is permitted from the shore of the lakes. The Office of Housing and Residence Life may designate additional areas as restricted. Trespassing in a restricted area violates the Student Code of Conduct.

Room Access

All rooms are accessed using a Lynn ID card or physical key. Each resident is required to have an access code assigned to their Lynn ID card. The access code is issued at check-in. Residents must immediately report a lost or stolen ID card to the Office of Housing and Residence Life or Campus Safety.

1. It is the responsibility of residents to ensure that guests do not receive a key to their room or access a resident's Lynn ID card for entry into the room or any facility within the building. The residents of the unit will be held accountable if such incidents occur.
2. Keys may not be duplicated. All keys are the property of Lynn University.
3. Locks may not be tampered with in any way that interferes with using keys or prevents locking/unlocking of doors.
4. Using a deadbolt in the lock position to keep the door propped open is prohibited.
5. Allowing an individual access into a housing facility through an unauthorized or locked entrance is prohibited.

Lockouts Procedures

Each resident is permitted one complimentary lockout, where a university representative will grant access to the student’s assigned room. After the initial lockout, a $25 charge will be assessed to the student’s account for each occurrence.

The University representative will only open a room for the assigned student in that space. During the service, a Lynn ID will be required to verify the student and confirm the room assignment. Students can contact the following areas, depending on the time of the lockout:

Sunday through Thursday, 12 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Campus Safety (561-237-7226)
Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.: Resident assistant on duty in residence hall

Friday and Saturday, 2 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Campus Safety (561-237-7226)Friday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.: Resident assistant on duty in a residence hall

Room Care

It is expected that all residents maintain reasonable standards of cleanliness in their rooms and that rooms will be kept clear of trash and waste. Resident-caused conditions that contribute to substandard health and safety of the residents and that require recurring maintenance attention may subject the student to conduct action. For your safety and the general good of the community, Housing and Residence Life Staff reserves the right to enter the room you are occupying at any time for any reason. 

Each resident is responsible for the University property and furnishings in the assigned space. Students ' alterations of the physical structure or property of the residence halls are only permitted with the written authorization of University Housing. This includes lofts or any other wooden structures. Lofts, even if freestanding, are not allowed. If constructed without permission, they will have to be immediately disassembled and discarded at the cost of the residents. 

The care of the individually assigned rooms in the halls shall be the responsibility of each occupant. Upon initial occupancy of an assigned space, each resident shall review and sign a room assessment form attesting to the condition of the room and its furnishings. When a resident checks out of a room, the room will be inspected for damage.

Damage done to an individual room will result in an assessment of the particular room occupant or all room occupants jointly and/ or separately. 

It is up to each student to decorate and maintain their room. In cooperation with their roommate, it is also the student's responsibility to keep the living environment clean and attractive. Specific standards of cleanliness need to be upheld to meet fire, safety, and health regulations. General cleanliness of the bathrooms and lounges is in the interests of all University community members and is the responsibility of all residents. Each room will be inspected regularly for health, safety, and security reasons.

Room Occupancy

Social gatherings, parties, and meetings in individual units are subject to all Municipal, State, and Federal Laws and University policies. The number of people in a unit (defined as the entire apartment or room) at any time, including residents of the unit, must be limited as follows: double the number of beds +1.

Unit Type  and maximum occupancy allowed

• 5 bed units:  11 people
• 4 bed units: 9 people
• 3 bed units: 7 people
• 2 bed units: 5 people
• 1 bed unit: 3 people

Sales, Solicitation, and Canvassing

Door-to-door solicitation, sales, and canvassing are not permitted in any area within the residential community. Door-to-door distribution of flyers or leaflets or placing these items on cars is prohibited. Students may not engage in any sales or business activities in their rooms or within any public area of the residential community.

Sports and Activities

To create a safe living environment, playing or participating in sporting activities in rooms, hallways, balconies, courtyards, lounges, and lobbies is prohibited. The use of athletic equipment in rooms is not permitted due to the disruption and damage it may cause. Bouncing or throwing athletic equipment at or off buildings is also prohibited.

Tobacco Use

Lynn University is dedicated to promoting a healthy and comfortable environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. To meet this commitment, all tobacco products are prohibited in all university facilities and on the grounds of any property owned or leased by Lynn University, except in designated official smoking areas. See the Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy.

Smoking—means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or other personal use of any lit or unlit tobacco or simulated tobacco product, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and/or vapes, cigars, electronic cigars, hookahs, pipe tobacco, and any other tobacco products or simulated tobacco products.

Tobacco Use—means the personal use of any tobacco or simulated tobacco product, whether intended to be lit or not, which includes, but is not limited to smoking, as defined above, the use of any other device designed to simulate smoking, as well as the use of smokeless tobacco, including snuff; chewing tobacco; smokeless pouches; any other form of loose-leaf, smokeless tobacco; and the use of unlit cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco.

For additional procudures, please see the Student Code of Conduct.

For more information on this policy, please contact Housing and Residence Life.