Residence Community Standards

Preamble

During the academic year (September–April), the University of Prince Edward Island Residences are locked 24 hours a day and are accessible only to residents, their invited guests, and University employees who are required to be in the residence as part of their employment. Essentially, then, during that time, the residences are for the exclusive use of residence students and are private residences during the academic year. Any person found within a residence building who does not fit the above description will be escorted out of the building.

In order to ensure that every resident gets the most enjoyment out of his/her time in residence, the following policies have been put in place. Abiding by them not only increases your enjoyment, but also assures the enjoyment of other students. These policies have been devised to provide each resident with a safe and secure living environment cohesive to academic learning.

Please Note: While every effort has been made to outline specific policies, UPEI Residence Services recognizes that situations may arise throughout the year that have not been mentioned in the handbook. The rules and regulations of residence life are, therefore, subject to change and review.

Alcohol

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by, or distribution of alcoholic beverages to, individuals under the legal drinking age is a violation of University policy and provincial law. In the province of Prince Edward Island, the legal drinking age is 19. Students are responsible for knowing, understanding, and complying with applicable provincial and University laws regarding alcohol. Disorderly conduct resulting from consumption of alcohol and/or failure to comply with alcohol policy will result in disciplinary action.

  • Purpose
    The purpose of this policy is to address the concerns associated with the use and abuse of alcohol in residence. The policy outlines the rules and regulations used to monitor alcohol consumption in the residences during the academic year. The abuse of alcohol or intoxication is prohibited anywhere within UPEI Residences.
  • Introduction
    The objectives of this policy are:
    • To promote responsible attitudes about the consumption of alcohol in a manner consistent with the philosophies and objectives of Residence Life.
    • To ensure that the safety of residents and/or their guests in the residence halls is not jeopardized when and where alcohol is permitted.
    • To develop alcohol policies that are clear, readily understood, consistent, and equally applicable to all students and/or their guests.
    • To reduce risks and potential liabilities associated with the consumption of alcohol to students, guests, organizers, Residence Life staff, and the University.
    • To comply with provincial liquor laws.
  • Terms and Conditions
    The following terms and conditions for the possession and consumption of alcohol in residence apply to all UPEI residence students and their guests. Violations of these regulations will result in disciplinary action up to and including eviction from residence.

Please note to decrease the potential risk of broken glass within the residence facilities, single serving alcohol bottles will not be permitted in residence. All single serving alcohol products brought into residence must be in cans.

House members and their guests who are of legal drinking age are permitted to have and consume alcoholic beverages under the following conditions:

Lounges

1.Only one container per person is permitted. This must be a non-breakable, non-transparent sealable container (ie. plastic water bottle with a closed cover of cap).

2. Containers such as beer cans, pint bottles (plastic or glass), or kegs (large or mini) are not permitted. Glass containers are also not permitted.

3. Containers cannot hold more than twenty-two (22) ounces.

4. The number of people in the lounge at any one time may not exceed the fire limit.

5. The Director of Ancillary Services, Manager of Residence Services, Residence Life Co-ordinator, a Residence Life Advisor, UPEI Security Officer, or other persons in authority may terminate a room or lounge party (whether formal or informal) at his/her discretion.

6. Overindulgence of alcohol in these areas will not be permitted. Offenders will be subject to disciplinary action.

7. House Residents and their guests must comply with all Residence rules and regulations.

Transportation of Alcohol within Residence Buildings

(See all sections of the Alcohol Policy for more detailed information regarding transportation of Alcohol.)

1. All alcoholic beverages must be transported from room to another room or lounge on the same floor in a non-breakable, non-transparent sealable container less than 22 ounces (ie. plastic water bottle with a closed cover of cap).

2. An alcoholic beverage (single container) may be transported from one floor to another floor in a non-breakable, non-transparent sealable container less than 22 ounces (ie. plastic water bottle with a closed cover of cap).

3. An open can of beer may NOT be transported from one floor to another as it is considered open alcohol

4. Alcohol can be transported from one floor to another floor in a closed box, non-transparent bag (i.e., shopping bag, knapsack, paper bag), or a plastic water bottle with a closed cover or cap. 

