Housing Policies and Guidelines

Section 1: Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping, and Paraphernalia

1. Oklahoma City University is to be a safe environment free from alcohol, drugs, and paraphernalia. It recognizes that the use of alcohol and illegal drugs diminishes the strength and vitality of human resources and the integrity of the institution. It is the intent of the university to educate and encourage students to abstain from alcohol and other drugs. Any student found using or distributing alcohol and other drugs on campus, in on-campus housing, or during campus-sponsored activities can face disciplinary action by the administration. The action may include a drug assessment, referral for counseling, and/or treatment as recommended by a university-approved counselor or counseling service. Every OCU student is required, upon admission, to read and acknowledge the Alcohol and other Drug policy found in its entirety here. Every OCU student is responsible for the contents of this policy.
2. Alcoholic beverage containers, including shot glasses, kegs, beer balls, funnels, or other alcohol consumption containers are prohibited in the residence hall or apartments.
3. Bongs, hookahs, pipes, and other drug paraphernalia are prohibited in the residence hall or apartments.
4. Alcohol or drug packaging, containers, or paraphernalia cannot be used for decoration.
5. Marijuana possession or use is not allowed on Oklahoma City University campus or within a Residence Hall.
6. Marijuana paraphernalia use or possession is not allowed on Oklahoma City University campus or within Residence Halls or campus apartments.
7. Tobacco, E-cigarettes, and Vaping products and use are prohibited on the campus of Oklahoma City University.
8. Tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping products are not allowed and cannot be possessed or used inside or outside the residence halls or apartment community.

Section 2: Animals

1. The only animals permitted in University Housing are fish in 10-gallon fish tanks. All other animals are not permitted in any of the residence halls or apartments.
2. If any unauthorized animal is found there will be an automatic $200 fine per occurrence along with any additional fines for cleaning and damages.
3. Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals:
4. If you have an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal, it must be registered and approved with the Office of Disability and Access Services before allowed in the residence hall or apartment.
5. If you have an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal you are required to follow all expectations from the Offices of Disability and Access Services, and Housing and Residence Life.
6. OCU's Emotional Support Animal Policy can be found here.

