Residence Hall Policies
Policies Specific to the Residence Halls
In addition to policies and procedures established by K-State, ARH and hall councils, you are expected to abide by residence hall policies.
Being present where a violation of the residence hall policies or Student Code of Conduct is occurring will ordinarily constitute a violation of those policies/codes. If you are present and realize a violation is occurring, it is your responsibility to: 1.) Leave the room and/or area immediately; and 2.) Report violation(s) to hall staff immediately.
Violations of university or Housing and Dining Services policies may result in termination of a student’s housing contract.
Alcohol
Appliances
Bicycles
Candles/Open Heating Elements
Compliance
Damages
Decorations
Disruptive Behavior
Drill Rifles
Drugs
Elevators
Fire Safety and Fire Safety Equipment
Furniture
Gambling
Guests and Visitors
Identification Cards
Laundry Rooms
Pet Policy
Outdoor Activities Prohibited Indoors
Pranks
Presence During a Violation
Quiet Hours/Noise
Remodeling Guidelines
Room, Floor and Kitchen Responsibilities
Room Status Policy and Procedure
Tampering with University Property
Theft
Unauthorized Access
Voyeurism and Privacy
Windows
Your Safety and That of Others
Alcohol
In accordance with federal and state law, residents who are under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess or consume any alcoholic beverages in the residence halls or on university property. Consumption of any alcoholic beverages above 3.2 percent alcohol content is not permitted in the residence halls or on university property, unless otherwise approved and stated in university policy PPM 3053.020 .
Residents who are 21 years of age or older may consume or be in possession of up to 30 containers of alcoholic canned/bottled beverages that are 3.2 percent alcohol content or lower in the residence halls. A resident or guest under the age of 21 is not permitted by policy or law to consume alcohol in the residence halls. If a resident is over 21, and their roommate does not meet that qualification, the resident who is 21 may consume beverages with 3.2 percent alcohol content if they have the consent of their minor roommate and the door is closed when alcohol is consumed. If a resident over 21 years of age is consuming alcohol in their room, the only minors allowed in that room are the resident’s roommate(s); any other minors will be in violation of the alcohol policy and documented accordingly. Visitors to the hall who are over 21 years of age may drink beverages with 3.2 percent alcohol content as long as the hosting resident is over 21, is present at the time of consumption and has the consent of all other roommates.
Open containers are prohibited in all residence hall stairways, elevators, lobbies, front porches, general public areas, storm shelters and in residents’ rooms with the door open. Transport of unopened 3.2 percent alcohol containers by a person who is over 21 to a resident’s room, where that resident is also over 21, is permitted. Kegs are prohibited in the residence halls, Jardine Apartments and all Housing and Dining Services properties.
The use of alcohol does not circumvent your responsibility for the consequences of your behavior under the influence of alcohol and/or other prohibited substances. Any person 21 years or older is responsible for a minor if they knowingly supply them with alcoholic beverages and/ or other prohibited substances.
If a staff member encounters a violation of these policies, they will ask the residents to dispose of the beverages in an appropriate manner. Disposal efforts should be supervised and documented by staff members. All occupants of the room will be treated with equal standards, and will be documented and reviewed by professional staff members. In order to avoid continuous abuse of this policy, violations should be handled by the appropriate senior staff members.
Appliances
Appliances allowed in the residence halls are coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, hot pots and corn poppers. Air fryers are allowed in the residence hall and may only be used in the kitchen space of the building. Refrigerators must be 5.0 cubic feet or less. Microwaves must be 1200 watts or less. Microwaves are provided in Wefald Hall — residents should not bring their own. Appliances with an open or closed heating element are NOT allowed in the residence halls, except for coffee makers and flameless candle warmers.
Each residence hall has a kitchenette and limited pots, pans, utensils, etc. available for residents to use. Each kitchenette includes a refrigerator, stove, oven and sink.
Bicycles
All bicycles on university property must be registered with Parking Services and display a bicycle permit. Bicycle permits are available at no cost from Parking Services.
Bicycles must be parked in the bicycle racks provided. Bicycles that are parked on or locked to permanent fixtures (e.g., access ramps, light posts, trees, etc.) may be removed at any time by Housing and Dining Services and impounded at the owner’s expense.