5. Open alcohol is considered a container that is open and contains alcohol, as well as:
             a. A can of beer missing from the plastic rings of 6 or 8 packs
             b. A cooler bottle missing from a 4 pack carrying case
             c. A bottle of liquor with a cap that has been previously opened

**Open plastic rings/cooler cases/liquor bottle(s) are to be
transported in a concealed box or non-transparent bag between floors**

Hallways

1. House residents and their guests are not permitted to consume alcohol while in the hallway.

2. Refer to Transportation of Alcohol within Residence Buildings for additional information.

Stairwells

1. Closed alcohol may be transported between floors, provided that it is concealed in a box or non-transparent bag.

2. House residents and their guests are not permitted to consume alcohol while in a stairwell.

3. Refer to Transportation of Alcohol within Residence Buildings for additional information.

Common Area Bathrooms

No alcohol, closed or open, is permitted in the common area bathrooms at any time.

Common Fridges

Residents are not permitted to store alcohol in common area fridges.

Elevator

No alcohol, closed or open is permitted in the elevator in Andrew Hall at any time.
Additional Information Concerning Alcohol in Residence

Additional Information Concerning Alcohol in Residence

  • The health and safety of residence students is of primary concern. Students are expected to inform an RLA when assistance is needed.
  • Drinking games and activities promoting excessive/irresponsible drinking are not permitted in any residence building. This is to assist with the responsible consumption of alcohol and deter any personal injury that may occur from excessive drinking.
  • Certified medical staff (i.e., ambulance attendants) will be called when there is a reasonable concern for the safety of a student(s) or guest(s) as a result of consuming alcohol. Any costs associated with/resulting from such a call (i.e., ambulance ride to the hospital) will be the responsibility of the student(s)/ guest(s) for whom the call was made. UPEI Security may also be called to deal with intoxicated student(s)/guest(s), as well as underage drinkers.
  • Providing an alcoholic beverage to a minor or to a person apparently under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
  • Consumption of alcohol will not excuse any conduct that violates a University or Residence Regulation.
  • The possession of open containers of alcohol, and/or the consumption of alcohol, is prohibited on University grounds.
  • All house events that involve the serving of non-profit or profit alcohol must be served within an approved licensed lounge in a residence hall. Therefore, house function organizers or residence students are not permitted to serve or sell alcohol from a leased residence room or non-licensed area within a residence hall for any house function.
  • Alcohol being sold (regardless for profit or not) at a house function must be sold by the University of Prince Edward Island’s food services company.
  • Non-profit alcohol (provided by house event organizers) being served to function guests must be served by a person who holds a responsible beverage server certificate.
  • Beer provided in kegs (including mini-kegs), wine in boxes, spirits in bottles greater than 40 oz. and other higher quantities will not be permitted to be served or sold at a house function unless it is being served or sold by the University of Prince Edward Island’s food services company.
  • The University’s Alcohol Policy is in effect for all house functions, but may be superseded by the Prince Edward Island Provincial Liquor Laws.
  • Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including eviction from residence.

Information on the effects of alcohol, content, blood sugar level, and dangers of excess drinking can be found at studentlifeeducation.com. Please drink responsibly!

Appliances

Television sets, microwaves, small refrigerators, etc., are permitted in residence rooms/apartments under certain conditions. Any appliance that presents an excessive strain to the residence electrical system, creates excessive levels of noise, or poses a risk of fire will have to be removed. Stereo and computer sub-woofers are not permitted in residence.

Cooking/Kitchens

The use of toasters, toaster ovens, sandwich makers, hotplates, etc., in traditional residence rooms (Bernardine Hall) is prohibited. Residents MAY have small fridges or microwaves in their rooms (see Appliances). Food must be kept refrigerated or in airtight containers.

Kitchen facilities are provided within each apartment in Blanchard Hall. Common kitchen facilities are provided in the traditional residences for the preparation of light snacks. Residents must provide their own cooking and eating utensils. Cleanliness of kitchen facilities is the responsibility of the users. Any unused food, unwashed utensils, dishes, or containers left behind in common kitchens may be disposed of by residence staff who clean these areas. UPEI accepts no responsibility for unattended items left in these kitchens.