Section 3: Appliance, Decoration, and Equipment

1. Antennas:
   1. Exterior antennas or satellite dishes are not permitted.
2. Appliances:
   1. Microwave:
      1. Residence Hall rooms are limited to what can be prepared within a microwave.
      2. Banning Hall, Draper Hall, and Walker Hall are permitted to have one microwave per room. Max Wattage of 700 Watts.
      3. Methodist Hall provides microwaves to residents and students are not able to bring additional microwaves.
      4. Cokesbury Apartments residents are permitted to have one microwave per apartment with a Max Wattage of 700 Watts.
3. Mini-Fridges:
   1. Have a max size of 4.4-Cubic Feet or Smaller
   2. Banning Hall, and Draper Hall are permitted to have one per bedroom.
   3. Walker Hall
      1. Double Rooms are permitted to have one fridge per bedroom.
      2. Triple Rooms are permitted up to two fridges per bedroom.:
4. Appliances that are NOT permitted in the Banning Hall, Draper Hall, Methodist Hall, and Walker Hall:
   1. Slow Cookers, Crockpots, Pressure cookers, Rice cookers, Hot plates, Toaster ovens, Deep fat fryers, Air fryers, George Foreman grills, Electric grills/skillets/griddles, Instant pots, Freezers, Outdoor grills (gas or charcoal), Coffee pots without an auto shut-off feature, Waffle Makers, indoor grills, and multi-cookers
5. Appliances that are NOT permitted in Cokesbury Court Apartments:
   1. deep fat fryers, outdoor grills (gas or charcoal)
6. Decorations:
   1. Candles and Incense that are meant to be burned are not permitted within any residence hall or apartment.
   2. Nails, screws, or other devices that are inserted into the walls are strictly prohibited. Only 3M adhesive strips are to be used when hanging decorations.
   3. No sticky paper, wallpaper, or decorative paper may be adhered to, glued, or attached to the walls.
   4. Combustible decorations including cotton batting, dry/cut vegetation, moss, straw, hay, vines, leaves, or twigs are prohibited.
   5. Real Christmas trees are not permitted in residence halls or apartments.
   6. Pumpkins used for decorating are not permitted in the hallways and must be kept in each room and apartment.
   7. Flags, wind chimes, and other outdoor decorations are not to be hung in the balcony area, fastened to the railing, or hung in the window area.
7. Decorative Lights:
   1. Only LED decorative electric lights are permitted or non-LED battery powered.
      1. Decorative light sets should not be anchored/taped or allowed to touch metal items such as window or door frames.
      2. Cords may not be run through doorways, under doors, or across hallways.
8. Electrical Equipment
   1. Residents may not alter or repair any electrical equipment or fixture provided by the University. Defects in electrical equipment or wiring should be reported to a university housing staff member and a work order must be put in by the student.
   2. If more than two appliances or two appliances with a cumulative wattage of more than 1500 watts are plugged into a single wall outlet, a U.L. approved power strip with a built-in circuit breaker must be used.
   3. Only one power strip is permitted per outlet
   4. Light fixtures are not be removed within any assigned room or apartment
   5. Ceiling fans unless provided by the university are not permitted to be installed within any assigned room or apartment. 
9. Extension Cords:
   1. Extension cords are permitted to use in rooms but they must be UL Certified.
   2. Extension cords must not be used in succession, or in conjunction with, power strips. Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
10. Space heaters, window unit/portable air conditioners, ceiling fans, and similar items not issued by Oklahoma City University are not allowed. Students violating this policy are subject to fines and/or disciplinary action.
11. Exterior Equipment:
    1. Ring/Nest/Smart Doorbells, personal exterior cameras, or any other type of device are prohibited to use or install with on-campus housing buildings and apartments.
12. Network/Internet Devices:
    1. Routers, splitters, and other similar devices are prohibited within the residence halls and apartments.
13. Window Treatments:
    1. All curtains must be hung using tension rods. Permanent hardware may not be attached to walls, windows, or ceilings.

14. Painting:

a. Students are not permitted to paint any walls, spaces, furniture, or any area of a residence hall, apartment, or space.

Section 4: Bicycles and other Recreational Equipment

1. Bicycles may not be stored or placed in stairwells, hallways, fire exits, or chained/locked to stair railings, lamp posts, or shrubbery. Bicycles should be properly secured to bicycle racks provided outside of residence halls and apartments.
2. The operation of hoverboards, skateboards, scooters or other recreation equipment is banned in all residence halls and apartment communities.
3. Boats, Kayaks, and other flotation vehicles and devices are not allowed to be stored within any residential communities or within parking lots on OCU Campus unless prior approval is given.

Section 5: Entry/Exits into Residential Communities

1. Banning, Draper, Methodist, and Walker Halls are require an ID card swipe to enter the building. Each swipe is meant to let one person into the building.
2. Methodist Hall and Cokesbury Apartment vehicle entry and exit gates are meant to be opened and closed for one vehicle each. Once the entrance code or ID card is swiped only one car is permitted to enter and exit at a time. Residents must wait their turn in line and make sure not to follow behind other vehicles without entering their entry code or swiping their ID.
3. If damage has occurred to a vehicle entering or exiting the gates due to negligence on behalf of the student and/or not following proper entry procedures Oklahoma City University is not liable for any damages to any personal property.
4. If a student damages a vehicle gate, pedestrian gate, or access door the student will be liable for the replacement and labor charge.

Section 6: Fireworks/Explosive/Flammables

1. Any type of firework or explosive is strictly prohibited from the residence halls or apartments.
2. The following are banned from the residence halls and apartments:
3. inflammable fluids, dangerous chemical mixes, Bunsen burners, fire pits, kerosene heaters, halogen lamps, lava lamps, multi-bulb lamps with plastic shades (octopus lamp), three dimensional (3D) printers

Section 7: Fire Safety

1. Evacuation of University buildings is mandatory when a fire alarm sounds. Sounding of false fire alarms or tampering with firefighting or safety equipment to include extinguishers, fire sprinklers, and connecting pipes, EXIT signs, and the alarm system is prohibited. Those suspected of such offenses are subject to criminal prosecution, eviction from University housing, and/or suspension from the University, and may be required to pay fines and/or restitution.

