Policies and Procedures

Fire Hazards | Decorating Rooms | Storing Personal Items in Rooms

Each resident is responsible for not having furnishings or equipment in their room that creates fire and safety hazards. Such items as candles (even if meant for display only and even if the wick has been removed), incense, bongs, hookahs, and non-fire-retardant material used to decorate are strictly prohibited. No items may be hung on the ceiling or in doorways, including fabric, banners, tapestries, posters, beads, or flags. All curtains must be flame-retardant and have the appropriate designation. The following items are not permitted in residence halls at any time: halogen lamps, lava lamps, scooters, electronic skateboards/hoverboards.

Fire Alarm Sounds

When a building’s fire alarm is heard, follow these guidelines:

1. Always assume an emergency, never assume a false alarm.
2. Immediately leave room, close room door, exit the building, and assemble at the appropriate meeting place(s) outside designated by your HRL staff.
3. Do not open doors if the doorknob is hot to the touch or if you cannot get out of your room because of a reported disability – stay in room and call the UNCG Police Department (336.334.4444) first to inform authorities of your location. The UNCG Police Department is able to respond and communicate more quickly and effectively with Greensboro emergency personnel. However, if you are unable to call the UNCG Police Department, please call 911 immediately.
4. Use stairways to exit. Never use elevators during an emergency evacuation. If smoke is encountered, crawl on floor where air is cleaner.

Smoke or Fire is Present

If a person smells or sees smoke please do the following:

1. Pull the nearest fire alarm.
2. Close room door(s) and safely exit the building.
3. Call UNCG Police Department (336.334.4444).
4. Never attempt to put out a fire.
5. Inform staff or the authorities of the exact location of fire or smoke.

Being trapped by Smoke or Fire

If a person is trapped by smoke please do the following:

1. Sometimes it is safer to stay in place. If all exits are blocked, go back to your room or unit and close the door(s).
2. Don’t jump from the windows! The fire department will respond and assist you.
3. Call the UNCG Police Department (336.334.4444) and report that you are trapped in your room.
4. Keep the door(s) closed: seal cracks under the door with a wet towel or clothes.
5. Signal for help: Hang an object from the window (a bed sheet, jacket, or shirt) to attract the fire department’s attention.

Fire Prevention

Common causes of fires in residence halls include: arson, candles, incense, smoking, overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords, cooking equipment, and halogen lamps. Keep the following in mind as you navigate living on campus:

1. Do not hang items from the ceiling.
2. Keep exits, hallways, and stairwells clean and clear at all times. Shoes, equipment, umbrellas, and trash cannot be left in the hallway.
3. Report any fire safety issues to the residence hall staff.
4. No more than 10% of the area of room doors or corridors can be covered with NON-combustible items. Combustible items can be treated with non-combustible treatments but the 10% coverage limitation still exists.
5. Do not cover room numbers or signs.
6. Residents should report damaged or suspected malfunctioning equipment to HRL Maintenance department online by completing a FIXT Work Request.

Furnishings

Students may not remove or exchange furniture from common areas of the residence hall or between any residence hall rooms. There is no storage available for residents to store University furniture.

• Lofts and waterbeds are not permitted.
• No items should be hung from the ceiling.
• Screens are not to be removed from windows.
• Student owned furniture, including couches, chairs, tables, curtains, and futons must be UL labeled as flame retardant. The tag must remain on items at all times.
• Unless previously mounted by the University, TVs cannot be mounted to the walls.

Mounting Items

• Residents are responsible for any damage to the walls or paint in their bedrooms or apartment/suite spaces.
• Command strips are approved for proper use (please read application and removal instructions carefully) in all halls. Thumbtacks can also be used on sheetrock walls (Quad, Jefferson Suites, Spring Garden Apartments, Tower Village, Spartan Village).
• Mirrors, normal size posters, pictures, frames are acceptable assuming they can be properly supported by a Command Strip or thumbtack.

Lighting and Holiday Decorations

• Decorative lighting is permitted but limited to 100 bulbs or less. Turn decorative lighting off when you retire for the evening or if you leave your room for an extended period. Do not use nails, staples or thumbtacks to hang decorative lighting.
• No live greens, trees, wreaths or garlands.
• Any decorative window items such as snow must be removed before residents leave for winter break.

