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University Housing
Hamlin Hall, Room 448
550 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester,
MI
48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-3570
housing@oakland.edu
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Policies
Failure to abide by University Housing policies may result in disciplinary action and students alleged of policy violation(s) will be referred through the University Housing Conduct Process. For more information, please refer to the University Housing Conduct System section.
All student groups must also follow the university’s posting policy, as well as its solicitation and distribution policy. The posting policy is available at the Office for Student Involvement, 49 Oakland Center. The solicitation and distribution policy is available at the Dean of Students Office, 150 Oakland Center.
Violators of the advertising policy may lose their opportunity to advertise future events. They also may face disciplinary action and service charges .
Neither possession (including open cans, bottles, cups, squeeze bottles, etc.) nor consumption of alcohol is allowed in any public area within University Housing, including balconies, hallways, lounges, study rooms and community bathrooms. It is not permitted outdoors. Alcohol containers and returnables must be wrapped or contained in a bag or other packaging so the contents are not visible. It is not acceptable to hide alcohol containers in pockets or under coats and shirts. Alcohol bottles and containers may not be used as decorative items in residences.
“Common source” distribution, defined as any individual or group of students sharing or supplying alcoholic beverages, is prohibited. Kegs and consumption paraphernalia are not permitted in the residence halls. Students violating the alcohol policy may be required to attend an alcohol education class.
Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include restricted access for the remainder of the semester or academic year.
Oakland University Housing provides aggressive treatment when alerted to the potential of bedbugs in a residence hall room or apartment. All residents affected are required to follow the HTS Mandatory Preparation checklist. In the event of a bedbug infestation, University Housing will undertake eradication to the residence hall room or apartment, including the appliances and fixtures. The resident will be solely responsible for eradication of their personal clothing and fabric items. Students who fail to cooperate with the bedbug eradication procedure may be subject to disciplinary action and restitution.
Oakland University Housing highly discourages bringing furniture of unknown origins or furniture which has been out of the possession of the residents. Secondhand furniture can be a contributor to bedbug infestation. If bedbugs are suspected or discovered, residents are responsible for submitting an e-maintenance request. Students may submit a request by clicking here. Students will be given the HTS Mandatory Preparation checklist, the scheduled eradication date, and an estimated time of arrival.
The first occurrence is free of charge to the resident. Additional occurrences will incur a charge of up to $1400 and disciplinary action. Continued instances can lead to removal from University Housing.
- All hanging decorations in student rooms or corridors must be of fire resistant or fireproof materials and may not hang from the ceiling.
- Student room doors may be decorated as long as materials are not draped or hung so as to create an imminent fire possibility.
- Decorations of flame resistant materials are allowed in the University Housing lounge areas.
- Miniature string lights that are UL approved and do not generate noticeable heat are permissible in student rooms, but no lights of any type are to be used in the decoration of student room doors or in hallways.
- LED light strips with adhesive backing are not permitted.
- No decorations may be placed so as to obstruct access to halls, stairwells or exits.
- Light fixtures may not be decorated.
- No extension cords are to be used from student rooms into the corridors or hallways at any time.
- All decorations should be removed from public areas and floor corridors prior to the semester break and winter closings.
- The cost of having decorations removed by custodial staff will be prorated to all floor members.
- Any decorations used as part of a floor/hall decorating contest must be removed within 24 hours of the event.
- Residences may not be painted.
- Room/suite murals and writing on walls are not allowed.
- Contact paper with adhesive backing, markers, crayons, chalk and spray paint are not allowed to be used for decorating.
- Use of Command Strips and Command Hooks is not permitted.
- Wallpaper, paneling, mirror tiles and other decorative items that deface walls, ceilings or floors are prohibited.
- Installation of bookcases and other similar items is permitted if the units are freestanding. Affixing such units to the walls, floors, etc. is prohibited.
- Use of any adhesive that results in damage to paint or walls is not permitted. A charge will be assessed for any damage to walls. The only approved adhesive for hanging items on walls is frog tape. All other methods are prohibited.
