Resident Responsibility

All students living on campus have certain rights and responsibilities. Resident responsibility is not simply knowing and obeying the rules and regulations outlined in this document. Residents are also expected to contribute positively to their communities and act with integrity in their interactions with others. The choices residents make each day affect the people around them and shape the communities in which they live.

Room Responsibility

Residents are responsible for the activities that occur within their assigned living space and may be held accountable for policy violations that take place within that space. For students living in residence halls, this includes their assigned room. For students living in suites, apartments, townhouses, or theme housing, this may also include shared common areas associated with their assignment.

Compliance and Respect

Residents are expected to comply with reasonable requests made by university officials acting within the scope of their responsibilities. Interactions with university staff should reflect the standards of respect and civility expected within the Nebraska Wesleyan community.

Failure to comply with reasonable requests or behavior that interferes with university processes may result in administrative action and/or referral through the Student Integrity process.

Accommodations and Support Resources

Nebraska Wesleyan University is committed to supporting students with disabilities and medical conditions. Students seeking housing accommodations or other disability-related support should contact Accessibility Services to discuss available resources and accommodation processes.

Residents who experience a temporary injury or medical condition that may impact their housing needs are encouraged to communicate with Residential Education staff and Accessibility Services as soon as possible.

Accountability

Academic Engagement

Living on campus is intended to support student learning, wellbeing, and success. Residents are expected to engage in their academic responsibilities and respond to university outreach related to academic concerns.

Students experiencing significant academic difficulties may be required to meet with university staff to discuss available support resources and develop a plan for academic success.

Failure to engage with required university processes may result in additional university action. 

Student Integrity

Residential communities function best when residents take responsibility for their actions and contribute positively to the people around them. When concerns arise, Residential Education staff work with students to address those concerns and support the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Peer Assistants (PAs) are student leaders who live within residential communities and serve as a resource for residents. In addition to building community and connecting students with support, PAs may document concerns related to university policies and community standards.

Residential Education Coordinators (RECs) are professional staff members who live in university housing and oversee residential communities. Residents may meet with an REC to discuss policy concerns or address situations that have impacted the community.

Most residential policy concerns are addressed by Residential Education staff. Depending on the nature of the situation, outcomes may include educational conversations, restitution for damages, or housing-related actions like temporary or permanent relocation. More serious concerns may be referred to the Office of Student Integrity or other university offices for review.

Housing Administration

Housing Eligibility

Residency Policy

Nebraska Wesleyan University is a residential campus. Undergraduate students are required to reside in approved university housing for their first three years, or six semesters, of enrollment, excluding summer terms.

All first-year students must reside in university-administered residential facilities. Returning students may be eligible for additional housing options based on their class standing and housing selection processes established by Residential Education.

Students who are required to live on campus must complete a housing contract through Residential Education. Students who are not eligible for on-campus housing due to part-time enrollment or other qualifying circumstances should request an exemption to the residency requirement.

Residents who experience a change in enrollment status after moving into university housing should contact Residential Education as soon as possible. Students who fall below full-time enrollment may be required to obtain approval to remain in university housing.

Students who fail to comply with the residency policy may be referred through the Student Integrity process. Furthermore, not complying with the residency requirement does not release a student from any applicable financial obligations to the university.

Exemptions to the Residency Policy

Students who believe they meet one or more exemption criteria may request an exemption to the university's residency requirement. Exemptions are not automatically granted and must be approved by Residential Education.

Common exemption criteria include:

• Living with a parent or guardian within 30 miles of the Nebraska Wesleyan campus
• Being 21 years of age or older prior to the first day of classes for the academic year
• Living with a spouse
• Enrolling as a part-time student (<12 credit hours per semester)
• A disability or medical condition that cannot be reasonably accommodated in university housing
• Other extraordinary or emergency circumstances

Students may be required to provide supporting documentation as part of the exemption review process.

Greek Housing

Approved fraternity and sorority chapter houses satisfy Nebraska Wesleyan University's residency requirement. Students are generally eligible to reside in Greek housing after completing two semesters in university housing and meeting any requirements established by their chapter.

Students seeking to reside in a chapter house must complete the appropriate exemption process through Residential Education. Residential Education will verify eligibility with the chapter before approving the request.

Greek housing is managed by the individual organization in coordination with the Greek Life Advisor. Students living in chapter housing are expected to comply with applicable university policies as well as any requirements established by their chapter.

