Housing & Residence Education
SW 13th Street & Museum Road
PO Box 112100
Gainesville, FL 32611-2100
Phone: (352) 392-2161
Welcome to the Department of Housing and Residence Education at the University of Florida. We hope that the coming year in your new home will be exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Housing staff members strive to provide a supportive living environment that encourages students to succeed in the classroom and grow as individuals.
You have voluntarily agreed to live in and become part of the residential community. By signing a Housing Contract, you have acknowledged and agree to follow the standards of the community. The Housing Community Standards contained herein are considered a part of the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct (6C1-4.016).
Note: These Community Standards were previously called "Rules & Regulations."
These policies have been established in the best interest of the residence community at large in accordance with other University regulations, local, state, and federal laws, and input from previous residents.
This web page is designed to give an overview of the University of Florida Department of Housing and Residence Education Community Standards and help prepare you for the coming year.
For more information contact the Coordinator of Residential Judicial Programs at (352) 392-2171 x10141.
For more information, visit the Dean of Students Office Judicial Affairs web page: www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/
Read about your Rights and Responsibilities
Read the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct
- University Policy, State & Federal Law
- Services for Students with Disabilities
- Annual Review of Housing Community Standards
Quick Links
Single Student Housing
Each resident is responsible for keeping noise levels to a minimum at all times inside the residence halls and on adjacent property outside the residence halls. Certain specialized floors may further restrict noise levels. Noise levels should be low enough so as not to disturb others. Concurrent with this policy.
Courtesy Hours
Courtesy hours are in effect at all times. Noise originating anywhere on one floor/section/house should not be audible within another floor/section/house, within the building or outside. During courtesy hours a resident may ask another resident to reduce the noise. Compliance is necessary to maintain community standards and to ensure an environment for academic success.
Quiet Hours
During the established quiet hours, noise (including, but not limited to music, voices, laughter) coming from a student’s room, lounge or bathroom must not be audible within the rooms of other students or within another floor/section/house or building. Students must also keep noise in the hallways to a minimum. Department of Housing and Residence Education staff will confront violations with or without a complaint from another student.
Each residence hall floor/section/house will adhere to the following quiet hours:
Sunday through Thursday 10:00pm-8:00am
Friday and Saturday 11:59pm-10:00am
The Noise Policy will be amended to 24-hour quiet hours on the last day of classes through the final exam period. The specific dates will be posted within the residence areas, depending on the academic term.
A. No person may possess open containers or consume alcoholic beverages outside the residence halls or in public areas inside the residence halls. Persons 21 years of age or older may consume alcoholic beverages in the following places only: in their own room, in a room with an assigned occupant also 21 years of age or older, or in floor lounges.
B. Devices designed for the rapid consumption of alcohol (e.g., beer bongs or funnels) are prohibited and subject to confiscation. Kegs, beer balls, and other common source containers are prohibited.
C. Rooms in which only persons under 21 years of age live are considered "dry" rooms. Alcohol is prohibited in all dry rooms.
D. No person under 21 years of age may possess alcohol beverage containers in their room (including decorative collections).
A. Inhaling or ingesting substances (e.g., nitrous oxide, glue, paint, etc.) that will alter a student's mental state is prohibited.
B. Possession of drug related paraphernalia, including but not limited to bongs, pipes, and hookahs is prohibited in and around the adjacent property of the residence halls and such items are subject to confiscation.
In compliance with state law, smoking tobacco products or any other substance is prohibited in or within 50 feet of all residence hall facilities, including stairwell towers, balconies, landings, and entryways and near windows.
A. Students and their guests must comply with a University official’s request when such official is working within the performance of his or her duties. University officials include any Housing and Residence Education staff members, regardless of job title.
B. Students are required to schedule and/or maintain appointments with staff members when asked to do so in conjunction with the staff member’s duties.
C. Students and their guests must present proper identification when requested to do so by identified Housing and Residence Education staff.