Co-operation with Staff

Residents and guests are expected to comply with reasonable requests from staff members. Failure to co-operate with and/or verbal or physical abuse directed towards a staff member (residence staff, custodial staff, maintenance staff, or security attendants) will result in disciplinary action up to and including eviction from residence.

Damage

It is expected that normal “wear and tear” will affect our facilities; however, damage that appears to have occurred beyond this will lead to disciplinary action. Residents are held responsible for costs incurred in repair, replacement, and/or extra cleaning of damaged or neglected items and area. Further, when damage occurs to shared areas and cannot be attributed to specific individuals, charges will be distributed among the residents of the room, apartment, or entire Hall as applicable. Such owing amounts will be applied against individual security deposits, with any extra amounts being billed to the individuals.

Residents will complete room/apartment assessment forms when they arrive. It is the responsibility of each resident to ensure that the information contained on his/her form is correct, and to submit the form to a Residence Life Advisor within two days of checking into residence. At the end of the academic year, the information on these forms will be used to determine if extra damages have been caused within rooms/apartments.

Please note that the removal of window screens is prohibited, as they are inevitably damaged in the process. Residents will be charged the full replacement cost for screens that have been removed.

Decorating

The Residence Life team encourages you to make your room yours. Please feel free to personalize your room so that you will be comfortable in your residence.That being said, because of the potential risk to furniture and walls, tape, tacks, wallpaper, and painting are not permitted. We request you use “poster putty” to fix items to the walls. Also, we request that you please respect your room/dorm-mates in your choice of decorations. If the material displayed is offensive to others, you will be asked to remove it.

Drugs

The trafficking, use, or possession of illegal drugs is a federal offense, inside or outside the UPEI residences, and is strictly prohibited. Residence staff will enter any room in which there is reasonable suspicion that this regulation is being breached. Questions of “reasonableness” will be at the sole discretion of the Director of Ancillary Services, Manager of Residence Services and/or the Residence Life Co-ordinator. Storing illegal drugs in your residence room is considered possession. Those found in violation of this policy may be subject to criminal prosecution and normally will be evicted from residence without refund.

Fire Safety

Due to potential risk of fire, students are prohibited from using or having the following items in their rooms/apartments:

  1. Halogen lights/lamps (Type A 3-way light bulb fixtures acceptable).
  2. Free standing candles (i.e., stick candles). Candles must be in a contained candle holder (i.e., jar candles).
  3. Open element appliances (i.e., toasters and toaster ovens) in rooms located in Andrew Hall and Bernardine Hall. However, these can be used in the kitchens of Blanchard Hall apartments, or in the kitchenettes of Bernardine Hall.

Furniture

Common area furniture is for the use of all residents and is to remain in common areas. Removal of such furniture to private rooms/apartments is prohibited.

Residence rooms and apartments contain certain furnishings as outlined on the room/apartment assessment forms (bed, desk, chair, etc.). Removing furniture from individual rooms/apartments is prohibited. Students will be billed for any missing/damaged furniture.

Game/Pool Room

The following are a list of guidelines for using the game/pool room:

  1. The person who signs for the equipment and key to use the pool/game room is fully responsible for the room, pool table and equipment/accessories. This person is also responsible for the cost of repair to any damage to the room, pool table and equipment accessories.
  2. No beverages are to be near the pool table. Please refer to the Lounge Alcohol policy for the use of alcohol in these type of rooms
  3. No leaning or sitting on the game/pool table.
  4. No tossing/throwing of the accessories (cues, pool balls, etc.)
  5. Ensure the game/pool table is covered and the lights are turned off after use.
  6. All equipment/accessories and key are returned to the front desk person
  7. The room is to be vacated by 10:00 pm Sunday-Thursday & 2:00 am Friday-Saturday
  8. If any damage does occur to the table or equipment/accessories, it is to be reported to the on-duty RLA or Residence Office immediately.

