Housing Policies and Guidelines

Oklahoma City University and Housing & Residence Life prohibit possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, and drug paraphernalia in University Housing. This policy also applies to items or behaviors that facilitate substance use or display substance-related paraphernalia.

Prohibited Items & Behaviors

• Possession or use of alcohol in any residence hall or apartment.
• Possession or distribution of illegal drugs or any controlled substances.
• Possession, use, or display of alcohol or drug containers, decorative items, or paraphernalia, including, but not limited to shot glasses, kegs, funnels, bongs, hookahs, pipes.
• Use, possession, or influence of marijuana or marijuana derived products, regardless of medical registration or permit.
• Tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related paraphernalia are not allowed in or around housing.

• Use of any item for the purpose of inhaling, smoking, vaping, or other consumption of illegal or regulated substances.

• Possession of alcohol or drug packaging used as decoration or storage within housing.

Response to Violations

• Alcohol: Housing staff follow established protocols. If the resident is under 21, alcohol will be confiscated and disposed of and thendocumented for the violation and referred to the Student Conduct Process. If the resident is 21 or older, staff will take pictures, leave the alcohol in place, and document the violation for referral to the Student Conduct Process.
• Illegal Drugs and Paraphernalia: All illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia will be confiscated by OCU Police. Housing staff will contact OCU Police immediately and complete the required reporting including referral to the Student Conduct Process.
• Marijuana/THC Products: Marijuana or THC products are prohibited in University Housing. Items will be confiscated by OCU Police unless the resident presents a valid Oklahoma medical marijuana card. In all cases, Housing staff will document the incident and submit it through the Student Conduct Process.
• Tobacco & Vaping Devices: Tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related paraphernalia found in prohibited areas are not confiscated by staff but are documented and referred through the Student Conduct Process.

• Residents are expected to observe 24-hour courtesy hours year-round, keeping noise at a level that does not disturb others.
• Quiet hours are observed 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday–Thursday and midnight to 8 a.m. Friday–Saturday.
• Finals: 24-hour quiet hours begin 24 hours before the first final exam and remain in place until residence halls close.
• Noise that can be heard more than two doors away is considered excessive.

• Banning, Draper, Methodist, and Walker Halls require an ID card swipe to enter the building. Each swipe is for one person only; students may not “tailgate” or allow others to enter without swiping.
• Methodist Hall and Cokesbury Apartments have vehicle entry gates that open for one vehicle per swipe or entry code. Following another car through without swiping or entering a code is prohibited.
• Students may not prop open exterior doors, interior security doors, or vehicle gates. Propping doors creates a safety hazard and will result in conduct action.
• Students are responsible for using access systems properly. Damage caused by negligence, misuse, or improper entry or exit will result in documentation, conduct action, and financial liability for repairs.
• Attempted misuse of access points may itself be considered a conduct violation. In example using balcony doors to enter rooms in Methodist Hall.
• Oklahoma City University is not liable for damage to personal property caused by improper use of access gates or negligence by students.

• Keys are issued at check-in and must be returned at checkout.
• Lost or unreturned room keys will result in a $100 charge.
• Keys and ID cards remain University property, may not be loaned or duplicated, and must remain in the student’s possession.
• Unauthorized possession of another student’s key is prohibited.

• No additional locks may be added.
• No door stops, security locks, latches, hinges, or any other mechanisms may be attached to doors, frames, or walls.
• University hardware may not be removed or altered.

• Fireworks, explosives, and flammable/combustible liquids (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, propane) are prohibited in all University housing.
• Grills, fire pits, and other open flame devices are not permitted.

• Evacuation of University buildings is mandatory when a fire alarm sounds.
• Sounding false alarms or tampering with safety equipment (extinguishers, sprinklers, exit signs, alarms) is prohibited and may result in criminal prosecution, eviction, suspension, fines, and restitution.
• During evacuations, residents must follow staff instructions, leave through the nearest exit, and may not use elevators.
• Hallways, stairwells, and exits must remain clear of obstructions at all times.