You may store your bicycle in your residence hall room with the permission of your roommate(s). Bicycles may not be hung from pipes. The pipes will not support bikes and will break, causing major damage to the building. Bicycles cannot be ridden inside the dining centers or residence halls.
Abandoned and unregistered bicycles, including any bicycles that have been registered online but do not display a registration permit, will be periodically tagged and subsequently collected by Housing and Dining Services. Unclaimed bicycles will be donated to charity.
More information about campus bicycle regulations is available from Parking Services at 785-532-PARK (7275) or parking@k-state.edu . If you have questions about your tagged bicycle or would like to inquire whether your bicycle has been collected by Housing and Dining Services, you may contact the Pittman Residence Life office at 785-532-7659 or reslife@k-state.edu .
Candles/Open Heating Elements
Open flame devices are not permitted in the residence halls (e.g., candles, incense).
Air conditioners, space heaters, halogen lamps, or appliances with an open or closed heating element (except for coffee makers and flameless candle warmers) are not permitted in the residence halls. Slow cookers, 3 1/2 quarts or less, are allowed in the residence halls.
Compliance
As stated in the K-State Student Code of Conduct, ‟Failure to comply with directions of university faculty, staff, or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so" is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. You are expected to respond to reasonable requests of any Housing and Dining Services staff member acting in the performance of their duties, including presenting identification such as your K-State student ID or another form of identification upon request. You are also expected to comply with judicial process sanctions mandated to you by residence life staff or a judicial board as stated in Article VI of the Student Governing Association (SGA) Constitution.
Damages
If you accidentally or intentionally damage residence hall property, you are expected to make restitution for the cost of repair or replacement. You may not alter or make repairs to any university property.
Charges for room damages will be divided equally between the room residents, unless one of the residents accepts full responsibility or is found individually responsible.
The cost of damages to residence hall common areas is charged to the hall council's programming funds, unless a resident accepts responsibility or is found individually responsible. Hall council funds are used to support activities and special events for hall, floor and wing residents. Damages to public areas affect the entire residence hall community, as well as decrease the hall council's ability to sponsor and pay for additional activities.
Warning seals are placed on window screens to discourage residents from tampering with them. If seals are removed or broken, a charge is assessed to the residents of the room at the end of the school year or at the time of checkout from the room.
Decorations
Residents may use decorative holiday lights in common areas with the coordination and approval of the Community Coordinator or Assistant Community Coordinator. Decorative lights may be used within students' rooms but must not be attached to door frames, metal bed frames, windows, fire alarms, sprinkler heads or life safety equipment. All lights must be UL- listed. Light strings should have no more than 60 bulbs, and no more than three strands should be connected. The provided lighting should not be covered in paper, fabric or other materials. Additionally, no leaves should be brought in from outside due to fire hazards. No smoke-producing machines are allowed. Laundry detergent (or similar substances) should not be put on walls to create a glow-in-the-dark effect.
If you choose to decorate your room, we ask that you use flame-resistant or flame retardant materials. Do not cover more than 20 percent of the wall space or residential space door. Don't cover the door with combustible materials such as fabric, paper or wrapping paper. Do not obstruct emergency lights, sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, pull stations or exit signs. Cut trees are not permitted indoors on campus, but artificial trees are allowed. Use only 14-gauge or larger three-prong grounded cords with molded ends. ‟Zip" cords are not permitted on campus. Contact paper is not allowed to be used on walls, shelving, drawers, or any other surface. Do not run extension cords through doorways, under carpets or above acoustic ceiling tiles. Do not tandem-plug extension cords (connect one cord to another). UL-listed surge suppressors with over current protection are recommended to replace extension cords.
People must be able to freely access all areas of the apartment, room, hallways, walkways, porches, common spaces, etc. Structures should not impede access to these areas. Additionally, no items that obstruct the entrances or exits shall be used. Egress pathways must not be blocked.
Disruptive Behavior
You are expected to act in a manner that does not substantially disrupt the academic pursuits or infringe upon the privacy rights, privileges, health or safety of other persons.