The electrical system is checked regularly to ensure the stress on the system is safe. If at any time it is determined that the electrical pull on the system is becoming unsafe, students may be required to remove some of their electrical appliances and take them home.
Questions regarding the appropriateness of any given electrical appliance can be directed to the Housing Office, Hamlin Hall, Room 448.
- formally admitted to the University as matriculated or conditionally admitted students in a degree-seeking program at the University and enrolled in a minimum of one (1) credit hour during each fall, winter, or summer semester in which they reside in University Housing;
- matriculated students in a degree-seeking program at another college or university that has an affiliation or exchange agreement with the University and who are attending the University as part of a program covered by one of the affiliation or exchange agreements;
- or, participating in the University’s authorized summer camp or Semester Abroad programs.
- have either applied to a degree-seeking program at the University or have indicated on their ESL Institute application that they intend to pursue a degree at the University;
- are required to complete coursework in the University’s ESL Institute in order to meet the University’s English language proficiency admissions requirements;
- have been issued an I-20 or DS-2019 from the University for their ESL Institute studies;
- are enrolled full-time in ESL Institute courses; and (v) are making satisfactory academic progress in their ESL Institute program as determined by the University.
ESL Institute students may be registered less than full-time if they are either participating in the University's American Semester Abroad Program or are in the final semester of their ESL Institute coursework and are enrolled in at least the minimum number of courses/credits to fully complete their ESL Institute program in that semester.
Students enrolled in continuing education classes or other non-degree programs are not formally admitted to the University and are therefore not eligible to reside in University Housing.
Students must also complete at least 16 credit hours in good standing and be a non-first-year resident to reside in the Apartments.
Students who experience a change of status resulting in lack of eligibility compliance must vacate their assigned residence hall rooms or apartments as directed by the Department of University Housing.
Staff members, when entering student rooms for reasons listed above, will report any visible or suspicious contraband or violations of University Housing and/or university policies.
Fire Alarm
In the event of a fire alarm, all residents must vacate the building immediately. Failure to exit in a prompt and orderly fashion and evacuate to the parking lots may result in disciplinary action. Staff may check rooms during fire alarms. When exiting your room, please lock your door while taking your key and OU ID. Student who have registered a disability with Disability Support Services, or who have a disability that impairs their ability to leave the building under their own will, should notify their Residence Director at the time they move-in so that an exit plan may be identified.
Fire Hazards
Open flame or continuous burning objects are prohibited in University Housing. Such items include but are not limited to; candles, oil lamps, incense burners and flammable liquids. Items if found will be confiscated and documentation issued. Aerosol cans and plug-ins are considered permissible forms of air fresheners. Flammable liquids such as lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene or gas engines are not permitted within 25 feet of University Housing. Live trees and wreaths are not permitted. All artificial trees and wreaths must be removed prior to departure for holiday recess. Floor, hallway or lounge decorating must pass fire code inspection. Paper or flammable products should not hang from ceilings or cover walls. Light fixtures should not be covered. Residents may not place or store furnishings, trash or personal belongings in the hallway. Fire doors must always be closed.
Fire Safety Equipment
Tampering with or misuse of the fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers or any other fire safety equipment is prohibited and subject to prosecution under state law. Any resident found tampering with the aforementioned equipment and/or smoke detectors, thermal detectors, and fire hoses may be subject to immediate suspension from University Housing and/or Oakland University and subject to legal action. Do not hang anything from sprinkler heads, or any fire safety equipment.
Guest and visitor policies reflect current health and safety recommendations, and are subject to re-evaluation and/or change should the evolution of the pandemic require adaptation or modification.
Overnight guests are permitted for no more than two consecutive nights, and no more than a total of four nights in the course of a week. Roommate and suitemate preferences and concerns should be taken into account when inviting guests to visit or stay overnight.
Oakland University Housing room capacity is two guests/visitors per resident. Residents are allowed to have no more than two guests in their assigned space at a time. Rooms which are found to be over capacity will be treated as a party, and the host resident and their guests will go through the University Housing conduct process.