• The possession or use of firearms or ammunition on campus is strictly prohibited on university property.
• A weapon is defined as any pistol, revolver, shotgun, or rifle (loaded or unloaded), or any imitation or toy gun, airsoft or pellet gun, electronic control device (Taser), machete, dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, switchblade, spring-type knife, sword cane, knife that opens automatically, blackjack, loaded cane, billy club, hand chain, metal knuckles, sword of any type and any knife with a blade greater than 4 inches, as well as any other offensive weapon, whether concealed or unconcealed.
• Possession of ammunition, firearm components, or weapon parts is also prohibited.
• Realistic weapon replicas (such as airsoft) are prohibited from on campus housing.
• Projectile devices, including water balloon launchers, are prohibited in University housing.
• Darts and dartboards of all types (metal, plastic, magnetic, or otherwise) are not permitted.

• Photographing and recording others without consent where privacy is expected is prohibited.
• Personal surveillance devices, including Google Nest, Ring, camera doorbells, AI devices, or similar recording and monitoring devices, are prohibited in and around University housing.

• Roofs, ledges, attics, mechanical/electrical rooms are off-limits.

• Bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes) must be stored at designated bicycle racks near each residence hall or, where permitted, on the balconies of Cokesbury Court Apartments. Bicycles and e-bikes may not be stored in student rooms, hallways, stairwells, entryways, or other locations where they may obstruct emergency egress.
• Electric scooters, electric skateboards, self-balancing boards, and similar personal electric mobility devices are permitted within University Housing for storage but may not be operated inside University buildings. When stored in a student room or apartment, the device must be positioned so that it does not obstruct the doorway, walking path, or access to an emergency exit.
• Charging of electric mobility devices and batteries is permitted only in student rooms or apartments using the manufacturer-approved charger and equipment. E-bike batteries may be removed from the bicycle and brought inside for charging; however, the e-bike itself must remain at an approved bicycle storage location. Devices and batteries may not be charged in hallways, stairwells, lobbies, entryways, or other common areas or means of egress.
• Batteries or charging equipment that are damaged, swollen, leaking, excessively hot, modified, recalled, or otherwise appear unsafe may not be charged or stored within University Housing. Residents must discontinue charging immediately if a battery or device shows signs of overheating, smoke, unusual odors, or other malfunction.
• Campers, trailers, boats, and kayaks may not be stored on University Housing property without prior approval.
• Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or other flying devices may not be operated in or around University Housing.

• University housing facilities are not equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Students may not connect, charge, or attempt to charge electric vehicles from residence hall or apartment electrical outlets, extension cords, or power strips.

• Residents must follow all posted elevator rules, including capacity limits and safety notices.
• Tampering with or abusing elevator equipment or controls is strictly prohibited and will result in conduct action.
• Residents should allow passengers to exit before entering and should not block doors or attempt to force them open.
• Elevators must not be used during fire alarms, fire drills, or power outages; residents should use stairs in these situations.
• Bicycles, large recreational equipment, or furniture moves may only be brought into elevators if they fit safely without exceeding posted weight or capacity limits.
• Report vandalism, damage, or malfunction immediately to Housing & Residence Life staff.
• Misuse that causes service disruption may result in financial responsibility for repairs.

• Students, parents, guardians, and guests are not permitted to bring, authorize, hire, direct, supervise, or otherwise coordinate any third-party vendor, contractor, inspector, or service provider within any residence hall, apartment, or residential community without prior written approval from Housing & Residence Life.
• For safety, liability, and operational purposes, all maintenance, repairs, inspections, testing, remediation, or other services must be coordinated and performed by Oklahoma City University staff or by vendors approved by the University.
• Students must report all facility or maintenance concerns through the official Housing & Residence Life work order or reporting process so that the issue can be reviewed and addressed by authorized personnel.
• Any individual or company attempting to access residential facilities without prior authorization will be denied entry and required to leave university property.
• Oklahoma City University is not responsible for, and will not reimburse or compensate, any costs, services, inspections, testing, or repairs arranged through unauthorized third-party vendors.
• Unauthorized vendor activity within university housing may result in conduct action, financial responsibility for damages or disruptions, and/or removal from university housing.