Guests & Sign-in Policy

UPEI residences are private residences. As such, they are for the sole use of residents, their invited guests, and authorized University employees. During certain hours, visitors may be required to sign in to a particular residence. Uninvited visitors are trespassing. All residents have the right and the responsibility to ask uninvited visitors to leave the premises (with the assistance of an RLA and/or Security personnel, if necessary). Residents are responsible (and held accountable) for the behaviour of their guests, and for making their guests aware of all residence policies. A resident may have his or her guest privileges revoked if his or her guests breach residence policies. A guest can be asked to leave at any time by the Director of Ancillary Services, Manager of Residence Services, Residence Life Co-ordinator, Residence Life Advisors, or UPEI Security Personnel.

The sign-in policy was developed in co-operation with Bernardine residents to create a safer, more secure residence hall. All residents of Bernardine and Andrew Hall are required to sign in their guests who are in the building beyond 8:00 pm. Guests are required to submit a photo identification card (student ID, driver’s license, etc.) and indicate what time they enter and leave the building.

Residence Monitors staff the front-desk area of Bernardine Hall and Andrew Hall from 8:00 pm to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Sign-in monitors work with RLAs to ensure that the safety of Bernardine and Andrew Hall residents is not compromised by unwanted visitors or those who are not signed in. The Security attendant ensures the same from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am daily. Guests or residents found in violation of this policy are subject to having their visiting/guest privileges revoked.

Overnight Guests

Non-residence students and others are welcome as visitors in residence rooms only in cases where a roommate has been consulted and has given assurances that she or he will not be inconvenienced by the presence of visitors. This is especially important in the case of anticipated overnight visitors. Guests are not permitted to stay in residence at any time during Orientation Week/New Student Orientation or during the examination period. Overnight guests are discouraged during stressful times such as mid-term exams.

  1. Overnight guests may not stay more than four nights per month, and may not return excessively. Please note that the University of PEI residences are not designed to accommodate couples.
  2. Each room cannot host more than two visitors at a time.
  3. You are accountable for your guest(s) at all times and will be held responsible if your guests violate Residence Services or Student Rights and Responsibilities at UPEI. Your guest(s) must be accompanied by you at all times.
  4. Guests who cause noise or other disturbances will be required to leave the residences immediately.
  5. Guests may only stay overnight in your room. Guests may not sleep in hallways or lounges. Students sharing a double room or an apartment must mutually agree to any arrangements with respect to overnight guests. Under no circumstances may another student’s privacy or property be violated.

Healthy Living and Personal Wellness

Living in residence is a unique experience for everyone. The majority of students have never had the opportunity to live away from home for a prolonged period of time, or have never had to share a living area with someone other than their own family members.

Whether you are living in residence, sharing an apartment, or living at home, healthy living and personal wellness are important daily tasks that everyone should complete. Personal hygiene and healthy living can stem from eating properly, bathing on a regular basis, brushing and flossing your teeth, and washing your clothes and linens, to making sure you are well-rested. While living in residence, students should be conscious of their personal wellness to maintain a healthy style of living, as well as to ensure they are not negatively affecting the people living with or around them.

Maintaining a healthy style of living and good personal hygiene not only eliminates tension among residents, it also helps to prevent infectious diseases and unwanted odours. Diseases and odours may be absorbed by clothes, hair, skin, improperly prepared food, and unclean living and cooking areas. As part of the Residence Life program at the University of Prince Edward Island, it is important to ensure that residence students are aware of what may happen if they practise poor hygiene or neglect a healthy style of living.

Residence Life staff members are available to help students who may have questions about healthy living or personal wellness. The Department of Student Services, located in the W. A. Murphy Student Centre, has counsellors available who deal with students’ personal and academic issues. The campus Health Centre, also located in the W. A. Murphy Student Centre, can also answer questions residence students may have regarding healthy living and personal wellness.

Insurance/Personal Property Liability

As stated in section 13 of the Residence Life Agreement:

You are responsible for your own personal effects. The University will not be liable for the loss of or damage to personal effects belonging ot you or your guests due to fire, theft, flooding, malicious damage, etc. We urge you to be sure that you possess sufficient insurance to cover your personal effecys.