Housing Contract

Students assigned to university housing are required to complete a housing contract prior to move-in. The housing contract outlines the terms and conditions of occupancy, including financial obligations, eligibility requirements, and other expectations related to residential living.

Students are responsible for reviewing and understanding the terms of the housing contract before signing.

Contract Cancellation

Housing contracts are binding agreements. Students seeking to cancel their housing contract should contact Residential Education as soon as possible.

Contract cancellations may be subject to deadlines, financial obligations, and other conditions outlined in the housing contract. Applicable fees and charges are established by Residential Education and may change from year to year.

Housing Assignment Process

Housing Placements

Residential Education assigns students to housing based on housing application information, eligibility requirements, student preferences, and space availability.

Incoming students are assigned to housing through the Residential Education placement process. Returning students participate in room selection processes administered by Residential Education. Room selection processes and timelines may vary from year to year.

While Residential Education considers student preferences whenever possible, specific housing assignments cannot be guaranteed.

Gender Open Housing

Nebraska Wesleyan University offers gender-open housing, which allows students of different sexes or genders to share residential spaces by mutual agreement.

Gender-open housing may take a variety of forms depending on the residential facility. In some communities, students may choose roommates regardless of gender. In others, students of different genders may live within the same residential area while sharing common facilities such as community or pod-style bathrooms.

Students interested in gender-open housing should indicate their preferences during the housing application or room selection process. Residential Education uses students' self-identified gender when making housing assignments and works with students to identify housing options that best meet their needs.

Residential Consolidation

Residential Education reserves the right to adjust housing assignments to maximize occupancy and make effective use of available residential space. Consolidation may occur during room selection and throughout the summer as housing assignments are finalized for the upcoming academic year.

Students assigned to spaces with vacant beds may be assigned a roommate or required to relocate to a comparable space. Students assigned to spaces with open vacancies may not refuse a roommate assignment.

Consolidation may also occur at the conclusion of the fall semester to maintain occupancy and ensure students continue to have roommates when space is available. Students affected by consolidation will be provided with as much notice as reasonably possible.

Temporary Housing Assignments

In some circumstances, students may be placed in temporary housing while Residential Education finalizes permanent housing assignments. Temporary assignments are most commonly used when space availability changes shortly before or during the beginning of the academic year.

Students assigned to temporary housing will be moved to a permanent assignment as space becomes available. Residential Education will make every effort to place students in permanent housing as quickly as possible.

Occupancy & Operations

Room Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

Residents are responsible for completing all required check-in and check-out procedures when moving into or out of university housing. At check-in, students should review and document any existing damage or concerns within their assigned space using the Room Condition Report (RCR) found in the housing portal.

Upon move-out, residents may be held financially responsible for damages identified by Residential Education Staff that were not documented in the RCR at check-in. Students are also responsible for returning all university-issued keys at checkout.

Failure to properly complete the checkout process may result in additional charges or administrative fees.

Occupancy of Assigned Spaces

Students may only occupy the residential space assigned to them by Residential Education. Students may not occupy, store belongings in, or otherwise claim vacant bedrooms, bed spaces, or other residential spaces that have not been assigned to them. 

Students found to be occupying unassigned spaces may be assessed for applicable housing charges, cleaning fees, or other administrative costs.

Break and Vacation Housing

Residential housing may operate on modified schedules during university break periods. Students who need to remain in university housing during designated breaks may be required to complete additional registration or housing processes established by Residential Education.

Students who remain in university housing outside of established occupancy periods without an approved university-related reason may be subject to additional housing charges. Applicable fees are outlined in relevant Residential Education materials.

Students approved to remain in housing during break periods are expected to comply with all university and residential policies. Failure to follow applicable policies or procedures may result in the loss of break housing privileges, financial charges, referral through the Student Integrity process, or other administrative action.

Mailing Address

Residential students are assigned a Student Mail Box (SMB) for the receipt of mail and packages. Mail and packages are delivered through the university mailroom located in Smith-Curtis rather than directly to residential facilities.

Students are responsible for using their assigned mailing information when receiving mail and packages.

Facilities & Property

Furnishings & Room Modifications

Furnishings in Residential Facilities

University housing is furnished according to the facility and room type. Furnishings provided by the university may include beds, desks, chairs, dressers, appliances, and other items intended for resident use.

