Campus Living Handbook Your Guide to University Living

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Campus
Living
Handbook
Your Guide to University Living
UNCW Housing and Residence Life Housing and Residence Life Campus Living Handbook
I
Rights and Responsibilities
Students share in the responsibility for maintaining an environment in which the rights of each
member of the academic community are respected. When asked to report to any university
office, a student is expected to appear at the time specified or make prior arrangements for
another appointment. All students shall be responsible for conducting themselves in a manner
that helps to enhance an environment of learning in which the rights, dignity, worth and freedom
of each member of the academic community are respected.
Community Standards
During the first weeks in August, a resident's floor/suite/pod/building will develop a living
agreement called a Community Standards Agreement. This document will outline residents'
responsibilities to each other. The Community Standards Agreement will be updated as the year
progresses to meet the needs of the area in which the resident lives and provides residents with
an opportunity to discuss and agree upon specific ground rules to support a positive living
environment. These standards cannot supersede the UNCW Code of Student Life or the Housing
and Residence Life policies. All residents are expected to follow through with agreements stated
in this document.
All residents are expected to address concerns/grievances regarding the agreed upon community
standards by first addressing the student who is not upholding the standards. In the event that this
conversation between the two residents is not productive, then the student can notify the
Resident Assistant or appropriate Housing and Residence Life staff member for additional
assistance. See the process detailed below the section called "The Residence Hall Bill of Rights."
Understand anonymity is not a foundational element to this process and is never guaranteed.
Residence Hall Bill of Rights
The university has some basic expectations, which govern the special nature of interpersonal
relationships in the residence halls. These are reasonable expectations that students should have
for one another while sharing space in residence halls.
The Residence Hall Bill of Rights outlines these expectations:
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The right to sleep during the night undisturbed
The right to study in one's room free of noise and distractions during quiet hours
The right of access to one's room and facilities at all times
The right to feel secure against physical or emotional harm
The right to a clean room and clean common areas
The right to have one's belongings respected
The right to have guests in the room when they will not disturb one's roommate's right to
sleep or study
The right to privacy
The right to redress grievances
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These rights apply to all students living in on-campus housing. Violating the rights of other
students may result in disciplinary actions and/or reassignment to another location.
Addressing Concerns regarding the Residence Hall Bill of Rights
Understand any infringement of the rights and community expectations are likely due to
behaviors exhibited by a student's roommate(s) or hallmate(s). Roommates/residents must take
the responsibility to assert their rights in using the room and common spaces. In this instance,
students must communicate directly with other community members regarding expectations of
behavior in the hall as well as agreements made between the two roommates regarding all the
rights listed here.
1. Communicate with Respect & Courtesy
Roommates should always communicate with respect and courtesy. A resolution may not
be immediate and may come with additional conversation between the roommates.
Here are some steps to consider when addressing your roommate or hallmate:
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Identify the concern. Figure out the specific behavior or attitude that is bothering
you and why it is impacting you. Think about the degree of and how often this
behavior is a concern. Avoid postponing conversations about the behavior for
prolonged periods of time.
Look at the relationships. Examine how the person interacts with others; are
they only behaving in this manner with you or with everyone? Step back and try
to put yourself in the other person's shoes. Considering possible causes of
someone's behavior may help you see the situation objectively and find solutions
to the concern.
Determine the costs. How does that behavior affect others? Does it cause
you/people to lose morale? Does it affect productivity? Does it make you/others
uncomfortable? If yes, consider evaluating an approach to having a conversation.
If no, you possibly view a conversation as not beneficial at this point. However,
continue to attend to your needs in the relationship.
Plan an approach. Once you identify the person's behavior does affect you or
others, have a discussion with the person. Plan an approach that fits the nature of
the problem, the personality of the person involved and your relationship with that
person. Consider the time and place when having this conversation.
Describe the behavior. When you do meet with that person describe the behavior
in a non- accusatory manner and explain how/why it impacts you. Use "I"
statements. For example, "Last weekend, when you borrowed my sweater without
asking, I felt disrespected."
State what you want. Next be clear about what you want. "I hope that the next
time you need to borrow something, you will just ask."
Seek commitment. Be sure the person understands and try to get commitment to
change. "Are we able to come to an understanding?"
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Consider updating your community standards/roommate agreement. Your
RA will have a copy of your community standards/roommate agreement should
you feel it is important to document your newly agreed upon expectation(s).