Please note: Incidents of loss of personal effects or suspected theft should be reported to your RLA who will in turn refer the incident to the Residence Life Coordinator, Manager of Residence Services, Director of Ancillary Services, Campus Police, and/or the City Police. We urge you to keep your door locked at all times when not in the room.

Keys/Lockouts

Each resident is issued a set of keys giving him/her access to his/her residence and residence room. Each set of keys is solely for the use of the resident and may not be loaned or given to others. Futhermore, any student who attempts to gain or successfully gains illegal access to another student’s room will be subject to sanctions up to and including eviction from residence without refund.

A resident who has inadvertently become locked out of his/her room may request that a Residence Life Advisor give him/her access. Should this service be abused, a fee may be implemented.

As a matter of safety, residents are prohibited from installing locks (including chain locks) of their own on bedroom, room, or apartment doors.

Lost keys will result in a $40.00 charge to the resident for lock cylinder replacement. Should keys not be returned upon move-out, this charge will be applied against the resident’s security deposit.

No Smoking

Smoking has been prohibited in all residence facilities. This includes ALL residence buildings (students and guests wishing to smoke must leave the residence buildings). In addition to leaving the residence buildings, students and guests must comply with the University Smoke-Free Policy which states people must be at least 9 meters (30 feet) from any University building before smoking.

Noise

A student’s right to quiet study and sleep supersedes others’ rights to make noise, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students need to be aware of their neighbours and must be prepared to compromise on issues of noise. Co-operation helps make residence a great place to live! Should a resident be disturbed by noise at any time (while in his/her room or a study room), it is his/her right to request the offender(s) to quiet down. Residents should approach an RLA for assistance in situations where disputes over noise cannot be settled.

Quiet hours are those times during which residents are prohibited from making noise that can be heard outside their bedrooms, or that may disturb the resident’s roommate (if applicable), or which can be heard from outside the residence and disturbs a resident inside the building. While absolute silence may not be possible (nor expected), excessive noise is not permitted.

Quiet hours exist in all three residences between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am from Sunday to Thursday, and between 2:00 am and 8:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Residents are expected to be extra considerate during quiet hours, as others are sleeping or studying and are likely to be disturbed by noise. On occasion, quiet hours may be suspended by the Residence Life Office for special events, provided that residents are given advance notice.

There are designated ‘low-key’ sections in Blanchard Hall (1C, 1D, 2C, 2D, 3C, 3D). For these areas, quiet hours are from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am Sunday to Thursday, and from midnight to 8:00 am Fridays and Saturdays.

Finally, to provide students with every opportunity to have satisfactory studying and rest conditions in preparation for end-of-term examinations, a revised quiet-hour schedule becomes effective in every residence on the Sunday prior to the final week of classes in each semester (subject to change).

Parking

Residents are permitted to bring vehicles; there is a limited number of designated parking spaces specifically for residence students in front of the New Residence. Otherwise, it is up to each resident to find an unrestricted parking space daily. Students are required to purchase a parking pass, which is available from the Business Office. Call (902) 566-0384 for rates and information. Students will also be required to abide by UPEI parking regulations, which will be enforced by UPEI Security.

Pets

The only pets allowed in the UPEI residences are fish in bowls or tanks. Birds or animals, caged or uncaged, are not permitted at any time. Guest/visitors who bring animals are required to leave them outside the buildings.

Pranks

Initiating, encouraging, supporting, or participating in raids and/or pranks that are disruptive, offensive, or hostile to residents and/or staff is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, participating in potentially destructive activities such as dismantling, removing and/or relocating residence/personal property; and activities that may cause personal injuries, embarrassment, or activities that harass an individual or group of individuals.

Residence Hall Events/Functions

UPEI Residence Staff, UPEI Residence Social Representatives, and/or UPEI Residence Students must submit a written request for house functions that will take place in a residence hall lounge. For non-alcoholic events, this written notice request must be submitted for approval by the Residence Manager and Residence Life Co-ordinator 7 days prior to the event. For events where alcohol will be served and consumed, written request must be submitted 14 days prior to the event.

