When students move into the dorms, it’s important to know what their rights are while living under the university’s roof instead of their parents.
Moving into the dorms can mean escaping parental rules, but it also means submitting to regulations set by the university.
With the bunk beds, freshly set-up futons and Pinterest-inspired decorations of a new residence comes a series of rules and regulations from Ohio University’s department of Housing and Residence Life. As new Bobcats learn their way around campus, it’s important to know what’s allowed (and what’s banned) in the dorms.
When first-year students signed up to live on campus, they also signed a contract agreeing to the university’s residence hall policies.
Along with asking where a few academic buildings are, first-year students usually have a few questions about dorm life.
'Can my resident assistant come into my dorm without my permission?’
The answer is yes, but only under specific circumstances.
Emergency access to a dorm room is necessary to repair damages to the room, complete inspections, verify occupancy, adjust temperature controls, maintain safety standards, assess the resident’s well-being and any other reason determined by Housing and Residence Life staff, according to the department’s website.
Under a few circumstances, officers from the Ohio University Police Department may also knock on a dorm room door for suspicious activity. They, too, are allowed to enter under emergency situations.
Upon signing the contract, students are also agreeing to the university’s alcohol and drug use policies.
Underage drinking is prohibited as well as the possession of drugs without proper medical supervision.
If a student is caught participating in either, a resident assistant may call OUPD, who will then either cite the student or refer them to community standards for discipline.
Fridge access rules follow the same regulations as room access. If a resident assistant enters a dorm room, they must ask to open the fridge before doing so.
‘Can I have a small pet in my dorm?’
The only type of pet allowed in residence halls are fish, according to the Housing and Residence Life website.
Service animals, however, are permitted in accordance with Ohio University policy.
Though it might be tempting to bring one of the groundhogs or squirrels back after class one day, it’s best to leave the species alone.
‘I’m going to really miss having toast in the morning. Can I bring a toaster? What about a hot plate?’
According to the Housing and Residence Life website, high wattage electrical appliances aren’t allowed and will be confiscated if found by Residence Life staff members.
Candles are banned as well. It’s best to get a plug-in air freshener to make a dorm room smell more like home.
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‘My friend wants to visit. What do I have to do?’
When a student living in the dorms invite friends to stay, the university says that student is responsible for their guests at all times. If a visitor violates any of Ohio University’s policies, the OU student is held responsible, according to the Housing and Residence Life website.
The website also says it reserves the right to charge guests for overnight accommodations as deemed necessary. In recent academic years, there has been a charge to have guests stay during the Athens Halloween Block Party weekend. Last year, each guest paid $50 to stay.
‘What if I have more questions?’
Dorm life can be exciting, but it’s important to know your rights as student here on Ohio University’s campus. The full contract can be found online on the Housing and Residence Life website. Resident assistants are also able to answer questions pertaining to residence halls.
@Fair3Julia