The university reserves the right to inspect, maintain and repair all rooms and buildings at any time. If the inspection reveals objects that constitute safety or sanitary hazards, the owners will be required to remove them. Residents will be assessed service charges and/ or repair costs whenever masking tape, adhesive picture holders, nails, thumbtacks, decals, etc., cause damage to walls and doors as well as other wood and metal surfaces in student rooms and public areas. In the event that room repairs are needed, students should submit a request online through the My Housing portal. When making a maintenance request, students should be very specific as to the location and nature of the problem. The maintenance staff will exercise reasonable care while cleaning and repairing rooms, but the university is not responsible for personal items that are lost, damaged or stolen.
Students are required to present university or picture identification to university staff members upon reasonable request. University staff members are defined as all university employees, including all University Housing staff.
Incoming residents are required to pick up the key to their room or apartment within seven days of their assigned move-in date. University Housing will cancel the housing contract of any student who fails to pick up their key within the designated time frame. Students who wish to have their cancelled contract reinstated may contact University Housing for assistance. If the original assignment location is no longer available, the student will be assigned to an alternate location.
When residents are locked out of their room, apartment or cottage between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, they can check out a loaner key for 24 hours at the service desk for their building or complex. Residents must present picture identification or be identified by a University Housing staff member to obtain a loaner key. If the loaner key is not returned after 48 hours, the resident may be charged for recoring his or her room door lock. When residents lose their room key, they must report it to the Housing Office and will be charged $275 for recoring their room door lock. The recore is necessary to ensure the safety of residents and their property.
If residents are locked out of their room after service desk hours, they should contact the University Housing staff member on duty in their building to unlock their room door. The telephone numbers for staff members on duty are posted on the main floor of each residence hall building and at the entrance of every apartment building.
An accumulation of three lockouts within any given semester will be reviewed and may result in disciplinary action.
Beds in University Housing can only be lofted through this request process. Students who loft their beds without permission, or outside of this official process, will be subject to a $95 improper lofting fee and will be responsible for any damages that may occur.
Full-sized beds cannot be lofted. If you live in a room that has a full-sized bed and submit a lofting request, your bed will not be lofted and you will not be charged the lofting fee. Full-sized beds are found in the Ann V. Nicholson apartments, as well as some rooms in the George T. Matthews apartments, and Oak View Hall. Bedrooms in Hamlin Hall which house three assigned students must leave their furniture in the original lofted configuration due to space restrictions.
After 8 p.m., all persons must enter residence hall buildings (except for the apartments and cottages) through the Nightwatch station and show proper identification. Proper identification for residents is their university identification card.
Anyone who attempts to gain improper access to any University Housing building will be considered a trespasser and treated as such (see Trespassing policy).
To lodge a complaint, contact the Dean of Students at (248) 370-3352.
For more information, please review Policy 710 and Policy 711.
If you do not use your car on a daily or regular basis, it is strongly encouraged by your peers that you do not park your car in the prime parking spaces closest to University Housing. This allows those students who must use their cars on a daily or regular basis more personal safety and security while walking to and from their cars and University Housing. Recommended parking lots for those who do not require consistent access to their cars are P-29 and P-32.
Desktop hubs, routers and switches are not permitted on the Oakland University network per University Policy 850.
Electrical appliances that include heating elements, such as 3-D printers, are not permitted within University Housing.
The Department of University Housing strongly recommends all residents carry property insurance. Check your parent’s or legal guardian’s homeowner’s insurance to see if your personal property is covered.
Quiet hours in every building are:
Sunday – Thursday from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m.
Friday – Saturday from 1 a.m. – 7 a.m.
All other times are considered “courtesy hours.” At the end of each semester, 24-hour quiet hours are instituted on all floors beginning at 11 p.m. on the last day of classes and continuing throughout final examination week. If behavior is continually disruptive, students may be required to vacate University Housing one hour after their last exam or immediately as designated by University Housing. When students are required to leave, they may not return to the halls, apartments or cottages, except by appointment and escorted by a staff member, and then only for purposes of moving and checking out of their rooms.