General Decoration Policies

• No extension cords are allowed. Instead, bring plug strips with surge protection and an integrated circuit breaker. No cords are permitted to pass through doorways.
• Do not hang anything from any fire protection equipment (i.e. sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, etc.). Do not hang anything within a two foot diameter of a sprinkler head or within two feet of the ceiling.
• Do not hang anything from the suspended ceiling systems. These are the ceiling systems that have a grid system and tiles in place. They are a component of the fire protection for the building.
• Do not restrict egress routes in your room or hallways. Egress is defined as the path you take to exit or enter your room or building.
• Do not place anything in the stairwells of any building.
• Decorations around the door within the main corridor should be kept to a minimal level.
• No lights, garland, wreaths, etc. are permitted on the room door or on the walls of the hallway.
• No more than 10% of the area of room doors or corridors can be covered with NON-combustible items. Combustible items can be treated with non
• combustible treatments, but the 10% coverage limitation still exists.
• Do not cover room numbers or signs
• Do not place anything in the corridors that would protrude more than 4 inches into the corridor.

Engaging in hall sports can potentially cause serious/minor injuries or damage to residents and facilities. Safety is important to us, and therefore playing sports in the residence hallways or common areas is prohibited. “Sports” includes, but is not limited to, any competitive or non- competitive use of sporting equipment, including skateboards, balls, rackets, bats, Frisbees, and other objects, as well as racing, wrestling, water balloons/guns, and other sporting activity.

Health and Safety Inspections are conducted several times throughout the year to help maintain a clean and safe living environment. HRL staff will announce the room inspection schedule at least 48 hours prior to inspection. Inspections may take place regardless of a resident’s presence.Residents are expected to work together to promote healthy living for themselves and the members of the hall by contributing to the general cleanliness of both the building and their individual rooms. Excessive garbage, generally unclean rooms, and anything that contributes to health concerns is not acceptable for members of the residence hall community.

In the case of inclement weather call 336.334.4400 or 336.334.5000 to hear a recorded message about whether classes are cancelled, delayed, or if the University is closed. Become familiar with your residence hall severe weather shelter location. If a severe weather warning (such as a tornado warning) is issued, the University Police and/or a HRL staff member will notify you of the building evaluation plan. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, it is important that you follow directions given by the University official.

• TORNADO WATCH means that conditions are right for a tornado to develop.
• TORNADO WARNING means a tornado has been sighted. Locate the evacuate sign! Students and staff should be ushered to a safe area: lower floors of the residence halls, basement, or other centralized protected areas. STAY INSIDE!

Residents are expected to maintain personal and community security by doing the following:

• Keys and access cards must be in the possession of and/or only used by the resident to whom they were issued. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in conduct action.
• University keys may not be duplicated or altered.
• Lock Change Policy: Residents who check into their assigned living spaces are issued a key. It is the resident’s responsibility to maintain and turn in a key upon vacating the room to HRL. A fee will be assessed for all keys that are not returned properly.

Failure to Return Key: A $35 charge will be applied against the resident’s account for failure to return a room key. A $75 charge will be applied against the resident’s account for students living in Jefferson Suites, Lofts on Lee, the Suites in Moore/Strong, Tower Village, Spring Garden Apartments, and Spartan Village.

Microwave ovens less than 800 watts are permitted in all halls however, MicroFridges are the preferred option.

I have heard about toxic molds that grow in homes and other buildings. Should I be concerned about my residence hall?

The hazards presented by toxic molds should be considered the same as other common molds that can grow in homes or residence hall rooms. There is always a little mold everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces. The common health concerns from molds include hay-fever like allergic symptoms. Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may have trouble breathing.

What causes mold to grow?

Mold spores are always present in both indoor and outdoor environments. Mold grows best in warm, damp, humid conditions and reproduces by spores. Spores can remain viable under harsh environmental conditions, including dry conditions, which normally do not support mold growth. The growth of mold in an indoor environment requires three basic elements: food, water, and climate. Buildings provide food sources (primarily wood and paper) for mold to grow. The key to controlling mold growth on materials in the indoor environment is moisture control. This includes maintaining moderate relative humidity levels indoors and responding promptly to water intrusion.

Controlling room climate is essential to managing indoor air quality and comfort. Moisture, humidity, and heat provide conditions that are favorable for microbial or mold growth.

