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.

In shared living environment, there exists a need for balance between the rights of individuals and the general order of the community. The establishment of approved policies, standards of conduct and behavioral expectations serve to maintain such a balance. With an eye toward creating and managing 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 and 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 residence halls are required to comply with the University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Policy.

Amplified Instruments/Musical Instruments

Students living on campus are entitled to an environment conducive to sleep and study. 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 with care within the residence halls and should not be left unattended or plugged in when not in use. Appliances equipped with auto-shut off and designed for minimal duration 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, 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 through the usage of a URL-approved power strip. Rewiring of 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 4 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 permitted 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 prior to 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 in order to properly check out of the building:

1. Sign up for a check-out time with the resident assistant (RA) on the floor and complete all check-out procedures at 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 turned on and lights turned off.

Failure to complete these steps properly at checkout will result in a charge for improper checkout (see below). A minimum cleaning charge will be assessed 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 in regard to the check-out process. Residents who fail to check out on the established check-out date may be assessed a fee plus an additional improper check-out charge and any other fees associated with the improper checkout. To avoid assessment of a fee, late check-out situations must be approved by the Office of Housing and Residence Life prior to the published check-out date.

Abandoned Property

Property left behind in a residence hall or University operated space outside of the contracted dates of residency will be held for 14 days by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. After the 14-day period, any items that have not been claimed will be discarded. The student will have no recourse to recover discarded items after the allotted time 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, regardless of circumstances, to move into other rooms with vacancies. 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 properly may be considered noncompliance, which may result in disciplinary action.

Confiscated Items

Items confiscated from a student’s room for any reason will be held for 14 days. It is the student’s responsibility to retrieve these items from the Office of Housing and Residence Life. 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 time period. Items that are illegal 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 not acceptable. Each student is responsible for the condition of his/her 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 common fee may be assessed to all whom reside within that specific building.

Damage Charges and Billing

A Room Condition Report is generated for each student and itemizes the condition of the room prior to the student’s arrival. It is the responsibility of every student to maintain and leave 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 in the room. 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 be pleasing to them. Students are welcome to decorate their residence as long as 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) will 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 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 prior to 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 which 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 not permitted. 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 the use of 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 to accompany their guests within the residential areas at all times. Authorized or unauthorized guests not in compliance with University rules and/or policy may be removed from University property and issued a trespass warning.

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. Guests are expected to abide by the policies and procedures of Lynn University and the Office of Housing and Residence Life;
2. Hosts assume full responsibility for their guests’ conduct and familiarity with all Lynn University policies;
3. Guests must be escorted by their hosts at all times. Hosts must be with guests in their room;
4. Roommate(s) must give consent for overnight guests;
5. No overnight guest will be allowed to stay for more than three (3) consecutive nights;
6. A resident may not have overnight guests more than six (6) nights in any given calendar month;
7. No individual overnight guest may be hosted in University housing more than six (6) nights total in any calendar month; and
8. Except with prior approval from the Office of Housing and Residence Life, a resident may not host more than two (2) overnight guests at one time. 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 the explanation of rules and procedures or to address problems or concerns.

Pets and Animals

With the exception of service and support animals, fish are the only pets and animals permitted within the University residence halls. No other pets are permitted in any residence hall. All residents in the room must consent to maintaining a fish tank in their assigned room and are held equally responsible for violations of the pet policy, regardless of pet ownership. 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 removal of the pet(s). Any cost associated with the possession of a pet, including damaged furniture, cleaning, pest control, etc., will be charged to the room.

See the University’s Pets, Service, and Support Animals Policy for additional information.

Prohibited Items

The following list of items prohibited on Lynn University property has been established to promote an environment that is safe to 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, 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: Use and possession of metal and/or plastic tip or other sharp point are not permitted. Magnetic darts and dartboards are permitted;
5. Flammables and Fireworks: Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of fireworks or explosives on University premises is prohibited. This includes the use or possession of 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 type of 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 and therefore loud talking, music or other disruptive activities in rooms, courtyards, lounges, stairwells or lobby areas is 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 of the above items from the residential community. Speakers may not be placed in windows or doorways without approval. Residents are responsible for turning down sound systems or discontinuing noisy activity if requested to do so 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. During examination periods, 24-hour quiet hours will be enforced. At no time should residents’ noise level interfere with the academic pursuit in the residential community.

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. 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, or placing objects on the ledge outside the window is hazardous and infringes on the rights of others.

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. It is the responsibility of each recognized student organization, office, and/or department to bring the appropriate number of materials. Recognized student organizations will need to obtain approval of their poster from the Office of Housing and Residence Life and have their poster stamped in the lower right-hand corner. University offices will not need to have their posters stamped.

Off-campus vendors, organizations, and/or individuals should not make materials available without prior approval from the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Flyers may not be placed under individual residence hall room doors. Stuffing materials under residence room doors is prohibited unless approved by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Any violations of this policy may be addressed by the Office of Housing and Residence Life or via the Conduct Review Process, if appropriate. Housing and Residence Life staff reserves the right to remove unapproved postings.

Residence Hall Schedule

Residence halls are closed during winter break. Each semester, students must vacate rooms within 24 hours after their last exam. 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.
With the exception of students participating in commencement, all students are expected to vacate residence halls within 24 hours of completing their last exam. Residence halls officially close at on the date and time published in the University academic calendar.
Restricted Areas

For the 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 rooms 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 is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Room Access

All rooms are accessed using a Lynn ID card. Each resident is required to have an access code assigned to their Lynn ID card. The access code is issued at check-in. Residents are obligated to report a lost or stolen ID card immediately to the Office of Housing and Residence Life or the Department of Campus Safety. A temporary access card or code will be issued to gain access to the resident’s room in accordance with the Lockout procedures set forth below.

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 to that space. A LynnID will be required at the time of the service as to verify the room assignment. Students can contact the following areas, depending on the time of the lockout:

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

Friday and Saturday, 2 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Campus Safety (561-237-7226)

Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.: Resident assistant on duty in residence hall

Room Care

It is up to each student to decorate and maintain his/her room. It is also the student’s responsibility, in cooperation with his/her roommate, to keep the living environment clean and attractive. Certain 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 members of the University community and is the responsibility of all residents. For health, safety and security reasons, each room will be inspected regularly.

Room Occupancy

Residential students are not permitted to have more than eight people in their rooms at any one time (including the resident(s) of that assigned room).

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 the placement of these items on cars is prohibited. Students may not engage in any sales or business activities in their room or within any public area of the residential community.

Sports and Activities

In order to create a safe living environment, the playing or participating in sporting events or activities in rooms, hallways, balconies, courtyards, lounges and lobbies is prohibited. The use of athletic equipment in rooms is prohibited 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, smoking and tobacco use are prohibited on campus. 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, 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 intended 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.