Section 8: Furnishings

1. University-provided furniture is not allowed on ledges, balconies, or terraces when not in use.
2. University-provided furniture cannot be stored on ledges, balconies, or terraces
3. All furniture provided by Oklahoma City University must remain inside the student’s room and/or apartment.
4. Personal beds, mattresses, and box springs can not be brought into the residence hall or apartments unless approved through OCU Disability Services for accommodation.

Section 9: Guests and Visitation

1. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests and must be present for the duration of the visit. It is the responsibility of the host to make sure that the guest(s) understand and abide by all Housing and University regulations. If a resident’s guest is involved in any violation of University or Housing regulations, the hosting resident, as well as the guest, may be subject to disciplinary action. Students may be held responsible for violations of University or Housing regulations that occur in their rooms.
2. Overnight guests may not stay for more than three consecutive nights and a total of ten days in a semester.
3. Guests may only stay where there is a free bed for them to sleep in. No guest may sleep on the floor of any University Housing building due to the fire code.
4. Overnight guests are not allowed during periods where the University is closed.

Section 10: University Breaks

1. The University reserves the right, when necessary or practical, to close the residence halls or apartments during official holiday breaks or University vacation periods.
2. Banning Hall, Draper Hall, Methodist Hall, Walker Hall, and Cokesbury Apartments will close during winter break.
3. Students in the residence halls can apply over the break and must be approved by Housing and Residence Life. Any student that is approved to stay over the break will be charged a daily rate. Students are only approved for catastrophic hardships.
4. Any students living in Cokesbury Apartments can choose to stay over the break but will have to register. Any students that register to stay during the break period will be charged a daily rate.
5. Students not returning to the University after winter break, or any other university period must remove all their possessions before leaving.

Section 11: Inspections and Access

1. The University reserves the right to enter student rooms under certain circumstances including, but not limited to, inspections for:
2. Safety, health, general housing policy compliance, cleanliness, inventory, emergency situations, pest control, occupancy verification, maintenance

If such inspections are of a routine or periodically recurring nature, a reasonable effort will be made to give prior notice.

Section 12: Keys

1. Keys are issued at check-in by Housing and Residence Life Staff for the assigned space. Keys must be returned when checking out of the space.
2. If a key is lost or not returned when occupancy has ended, or if a temporary key is not returned within the stated time, the resident will be charged a fee. All keys remain the property of the University.
3. Students will be charged $100 for a lost room/apartment key and $50 for a lost mailbox key.
4. Students found to be in possession of a key to any room other than that assigned to them will be subject to disciplinary action.

Section 13: Lockouts and Locks

1. Each time a student contacts a housing staff member, or the University Housing Office for a lockout to be performed to their bedroom, apartment, or building/complex they will be charged $20 per lockout.
2. No additional locks can be added to entry doors, bedroom doors, and bathroom doors in an apartment or residence hall room.
3. There will be no lock-out charges within the first two weeks of classes each semester.

Section 14: Mail Services

1. Each Residence Hall (Banning, Draper, Methodist, Walker) student shall be provided mail service at the mail center located within the McDaniel University Center. Mail is not delivered to individual rooms.
2. Cokesbury Apartments residents will be assigned a mailbox outside their assigned building to share with their roommates and their packages will be sent to the Cokesbury Housing office to be picked up.