AC units should be kept near 72 degrees and should be left on to promote air circulation.

If the windows are operable, it is important to KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED when the air conditioning is running. Condensation is created during the humid season by opening windows (hot air) and mixing conditioned HVAC air (cool air). The result of this condensation can create problems within the HVAC system and provide an environment where mold can thrive.

Do not tamper with the HVAC unit. Contact FIXT for assistance with temperature or humidity issues.

Do not block the HVAC air supply, return air vents, or doors where the units are located. Reduced air flow to the HVAC system can result in excess moisture and promote mold growth within the system and serviced rooms.

How do you know if you have a mold problem?

Large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled.

How do you prevent the mold?

Microbial, or mold growth thrives in wet or humid conditions. Maintaining cleanliness in building environments can assist in improving air quality and promoting a healthy living environment. Items such as excessive books, paper products, carpets, food, plush furniture, or spilled drinks can be a medium for microbial growth. You are responsible for cleaning your personal items in your room.

• Empty your trash regularly.
• Hang damp or wet towels, bathmats, clothing, or other items immediately and allow items to dry completely to prevent microbial growth and musty odors.
• Clean any spills immediately and thoroughly.
• Vacuum carpet or rugs, sweep floors and dust your room regularly.
• Dust all surfaces including desks and closet walls.
• Do not over pack closets to allow for air movement within the closet space. Report any biological growth immediately to FIXT.
• In suites and apartments, make sure the bathroom exhaust fan is on or is operating if it comes on automatically. Clean your shower regularly to prevent mold and mildew.
• Immediately report flooding or water intrusion in your room or if your air is stagnant and/or humid.

In most cases mold can be removed by a thorough cleaning with bleach and water. However, if carpet and wallboard is infested with toxic mold, this is best remedied by removal and replacement.

I have seen mold, smelled mold or I suspect there is mold in my residence hall room. What should I do?

Please complete a FIXT Work Request to have the situation or concern investigated. Appropriate custodial and maintenance measures will be taken to repair the situation and/or remove the mold growth quickly.

In most instances, two persons will occupy all double occupancy rooms. In the event that one of the occupants moves out of the room, HRL reserves the right to assign a new roommate or to reassign the remaining student to another room in order to consolidate space.

The student MAY be offered the opportunity to occupy the room at the higher fee rate for single occupancy, or the student must agree to accept an assigned roommate. During periods of high demands for campus housing, some single and/or two person rooms, as well as some community rooms, may be designated for additional occupancy.

Small fish in bowls or aquariums of less than 10 gallon capacity are permitted in the residence halls, suites, and apartments. For health and safety reasons, all other pet(s) including (crabs, sharks, snails, snakes, turtles, and other aquatic animals) are not allowed in campus housing (except for service animals).

The posting policy is available online. Totals may change throughout the year, so it is best to view the posting policy here.

The Quad consists of seven residential buildings (Bailey, Coit, Cotton, Gray, Hinshaw, Jamison, Shaw).

Unique to the Quad halls, suites have a shared bathroom that connects adjoining rooms on either side. Under no circumstances are residents and/or their guest(s) permitted to enter the adjoining room in the absence of their suitemate(s) unless prior permission is granted.

The UNCG community supports a living-learning environment for all residents to engage in academic excellence and scholarship. The quiet and courtesy hour policy is enforced by each resident and the HRL staff. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day in the residence halls. HRL has set the following quiet hours for all residence halls:

• Sunday–Thursday, 10 p.m.–8:30 a.m.
• Friday–Saturday, 12 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
• Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day in the residence halls.

During the final exam period, 23-hour quiet hours are in effect, which includes one (1) Courtesy Hour. Specific information regarding the timeframe for 23-hour quiet hours will be posted throughout the residence halls prior to the start of exams. It is the resident’s right and responsibility to request that fellow residents keep any noise (e.g., music, TVs, radios, and verbal interactions) at a level that does not interfere with sleeping or studying. In the event that the residents are unable to come to an agreement on an appropriate level of noise, residents should seek assistance from the RA/SRA on duty, or another HRL staff member.

To ensure the privacy of residents’ use of the toilet and shower facilities, residents and visitors must use a bathroom designated for their sex. No more than one person must occupy a shower stall at a time. Gender neutral restrooms are located in the basement and/or on the first floor of most residence halls.