Drill Rifles
Drill rifles and related material as issued by Kansas State University ROTC or precision military drill team are permitted in the residence halls and apartments upon notification of involvement with these programs to a Student Living staff member. The drill rifles must be properly stored in the student's assigned room at all times. These items may not be used to play with, shoot projectiles of any kind or intimidate others. Practicing with or usage of drill rifles and related materials may not take place on Housing and Dining Services property. Predetermined practice fields are provided to members of the precision military drill team by ROTC.
Drugs
It is a violation of the law, as well as university and residence hall policies, to possess, use or sell illegal drugs or other controlled substances. This includes prescription medication not prescribed to the individual possessing or using the medication.
We report all incidents of suspected possession, use and sale of illegal drugs to the police. Because the use of illegal drugs is also a violation of published university and residence hall policies, incidents may be referred for university disciplinary action. Violations of the drug policy may result in termination of a student's housing contract.
Elevators
Elevators are provided for the convenience of residents and to ensure that buildings are accessible for students with mobility impairments. As a matter of safety and courtesy to those living around you, elevators are to be used only as they were intended and in accordance with posted regulations.
Fire Safety and Fire Safety Equipment
Residents are encouraged to talk with roommates about fire safety practices and related behavioral issues. Depending on the circumstances, all residents of a room, suite or apartment can be held accountable for violations discovered within the room.
Tampering with fire safety equipment or falsely setting off a fire alarm is a violation of the law and published university and housing expectations. Smoke detectors are equipped with either a warning seal or electronic monitoring device. This is to discourage residents from tampering with them. If the smoke detector is tampered with or its seals are removed or broken, a charge will be assessed to the residents of the room.
All communities are equipped with one or more kitchens. Fire safety policies prohibit cooking on the stovetop in these kitchens with oils of any kind or cooking greases such as animal fats, butter, ghee, lard, margarine, tallow or vegetable shortening. Individuals found to be using these oils while cooking on the stovetop will lose kitchen privileges, and kitchens will be taken out of service if the issue persists.
Fire safety in on-campus housing is a very serious matter. Residents are expected to learn the fire safety policies and guidelines. In the event of a fire, it's important to know about nearby fire safety equipment. When the fire alarm sounds, occupants are expected to evacuate the building using the stairs — not the elevators — and to comply with staff instructions.
In accordance with direction from the fire marshal and housing facilities management staff, periodic fire drills will be conducted. The primary reason for conducting fire drills is to practice a response for a real fire situation, therefore specific dates and times will not be announced to residents. The drills will also provide an opportunity to educate residents about the procedures to follow in the event of other emergencies that require evacuation. When the fire alarm goes off in a building, residents are required to evacuate.
Furniture
Furniture may not be removed from individual rooms or common areas (lobbies, lounges, etc.). No furniture is permitted outdoors. Removal of furniture from public areas creates an inconvenience for other residents who utilize these areas and is reported as theft of state property. If furniture from lobbies is found in your room, you'll be required to move it back to the lobby and pay a minimum charge of $10.
The furniture in your room has been designated for your room only and is inventoried when you move in and again upon move out. You'll be held financially responsible for missing furniture. All furniture provided — including bed frames and mattresses — must remain in the room, but additional items may be added as space allows.
Gambling
Playing cards for money and other forms of gambling are illegal as defined by Kansas state law and are not permitted in the residence halls or elsewhere on campus.
Guests and Visitors
Failure to abide by this policy as outlined in the Residence Hall includes: A resident may host (a) guest(s) anytime during a 24-hour period. The host is responsible for the actions of their guest(s). All guests must be registered (checked-in and checked-out) 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the community assistant (CA) or the front desk of each building. Residents hosting guests are required to remind their guests to be in possession of a form of identification at all times while in the residence hall. The host is also required to escort their guests at all times. The host must have permission from their roommate(s) before a guest(s) is permitted in the room. The rights of a resident take priority over those of a guest(s). A guest(s) of the same gender as the host may stay overnight for up to three consecutive nights provided the occupancy of the room does not exceed the number of beds/spaces in the room. A guest(s) not the same gender as the host may visit but may not stay overnight. It is the responsibility of a resident to notify staff of any policy violation.
Any violation(s) of the guest policy may be documented and may result in suspension of a resident’s guest privileges.