2. Notify the Resident Assistant (RA)
If conflict or disagreement still exists or if the rights listed above are still being violated,
then the resident must notify the Resident Assistant of their pod, floor, or building/suite.
Resident Assistants can be notified in person, by email, or by in the event of more
immediate response can be notified by pager while serving on-call (5pm-8am SundayThursday and 5pm Friday – 5pm Sunday). While on-call, RAs are typically walking
through the areas, sitting at the front desk/lobby area, or can be reached by pager at the
front desk of each area.
3. Mediation Meeting
RAs are trained to facilitate conflict mediation between roommates. The RA will talk
with each party individually to gain an understanding of the situation in comfortable
setting. The RA will notify the supervising staff, the Residence Coordinator (RC) or
Assistant Residence Coordinator (ARC) of the
4. Agreed Upon Rules
The RA will hold the mediation per training protocol. The RA will likely use the
community standards and/or roommate agreement to facilitate the agreed upon rules from
the beginning of the academic year.
5. Facilitated Intentional Conversation
The RA will facilitate an intentional conversation in hopes to increase communication
between roommates/hallmates that will ultimately lead to a resolution. The RA will
report the information to the RC and/or ARC.
6. Follow-Up
The RA will follow-up with the involved parties no later than 48 hours after the
mediation to check-in on the status of the newly agreed upon resolution.
7. Additional Options
Further follow-up from the RC and/or ARC may also occur. If the students involved still
desire more information, mediation, etc. then the resident may also work with the RA to
meet with the RC and/or ARC to discuss the situation and any additional options.
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Seahawk Respect Compact
In the pursuit of excellence, UNC Wilmington actively fosters, encourages, and promotes
inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance, and open-mindedness among students, faculty, staff
and the broader community.
The Seahawk Respect Compact Expectations:
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We affirm the dignity of all persons.
We promote the right of every person to participate in the free exchange of thoughts and
opinions within a climate of civility and mutual respect.
We strive for openness and mutual understanding to learn from differences in people,
ideas and opinions
We foster an environment of respect for each individual, even where differences exist, by
eliminating prejudice and discrimination through education and interaction with others.
Therefore, we expect members of the campus community to honor these principles as
fundamental to our ongoing efforts to increase access to and inclusion in a community that
nurtures learning and growth for all.
Damage
Damages to student rooms are the responsibility of the occupant(s). Damage charges will be
shared equally by all roommates unless residents provide written notice to the Residence
Coordinator of a particular student who may be responsible for the damage. In order to prevent
misinterpretation, it is suggested that students inspect their rooms thoroughly when completing
the room condition report (RCR) upon taking occupancy of a room. This task should be taken
seriously and completed in detail.
Common Area Damage: Group Billing & Responsibility
Excessive room or common area damage may result in the reassignment of the housing contract
of those individual(s) found to be responsible. If the responsible individual(s) cannot be
determined, the entire community may share the cost of this damage, whether that be a wing/pod,
floor or whole building.
Damage charges are used to assist in repairing or replacing damaged items. Those repairs or
replacements that are not completed before the next academic year begins will be completed
relative to the availability of personnel and/or additional funds necessary to accomplish the
repairs or replacement of items.
Faulty equipment and damage should be reported to a staff member. If there is damage in a
room, do not attempt to repair it yourself because this often increases the cost and University
personnel are available for that purpose. Common area damage assessments are determined
based upon the time, materials and the administrative expense required to correct unusual
cleaning or damage situations.
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Student Common Area Damage and Billing Assessment
In the event there is damage to a common area (lounge, kitchen, bathroom, and/or its universityowned furniture and fixtures) then the Housing and Residence Life staff will follow these steps:
1. The Residence Life staff will begin to assess the damage and investigate the cause of the
damage.
2. Pictures and information will be gathered and forwarded to Operations and Maintenance
staff who will assess the cost to repair damages or replace items.
3. The student(s) who accepts responsibility will be notified of the amount that will be
charged to their UNCW student account.
4. If no student(s) accept responsibility, the Office of Housing and Residence Life will
continue to review the situation to identify responsible parties.
5. If no responsible party is identified, the community using the space will share the cost of
repair/replacement. The bill will be split evenly among those students in the community.
6. Any damage deemed intentional will be considered vandalism. Residence Life staff will
also refer the student(s) to the Office of the Dean of Students for a review.