Single-occupancy restrooms The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is committed to being an inclusive community that embraces and supports the diverse needs of our faculty, staff, students and visitors. As part of our ongoing evaluation of restroom spaces – and with a core belief that everyone in our community should have ready access to them – we have been working on identifying and designating certain restrooms as single occupancy. These particular restroom spaces are open to all genders and well-suited for individuals needing additional privacy. People of all gender identities and expressions, abilities and medical needs are welcomed to use these spaces. These spaces are available for use immediately. Clear signage will be in place shortly. Thank you for helping the University to maintain these facilities as safe and inclusive spaces for our campus community.

Locations will be reviewed and adjustments made on a yearly basis to ensure that the list is up to date. The University is committed to adding single occupancy restroom spaces in all new construction and major renovations of our existing facilities.

When moving out of an assigned residence hall space, all residents are expected to leave the room in the condition found at move in, complete the Residence Hall Room Inventory and Condition Report (RCR) with residence hall staff and return all keys by the deadline. Failure to properly check out as prescribed may result in a penalty charge, plus appropriate charges for any keys not returned.

The Roommate/Suitemate Agreement is a written document developed so that residents can discuss mutual expectations of sharing a living space. The discussion should include such matters as study and sleep hours, cleanliness, visitation, overnight guests, and sharing of possessions. Some compromising by all roommates/suitemates is usually necessary to ensure a pleasant living experience. A copy of the roommate/suitemate agreement can be obtained online, or from a staff member in your building.

Roommates/Suitemates are individuals with particular interests, goals, likes, and dislikes. Residents may not find it necessary to share every aspect of college life with their roommates/suitemates. If conflicts arise, a resident should speak with his/her roommate/suitemates first and talk the problem through before it becomes a major conflict. If this step is not successful, residents should meet with a Resident Advisor or Senior Resident Advisor. The HRL staff is experienced in dealing with these problems, and should be able to assist in conflict resolution.

• To read and study free from undue interference in one’s room.
• To sleep without undue disturbance.
• To have one’s personal belongings respected.
• To have a clean environment in which to live. Optimal physical conditions are essential to sharing space with others.
• To have free access to one’s room and facilities.
• To have personal privacy.
• To host guests in common areas of the residence halls (e.g. lounges, recreation areas, parlors, etc.).
• To address grievances. (HRL staff members are available for assistance in settling conflicts.)
• To be free from intimidation and/or physical or emotional harms.
• To respect and appreciate differences in individuals.

A search of a room will be made only in the case of emergency, such as suspected medical emergency, facility problem, or a potential safety concern, and will be made under the following conditions:

• With permission of the occupant in his/her presence if possible, or
• With authorization of the Director or Associate Director for HRL, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or another Vice Chancellor, or
• With authorization of the highest residence hall administrative official available, if time is of the essence, and the individuals named in 1 and 2 above are not available.

For investigation of a suspected violation of a state or federal law (e.g. stolen goods, possession of drugs), searches will be made through procedures consistent with ordinary requirements for lawful searches (e.g. civil search warrant, probable cause with occupants’ consent). Warrants will be exercised by duly authorized legal officials and/or University officials.

The security of residents is a primary concern. For safety reasons, residents must use their access cards for entry. Residents should never give their access cards to anyone else to use nor should doors be propped open. Please remember that safety starts with each resident.

• Never let someone into your building or your room that you do not know.
• Never prop open an exterior door or tamper with door alarms.
• Keep your key and Spartan card with you at all times.
• Always lock your room door, including when you are in the room, if you go across the hall to visit with friends, if you go to take a shower, or when you go to sleep. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to enter a room and steal property.
• Walk in groups when traveling outside the residence halls, especially at night. If this is not possible, utilize the University services available to you such as Spartan Chariot, Safety Escort and HEAT buses. Always travel in well-lighted, heavy traffic areas.
• Immediately call the UNCG Police Department (336.334.4444) if you see suspicious activity.
• Assault or Battery: Physical violence or conduct that threatens the health and safety of one’s self or any other person in or around the residence hall community is prohibited.