Identification Cards
Misuse of an ID card includes loaning, falsifying or altering it in any way, or any unauthorized use of the card. Misuse can result in disciplinary action or prosecution, as well as a misuse fee by the department as dictated by the K-State ID misuse policy.
Laundry Rooms
Laundry facilities are exclusively for resident use. Laundry facilities may not be used by non-residents of the building.
Outdoor Activities Prohibited Indoors
Outdoor activities are not allowed in the halls. This includes, but is not limited to, bouncing balls, throwing Frisbees and balls, and using Nerf guns or other Nerf products.
Scooters, skateboards, rollerblades/skates, bikes or any other personal transportation device may not be used inside the residence halls and dining centers except devices for individuals with disabilities. When outside the residence halls and dining centers, scooters, skateboards, bikes and other personal transportation devices should be used as per university policies. No outside water activities are allowed in the halls. This includes, but is not limited to, swimming/wading pools, water guns, water balloons, water slides, etc. In addition, these activities are not allowed on porches as such activities may result in damage to property and constitute vandalism. If you participate in any of these activities and damage occurs, you will be charged for repairs. If you have questions, contact the CC or ACC of your hall.
Pranks
Pranks are not allowed on Housing and Dining Services property.
Presence During a Violation
Failure to abide by the policies outlined in the residence hall and Jardine Apartments handbooks includes being present during but not reporting a violation of Housing and Dining Services or Kansas State University policy.
Quiet Hours/Noise
Noise that substantially disrupts others is prohibited inside the residence halls and the areas surrounding them. Courtesy and consideration for others is expected at all times. If noise is bothering one member of the community, it's too loud. The following guidelines are in place to help maintain a reasonable level of noise in the residence halls:
Quiet hours (times requiring the absence of loud noise or distraction) are in effect Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from midnight to 10 a.m. At other times, you are expected to exercise good judgment with respect to noise. Do not make or cause noise that infringes upon the rights and needs of others to sleep and study. Quiet hours may be adjusted in a community by means of a vote through the hall council and staff. The hours may be adjusted up to one hour before or after the start and end times of the quiet hours.
Final exam quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day from 11:59 p.m. on the Saturday immediately before finals to the end of the last final of the semester. Hall councils have the opportunity to select up to two hours per day during finals week for slightly relaxed quiet hours.
Enforcement of quiet hours is the responsibility of everyone in the hall, not just hall staff. If noise bothers you, please respectfully ask the person(s) involved to decrease the noise level. If they refuse, or if you have to speak to them again, you may ask hall staff to contact the person. Conversely, if someone asks you to decrease your noise level, it's expected that you do so immediately.
Remodeling Guidelines
Rooms may be individualized, but modifications must comply with safety and fire codes and not damage any room surface or furniture. All furniture provided, including bed frames, bed ends and mattresses, must remain in the room. Housing and Dining Services and Kansas State University are not responsible for injury to the student, their family or guests which might result from use of the halls and/or dining centers.
Bringing your own loft is not permitted, as all halls provide loftable beds. The provided lofts can be set up in multiple ways, but they must be set up within the guidelines set by Housing and Dining Services. Safety bars must be in place if the bed is lofted. The lofts provided may not be altered. Examples of the bed frames in each hall are available on the Housing and Dining Services website.
Construction is not allowed in a resident's room. Elevated floors or other platforms are not allowed. Nothing can restrict the room exit, and a 36-inch minimum passageway to the door must be maintained. Nothing can be placed within 36 inches of the front of the heating/AC unit, sprinkler head or smoke detector.
Modifications to the electrical, lighting, mechanical systems and plumbing fixtures are not allowed. Posting is allowed in a resident's room, but removable tape that does not mar walls, woodwork and ceilings must be used. Only push pins may be used on sheetrock walls. Any type of tape that pulls the paint or paper off may result in a damage charge. Residents may not use the following materials (please note that this is not an all-inclusive list): nails, screws, duct/cellophane tape, double-stick pads and poster putty. These materials cause damage and may result in repair costs to the resident. Damages to a room or its contents not recorded on the room condition card given to a student at check-in will be charged to the student and/or roommate(s).