Cleanliness
It is important that a reasonable level of cleanliness be maintained in residential areas. If it is
determined that the level of cleanliness in a room, suite or apartment is unacceptable, the
resident(s) may receive a written notice to have the space cleaned within 24 hours or receive a
fees for cleaning and trash removal. A similar notice and charge apply to excessive trash in any
living areas. Trash/belongings in the exterior or common areas of the building may be removed
immediately and cleaning charges assessed without warning. All roommates will be charged if
the responsible party cannot be determined. Any violations of the HRL Campus Living
Handbook and/or Code of Student Life in the common rooms of the residential facilities are the
responsibility of the residents that have access to the space. Unless someone assumes
responsibility, all residents can be held responsible.
II
Visitation Policy
The visitation program in the UNCW student residences creates a structure for residents to bring
guests into their rooms. In full support of the educational mission of the university, students
living on-campus are expected to view academic responsibilities as their primary goal. Studying,
therefore, takes preference over socializing in the student residences on weekday nights. On
weekends, when fewer classes are scheduled, there is a greater amount of leisure time and social
or non-academic activities are usually more prominent. The guidelines for visitation are
grounded in this academic schedule and are designed to balance a student's responsibilities with
individual and group needs.
All students have the opportunity to accept or reject participation in the visitation program at a
building-wide vote that takes place during the first two weeks of classes in the fall. If sufficient
interest in a non-visitation area exists, specific arrangements will be made to accommodate that
request. In the event that there are not enough requests to satisfy various options, no person will
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be forced to participate in a more liberal visitation policy than they want. The changes to
visitation will go into effect as prescribed and advertised by Housing and Residence Life but
most often within five days of voting completion.
The visitation program is to function within the parameters and according to the procedures
which follow. The existing programs have been developed through deliberate study by staff and
student groups during the recent past. Certain underlying assumptions are reflected in the
visitation program at UNCW:
1. There is a legitimate need for, and benefit from, providing greater opportunity for contact
between students.
2. The nature of the physical facilities, particularly in the traditional residence halls, places
certain limitations on the visitation program.
3. The hours of the program accommodate, as best they can, the divergent lifestyles of
students and variety of housing styles available on campus.
4. The purpose of a student's room is primarily for study and sleep, which take precedence
over social privileges.
5. Respect for the wishes and well-being of one's roommate(s) is more important than
someone's desire to have guests.
6. Cohabitation is not permitted in any university housing facility.
Visitation Policy for Minors
While visiting, minors must always be under the supervision of the hosting parties. Hosting
parties will be held responsible for the actions of their guests. Any visiting minor (under 18 years
of age) must get permission from the Residence Coordinator of the area to visit and be
accompanied at all times by the resident they are visiting. Minors must present a photo I.D. or
written parental permission for the visit, and is subject to the same visitation hours as any other
guest. No minor (under 18 years of age) who is not a UNCW student or accompanied by an adult
family member may visit overnight in the residence halls unless he/she (1) is 10 years of age or
older and is staying with a sibling who is a resident of the building, or (2) is 16 years of age or
older and if the underage guest can present written parental consent for the visit, including a
valid phone number where the parent or guardian can be reached for verification, to the front
desk staff upon sign-in. The minor children or dependents of residents are not permitted to
permanently live or stay for an extended period in a resident's room. Even with parental
permission, circumstances may dictate that the minor will not be allowed to stay overnight.
Registration of Guests
It is the responsibility of each resident to attend to the registration of a guest. A resident may host
no more than three guests at a time. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of each resident to escort
the guest(s) at all times while the guest(s) remains in the building. Guests must carry a valid
picture ID when visiting residential facilities. State, government, and military issued IDs are
acceptable forms; library cards, debit/credit cards, etc. will not be accepted. Guests must present
a valid picture ID to the Desk Receptionist when checking in. The guest may be required to
surrender this ID depending on the needs of the housing staff and technology available. This
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identification will be returned when the guest leaves the building. False identification will be
turned over to the University Police for appropriate action.
Hosts are responsible for their guests' behavior, for any damages incurred and for the adherence
to all university policies and procedures.
Loss of Privileges
Residents should understand that visitation is not a right, but rather a privilege which may be
suspended at any time for violations of related Housing and Residence Life policies or Code of
Student Life violations. Visitation privileges may be suspended administratively by the Office of
Housing and Residence Life or by conduct review from the Office of the Dean of Students.