Residents are responsible for maintaining university furnishings in good condition. University-owned furniture and furnishings must remain within the room, suite, apartment, townhouse, or residential space to which they are assigned unless otherwise approved by Residential Education.

Information regarding furnishings, amenities, and room configurations is available through Residential Education and may vary by facility.

Room Modifications

Residents are encouraged to personalize and decorate their assigned living spaces provided their decorations and personal items comply with all applicable university policies, including fire and safety requirements.

Residents may not paint, permanently alter, or otherwise modify university property without prior written approval from Residential Education and Facilities Services.

To prevent damage to university property, residents may not use nails, screws, anchors, or other materials that penetrate walls, ceilings, furniture, or fixtures. Only approved removable hanging products may be used. Residential Education may provide guidance regarding approved products and installation methods.

Residents are responsible for any damage resulting from decorations, modifications, or the installation and removal of personal items.

Beds, Lofts, and Furniture Arrangements

Only university-provided or university-approved loft systems may be used in residential facilities. Homemade lofts, unauthorized loft systems, and other unapproved furniture alterations are prohibited.

Beds, lofts, furnishings, and personal belongings must be arranged to allow clear access to all windows and doors that may be used for emergency egress (exit).

Residents may not introduce furniture or furnishings that create safety concerns, exceed the intended use of the space, or otherwise violate university housing requirements.

Window Screens

Window screens must remain installed and may not be removed, altered, or damaged.

Entering or exiting through a window is prohibited except during an emergency. Moving items in or out of a window is always prohibited. Violations of this policy may result in administrative charges and referral through the Student Integrity process.

Personal Property & Approved Items

Personal Property

Residents are responsible for the security and care of their personal belongings. Nebraska Wesleyan University is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property.

Theft of personal property should be reported to Residential Education, Campus Security, and the Lincoln Police Department as soon as possible.

Because personal belongings are not covered by university insurance, Residential Education strongly recommends residents obtain renter’s insurance with coverage for their personal property.

Storage

Personal and university-owned property must be stored within a resident's assigned living space and may not be stored in hallways, stairwells, passageways, or other common areas. University-owned furniture must remain within the residential space to which it is assigned. 

Unauthorized Animals

Animals are prohibited in all residential facilities, including residence halls, suites, apartments, and townhouses.

The only exception is fish maintained in aquariums containing 10 gallons of water or less.

Pet-sitting or temporarily housing an animal on behalf of another person is prohibited.

Residents are responsible for ensuring that unauthorized animals are not brought into residential facilities. Violations of this policy may result in administrative charges, cleaning fees, and referral through the Student Integrity process.

Fire Safety - Prohibited Items

Candles and Open Flames

Open flames and other ignition sources are prohibited in all residential facilities.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Candles
• Incense
• Lanterns
• Charcoal
• Lighter fluid
• Propane devices
• Bunsen burners
• Similar items that create an open flame or ignition source

Extension Cords and Electrical Devices

To reduce fire and electrical hazards, extension cords are prohibited in all residential facilities.

Residents may use approved power strips and surge protectors provided they meet the following requirements:

• Must be grounded (three-prong plug)
• Must contain built-in circuit or surge protection
• Must be plugged directly into a wall outlet

Electrical cords:

• May not be run under rugs
• May not be run across or through doorways
• May not be attached to university furniture or building surfaces

Electrical devices that overload outlets or create unsafe conditions are prohibited.

Appliances and Electronics

Only low-wattage, UL-listed appliances and electronics are permitted in residential facilities. Appliances must be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and university safety requirements. Appliances and electronic devices that generate heat should be turned off or unplugged when not in use and should not be left unattended while operating.

Examples of permitted appliances include:

• Hair dryers
• Curling irons
• Fans
• Electric blankets
• Heating pads
• Computers
• Televisions
• Radios and stereos
• Coffee makers with no hot plate (ex. single-cup Keurig)
• Wax warmers that use a lightbulb as a heat source (see additional restrictions below)
• UL-listed modern lava lamps (see additional restrictions below)

Food Preparation Appliances

Heat-producing appliances used for food preparation are prohibited except in university apartments and townhouses. In these spaces, appliances must be used and stored within the kitchen at all times.