General Rules

• Exterior antennas or satellite dishes are not permitted.
• Only UL-certified power strips with surge protection are permitted; extension cords may not be daisy-chained.
• Any appliance not listed as permitted is prohibited unless approved by Housing & Residence Life.
• Candle and wax warmers with automatic shut off are permitted. Candles with wicks, incense, and other open-flame items remainprohibited. Please see section 2.4.

Permitted Items

• Residence Halls (Banning, Draper, Methodist Hall, Walker)
• One microwave per student bedroom (≤750W) unless rented through our Microfridge vendor.
• Fridges:
  • Banning and Walker Hall
    • Triple Rooms:
      • If a MicroFridge is rented through the university vendor, each student may have their own MicroFridge.
      • If a MicroFridge is not rented, the following limits apply:
        • Two mini-fridges per bedroom (≤4.6 cu. ft.)
    • Double Rooms:
      • If a MicroFridge is rented through the university vendor, each student may have their own MicroFridge.
      • If a MicroFridge is not rented, the following limits apply:
        • One mini-fridges per bedroom (≤4.6 cu. ft.)
  • Methodist Hall:
    • Each student may have one personal mini-fridge up to 4.6 cubic feet in their assigned room, or for two and four bedroom units only: the unit may contain one shared communal mini-fridge up to 4.9 cubic feet total. Only one non-university owned mini-fridge is permitted per assigned unit.
• Blender
• Two-slice toaster
• Air fryer (≤4-quart capacity, must have auto shut-off)
• Cokesbury Apartments
• All standard kitchen appliances are permitted except deep fat fryers.

Electrical Safety

• Do not alter or repair University issued electrical equipment, report concerns through the work order system.
• When using multiple devices on one outlet, use a UL-approved power strip with a built-in circuit breaker.
• Prohibited items: space heaters, window/portable AC units, ceiling fans not issued by the University.
• Students may not remove light fixtures or install ceiling fans.
• Residents may not remove or tamper with light fixtures, covers, or globes in Methodist Hall or Cokesbury Apartments. Any removal or alteration is prohibited and will result in conduct action and possible repair charges.

• University provided furniture must remain in the assigned room and apartment and may not be removed, exchanged, or stored elsewhere.
• University owned furniture may not be stored on balconies.
• Common area furniture must remain in lounges, study rooms, or other designated spaces and may not be moved into student rooms.
• Personal beds, mattresses, and box springs are prohibited unless first approved through the Office of Disability & Access Services.
• Personal couches, futons, and sofas are not permitted in Walker and Banning Halls
• University provided furniture may not be permanently or temporarily altered, reupholstered, or modified.
• Bed Risers:
  • Only commercially manufactured plastic bed risers are permitted. Homemade risers, cinder blocks, bricks, wood, or other materials may not be used to elevate furniture. Beds may not be elevated more than 12 inches.
• Electronics:
  • Televisions may not be mounted to walls, ceilings, doors, windows, or university furniture. The use of bolts, screws, nails, or adhesive mounting systems (including heavy-duty strips or brackets) is strictly prohibited. TVs must remain on freestanding furniture designed to hold them.