Days and Hours
At the beginning of the semester, all residential facilities begin with visitation hours that are set
at 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Friday and
Saturday. Within the first two weeks of the fall semester, residence hall students will vote on the
visitation option that they prefer for the full academic year. They will have two options to select
from. The first option would allow for visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through
Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Additionally, students can vote to
extend these hours to a maximum of 10:00 a.m. to midnight on Sunday through Thursday and
24-hour visitation on Friday and Saturday. The second option would have the same stipulations
for the weekdays, Sunday through Thursday nights (including extending the hours). On Friday
and Saturday nights, option II would allow for open visitation. Students are expected to
recognize roommate rights and follow the state's co-habitation law. Each option has percentage
requirements (based upon total residence hall occupancy) that must be met.
In all residential communities (including apartment and suite style communities), residence life
staff regulate the visitation policy through 24-hour service desks and guest registration program.
Additionally, residents are expected to hold themselves and peers accountable for this and all
policies outlined by the Office of Housing and Residence Life and the Code of Student Life. If
residents feel peers are not adhering to expectations outlined in policies, residents have a
responsibility to communicate violations to the appropriate staff in a timely manner. Community
Standards and other peer agreements cannot supersede HRL or University policies.
Each building may also choose to accept extended in-hall visitation privileges during the vote,
which takes place in the fall semester. Extended in-hall visitation allows residents of a building
free access to visit other residents within the residence hall. This is in addition to the normal
visitation hours, which apply to outside guests. These hours may be extended to include up to 24
hours per day, seven days per week.
Overnight Guests
Residents may register guests overnight who are of the same sex. A guest may not be registered
overnight more than three nights in a two-week period. Guests are identified and registered
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through the front desk of each residence halls. Overnight guests in apartment and suite
communities are subject to the same expectations outlined in this section. Violations of this
policy should be reported to appropriate Residence Life staff.
Escort Policy
Resident students are responsible for escorting their guests within the building at all times. The
resident is responsible for informing their guest(s) of all university policies and regulations.
Hosts are responsible for any policy violations committed by guests. Hosts may be held
accountable by the Office of Housing and Residence Life and/or referred to the Office of the
Dean of Students for conduct review.
III
Behavioral Expectations: Compliance with Rules and Regulations
The Student agrees to comply with the rules, regulations and conditions as contained in this agreement,
together with such rules, regulations and conditions found in the Code of Student Life and the UNCW
HRL Campus Living Handbook. The Student, Student's family, employees, agents, invitees, and guests,
will observe and comply with the rules and regulations set forth in this Agreement and UNCW's Office of
Housing and Residence Life Campus Living Handbook, and which are to be considered a part hereof, and
with such further rules and regulations as UNCW may adopt so long as such additional rules and
regulations are reasonably necessary for the preservation and protection of the University community
or UNCW's personnel or other persons. Student will not make, permit, contribute to, or enable
unseemly or disturbing noises or conduct by the Student, Student's family, employees, agents, invitees,
licensees and/or guests; nor shall the student permit, enable, contribute to, or facilitate any illegal or
immoral conduct, or obstruct or interfere with the rights, comforts or convenience of other Tenants or
UNCW or its faculty and/or staff. More specific Rules and Regulations governing Student conduct and
behavior are referenced and incorporated herein.
Illegal Drugs
If Student, Student's employees, agents, invitees and/or guests, engage in, permit or facilitate any drugrelated criminal activity on or about the Premises, Student will be deemed to have substantially and
materially breached this Agreement with such breach being grounds to terminate Student's occupancy
of the Premises. The term "drug-related criminal activity" shall include the illegal manufacture, sale,
distribution, dispensing, storage, use or possession of a "controlled substance" as defined under Section
102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (21 U.S.C. § 802(6), as amended), or
to attempt, endeavor or conspire to manufacture, sell, distribute, dispense, store, use or possess a
controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance under relevant North Carolina statutes.
Consumption of Alcohol
Under North Carolina law, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to possess or consume
alcoholic beverages, including wine or beer. It is also unlawful for any person to buy alcoholic beverages
for or furnish them for any purpose to anyone under the legal drinking age. Apartments are the only
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place in housing where persons of legal drinking age are permitted to possess or consume alcoholic
beverages. Public display of open alcoholic beverages is not permitted in the common areas. Excessive
drinking and intoxication will not be tolerated. The possession or storage of large beverage containers
(i.e. kegs) either full or empty are strictly prohibited. Students who choose to drink will be held fully
responsible for their own or their guest's behavior while under the influence of alcohol.