The following are the standards required to hold a house event/function. For policies related specifically to alcohol, please refer to the Alcohol Policy described on pages 43 to 46. The House function staff may provide non-alcoholic beverages and/or food free of charge or at a cost.

House events/functions must:

  1. Take place in a lounge located within a residence hall or in an approved location.
  2. Take place on Friday or Saturday night between the hours of 9:00 pm and 1:00 am. The days and times may be subject to change based on approval by the Residence Manager or Residence Life Coordinator.
  3. Be limited to three guests per house member. A guest list must be completed and submitted to the Residence Manager and/or the Residence Life Coordinator, the on-duty Residence Life Advisors, and the House Function Staff 24 hours prior to the event.
  4. Adhere to fire regulations—the number of people attending the event cannot exceed the Fire Marshall’s number allowed within the designated function area.

Organizers of House events/functions may not:

  1. harge an admission fee of any kind to people outside of the residence hall, as this would then be recognized as a public function.
  2. Advertise the function outside of the house, as this would indicate a public function.
    Please note: The Director of Ancillary Services, Manager of Residence Services, Residence Life Co-ordinator, Residence Life Advisors, and/or the University of Prince Edward Island Security Services’ Officers/Attendants reserve the right to end or ‘shut down’ a house function based on his or her own discretion.

Restricted Access

Restricted areas in residence include all custodian closets, boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, attics, or any area that cannot be accessed using a student’s exterior or room door key(s). This is to ensure the safety and security of residence students and University employees.

Room/Roommate Changes

The University reserves the right to reassign individuals to different rooms, floors, and/or buildings at any time, should such moves be deemed necessary by the Residence Residence Services.

Living with other individuals can be a challenge, particularly if you share a bedroom. Open communication with your roommate(s) at the beginning and throughout the year on issues such as study habits, acceptable noise levels, cleaning, and guests is essential and will help prevent major roommate problems. Residents are expected to work together to resolve personal differences, with the help of an RLA if necessary.

Residents may request room or roommate changes only after one month of living in their assigned spaces. Changes, however, will only be considered after significant efforts to communicate, compromise, and get along with one another have been made. Room changes are not made for reasons of convenience only, and may be limited as a result of available space.

Scented Candles and Incense Sticks

Due to fire regulations and increased sensitivity by residence students and University personnel to various fragrances, we are requesting students’ co-operation in refraining from burning incense sticks or scented candles within residence buildings. For additional information regarding candle- burning, please refer to Fire Safety guidelines.

Sports Equipment

Sports equipment is intended for use outdoors or in proper facilities, and not in the Residences. Playing hockey, throwing balls, or riding bikes in the Residences results in unnecessary damage to the building and is prohibited.

In Bernardine Hall, sports gear may be stored neatly in designated areas (your RLA will have details). Only residents are permitted to use these areas. Blanchard Hall residents should store equipment in their apartment.

Storm Days

During the winter, it is quite possible that the University may close due to inclement weather. While UPEI may shut down, UPEI Residences will remain operational. Food services will be available, although usual offerings may be reduced.

The Waste Watch Program

As part of an Island-wide environmental initiative, UPEI will be regulating and enforcing the Waste Watch policy. Waste Watch is a mandatory program established to help reduce the amount of waste on Prince Edward Island. Students will be expected to follow the guidelines and procedures set up by Waste Watch, and sort their garbage into recyclables, organic compostables, and residual wastes. A number of clearly labelled receptacles have been distributed around campus and also throughout residence—both in individual rooms and in common areas. For more information on the Waste Watch program, please call toll-free at 1-888-280-8111, or visit their website at iwmc.pe.ca/ Remember: Waste Watch benefits everyone!

Weapons & Explosives

The possession or use of firearms (including air pistols/rifles), other weapons, gunpowder, firecrackers, propane tanks, gasoline, or other materials or objects that may prove hazardous to the residents of the building is strictly prohibited and will typically result in eviction of the offending resident.