• Curtains may be hung using properly fitted tension rods; removable adhesive curtain hooks or brackets suitable for the surface; removable over-the-blind, clip-on, or clamp-on curtain rod brackets designed to fit existing blind headrails; or curtain rod brackets designed by the manufacturer for installation with small nails, subject to the requirements and building restrictions below.
• Curtain rods, hooks, and brackets must be installed and removed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including surface compatibility and weight limits for the combined weight of the rod and curtains. Installations may not damage University surfaces or bend, loosen, or interfere with blinds or existing hardware.
• Curtain rod brackets designed for small-nail installation, including brackets that combine removable adhesive backing with small nails, are permitted only on suitable drywall (sheetrock) walls in the locations allowed by Section 3.4. Nails must meet the size, building, location, and installation requirements in Section 3.4. Adhesive-backed brackets must also be suitable for the wall surface.
• Small-nail curtain brackets are not permitted in Banning Hall or in unrenovated Walker Hall rooms. In renovated Walker Hall rooms, they may be installed only on the drywall divider wall between student nooks, and only if the installation meets the manufacturer’s instructions and all other policy requirements. Nails may not be installed on any other Walker Hall wall or surface.
• Residents must use the manufacturer’s specified installation method and fasteners. Nails may not be substituted for required screws or anchors. Brackets requiring screws driven into University surfaces, anchors, drilling, or installation into window or door frames or trim are prohibited.
• Adjustment screws built into permitted clamp-on brackets may be used to tighten the bracket without puncturing or damaging University property. Screws driven into walls, window or door frames, trim, blind hardware, or other University surfaces are prohibited.
• University-installed blinds and hardware may not be removed, relocated, or altered. Curtains and their supports may not interfere with window operation, required access, or emergency exits.
• Signs, posters, flags, wind chimes, and other decorations may not be hung from balconies or railings or placed in or covering windows. Curtains installed in accordance with this section are permitted.
• Residents may not paint walls, ceilings, cabinetry, doors, or other University surfaces.
• Wallpaper, contact paper, and similar adhesive coverings are prohibited on walls, cabinetry, furniture, counters, and doors. Window tints and adhesive window coverings are prohibited.
• Residents must remove personally installed curtain rods and supports at checkout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Residents may be charged for damage caused by installation, use, or removal and for materials left behind.

General Guidelines

• Residents may personalize assigned bedrooms and shared living spaces within their suites or apartments with safe, removable decorations. Residents may not decorate community hallways, lounges, or stairwells.
• Entry-door decorations must be secured with surface-compatible removable adhesive strips or hooks and remain entirely within the door surface. Decorations may not cover the peephole or room number, interfere with the lock, handle, or door operation, or obstruct entry or exit.
• Only freestanding decorations are permitted on balconies in Methodist Hall and Cokesbury Apartments, subject to other Housing policies. Decorations may not obstruct access or be attached to balcony walls, ceilings, doors, windows, or railings.
• Removable adhesive products must be intended for the specific surface and load and installed and removed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Products may not be used on heavily textured, peeling, damaged, or otherwise incompatible surfaces. Residents must contact Housing & Residence Life if they are unsure whether a hanging method is permitted. Stronger tape or glue is not an approved substitute.
• Permission to use a hanging product does not waive responsibility for damage. Residents may be charged for documented repairs resulting from installation, use, or removal, including nail holes, damaged paint or drywall, cracks, and adhesive residue. Charges are based on the repairs required and may be assessed at checkout or when damage is identified.
• Residents must document preexisting holes and damage on their room condition report at check-in. Residents will not be charged for documented preexisting holes or damage, but may be charged for additional damage they cause to those areas. Residents may fill small holes, but attempted repairs do not guarantee that damage charges will be waived. Residents may not paint University surfaces.
• At checkout, residents must remove all personally installed decorations and hanging materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If removal causes damage, residents must stop and contact Housing & Residence Life for guidance. University-installed hardware must remain in place. Charges may apply for materials left behind.
• Decorations must not obstruct sprinklers, smoke detectors, vents, exits, or required access.