Possession of Weapons
To provide for the safety and well-being of all members of the residential community, possession of
firearms of any type, paintball guns, BB guns and bows and arrows of any type within the Apartment
complex is strictly prohibited.
Vehicle Use and Parking
Student will obey all parking, traffic management, and speed regulations and signs which UNCW may
promulgate or post, and Student may park, in the designated parking areas only, no more than one
properly tagged and functioning passenger motor vehicle or truck (with no commercial lettering) not in
excess of 3/4 ton GVW, whose appearance, in UNCW's sole opinion, does not detract from the
apartment community. Any vehicle parked by Student in the parking areas must display a valid parking
sticker/tag as provided by the Office of Auxiliary Services. Parking stickers/tags will be provided only for
vehicles registered in the Student's name or the parent or guardian of the Student. Any vehicle or other
property parked, or stored, so as to block or inhibit access to any dumpster, roadway, or fire lane will be
subject to fine, towed, or otherwise removed, at its owner's risk and expense. Additionally, any vehicle
without a visible parking sticker/tag or any vehicle failing to park fully in a designated parking space will
be fined, towed, or otherwise removed, at its owner's risk and expense.
Use of Facilities
The use of all facilities which UNCW may provide for Student's use, recreation, and/or comfort, such as a
swimming pool, parking areas, volleyball court, clubhouse, and picnic areas (none of which facilities are
included in the rent) are at Student's own and exclusive risk. Student agrees that UNCW shall not be
responsible for any injury to Student's person or loss or damage to any property arising out of Student's
use, regardless of whether such use is proper or improper. Additionally, Student agrees to comply with,
and to cause Student's family and/or guests to comply with all rules and regulations related to the use of
all facilities. Failure to comply with said rules and regulations may result, at UNCW's option and sole
discretion, in the revocation of Student's use of these facilities without affecting the Student's
occupancy of Premises or the remainder of Student's contract term.
Smoke Detector and Sprinkler Heads
Student agrees not to obstruct or tamper with said detector(s) or sprinkler heads or other fire
suppression devices or otherwise permit the detector(s) and sprinkler heads to be obstructed or
tampered with for any reason whatsoever.
Alterations to Premises
Student will leave the Premises at the end of the contract term, or any renewal or extension thereof, in
as good condition as received, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and will not, without written
permission of UNCW, make any alterations, additions or improvements (including changing locks, adding
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additional lock chains or other fasteners, painting, and papering) to the Premises. Any alterations,
additions or improvements of a permanent nature, which may be made to the Premises shall be the
property of UNCW and shall remain with the Premises. Student will be fully responsible for all costs of
returning the apartment to its original condition. UNCW reserves the right to restore the premises to the
original condition immediately upon discovery of alterations. Furniture from common areas, lounges,
and study areas are not permitted in student rooms. All furniture provided by UNCW must remain in the
room for the duration of residency. Residents may not remove, store or trade furnishings from their
assigned room.
Student Status
Student expressly warrants and represents that at the time the Student commences occupancy of the
Premises he/she is or will be a matriculated student making reasonable progress towards the
completion of a degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Student grants the Division of
Student Affairs permission to verify Student's student status with the Office of Academic Affairs. If
Student's representation in this paragraph are false or if Student loses his or her status as a student at
the University of North Carolina Wilmington during the term hereof, Student shall be in default
hereunder and UNCW shall be entitled to exercise all rights and remedies provided for herein or that are
available at law or in equity. Loss of student status during the term of the contract will not automatically
terminate this contract agreement.
Right of Entry
Except in the event of an emergency affecting the health, safety, welfare of UNCW or any Student or any
property thereof, or in response to a maintenance request, UNCW shall give the Student at least 24hours’ notice of UNCW's intent to enter the Premises by message left on the voice mail or in writing by
an e-mail to the Student's UNCW email account of at least one Resident of the Premises. In addition,
UNCW may enter the Premises by master key or, in the event of an emergency, by force. UNCW shall
have the right to enter the Premises at all reasonable hours to inspect the Premises, to make
repairs/alterations in the Premises or elsewhere on UNCW's property, to enforce any provision of this
Agreement or the UNCW Housing and Residence Life's Guide for On-campus Living or to show the
Premises to prospective future Students without being liable to prosecution therefore or damages by
reason thereof. Student agrees to set up his/her voice mail/e-mail account and to regularly check voice
mail/e-mail for notices.