Residence-Specific Restrictions

• Microwaves are not permitted in first-year residence hall rooms, except for approved MicroChill units rented through the university's approved vendor.
• Compact refrigerators are permitted in first-year residence hall rooms provided they are no larger than five cubic feet. Only one refrigerator is permitted per room.
• In residential spaces where a refrigerator and/or microwave is provided by the university, residents may not bring additional refrigerators or microwaves.

Additional Restrictions

The following items are permitted only while the resident is present:

• Wax warmers that use a non-halogen lightbulb as a heat source
• UL-listed modern lava lamps

The following items are prohibited:

• Space heaters
• Window air conditioners
• Candle warmers
• Appliances with exposed heating elements or hot plates
• Halogen light bulbs and appliances that use them
• Plug-in air fresheners and scent diffusers 
• Multi-plug wall adapters
• Other appliances determined by Residential Education to present a safety risk

Students with questions about whether a particular appliance is permitted should contact Residential Education before bringing the item to campus.

Holiday and Party Decorations

Holiday and party decorations must comply with university fire safety requirements.

The following items are prohibited:

• Live holiday trees and decorative foliage (excluding ordinary houseplants)
• Fake holiday trees that have string lights or exceed 2.5 feet in height
• String lights (including battery-operated fairy lights)
• LED rope lights
• Decorations that create a fire or safety hazard

Windows and Room/Unit Doors

To support fire safety and the proper operation of residential facilities, decorations and other materials may not be attached to or placed on room or unit windows and doors.

The following items are prohibited:

• Window decorations or coverings (curtains, flags, etc.) that pose a fire hazard due to flammability or interference with the path of egress
• Decorative materials attached directly to room or unit doors
• Decorations that interfere with the operation of doors, windows, or associated safety features
• Street signs, highway signs, or similar items obtained without authorization

Further questions regarding permitted decorations should be directed to Residential Education.

Carpet and Rugs

Area rugs and other floor coverings are permitted, provided they do not damage university property or create safety concerns. Adhesives, carpet tape, glue, and other materials that may damage flooring surfaces are prohibited.

Residents may be held financially responsible for damage resulting from the installation, use, or removal of floor coverings.

Bicycles

• Bicycles may only be secured to designated bicycle racks and may not be attached to trees, railings, or other University property.
• Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, stairwells, lounges, corridors, or other common areas.
• Residents of suites, apartments, and townhouses may store bicycles within their assigned residential space provided all residents of the unit agree and the bicycle does not obstruct doors, windows, or paths of egress.
• Bicycles may not be stored within traditional residence hall rooms.
• Bicycles may not remain unattended or unmoved on University bicycle racks for more than 30 consecutive days. Bicycles left on racks beyond this period, including bicycles left over the summer, may be considered abandoned and removed by the University.
• Improperly stored or abandoned bicycles may be removed by the University.
• Residents are encouraged to secure bicycles with a bicycle lock and to register their bicycles with the Lincoln Police Department (LPD). 

Weapons

Weapons are prohibited in all residential facilities and other university-owned residential spaces.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Firearms
• Knives that exceed 3.5”
• BB guns and air guns
• Paintball guns
• Brass or metal knuckles
• Fireworks
• Explosive materials
• Flammable liquids
• Hunting equipment
• Other items designed or intended to cause harm

Any item used to intentionally threaten, intimidate, or harm another person may be considered a weapon for the purposes of university policy, regardless of its original purpose.

Weapons or prohibited items discovered in residential facilities may be confiscated and referred to law enforcement when appropriate.

Room Condition & Inspections

Room Condition and Cleanliness

Residents are responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe living environment within their assigned residential space. Residents must regularly remove trash and recycling and properly dispose of all waste in designated collection areas.

The following are prohibited:

• Accumulations of trash, recyclables, or other materials that create health, safety, or sanitation concerns
• Collections of empty cans, bottles, or similar containers
• Storing trash, recycling, or personal belongings in hallways, stairwells, or other common areas
• Disposing of trash or other belongings through windows

In accordance with local recycling requirements, clean and dry corrugated cardboard must be broken down and placed in designated recycling containers. Cardboard may not be disposed of in regular trash receptacles unless otherwise permitted by applicable recycling guidelines.

Residents must remove personal belongings from community bathrooms and other shared spaces when requested for scheduled cleaning or maintenance.

Residential Education may require residents to clean a room, suite, apartment, townhouse, or other residential space when conditions create health, safety, sanitation, or facility maintenance concerns. Failure to comply may result in administrative charges, cleaning fees, and/or referral through the Student Integrity process.