Permitted Decorations

• All Residential Communities: Lightweight posters, photographs, and similar wall decorations may be hung using compatible removable adhesive strips or hooks. Small picture-hanging or finishing nails, used alone or with picture hooks, are permitted only in the buildings and wall locations listed below. Small nails may also be used with the curtain rod brackets expressly permitted under Section 3.3, subject to the same building and wall restrictions. All nail installations are subject to the following requirements:
  • Banning Hall: Nails are not permitted in any location, including for wall decorations or curtain brackets.
  • Walker Hall: In renovated rooms, small nails may be installed only on the drywall (sheetrock) divider wall between student nooks. Nails are not permitted on any other wall or surface, or in unrenovated rooms.
  • Other Residential Communities: Small nails may be used only on suitable drywall (sheetrock) walls in assigned bedrooms and shared living rooms. The presence of drywall does not authorize installation in otherwise prohibited locations.
  • Nails must not exceed 1.5 inches in total length or 1/16 inch in shaft diameter, excluding the nail head. Products must be suitable for the surface and used within the manufacturer’s applicable load limits. Residents are responsible for purchasing and installing compliant products.
  • Residents should plan decoration placement before installation to minimize additional holes. Existing nail holes may be reused only if the installation meets this policy, the surface and fastener are suitable for the intended load, and reuse does not enlarge the hole or cause additional damage.
  • Nails may be used only on suitable interior drywall (sheetrock) walls in bedrooms and shared living rooms, subject to the building restrictions above. Nails may not be installed in ceilings, doors, window or door frames, trim, cabinetry, University furniture, tile, brick, concrete, concrete block, or balcony areas. Residents must contact Housing & Residence Life before installation if the surface or location is uncertain.
  • Small nails may be used only for lightweight wall decorations and the curtain rod brackets expressly permitted under Section 3.3. Nails may not be used to support string lights, televisions, mirrors, shelves, furniture, plants, storage systems, or other fixtures.
• LED decorative string lights, whether plug-in or battery-powered, and decorative solar-powered lights are permitted. Lights must be UL-listed and turned off when unattended. Lights may be supported using compatible removable adhesive clips designed for that purpose or a suitable personal freestanding display structure. Cords may not be punctured or stapled. Lights may not run through or under doors, across hallways, or through railings, or be attached to ceilings, balcony railings, metal door frames, or sprinklers.
• Candles without wicks may be used with candle warmers that meet the requirements of Section 3.1.

Prohibited Decorations

• Candles with wicks, incense, and other open-flame items, whether burned or unburned.
• Resident-installed wall-penetrating hardware other than the small nails used for wall decorations, picture hooks, or curtain brackets expressly permitted under Sections 3.3 and 3.4. Screws driven into University surfaces, anchors, toggle bolts, construction nails, staples, and drilling are prohibited. Nonpenetrating adjustment screws built into permitted curtain brackets may be used only as described in Section 3.3. Permission to use small nails applies only to the buildings, wall surfaces, and locations specified above.
• Television mounts attached to walls, ceilings, doors, windows, or University furniture, regardless of attachment method. Televisions must rest on freestanding furniture designed to support them, consistent with Section 3.2.
• Resident-installed shelving, plant hangers, storage systems, and similar fixtures attached to University surfaces. Exceptions are limited to the removable adhesive products, small nails, and picture hooks permitted by this section and the curtain supports permitted under Section 3.3.
• Items mounted, attached, or suspended from ceilings, including lights, plants, fabric, and other decorations.
• Decorative adhesive flooring and the adhesive surface coverings prohibited under Section 3.3.

Seasonal Decorations

• In residence halls, pumpkins must remain inside units and may not be placed in hallways, on balconies, or outside doors. Apartment residents may place pumpkins outside their units but must remove them during the first week of November.
• Real Christmas trees are prohibited in University-owned housing.

Permitted Animals: 

• The only animals automatically permitted in University housing are fish kept in tanks of 10 gallons or less. 

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) & Service Animals: 

• ESAs and Service Animals must be fully registered and approved through the Office of Disability & Access Services (DAS) before being brought to campus. Approved ESAs must meet all expectations outlined by DAS and Housing & Residence Life. Students are responsible for the care, control, and cleanliness of their approved animal at all times.
• ESAs must be under control at all times when by a leash or harnessed, or in a carrier when outside the student’s room. 

Unauthorized Animals: 

• The presence of an unauthorized animal will result in a $200 fine per occurrence, plus costs for any cleaning, pest control, or damages.
• Unauthorized animals must be removed based on provided instructions from university officials. Failure to comply will result in additional fines, conduct action, and possible eviction from housing.
• Unauthorized animals will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students and Housing & Residence Life. A conduct meeting with the Dean of Students Office will be required. 