A. Residents may not prop open or allow to be propped open any floor/section exit door. Residents may not allow people who are not their guests into the building or onto the floor/house/section in which they live. Persons are not permitted to be in a location inside the residence halls without being a resident of that location or being escorted by a resident of that location. No person will be permitted to enter a resident's room without the expressed consent of the residents who live in that room. The last part of this section does not prohibit staff members from entering rooms in conjunction with the performance of their duties as covered in the Residence Hall Contract.
B. Residents may not borrow keys from each other or loan keys to anyone. Residents must return keys immediately upon check out or reassignment and must report any lost or stolen keys. Loan keys must be returned to the Area Desk within 30 minutes.
Tampering with or damaging lock mechanisms is prohibited. Additional locks may not be added to doors or other University property or equipment.
P.08. Destroying, Damaging or Tampering with Property
Damage to University premises or property of any other person is prohibited. Persons may be assessed restitution for damages to University property.
Note: Publicity items created by staff members including, but not limited to bulletin boards, materials on bulletin boards, and signage are included in this category.
P.09. Windows & Window Screens
A. Tampering with, opening, or removing screens is prohibited. Residents will be billed if Housing and Residence Education staff must replace the screens. Windows are to be closed and locked at all times in Beaty Towers.
B. Residents may not climb through windows. Throwing, pouring, or dropping anything (including keys) from windows, balconies, ledges, or landings is strictly prohibited.
C. Persons are not permitted at anytime to be on roof, ledge or balcony areas. This does not include the Yulee area floor lounge balconies or the Jennings Hall lobby balcony. For the purpose of this Community Standard, "ledge areas" include the exterior sides of any buidling. Therefore, climbing on any exterior building wall or similar structure is not permitted.
Persons are not permitted to ride any elevator designated as FREIGHT ONLY. Permission from appropriate hall staff must be obtained for special circumstances. Any permission granted is for those people specifically approved by appropriate hall staff. Persons may not tamper with or ride on top of any elevator at any time. Ringing the elevator bell in non-emergency situations is prohibited.
P.11. Visitation and Room Guests
A. Residents and their guests are required to conform to the visitation hours established on the floor, section, house or area in which they live in or are visiting.
B. Residents are responsible for and can be held accountable for the behavior of their guests. Residents must inform their guests of Housing and Residence Education and University policies. Residents must escort their guest(s) at all times. Residents of a room may be held responsible for the behavior that takes place inside the room whether or not the residents are present.
C. Only guests of the same gender are permitted to sleep in the residence hall rooms. Co-habitation is prohibited; only the residents assigned to a room may live there. Roommate approval is required for any guest. Appropriate hall staff approval is required for guests of the same gender planning to stay longer than three days; guests of the same gender may be approved to stay up to seven consecutive days.
D. Each assigned resident is permitted to have no more than two guests visiting in their room or apartment at any one time.
E. Residents and/or guests may only use residence hall bathrooms designated for use by their respective gender.
Residents may not change room assignments without receiving official authorization from their Area Office.
P.13. Room Floor/Section and Kitchen Responsibility
Each resident is responsible for the proper care of his/her room, section, and kitchen including the guidelines for break/holiday periods and check out.
All residents using the kitchen are responsible for cleaning the stoves and ovens. Individual residents will pay for any charges assessed for damages in their rooms. All residents are responsible for floor/section/house damages (including but not limited to microwaves, televisions, exit signs, etc.) and will equally pay for charges assessed to the floor/section/house as appropriate.
Respect for fellow residents and Housing and Residence Education (HRE) staff is shown by properly disposing of garbage and boxes and by not creating unnecessary messes in hallways, individual student rooms, lounges, kitchens and bathrooms. Personal trash may not be left or disposed of in public areas. With reasonable notice, HRE staff may dispose of abandoned items of minimal value in kitchens or bathrooms.
A. All furniture assigned to student rooms and apartments must remain in the room, and therefore, no furniture is to be removed by students from rooms.
No furniture is to be removed from floor lounges or other public areas. Residents may be billed for leaving furniture in hallways.