It is expected that students be considerate of their peers and mindful that everyone is operating under a different schedule. It also is important to remember the University Housing community is structured to provide an active and energized living environment. This is accomplished through many planned and spontaneous interactions and programs. In planning all programs and activities, strict attention is given to scheduling activities that encourage maximum participation and reduce disruptions to the environment and residents.
In most cases, a resident violating the quiet hours policy will receive a documented verbal warning. An accumulation of three documented verbal warnings will be reviewed and may result in further disciplinary action. During 24-hour quiet periods, more serious disciplinary action may result, including removal from University Housing.
The following behaviors are considered violations of the quiet hours policy:
- The use of any musical instruments or electronic and/or sound equipment at a volume that interferes with the study or sleep of any resident at any time
- Participation in horseplay or sports, such as football or Frisbee, in the hallways
- Shouting or playing music out windows
- Loud, disruptive parties
- Loud conversations in lounges, hallways and rooms that disturb others, or which occur during quiet hours
- Amplifiers and subwoofers are not permitted in residences.
The recreation areas are in the courtyard near the community house of the student apartments as well as a sand volleyball court behind Hamlin Hall. These areas are for resident use and enjoyment. Alcoholic beverages may not be taken to the recreational areas at any time. The recreation areas are not supervised; you use them at your own risk. However, the areas are inspected. Residents are asked to report any damage to the central office. In case of a building-wide event or program, the recreational areas will be reserved for the purpose of the event.
**Please note that quiet hours should also be observed in the recreation areas.
- The refrigerator must not exceed the following specifications: 4 cubic feet maximum capacity.
- The refrigerator must operate in full compliance with all sanitation and safety standards set forth by the university.
- There is a limit of one portable refrigerator per person or two per room.
- Refrigerators must be emptied, defrosted and unplugged before departure for semester break.
Residents may not use their rooms or mailing addresses for the purpose of conducting business where money or services are transacted.
The usage of personal lofts is strictly prohibited in University Housing. Painting, wallpaper paneling, tiles, or other decorative items that deface walls, ceilings or floors are prohibited.
University furniture and equipment are to remain in designated public areas. University furniture and equipment must not be taken from its original location without authorization. Students found removing lounge furniture, study room furniture or any other university property will be assessed a minimum $25 service charge and face disciplinary action.
Assigned spaces are expected to adhere to sanitary and congenial living conditions. Periodic checks may be made during and between semesters to ensure this standard. Spaces found in unsatisfactory conditions are in violation of this policy.
Residents cannot place objects, such as stereos or speakers; throw objects, such as bottles, food, paper or clothing items; and/or spit from open windows. Residents cannot lean out of, sit in or walk in and out of open windows. Window screens must not be removed from windows. A $25 service charge may be assessed for replacing your window screen. For health and safety reasons, as well as for the appearance of the buildings, banners, fliers, posters and other forms of advertisement are not allowed to hang on or outside from balconies, lounge windows or individual room windows. Outside walls cannot be defaced by chalk, any form of spray paint or food.
Students and their guests violating this policy may be subject to University Housing and university disciplinary action. State law also provides for a civil fine of not more than $100 for a first violation and a fine of not more than $500 for a second or subsequent violation of the Michigan Indoor Clean Air Act (MCLA 333.12601 et. seq.).
USE OF THIS FACILITY IS RESTRICTED TO RESIDENTS OF THIS BUILDING, UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES AND BONA FIDE GUESTS OF RESIDENTS. UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS WILL SUBJECT VIOLATORS TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR TRESPASS, PURSUANT TO MCLA 750.552. 30
If you encounter an unauthorized person in a residence, immediately contact a University Housing staff member or the Oakland University Police Department. Propping open entrance doors and other actions that allow other students or strangers to gain improper access to any University Housing facility are not permitted.
A firearm is permitted on campus only if a student registers and stores it with the Oakland University Police Department (OUPD). Any and all persons with a state approved concealed weapons permit are also required to register and store the firearm with the OUPD. Any resident in possession of a firearm may be subject to immediate suspension from University Housing and/or Oakland University, as well as legal action.