Responsibility for Damages: 

• If a space requires extra cleaning, pest control, or repairs due to any animal (authorized or unauthorized), the student will be charged for all associated costs. 

General Expectations: 

• Animals may not be left unattended overnight, must be under control at all times, and must not create disruption to the community. 

Feeding of Outside Animals 

• To promote campus health, safety, and cleanliness, residents may not feed or provide food, water, or shelter to stray, wild, or outdoor animals in or around university housing. This includes, but is not limited to, cats, dogs, squirrels, raccoons, and birds.
• Bird feeders, food dishes, or other feeding stations are prohibited on balconies, patios, windowsills, or in common areas. Feeding wildlife can attract pests and create sanitation and safety issues.
• No animal housing (e.g., birdhouses, nesting boxes, or similar structures) is allowed on the outside of university housing buildings.
• Violations may result in conduct action, and residents may be held responsible for pest control or cleanup costs related to the feeding of outside animals.

• Students must allow Housing staff and licensed pest control professionals reasonable access to inspect or treat pests and/or bed bugs and must cooperate fully with all preparation and treatment requirements.
• Report any signs of pests and/or bed bugs within 48 hours of discovery to Housing staff. Early reporting and cooperation reduce disruption.
• Students are responsible, at their own expense, for treating or removing personal property according to licensed pest control standards. Personal items that cannot be treated and cleaned must be removed before dwelling treatment occurs.
• Students may be required to temporarily vacate during treatment. Failure to comply with preparation and treatment requirements or lack of cooperation may result in responsibility for subsequent treatments including adjacent units and associated costs.
• Charges, if applicable, will be posted to the student’s account and communicated via OCU email.
• The University and its agents are not responsible for loss or damage to personal property resulting from infestation, inspection, or treatment. Failure to report or comply may be grounds for eviction.

• Trash must go in dumpsters.
• No trash in hallways or outside rooms.
• Recycling bins only for recyclables.
• Furniture, mattresses, and other bulk items may not be left in dumpsters, hallways, or common areas. Students are responsible for the removal costs of abandoned bulk items.

• Students who observe or suspect mold, mildew, or other air quality concerns within university housing must report the concern to Housing & Residence Life so that Facilities Management can assess the situation.
• Any air quality testing conducted within university housing must be coordinated and approved by Oklahoma City University and performed by university personnel or an authorized vendor.
• Unauthorized third-party testing is not permitted and will not be recognized by the University. Results from unapproved testing will not be used to determine remediation actions or financial responsibility.
• If air quality testing is requested by the student and conducted through the University, and results fall within normal environmental ranges as determined by the testing provider, the student may be responsible for the cost of testing.
• If testing identifies environmental conditions that require remediation or corrective action, the student will not be responsible for the cost of testing.
• The University will determine appropriate next steps, including maintenance, cleaning, remediation, or temporary or permanent relocation, based on assessment results.
• Failure to report concerns in a timely manner may impact the University’s ability to investigate and address the issue.

• Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests and must remain present for the duration of the visit. Hosts must ensure that guests understand and follow Housing and University policies. Guest violations may result in conduct action for both the guest and the host.
• Students may be held responsible for violations that occur in their assigned room. Guests are only permitted with the consent of all roommates.
• Guest presence must not infringe on roommates’ ability to study, sleep, or use the room fully. If conflict arises, Housing staff may require the guest to leave.
• Overnight guests may stay no longer than three consecutive nights and ten total nights per semester.
• Guests may not sleep on the floor or create additional sleeping arrangements that violate fire code or occupancy limits.
• Guests must be escorted at all times by the resident and cannot be left in the unit alone.

• The University may close residence halls or apartments during official holiday breaks or vacation periods.
• Residence Halls (Banning, Draper, Methodist, Walker): Students may apply for break housing. Approval is limited to catastrophic hardships, and a daily rate will apply.
• Cokesbury Apartments: Residents may remain during breaks but must register with Housing & Residence Life.
• Students not returning after winter break or other closures must remove all possessions before leaving.
• Unauthorized Stay: Students who remain in housing without approval may be charged with an improper occupancy fee and subject to conduct action.