B. Bed ends may not be inverted. Bedspring brackets may not be removed from any bed end. Beds may not be elevated from the floor by cinder blocks or any means other than bunk bed units provided by maintenance or Housing and Residence Education approved lofts. Bed ends (with the brackets attached) may be removed from the bed frame, provided the student stores the bed ends in his/her room.
Lofts and waterbeds are prohibited in the residence halls.
A. Residents must use the Pet Policy Agreement form, and obtain prior written approval of roommates and residence hall staff in order to keep the following pets within the residence halls:
fish, guinea pigs, gerbils, dwarf rabbits, lizards (no iguanas) that are maximum length of 6 inches using the snout to vent method, salamanders (certified non-poisonous), geckos, chinchillas and non-predatory domesticated birds not to exceed one-half pound.
No other type of animal (regardless of similarity to those listed above) is permitted.
B. Residents are responsible for the proper care and cleanliness of their pet. Approved pets must be kept in a cage at all times. All pets will be kept in standard cages made of metal, plastic, or glass, not to exceed 3 ft. in length, 2 ft. in width, 2 ft. in height.
C. No resident is permitted to have more than two birds, mammals, or reptiles. Abuse of animals is prohibited. All unapproved pets or animals are prohibited regardless of length of stay or visit.
D. During holiday breaks and intersession periods, all pets must be taken with the student. Housing staff requires all students not staying for intersession to unplug all items in their room. Housing and Residence Education is not responsible for any pet that is left within a room.
E. Pets are to remain in the room/apartment at all times.
F. The feedings of stray or wild animals is strictly prohibited.
G. Cats and dogs are not permitted in any residence hall facilities. This policy also includes the pets of friends and relatives who visit or who request to leave pets in your care.
APPROVED Pets in the Facilities
| fish | guinea pigs | lizards* |
| hamsters | gerbils | birds** |
| geckos | frogs*** | salamanders*** |
| dwarf rabbits | chinchillas | |
* max. length 6 inches using snout to vent method ** non-predatory, domesticated, not to exceed one-half pound *** certified non-poisonous |
||
Animals are usually rejected for inclusion on the list because of one or more of the following reasons listed below:
- It would not be humane to keep the animal within a cage of the specified restrictions and/or the animal needs more exercise than being in the cage would provide.
- The animal is not a domesticated animal.
- The animal is very adept at escaping from cages.
- The animal is more often than not, frightening to people.
- There are public health concerns related to the animal.
- Other input from the Vet School or various animal experts that indicate that the animal would not be a good choice for captivity in a residence hall environment.
NOTE: Over the years, abandoned pets are found around the residence halls, especially at the end of the semesters. If you can no longer care for a pet, please find it another owner or contact one of the local animal organizations.
Pest control services are periodically performed by appropriate hall staff for insect control purposes. Residents must allow appropriate hall staff to enter rooms for pest control inspection and control purposes unless a prior medical exception has been filed at the area office. It is the responsibility of pet owners to assure the welfare of their animals during pest control services. Information about pest control services is available by contacting the main Housing and Residence Education office.
P.18. Room and Public Area Decorating Policy
Residents are encouraged to personalize their rooms and decorate public areas within established guidelines and policies. Residents should seek the advice of staff members before beginning to personalize their rooms. The use of contact paper and stickers is prohibited in all rooms and public areas. No alcohol signs, cans, bottles, neon signs, posters, aluminum foil, or other materials may be displayed in or attached to room windows. Additionally, residents are reminded about the following:
- External doors, door frames, and hallways may not be decorated. Only one door nametag and message board is permitted per resident. Any pre-approved program publicity sponsored by Housing and Residence Education staff is also allowed.
- The use of metal-tipped darts is not permitted in the residence halls.
- Hanging items with nails, tacks, or adhesive-backed wall covering is prohibited in all rooms and public areas.
- Students are prohibitted from painting residence hall rooms and/or common areas.
A. EVACUATION – Immediate evacuation when an alarm sounds, and/or emergency flashing lights have been activated and/or when instructed to do so by appropriate hall staff is mandatory. Re-entry into a building before receiving confirmation from appropriate hall staff, UFPD, the fire department, or other emergency personnel is prohibited. Re-entry is not permitted while the alarm is sounding. For safety reasons, using an elevator to evacuate a building is not permitted.