Re-Entry of Premises
In the event Student abandons the Premises or is required to vacate the Premises due to UNCW
exercising its rights upon Student's breach of contract, then UNCW shall have the right to enter the
Premises for the purpose of making alterations and repairs, and may assign the Premises to another
Student for a term which may, at UNCW's option, be less than or exceed the period which would
otherwise have constituted the balance of the term of this contract, or any renewal or extension
thereof, all without relieving the Student of the liabilities imposed by applicable law and this Agreement.
UNCW shall further have the right, without further notice, to dispose of any personal property left in or
about the Premises or storage area by the Student, after the Student has vacated.
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Photo Release
Student hereby grants UNCW permission to record the student’s participation and appearance on
videotape, audiotape, film photograph or any other medium; use the student’s name likeness, voice and
biographical material in connection with such recordings; exhibit or distribute such recordings in whole
or in part without restrictions or limitation for any legal purpose, including without limitation
educational or promotional purpose, which and those acting pursuant to its authority deem
appropriate; and copyright such recordings in its own name or to publish, to market and to assign
without consideration, compensation or report to the student. The student hereby waives any right to
inspect or approve the finished electronic, photograph, or printed matter that may be used in
conjunction with them now or in the future. The student expressly releases UNCW, its agents,
employees, licensees and assigns from any and all claims which the student may have for invasion of
privacy, right of publicity, defamation, copyright infringement, or any other causes of action arising out
of the use, adaptation, reproduction, distribution, broadcast or exhibition of such
Room Changes
Approximately four weeks after classes begin in the Fall, a designated time will be set aside for room
changes. These changes will be made through the Office of Housing and Residence Life when space is
available. A student may make a maximum of 3 changes per year. If a student makes another room
change within a 24 hour period of having made another change, they need to speak with an assignments
coordinator. Any student making non-approved room changes (any change not approved by the Office
of Housing and Residence Life) will be charged a fine of at least $100.00 and these students may be
required to move back to their original room.
Relocation of Tenant
UNCW may require Tenant, upon seven days prior notice, to relocate to another apartment on the
premises under any of the following conditions: to promote the well-being of its student residents; to
maintain, operate or renovate facilities; to establish a special interest building, floor, unit or section; to
convert rooms for occupancy by gender; to fill an apartment; or for other reasonable purposes.
Check-In, Check-Out and Access
Check-In and Check-Out of your room must be completed through any of the RAs in your area. Failure
to check-out through your RA, may result in a fine of at least $25.00 for improper Check-Out. Access to
an assigned room is given to students only during regular academic sessions, which require their
presence on campus. Students are required to vacate their rooms before the designated closing times.
Failure to leave the building at the time of closing during break periods can result in a late Check-Out
charge of $25.00 per hour for each hour the Student is late, and a packing fee may be applied. Students
in traditional hall areas (Belk, Cornerstone, Galloway, Graham, Hewlett, Honors, Innovation and
Schwartz) do not have access to their rooms during vacation periods, unless otherwise posted by
Housing and Residence Life.
Existing Damages
Student will be issued a move-in room condition report (RCR) that must be annotated with any existing
damages and returned to the Residence Coordinator's office within 48 hours of arrival. Any damages
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found throughout the year or at contract termination will be compared to the move-in condition report.
Damages that occur after move-in or that were not annotated on the move-in condition report will be
charged to the Student. Each Student will be responsible for the completion of the room condition
report for their dorm room, individual bedroom and any mutually shared common space.
Furnishings
Student will be required to acknowledge at the time of initial occupancy that the Premises contains any
furnishings specified in the room condition report, hereinafter referred to as the "Furnishings", and that,
except as specified in said room condition report, the Furnishings are in good condition and further
agrees that, all of the Furnishings will remain in the Premises and be in the same condition as when
Tenant occupied the Premises, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Additionally, Student agrees not to
keep any water-containing furniture or Satellite TV Dish on the Premises.
Repairs
UNCW shall be responsible for normal wear and tear to the Premises and will maintain the Premises, its
equipment and appliances furnished by UNCW, except that each Tenant agrees to pay the cost for all
labor and material for repairs or replacement if the damage or malfunction to the Premises, its
equipment or appliances or any other part of the residential space, is due to either Student, Student’s
invitees, guests, agents or employees.
Keys
Keys remain the property of UNCW and must be returned when students move out of their rooms.