Section 15: Pest Control/Bed Bugs

1. Students must allow Housing staff and our pest control professionals access to the room/apartment at reasonable times to inspect for or treat pest/bed bugs. You and your family members, occupants, guests, and invitees must cooperate and must not interfere with inspections or treatments. We have the right to select any licensed pest control professional to treat the apartment and building. We can select the method of treating the apartment, building, and common areas for bed bugs. You are responsible for and must, at your own expense, have your own personal property, furniture, clothing, and possessions treated according to accepted treatment methods established by a licensed pest control technician.
2. You must report any signs of pest/bed bugs within 48 hours of discovery to your RA, Residence Life Coordinator, or to the Housing and Residence Life Office, or you may submit a maintenance request. Do not wait to report evidence of pests/bed bugs. Even a few bugs can rapidly multiply to create a major infestation. When an infestation is caught early, treatment is often much quicker and less disruptive than when the infestation is more advanced.
3. Successful treatment of a pest/bed bug infestation is dependent on your full cooperation. If we confirm the presence of pest/bed bugs, you must cooperate and coordinate with us and our pest control professionals to treat and eliminate the pest/bed bugs. You must follow all directions from us and our agents to clean and treat the apartment or building that is infested. Follow-up treatments or inspections may also be necessary. You shall not treat the apartment for pest/bed bug infestation on your own. You must remove, or treat personal property that cannot be treated or cleaned before we treat the dwelling.
4. If we confirm the presence or infestation of pest/bed bugs in your dwelling, we have the right to require you to temporarily vacate the dwelling and remove all furniture, clothing, and personal belongings in order for us to perform pest control services.
5. If you do not comply with the preparation of the apartment as required by the pest control professional or the treatment is unsuccessful because of lack of cooperation, you will also be responsible for subsequent treatments to the apartment and for any treatment to adjoining units that are infested with pests/bed bugs.
6. If you are required to pay for any pest control services it will be clearly communicated to you through the student’s OCU email account. The charges will be applied to the student’s BlueLink account.
7. If for any reason the student brings in any pest/bed bugs into the room/apartment they need to follow pest/bed bug policy set out in the housing policies and be charged a treatment/cleaning fine along with any furniture or materials that need to discard that is property of Oklahoma City University.
8. Neither Owner nor Owner’s agents and employees shall be responsible to you for any losses, damages, or expenses including special, consequential, or punitive arising out of a bed bug infestation, inspection, or treatment. Failure to promptly report bed bugs, failure to comply with treatment instructions or any other violation of any other policy are grounds for eviction. The student will remain liable for any costs and damages incurred.

Section 16: Photographing or Videotaping

1. Photographing, videotaping, filming, digitally recording, or by any other means, secretly viewing with or without a device, another person without that person’s consent in any location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, or in a manner that violates a reasonable expectation of privacy is prohibited. This section does not apply to lawful security surveillance filming or recording that is authorized by law enforcement or authorized University officials.

Section 17: Quiet and Courtesy Hours

1. Common courtesy requires all Residence Hall occupants to keep noise levels in all residential areas to a minimum, 24 hours a day.
2. Quiet hours: Sunday – Thursday are 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. and Friday and Saturday midnight to 9 a.m.
3. Beginning 24 hours before the first final through closing, 24-hour quiet hours will be in effect.

**Students shall observe and respect the rights of other students occupying the residence halls. Students will avoid excessive noise levels and will observe quiet hours for studying in each residence hall. At all times, residents need to be considerate of others' needs and respect the rights of others by being aware of the noise level on the hall. Noise that can be heard beyond two doors down from a room is likely excessive and potentially bothering other residents in the building. **

Section 18: Restricted Areas

1. The roofs, ledges, attics, and mechanical/electrical equipment rooms of all University-owned buildings are strictly “off-limits” to all students. Violators of this policy will be subject to fines and/or disciplinary action.

Section 19: Solicitation and Sales

1. Soliciting, canvassing, or the use of University housing as a location for selling, advertising, or running a personal business enterprise is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to hosting parties for Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Avon, Mary Kay, etc.
2. Off-campus individuals and organizations are not allowed to conduct or solicit commercial sales or distribute commercial pamphlets, handbills, circulars, newspapers, magazines, and other written material on University Housing property.

Section 20: Vandalism/Damages

1. Residents are prohibited from vandalizing, damaging, or destroying university or other individuals’ property. Any damages to the community will be billed back to the individuals who caused the damage or split among the residents that live in that community. This includes but not limited to furnishings, bulletin boards, equipment, games, supplies, other student's belongings, marketing materials, flyers, etc...

