HCU Community Guidelines

Alcohol Policy – Possession or consumption of alcohol is not permitted anywhere on campus. Alcohol-related conduct that ignores the rights of others to a quiet, orderly living environment is not acceptable. Alcohol containers, full or empty, are not allowed in student rooms/apartments.

Chronic Misbehavior – A student establishes an unacceptable pattern of misconduct when he or she is frequently in trouble, though individual offenses might be minor. A pattern of recalcitrance, irresponsible conduct, or manifest immaturity may be interpreted as a significant disciplinary problem.

Drugs and Illegal Substances – Use, possession, and/or distribution of drugs and/or illegal substances is strictly prohibited and may result in eviction from campus and referral to the University conduct officer and/or law enforcement agencies. This includes possession of any drug paraphernalia.

Failure to Comply – Students must comply with all written and verbal requests and instructions from University officials. This includes requests to produce valid identification. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action and/or fine.

Firearms/Weapons – Firearms and other weapons are not allowed on the property. All students and their guests must comply with all federal, state, local and University laws and regulations pertaining to all weapons including, without limitation, explosives, bows and arrows, illegal knives, martial arts weapons, air rifles, BB guns, or any other object that can be construed as a weapon.

Implied Consent – All students in a room/area will be held responsible for the behavior/objects in that room or area. In addition, residents who are not observed participating in misbehavior or in possession of inappropriate items/objects, but are in the presence of a policy violation, may be held responsible. This is called “Implied Consent.” If a resident is present, he/she will be held responsible unless it can be clearly demonstrated that he/she had no knowledge of the violation.

Loss of Property – The University assumes no responsibility for damages and/or loss of personal property due to theft, fire, destruction, acts of God, etc. Students are advised to check with their parents/guardians regarding their insurance coverage. Students are encouraged to get renters’ insurance and may contact the HCU Residence Life Office for options. Students are reminded that any belongings left in campus housing after moving out will be disposed of by the University at the resident’s expense.

Minor Children – Residents are required to supervise at all times any guests on the property who are minor children. Babysitting is not permitted in any on-campus housing. With the exception of family housing, guests under the age of 16 are not allowed to stay overnight.

Noise Policy – Residents and their guests must respect the rights of others at all times by behaving in a manner that is conducive to sleeping and studying. High volume sounds from home and car stereos, televisions, electrical instruments, and such are not permitted. Residents are expected to show consideration and courtesy to others at all times.

Quiet Hours – In order to meet the many requests of resident students for a better living and learning environment on campus, the hours between 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. have been set aside as quiet hours for residents to relax, study, and sleep.

Posting – All signs and posters must be pre-approved by the HCU Student Life Office before being posted. If approved, posters, signs, and other items will be posted in designated areas.

Roommate and Neighbor Conflict Resolution – All residents agree to abide by the following process:

1. The complaining resident will discuss the problem with an RA/RD; the staff will give tips on how to talk with the roommate/neighbor; the complaining resident will address the concern directly with the roommate/neighbor.
2. HCU staff follows up with the complaining resident. If the problem remains, a resolution meeting will be held among roommates/neighbors and staff. A written roommate/neighbor agreement may be formulated to help arrive at resolution.
3. HCU staff follows-up and revises the roommate/neighbor agreement if needed.

Only after the staff feels that the roommate/neighbor resolution process has been given full opportunity to resolve the issue will changes in room or apartment assignments be considered. Failure to get along with roommates/neighbors is not grounds for cancellation of a Residence Life Agreement.

Solicitation – No student is to permit his or her room to be used for any commercial purpose. Soliciting in the Residence Colleges or on University grounds is forbidden without the expressed written permission of the Vice President of Student Life. Campus organizations must obtain permission from Residence Life in order conduct meetings in campus housing areas.

Smoking – HCU is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on University premises except for the confines of private vehicles.

Verbal and/or Physical Abuse – Residents and guests are to treat all neighbors, apartment mates, visitors, Residence Life staff, and other University officials with courtesy and respect. Verbal abuse will not be allowed, including swearing, name-calling, or any other language offensive or demeaning to the person. Physical violence of any type will not be tolerated.

Windows – Students are prohibited from entering or exiting rooms or buildings through the windows.