Room, Floor, and Kitchen Responsibilities
Each resident is responsible for the proper care and cleaning of their individual room and suite bathroom or detached bathroom, including the guidelines for break and holiday periods and checkouts. Individual residents will pay for any charges assessed for damages to their rooms, as determined by the staff member completing the final inspection of the space and as approved by the ACC and CC.
Personal trash must be disposed of in the appropriate receptacles (i.e. trash and recycling rooms), and may not be left or disposed of in common areas (e.g. hallways, bathrooms, lounges, stairways). With reasonable notice, Housing and Dining Services staff may dispose of abandoned property in kitchens or bathrooms. Each resident is responsible for properly disposing of garbage and boxes, including taking cardboard boxes to the proper outdoor receptacle. All residents using the community kitchens are responsible for cleaning the stoves, ovens, sinks, counters and microwaves, and for removing all trash from the kitchen after use. For policies regarding cooking with oils, please refer to the Fire Safety and Fire Safety Equipment section of this handbook.
Appropriate conduct is expected of you and your guests when using common areas. Sleeping is prohibited in lobbies and recreational areas. Organizations or groups outside Housing and Dining Services may not use lobbies or other common areas of the residence halls unless part of an
Room Status Policy and Procedure
If the room you are occupying has an unoccupied space(s) in it at any point of the academic year, the space must be ready for a new occupant to move in at any time. We anticipate room/hall transfer requests throughout the year and a student’s contract is only for one space in the room (unless approved otherwise).
The only instance where a student could occupy multiple beds (and furniture items) in a room would be if the space(s) are paid for through the suite roommate buyout or double-as-single fee. If a resident is interested in buying out a space(s) in their current room, they must contact housing and dining staff to inquire if their room is eligible.
If there is an unoccupied space(s) in your room, a room status check may occur at least, but not limited to, once per month of the occupancy period. This room status check will be completed by housing and dining staff; you will be notified prior to the status check. During the room check, staff will be looking for any maintenance problems and whether the unoccupied space in the room is ready for a new occupant within 24 hours' notice.
After a status check, if the space(s) is/are not ready for a new resident, the issue will be referred to the student conduct process.
Tampering with University Property
Tampering with/or manipulating university property is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, thermostats, air vents, electronic devices (i.e. TVs, computers, printers), furniture, kitchen appliances, mailboxes, plumbing fixtures, doors/locks, keys, electrical outlets, etc.
Tampering with and/or maliciously damaging laundry appliances or facilities is a violation of the law, university regulations and residence hall expectations. It may result in criminal prosecution and/or university disciplinary action.
Theft
Attempted or actual theft of or damage to property is prohibited as stated in the Student Code of Conduct. If this occurs, please report it to the K-State Police Department and a Housing and Dining Services staff member.
Unauthorized Access
You are prohibited from entering restricted access areas such as behind front desks, roofs of residence halls/dining centers, and mechanical or custodial rooms other than those specifically provided for resident use. You may not use another student's keys or student ID to enter a residence hall or residence hall room/apartment, or use another student's ID to enter a dining center or pay for retail location food.
Voyeurism and Privacy
At Kansas State University Housing and Dining Services, a reasonable expectation of privacy exists in most areas, including but not limited to student rooms, suites, apartments, bathrooms (including showers) and changing areas. Video voyeurism (including photo voyeurism) is prohibited at Kansas State University Housing and Dining Services. Video voyeurism is defined in part as an act that — for an individual's own amusement, entertainment, sexual arousal, gratification or profit, or for the purpose of degrading or abusing another person — intentionally uses or installs an imaging device to secretly view, broadcast or record a person — without that person's knowledge and consent — who is dressing, undressing or privately exposing the body at a place and time when that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. University privacy and voyeurism policies can be further explained in policy PPM 3010 , and in the State of Kansas 2018 Statute, Article 61: Crimes Involving Violations of Personal Rights .
Windows
Residents are prohibited from hanging, posting, painting, or otherwise displaying any items in their windows, including but not limited to decorations, signs, banners, flags, or displays in or on the window(s) of their assigned residential space(s).
Your Safety and That of Others
Students are not permitted to engage in any activity that could endanger the safety or security of themselves or others. This includes activities such as propping open doors or climbing trees, structures, roofs, buildings, window ledges, balconies, etc.