Section 21: Waste Disposal

1. All waste paper and other trash must be deposited in dumpsters. Littering or improper disposal of trash is not permitted. Trash sitting outside of room, apartments, or in hallways will be subject to disciplinary action. Students found littering in and around University Housing will be subject to fines and/or disciplinary action.

Section 22: Weapon, Projectiles, Explosives, and Inflammables

1. The possession or use of firearms on campus is strictly prohibited within any residence hall or apartment and result in eviction from University housing and/or up-to expulsion from the University.
2. The weapon is defined as any pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle, whether loaded or unloaded, or any imitation or toy gun, airsoft or pellet gun, or any electronic control devices commonly known as Tasers, or any machete, dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, switchblade knife, spring-type knife, sword cane, knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or another device in the handle of the knife, blackjack, loaded cane, Billy club, hand chain, metal knuckles, any knife with a blade measured greater than 4 inches, or any other offensive weapon, whether such weapon is concealed or unconcealed.
3. Realistic weapon replicas such as airsoft or similar type weapon are prohibited from the residence halls and apartments.
4. Water balloon launchers are prohibited from the residence halls and apartments.
5. Darts and dartboards are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments. This includes metal, plastic, magnetic, and other types not listed.

Section 23: Other Policies

1. The University reserves the right to prohibit any item or activity deemed by the University to be harmful, unadvisable, or not in the best interest of the University or its students. Addenda to the contract may be distributed as needed. Residents are required to know and comply with all policies and regulations contained within the Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct.

ATTENTION: Residents or students who tamper with or abuse any of the residence hall elevator equipment or controls, or who create an unsafe environment for themselves or others in or around the elevators are in violation of university housing policy and will be subject to the University conduct process.

When using elevators, you should:

• Watch your step when entering or exiting an elevator
• Stand aside and allow exiting passengers to get off before entering
• Push and hold the 'DOOR OPEN' button if doors need to be held open for longer than the normal timing sequence allows or if someone is approaching the elevator to get on
• Use the stairs if there is a fire in the building or another situation that could lead to a disruption in electrical service - elevator shafts are often not sealed and act as a chimney when fire is present
• Check the posted capacity of elevators and do not board an elevator that is already at capacity - if the car is full or if there is not enough room to stand comfortably in the elevator cabin wait for the next elevator to arrive
• Actively discourage others from cramming into an elevator that is at or has already exceeded its posted capacity
• Discourage unsafe behavior by others in and around elevators
• Report elevator vandalism promptly to University Housing staff; reports may be submitted anonymously
• Report elevator-related accidents promptly to University Housing staff
• Push the 'ALARM' button and as many floor buttons as possible if you suspect trouble or are attacked so that the elevator will stop quickly at the next floor - do not get into an elevator with someone who makes you feel uneasy

You should NEVER:

• Interfere with closing doors - wait for the next elevator
• Attempt to pry open elevator doors
• Attempt to enter the hoistway outside the elevator cabin
• Jump up and down inside of the elevator cabin
• Cram into an elevator that is at or has already exceeded its capacity
• Hold the doors open with any kind of equipment, your foot, or arm

If the elevator is not working and you are inside:

• When the elevator stops, first try the 'DOOR OPEN' button - if the doors will not open press the “phone Call” button and wait for assistance
• Remain calm and communicate with those outside - if you have a cell phone and it is receiving a signal, call University Police at (405) 208-5911 (if you do not have a cell phone, or have no signal, ask those outside to make the call)
• Sit down and stay in the elevator, away from the doors, in case rescue personnel open them - NEVER attempt to crawl, jump, or climb out of an elevator between floors
• Never attempt to get off of a stalled elevator without emergency personnel present
• Do not attempt to exit an elevator that is not properly aligned with a floor unless there are emergency personnel present to assist in evacuation

The following policies and regulations are in place for the safety and security of all residence hall students, and acceptance of the Contract binds the Student to abide by the policies. Failure to abide by the listed policies may result in disciplinary sanctions and/or removal from the residence hall.