B. COOKING – Persons should not leave their food items unattended on the stove or in the oven at any time. Persons are responsible for the proper use of approved cooking appliances and attention to food items while using the appliances.
C. COOKING APPLIANCES – Persons are allowed to use the following items in their room or kitchen areas: electric fondue pots, airstream ovens, electric crock pots, coffee pots, hotdog cookers, frying pans, drip coffee makers, toasters (not toaster ovens), breadmakers and popcorn poppers. These items are permitted so long as they are single units with sealed heating elements. Convenience items such as blenders, mixers, can openers and juicers are also permitted. The following items are permitted, but may be used only in kitchen areas: toaster ovens, electric hamburger cookers, waffle irons, ceramic sealed hot plates, hot plates with exposed coils, deep fryers, and counter-top electric grills without flames (e.g. “George Foreman TM ” grills).
D. MICROWAVE OVENS – Microwaves will be permitted in resident rooms provided the following guidelines are met: a) a maximum of two microwave ovens are permitted in a student room if each individual unit is .75 cubic feet or less; b) microwave ovens must be UL approved; c) each unit and/or units combined must not exceed 1500 watts (only one microwave is permitted if the unit(s) exceed .75 cubic feet and/or 1500 watts).
E. CANDLES AND INCENSE – Possession or use of all candles and incense for any purpose is prohibited in the residence halls.
F. EXTENSION CORDS/MULTI-PLUG ADAPTORS - For the protection of the residential community, residents are permitted to use extension cords with the following restrictions:
- 1. Only UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified three-prong grounded extension cords that are 14 gauge or heavier are permitted to be possessed and/or used inside the residence halls.
- 2. The extension cord is equipped to plug in one item only. An extension cord meets all other requirements, and is designed for more than one item to be plugged into it, it is not allowed because this type of extension cord is considered a multi-plug device without a circuit breaker.
NOTE: The lower the gauge number, the heavier/thicker the cord is. Cords cannot exceed 10 feet in length. Only one appliance/item may be plugged into an extension cord; only one extension cord may be used per double outlet - 3. Only UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified multi-plug adapters with circuit breakers are permitted to be possessed and/or used inside the residence halls.
- 4. Up to three appliances/items may be plugged into one multi-plug adapter per double outlet. The maximum wattage for a double outlet is 1500 watts.
- 5. Extension cords and multi-plug adapters may not be connected. Items may not be plugged into outlets/plugs contained in other items.
- 6. Air-freshener plug-ins (e.g. Glade TM plug-ins) with a built-in “outlet” may be used only if the outlet in the air-freshener is not used.
Note: These Community Standards are extremely stringent to ensure the safety of residents. Regulations concerning extension cords and multi-plug adapters are written in compliance with State Fire Codes and the engineering specifications of our various buildings.
G. AIR CONDITIONERS/HEATERS – Residents may not install air conditioners or ceiling fans in their rooms. Residents may not plug AC units into any other outlet not designed specifically for the unit. Open coil space heaters are not permitted. Other appliances/items may not be plugged into outlets designed specifically for AC use.
Thomas/Buckman residents click here for hall-specific info.
Note: State Fire Codes and the engineering specifications of our various buildings form the basis for this rule.
H. RESIDENCE HALL DECORATIONS – “Live cut” trees (such as Christmas Trees) are prohibited in the residence halls. Strands of lights (holiday lights) may be used in residence hall rooms but may not be plugged into each other to create a string of lights. Other decorations must meet the guidelines established in the publication "Fire Safety and Prevention in the Residence Halls."
Note: External doors, doorframes, and hallways may not be decorated. Only one door nametag and message board is permitted per resident.
I. REFRIGERATORS – Are permitted in resident rooms provided the following guidelines are met:
- All refrigerators must be UL approved.
- Door gaskets must be in good condition.
- All refrigerators must be equipped with a (3) three prong grounded plug which must be plugged into the wall outlet.