Failure to return keys shall result in charges to the student to cover the cost of replacement.
Additionally, if Student fails to return all originally issued keys to UNCW at the termination of this
agreement, Student shall pay UNCW a fee for changing locks.
Damage to Premises
In case of physical damage to the Premises by fire, weather events, or other elements (and not caused
by the fault, omission, negligence, or other misconduct of Student, Student's licensees, agents, invitees,
or guests), UNCW shall elect whether to repair the resulting damage. Should UNCW elect to repair the
damage, Student’s rent shall not be abated, PROVIDED, UNCW arranges for and provides alternate
accommodations for Student for the duration of repairs if the damage made the Premises
uninhabitable. Should UNCW elect to repair the damage but does not arrange for alternate
accommodations for Student, for whatever reason, Student's rent shall be abated in proportion to that
portion of the Premises which, in UNCW's sole but reasonable determination, remains un-tenantable for
the duration of repairs. Conversely, if UNCW should determine that the Premises shall not be repaired,
the Agreement shall terminate as of the date of damage or destruction, and the parties may mutually
agree upon alternative housing subject to a new contract.
Interruption of Service
Student will receive no rent reduction, nor will UNCW be liable to Student, due to repairs or interruption
of services to utilities, appliances or equipment in or about the Premises or due to defects in the
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Premises not caused by UNCW's fault, omission, negligence or other misconduct; or due to the inability
of UNCW to obtain proper fuel, utilities, or repair/replacement parts. In case it shall become necessary
at any time, from accident or repairs, or to improve the condition or operation of the Premises, or any
equipment or utilities appertaining thereto, for UNCW to stop or curtail the operation of said equipment
or utilities, UNCW may do so, but in such case due diligence shall be used to complete the work.
Insurance
During the term of this contract, and any extension thereof, Student should, at Student's sole cost and
expense, purchase renter's form homeowner's insurance coverage providing for personal liability (bodily
injury and property damage) coverage, and further, providing coverage to keep Student's personal
property on and in the Premises insured for the benefit of Student against loss or damage resulting from
broad form named perils on a replacement cost basis. Student acknowledges that UNCW does not carry
any insurance on Student's personal possessions, and that Student will make an independent
assessment as to the appropriate level of insurance coverage that Student should obtain. The university
does not assume responsibility for loss or damage from any cause to the personal property of the
Student.
Liability of UNCW
UNCW shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss to person or property caused by the acts of third
parties or other students residing in university housing caused by theft, vandalism, fire, water, smoke,
explosions, criminal acts or other causes. Failure or delay in enforcing agreement covenants of other
Residents shall not be construed or deemed negligence or breach of the applicable standard of care on
the part of UNCW.
Administrative and Attorney Fees
In the event Student, Student’s family, agents, employees or guests violate any term or provision of this
Agreement, or the rules and regulations thereof, Student shall pay to UNCW, in addition to any other
damages and expenses incurred by UNCW as a result thereof, an Administrative Fee, in the amount of
ten percent (10%) of the monthly pro rata share of Student's then current housing cost, to help defray
UNCW's costs incurred in connection with having Student remedy such contract violation. Should UNCW
employ an attorney because of any such violation, the Student shall pay in addition to the aforesaid
Administrative Fee, and not in lieu thereof, such reasonable attorney fees and costs as are incurred by
UNCW. Student shall be liable for such attorney fees and costs whether or not UNCW institutes legal
proceedings. However, where legal proceedings are instituted by UNCW against Student, and said
proceedings result in a monetary judgment in favor of UNCW, those reasonable attorney fees and costs
for which Student shall be liable to UNCW shall not be less than fifteen percent (15%) of said judgment.
IV
Disability Related Housing Accommodation Requests
UNCW provides equal opportunity in all its programs, activities and services, as required by the
American’s with Disability Act and other applicable laws. We are committed to assisting qualified
students to accomplish their educational goals as well as assuring equal opportunity to derive all of the
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Housing and Residence Life Campus Living Handbook
benefits of campus life, including university housing. On-campus residence halls can provide modified
accommodations for students with disabilities and are generally accessible, with elevators throughout
Policies and procedures concerning housing accommodations, including the presence of animals, due to
disability considerations are located on the Disability Resource Center website.
www.uncw.edu/disability > For Students > Interested in Registering > Policies and Procedures
1. Housing accommodations for students with documented disabilities are determined based on
the need for equal opportunity; this determination is not made based on a perceived benefit to
the student. Disability related accommodations must be approved in advance by submitting
documentation to the Disability Resource Center for verification
2. Upon review of the request, Disability Resource Center will provide a determination to Housing
and Residence Life office, who will communicate with, and as appropriate work with, the
student and Disability Resource Center to best determine how to meet approved
accommodations.