Reasonable Care

The Student shall exercise reasonable care in the use of the facilities including, but not limited to:

• Properly ventilating and cleaning bathrooms
• Cleaning of common shared space such as kitchens and living areas
• Timely removal of trash and recycling into the appropriate receptacles

Furnishings

• Furnishings provided by the University may not be altered from their intended design or removed from the room by the Student or guests.
• Any room furnishing added by the Student must be free-standing.
• Direct access to doors and windows cannot be obstructed by an item or furnishings in the room.
• No part of the Student's personal furnishings may be attached, wedged, or secured in any manner to the ceiling, floor, or walls of the room.
• Objects may not be attached to or hung from the ceiling, sprinkler pipes, or sprinkler heads at any time.
• No personal property may be stored in a public area (lobby, lounge, hallway, etc.).
• Repairs to a room or the University's furnishings must be completed by University Housing staff.
• No furnishings from common areas may be taken from the lounges or other areas and placed in the Student's room or moved to other locations.

Care and Maintenance of the Facilities

The Student is expected to maintain their room, room furnishings, and the shared living spaces in the residence halls in an orderly, safe, and sanitary condition including, but not limited to, the following:

• Keys & ID Cards -
  • The Student is issued a room key at the time of occupancy at no charge. If a key is lost or stolen, the Student's account is billed $100. When a room is vacated, it is the responsibility of the Student to return the key to University Housing staff and see that the check-out form is reviewed. Failure to return the room key upon check-out or withdrawal will result in a charge being placed on the Student's account for the cost of $100. The Student is not permitted to loan or give their room key to another individual, and the Student must keep their room key on them at all times.
  • The University will issue the Student an identification (ID) card for use while enrolled at the University. The Student should keep their ID card on them at all times. Their ID card will be used to gain access to their assigned residence hall. The Student is not permitted to give or loan their ID card to another individual to gain access to a residence hall.
• Paint Policy - Painting of the residence halls are not permitted;
• Maintenance - Requests for maintenance repairs should be submitted via the School Dude work order system. Repairs made for damage beyond normal wear and tear may be billed to the Student (parts and labor costs). Maintenance services may be reduced during University holidays and prolonged breaks.
• Air Flow of HVAC Units - An unobstructed distance of 24" must be maintained in front of all vents in the residence hall rooms, including both the vent on the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit and the air return vents in the walls. If vents are obstructed, the temperature of the room cannot be regulated appropriately. Obstructions negatively impact air quality, temperature, and humidity in the room. Any personal belongings (clothes, trash, furniture, lamps, etc.) should be moved away from vents to prevent obstructions that will impact air flow. The 24" clearance in front of vents should be maintained at all times.
• Housekeeping - The Student is expected to clean and maintain their living space. University personnel will provide housekeeping services in common areas such as lounges, hallways, and common area bathrooms. Housekeeping services may be reduced during University holidays, inclement weather, and prolonged breaks.
• Appliances - The University reserves the right to impose reasonable requirements with respect to the use of appliances or equipment in the residence halls.

Damage Charges

• Room Condition - The Student is responsible for loss of or damage to furnishings or equipment in the residence hall room to which they are assigned. The Student will be billed for the replacement or repair of any University property they damage or lose. At the time the student occupies a room, a Room Inventory form is completed. This form indicates the Student's responsibility for the room condition, and furnishing. It includes an inspection report which must be checked and signed by both the Student and a staff member upon moving into the room and checking out. Any damages (beyond normal wear and tear) upon checkout will be charged to the Student and all charges will be placed on the Student's account. Students who officially withdraw are expected to vacate rooms, remove all personal belongings from rooms, and be officially checked out by University Housing staff within 24 hours.
• Community Billing - In public areas, including, but not limited to, lounges, hallways, kitchens, elevators, and bathrooms, the replacement or repair costs for damages are assessed to an individual when responsibility can be determined. When individual responsibility for damages cannot be identified, the residents of a floor or entire hall are collectively responsible for the costs. Charges that are assessed will be placed on student accounts.