Note: In cases in which the wall unit is inaccessible, the refridgerator may be plugged into an extension cord that is ten feet or less in length, 14 guage or thicker/heavier, and has room for only one item. - Unit amperage must not exceed 3.5 amps.
- Unit size must not exceed 12 cubic feet.
- Students must maintain refrigerators in a safe and sanitary condition.
J. BARBECUE GRILLS – Persons are permitted to use barbecue grills at a safe distance (15 feet or more) from all buildings. The use of grills is not permitted under any covered walkways, landings, or balconies.
K. HALOGEN LAMPS - All “floor style” halogen lamps are prohibited in residence halls. Halogen lamps specifically designed and marketed as desk lamps that have a bulb that is fully unexposed behind a solid glass casing that is unable to be tampered with and is at 50 watts or less are acceptable.
L. PERSONAL CARE ELECTRICAL DEVICES - Hair/blow dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, and other personal care electric devices must be plugged directly into the outlets.
Residence Hall Fire Safety Inspections
Residence Hall Fire Safety Inspections are conducted during the first few weeks of most semesters. During this process appropriate residence hall staff members will enter rooms in teams of two to look for improper items and items used improperly.
Staff members perform these inspections in accordance with specified procedures and are acting under the authority granted to them in conjunction with the Residence Hall Contract that you and/or your parent(s)/guardian(s) signed. Advance notice of inspections is always provided via various methods of publicity. Such notice includes the time and date of the inspection. Students are always encouraged to check with staff members ahead of time regarding any questions about what is permitted with regards to fire safety rules and regulations.
During fire safety inspections staff members may enter rooms without your presence and improper items may be confiscated and/or items may be unplugged in an attempt to create a safe environment. In some cases, if you are not present during the inspection, staff members may return to your room when you are present to perform some parts of the inspection. In other cases, they may perform these actions without your presence. In all such cases, they are acting within the performance of their duties as specified and allowed by the University. After performing a first inspection, staff members may return to the room to perform a follow-up inspection within 24 to 48 hours.
If violations of Fire Safety Violations are discovered during inspections (or at other times), residents may be subject to University Judicial Action depending on the nature of the violation and a student’s prior judicial record. Residents are encouraged to talk with roommates regarding fire safety practices and related behavioral issues. Depending on the circumstances, all residents living in a room, suite, or apartment can be held accountable for violations that are discovered within the room.
Residents with disabilities should notify appropriate hall staff in advance so additional assistance during emergencies can be arranged. Students are responsible for being aware of fire evacuation routes.
P.20. Firearms, Weapons, Fireworks, Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals
A. Possession or use of weapons or ammunition is not permitted in the residence halls. This includes but is not limited to: firearms, rifles, stun guns, BB guns, paintball guns, bow and arrows, switch blades, knives (except a common pocket knife), nun chucks, martial arts or medieval weapons, and sling shots. No exceptions to this policy are made for participation in special classes (e.g., archery or ROTC). Any weapon or firearm on University property, if permitted, must be registered and stored at the campus police station.
B. Toys that resemble real weapons (such as guns and knives) can create disruption within the residence halls. Possession, storage, and/or use of toy guns or weapons, especially those which launch projectiles, are not permitted.
C. Flammable liquids and solvents (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, propane, etc.) may not be stored in resident rooms or living areas including outside storage closets in the Keys Residential Complex. Residents are permitted to store charcoal in rooms or living areas, including “presoaked” charcoal.
Note: In the case of weapons, the possession of certain items on campus may place you in violation of state laws and cause you to be subject to arrest. Projectile weapons and ammunition (including paintball weapons) are of special concern. Especially dangerous are “toy” weapons that look like real ones. If you have a weapon that you feel you have legitimate need to have on campus, the University Police Department [392-5447] can provide safe storage and access to your weapon and they can provide you with additional information regarding its permissibility and requirements for transport on campus.
Bicycles may not be parked in walkways, hallways, stairways, or entranceways. Illegally parked bicycles will be impounded at the campus police station. Persons may not ride bicycles within the residence halls or on covered pedestrian walkways.