To encourage a healthier lifestyle and safer residence hall community, all residential facilities at UNCG are smoke-free areas where no person shall smoke or carry a lit cigar, cigarette, incense, pipe, or any other form of smoking object. Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas outside each residence hall, which are 25 feet from doors, windows or air intake areas. Use of Electronic cigarettes or hookahs is not permitted in the residence halls and also falls under the smoking policy.

All residence halls have a sprinkler system. Do not touch, hang, or attach anything to or from the sprinkler head. This could cause the sprinkler system to activate and flood rooms and damage property for which you will be held accountable to the other residents and the University.

Sustainability is a chief concern of HRL and energy conservation should be a prime concern of every resident. Whenever exiting a room, residents should turn off lights, computers, and non-essential electronic appliances. On a regular basis, unplug unused electronic appliances, conserve water, and recycle.

HRL prohibits the use of incandescent light bulbs in residence hall rooms. Residents who are adding additional lighting to residence hall rooms must purchase compact fluorescent light (CFL) or LED light bulbs, rather than incandescent light bulbs, due to energy consumption concerns.

UNCG Residential Guest Policy

A “guest” is defined as a person present in a particular residence hall, apartment, or residence hall room with the consent of a hosting resident of that hall, apartment, or room. UNCG residential students only have access to the specific residential space to which they are assigned and are considered guests in all other residential communities. A resident should consult with roommate(s), suitemate(s), or apartment-mate(s) before inviting a guest to their space and should have approval from the roommate(s) for all guests. All residence halls have 24-hour visitation. Each resident is allowed to host 2 guests in the Residence Hall at a time.

• A maximum of 2 overnight guests are permitted to a resident at a time. A guest can stay overnight only if that resident’s roommate(s) has no objection. No guest may stay more than three consecutive nights or three nights in a calendar month.
  • Cohabitation is prohibited; only residents assigned to a room or apartment may live there.
  • Cohabitation is defined as living together or sharing the same space for longer than 3 consecutive days or regularly repeated multiple overnight visits.
• The resident host must escort their guest(s) at all times throughout the building. Guest(s) should not be left alone in the residence hall room.
• Guests must contact their resident host from outside the building in order to be escorted into the building.
• The resident host will assume all responsibility for the actions of the resident’s guest(s).
• Residents are responsible for ensuring that their guest(s) abide by all University Policies and Housing policies. If a guest is involved in any violations of University or Housing policy, the hosting resident, as well as the guest, may be subject to disciplinary action. Residents may be held responsible for violations of University or Housing violations that occur while in the building.
• If, at any time, the number of guests present in a room poses an issue in the community due to noise or other violations of University or Housing policies, staff may direct them to leave the residence hall.

Roommate(s), suitemate(s), and/or apartment-mate(s) should outline in their Roommate agreement guest expectations and preferences. Roommate Agreements may be amended as needed with the agreement of each resident. If there is a concern or problem, it is the responsibility of the roommate to bring it to the attention of their roommate(s), suitemate(s), or apartment-mate(s). If the concerns are not resolved, it is the responsibility of the roommate who is concerned with the situation to enlist the aid of the Housing staff to assist in resolving the concern.

You can view our list of recommended items to bring to campus. There is also a helpful list of items that should not be brought to campus that you can find on this list.

UNCG Housing Weapons Policy

• Residents may not bring into the residence halls or apartments:
  • Any weapon for use, possession or storage. This includes, but is not limited to firearms (including rifles); ammunition (bullets, shells, etc.); projectile devices (such as bows and arrows); blades (such as swords, switchblades or knives with a blade longer than 5″); or other such devices perceived as weapons.
    • BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except for personal shaving), fireworks, or any sharp-pointed or edged instrument (except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files, and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance) upon any University campus or in any University-owned or operated facility.
  • Residents may not possess any fireworks, sparklers, combustible/explosive material, hazardous chemicals, or flammable liquids (Including charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, or small propane cylinders)
• Possessing or carrying, openly or concealed, any item resembling an actual weapon or prohibited item.
• Pepper spray is allowed provided it is used solely in a defensive manner.

UNCG maintains a costly enterprise level wireless environment. As the only option for university provided internet in the residence halls, wireless access points are utilized by residents in the surrounding area. Damage to wireless access points causes disruption for all residents in the surrounding area. Person(s) responsible for the removal or damage to university wireless access points will be charged $1,400.