Room Entry and Inspections

Residential Education staff and other authorized university personnel may enter residential spaces to perform their job responsibilities, including maintenance, inspections, damage assessments, emergency response, and other university business.

Notice and Entry Expectations

When practical, residents will receive advance notice before a planned room entry or inspection. Residential Education generally provides at least 24 hours' notice for scheduled inspections, maintenance, or other non-emergency entries.

In emergency situations involving the health, safety, or security of residents, Residential Education staff and other authorized university personnel may enter a residential space without prior notice. When a resident is not present during a room entry, reasonable efforts will be made to notify the resident of the entry and its purpose. When prior notice is not possible due to an emergency, Residential Education will document the entry and provide notice to the resident as soon as practical.

Authorized personnel entering a residential space will knock, identify themselves, and announce their intention to enter before using a university key or access device. Residential Education student staff will enter occupied spaces in pairs unless accompanied by the resident assigned to the space.

Maintenance and Repairs

Members of Physical Plant may enter residential spaces to complete maintenance, repairs, inspections of university property, or other facility-related work.

Damage Assessments

Residential Education staff and members of Physical Plant may enter residential spaces to assess reported or observed damage to university property, investigate maintenance concerns, or evaluate conditions that may result in damage to university facilities.

Health and Safety Inspections

Residential Education conducts health and safety inspections multiple times throughout the academic year. These inspections help ensure compliance with housing policies and identify conditions that may present health, safety, sanitation, or facility maintenance concerns.

Health and safety inspections are limited to a visual inspection of the residential space. Personal belongings will not be moved or examined for the purpose of uncovering policy violations.

Policy Violations in Plain View

Items or conditions observed in plain view during a room entry, inspection, maintenance visit, or other authorized entry may be documented and addressed through applicable university processes, including the Student Integrity process.

Legal Searches

Members of the Residential Education staff will not allow law enforcement or other government officials to enter or search a residential space without the presence of the resident assigned, or a judicial warrant.

Building Access & Residential Security

Residential Security

Nebraska Wesleyan University takes a variety of measures to promote the safety and security of residential communities, including controlled building access, staff on-call systems, security cameras, emergency equipment, and the completion of regular rounds by staff.

No security system can guarantee individual safety. Residents are encouraged to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves and their personal property. Maintaining a safe residential community is a shared responsibility. The policies outlined below establish expectations related to building access and deliveries, keys and fob access devices, and lockout procedures.

Building Access

Residential facilities are secured to support the safety of residents and the residential community.

Exterior doors may not be propped open except during designated move-in, move-out, or other university-approved periods.

Residents may not provide building access to unauthorized individuals, share keys or access devices, or otherwise circumvent residential security measures.

Residents are encouraged to keep room, suite, apartment, and townhouse doors locked when not occupied.

If residents are expecting a delivery or a visitor, they must meet the delivery personnel and visitors at the exterior entrance of the residential facility.

Residents may not remove interior room, suite, apartment, or townhouse doors without authorization from Residential Education.

Violations of building access and security policies may result in administrative charges and/or referral through the Student Integrity process.

Keys and Fob Access Devices

Residents are issued university keys and fob access devices (fobs) based on their housing assignment. Keys and fobs remain university property and are assigned for the exclusive use of the resident to whom they are issued.

Keys and fobs may not be shared, duplicated, transferred, or used by any individual other than the assigned resident.

Lost, stolen, or damaged keys and fobs must be reported to Residential Education as soon as possible so appropriate measures can be taken to secure the affected residential space.

Residents are responsible for any replacement costs associated with lost, stolen, damaged, or unreturned keys and fobs. Applicable charges are determined by Residential Education and may change from year to year.

Lockouts

Residents who are locked out of their assigned residential space should contact their community’s designated Residential Education on-call staff member for assistance.

Residents may be required to verify their identity before access is granted.

Lockout assistance may result in administrative charges. Applicable fees are determined by Residential Education and may change from year to year.

Excessive lockout requests may result in additional fees and/or follow-up from Residential Education staff.

Community Living

Living in a residential community requires residents to balance their individual needs with the needs of others. Residents are expected to communicate respectfully, contribute to a positive community environment, and demonstrate consideration for their roommates, neighbors, guests, and shared spaces.

The policies outlined below establish expectations for living, learning, and engaging within Nebraska Wesleyan University's residential communities.