P.22. Recreational Wheeled Devices
The use of recreational wheeled devices (including, but not limited to skateboards, kick scooters, roller skates, or in-line skates) is prohibited anywhere in the residence halls, including stairwell towers. Persons may use these devices on walkways adjacent to the residence halls for transportation only (i.e. no acrobatics) and with due regard for pedestrian rights.
P.23. Automobiles, Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Scooters
A. Residents shall operate all motorized vehicles in compliance with state, local, and University regulations. Motorized vehicles must be parked in designated areas, and under no circumstances are they permitted in buildings, on grass, on covered pedestrian walkways, or on patio areas.
B. Speed limits on housing premises shall be observed as designated.
C. Residents are required to obtain and display appropriate decals or other identification devices for all vehicles owned and parked in residence hall areas as required by the University of Florida Traffic and Parking Services.
D. Residents shall not perform vehicle maintenance or repairs on University premises, including parking lots and adjacent areas.
NOTE: Illegally parked vehicles will be impounded by UFPD.
P.24. Posting Signs and Information in Public Areas
Access to Message Boxes and Public Access Bulletin Boards is not restricted. The Department of Housing and Residence Education reserves the right to limit the numbers of materials posted per event or organization to ensure equitable access to limited bulletin board space. Posters are not permitted on walls, doors, or windows. Access to Administrative Notices Only Bulletin Boards is restricted to residence hall staff.
Any personal or commercial solicitation (including door-to-door sales and distribution of advertisements) within the residence halls is prohibited. Violators should be reported to the area office. Residents or registered or sponsored student organizations may use public and commons areas with approval from appropriate hall staff and the Area Government. Guidelines and approval forms are available at the area office. No door-to-door solicitation is permitted.
P.26. Telephone - Antennas - Cable TV
Splicing into existing television cables or splitting or splicing into data cables or outlets, wrapping TV cable, or otherwise adding to existing cable is prohibited. Setting up unauthorized wireless access points is prohibited. Tampering with telephone hardware is prohibited. Residents are not permitted to set up outside antenna systems, satellite systems, or other similar systems.
Please click here to view a complete list of DHNet policies
P.28. Violations of the University of Florida, Graduate and Family Housing Community Standards
University Policy, State and Federal Law
Students are required to abide by all local, state, and federal laws as well as the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct, Department of Housing and Residence Life Community Standards, and university policies. Violations of laws may result in arrest and/or referral through the student judicial process. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct, Department of Housing and Residence Life Community Standards, and University policies may result in referral through the student judicial process.
For more information about the judicial process at the University of Florida (including the definition of the above terms) visit the UF Dean of Students Office Website where the complete Student Code of Conduct and related procedures can be found.
Services for Students with Disabilities
For students with disabilities, this publication is available in alternative formats. Please contact The Disability Resource Center, 20 Reid Hall, 392-8565 (TDD) or via email at accessuf@dso.ufl.edu. For students with hearing or speech impairments use the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771(TDD).
Annual Review of Housing Community Standards
The Department of Housing and Residence Education Community Standards are reviewed each year. Because of its importance, the review process is a formal one that follows the established University Rulemaking procedure as indicated by the Florida Administrative Code and other related state and University Regulations.
You are encouraged to get involved with the review process by voicing your input. One of the best ways to do this is to participate in your local residence hall area government and the “campus-wide” Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA).
You can learn more about your area government and IRHA by contacting the IRHA President at 352-846-4742, by visiting the IRHA webpage, or through the Mayor's Council for Graduate and Family Housing 352-392-2161x10112. Suggested changes are also discussed by staff in The Department of Housing, The Office of Residence Life and Education, and reviewed by other university administrators including the University’s General Counsel Office.
If you have any questions regarding anything you have read on this page, please contact the Office of the Coordinator of Residential Judicial Programs at 392-2171 ext.10141, or http://www.judicial.housing.ufl.edu.
| © University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Updated: March 27, 2008 |
For questions, comments or problems related to this page please contact: JoCynda Hudson |
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