• Oklahoma City University offers Gendering Inclusive Housing as part of its commitment to creating residential communities that are welcoming, respectful, and inclusive.
• Gender Inclusive Housing allows students the option to live in the same room, suite, or apartment and share common living spaces regardless of sex or gender. This option supports students who prefer to select roommates based on personal compatibility.
• Participation in Gender Inclusive Housing is voluntary. No student will be required to live in an Gender Inclusive Housing assignment.
• Students participating in Gender Inclusive Housing must mutually select each other as roommates during the housing application or room selection process. Students may only match with others who have also selected the Gender Inclusive Housing option.
• Students are not required to disclose or explain their reasons for selecting Gender Inclusive Housing.
• Gender Inclusive Housing is primarily available in upper-division housing areas. First-year students are not eligible for Gender Inclusive Housing placements. Housing & Residence Life will work individually with first-year students who have specific housing needs.

• University officials may enter student rooms, suites, or apartments for purposes including, but not limited to, safety, health, maintenance, policy compliance, occupancy verification, and emergency response.
• Entry may occur whether or not the resident is present.
• The University reserves the right to take necessary action within a space to address safety concerns, policy violations, or facility-related issues.

• Housing & Residence Life conducts routine health and safety inspections periodically throughout the academic year to ensure compliance with university policies and community standards.
• Housing & Residence Life will typically provide advance notice prior to scheduled inspections.
• Inspections may include, but are not limited to:
  • Identification of prohibited items
  • Fire and safety hazards
  • Cleanliness and sanitation concerns
  • Damage to university property
• During inspections, staff may open, move, or visually inspect university-owned furniture and fixtures as necessary to complete the inspection.

• If violations or concerns are identified during an inspection, Housing & Residence Life may conduct follow-up inspections to confirm that issues have been resolved.
• Residents will be given a reasonable timeframe to correct identified concerns.
• Failure to correct violations may result in additional conduct action and/or financial charges.

• Housing & Residence Life may conduct impromptu inspections or enter a space without advance notice when there is reasonable cause to believe:
  • A policy violation may be occurring
  • A safety or health concern exists
  • A facility issue requires immediate attention
• These entries are conducted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residential community.

• Housing staff may document conditions within a space, including taking photographs of policy violations or damages.
• Hazardous or prohibited items may be confiscated if they pose a safety risk or violate university policy.

• Residents of Banning, Draper, Methodist, Walker, and Cokesbury receive mail at the Mail Center in the McDaniel University Center.
• Mail is not delivered to individual rooms.
• The University is not responsible for any mail or package delivered directly to a residence hall or apartment. Students are responsible for retrieving and securing such deliveries.
• Perishable items should be retrieved promptly; the University is not responsible for spoilage or damage.
• Housing staff will not accept deliveries on behalf of students.

• Residents may not vandalize, damage, or destroy property.
• Residents may be responsible for damage caused by their guests.
• Community damages will be billed to the individuals responsible or divided among residents of the affected community when responsibility cannot be determined.
• Intentional damage may result in restitution, fines, and referrals.
• Appeals: Damage charges may be appealed by emailing [email protected] within 30 days of the posted charge; after 30 calendar days, the charge becomes final and cannot be disputed.

• Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to update or amend policies during the academic year as necessary for student health, safety, or compliance with law. Updates will be communicated via OCU email and will be considered binding once issued.
• The Housing Agreement and Housing & Residence Life Policies & Guidelines are intended to be read together. Policies outlined in the Housing Agreement, including those related to facilities, environmental conditions, third-party vendors, and housing assignments, are incorporated into these guidelines and are enforceable as part of Housing & Residence Life policy.
• Students are responsible for complying with all Housing & Residence Life policies, the Housing Agreement, the OCU Student Handbook, and the Student Code of Conduct. Failure to comply may result in conduct action, financial charges, and/or removal from university housing.