3. At times accommodations for various disabilities and chronic health conditions can take time to
implement. All housing assignments are prioritized based on date of application with housing
generally reaching 100% capacity before the start of the summer term for the following fall.
Because of this and limited room availability, Housing and Residence Life asks that your request
and supporting documentation for the fall semesters be submitted no less than 60 days before
the date of move-in.
4. Requests must be submitted annually. However, it may not be necessary to submit additional
documentation unless the nature of accommodations requested are not addressed in previously
provided materials.
5. Appeals may be submitted in writing to the Department of Housing and Residence Life and will
be reviewed by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
6. Residents approved to have an assistance animal as defined by UNCW policy, agree to the
following responsibilities and conditions:
a) The owner is responsible for the safety, health, behavior and actions of the animal at all
times.
b) The owner is required to maintain full control of the animal at all times.
c) The owner is financially responsible for the actions of the animal including bodily
injury or property damage. Owner’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
replacement costs of furniture (beyond normal wear), carpet, windows, wall
covering, etc. Owner is expected to pay for these costs at the time of the repair
and/or move-out date.
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d) The owner is responsible for assuring the animal does not unduly interfere with the
activities of the residence hall community or cause difficulties for residents who
reside there.
e) The owner must keep the animal under control at all times, which in most instances
this requires a leash or lead.
f) The animal may not be left in the care of another student or HRL staff member.
Animals must be taken with the owner if the owner leaves campus overnight or
leaves for a prolonged period of time.
g) The animal must not obstruct or disturb any space or activity of the living or
academic environment.
h) The animal must not engage in behaviors or noises that are disruptive to others
including but not limited to: excessive barking, excessive whining, excessive
growling, excessive grooming, excessive sniffing of people, or intrusion into the
personal belongings of others.
i) The animal may be excluded from the university campus when the animal's behavior
poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others
j) The animal may be restricted from locations where its presence is deemed to be
unsafe or creates a health risk (for the animal or other persons).
k) The owner is responsible for cleanup of the animal’s waste. Indoor animal waste,
including cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and securely tied before
being disposed of in outside trash dumpsters. Litter boxes should be placed on mats
so that waste is not tracked onto carpets, surfaces, or other flooring.
l) A service animal may travel freely with its owner throughout university housing (and
other areas of the university). Approved animals other than service animals must be
contained within the privately assigned residential area (room, suite, or apartment)
at all times, except when transported outside the private residential area in an
animal carrier or controlled by a leash or harness.
m) Local licensing requirements for animals must be followed as well as local
ordinances and regulations for immunization against diseases common to each
specific type of animal. North Carolina law (G.S 130A-185) requires that all dogs,
cats, and ferrets on campus are required to have current rabies vaccines and wear
rabies vaccination tags. All dogs, cats and ferrets living on campus as Emotional
Support Animal must have current registration with New Hanover County Animal
Service Unit.
n) The owner’s residence may be inspected for fleas, ticks or other pests as needed.
Housing and Residence Life will schedule the inspection. If fleas, ticks or other pests
are detected through inspection, the residence will be treated using approved
methods by a university approved pest control service. The owner will be financially
responsible for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond standard pest
management in the residence halls.
o) All roommates or suitemates of the owner must agree to room with the approved
animal. In the event that one or more roommates or suitemates do not agree, either
the owner and animal or the non-approving roommate(s) or suitemate(s), as
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Housing and Residence Life Campus Living Handbook
determined by the Department of Housing and Residence Life, may be moved to a
different location.
p) Housing and Residence Life has the ability to relocate an owner and approved
animal as necessary according to contractual agreements.
q) A reasonable accommodation in the living environment which may constitute an
exception to the Campus Living Handbook, that otherwise would prohibit an animal
in the living environment on campus does not constitute an exception to any other
policy in the Campus Living Handbook or any part of the UNCW Contract for
University Housing.
r) Other regulations as defined by Housing and Residence Life may be further defined,
dependent on the approved animal. Resident students will be informed of these
and will acknowledge by signature all of the assistance animal’s regulations as
outlined in section 4 of the Campus Living Handbook.
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