Roommate Conflict Resolution

Residents sharing a room, suite, apartment, townhouse, or other residential space are expected to complete a Roommate Success Plan with their Peer Assistant (PA) or Residential Education Coordinator (REC) by the Friday of the first week of classes, or within one week of moving in together. Residents who fail to complete a Roommate Success Plan may be required to meet additionally with Residential Education staff.

Residents are expected to address roommate concerns directly and in a respectful manner before seeking a room change. When concerns arise, roommates should first review their Roommate Success Plan and attempt to resolve the issue together.

If a concern cannot be resolved independently, residents may request assistance from their PA. The PA will serve as a neutral facilitator and may use the Roommate Success Plan to guide the conversation. Residents are expected to participate in good faith and work toward a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Residents in the Townhouses and Apartments do not have PAs and should reach out directly to their REC.

If roommate concerns continue after PA-facilitated mediation, the residents will meet with their REC to discuss the conflict and determine next steps.

Room changes are considered a last resort and will generally not be approved by an REC until residents have participated fully in the roommate mediation process. Room changes are subject to space availability and are not permitted during designated move freeze periods (first two and last two weeks of each semester), except when approved by Residential Education.

Residents who refuse to participate meaningfully in the roommate mediation process, fail to comply with an agreed-upon resolution, or otherwise fail to follow Residential Education directives may be referred through the Student Integrity process.

Residential Education reserves the right to modify this process when necessary to address significant health, safety, or wellbeing concerns.

Guests and Visitation

Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests at all times while the guest is present in a residential facility or on university property.

Residents may host guests in their assigned residential space provided the rights of roommates, suitemates, apartment-mates, and other residents are respected. Permission from all assigned residents of the space must be obtained before hosting an overnight guest.

The rights of assigned residents to sleep, study, and comfortably use their living space always supersede the presence of a guest.

Guests may not stay more than two nights within any seven-day period.

Only individuals assigned to a room, suite, apartment, townhouse, or other residential space may reside in that space. Evidence of cohabitation or unauthorized occupancy may result in referral through the Student Integrity process and restrictions on future guest privileges.

Occupancy within a residential space may not exceed double the assigned occupancy of the space, plus one guest. Residential Education staff may require guests to leave if occupancy limits are exceeded or if a guest's presence is disrupting the residential community.

Shared Community Spaces

Noise Expectations

Residents are expected to always be considerate of others and maintain noise levels that do not interfere with the ability of community members to sleep, study, work, or otherwise enjoy their residential environment. Courtesy is expected 24/7; if another student or staff member asks you to lower your volume at any time, you are expected to comply.

Additionally Residential Education has designated specific Quiet Hours. Quiet Hours are maintained from 10 PM-8 AM Sunday-Thursday, and midnight-9 AM on the weekend. Excessive or disruptive noise is prohibited at these times. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Loud music, televisions, or amplified sound
• Yelling, shouting, or prolonged loud conversations
• Running, jumping, or other disruptive activity within residential facilities
• Gatherings that create unreasonable noise within or around residential facilities

Residential Education staff may require residents to reduce noise levels when the noise could be disruptive to other community members, regardless of whether a complaint has been made.

Subwoofers and similar amplified bass systems are prohibited in residential facilities.

Extended quiet hours may be implemented during finals week, culmination week, and other periods designated by Residential Education.

Sports and Recreational Activities

Sports and recreational activities that create a risk of injury, property damage, or disruption to the residential community are prohibited within residential facilities and other indoor community spaces.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

• Throwing or kicking balls, discs, or other objects
• Basketball, football, soccer, baseball, hockey, and similar sports
• Frisbee, hacky sack, and similar recreational activities
• Running, racing, or roughhousing
• Rollerblading, skateboarding, scootering, hoverboarding, or similar activities
• Gymnastics or other activities involving significant physical movement
• Nerf-type games or similar projectile-based activities
• Any activity that could disturb fire safety equipment.

Residents may be held financially responsible for any damage resulting from prohibited activities and may be referred through the Student Integrity process. 

Community Property and Shared Spaces

Common areas and community property are provided for the use and enjoyment of all residents. Residents are expected to treat community spaces and university property with care and respect.

Community furniture, equipment, and other property must remain in the designated area to which it is assigned unless otherwise authorized by Residential Education.

Residents may not damage, misuse, remove, or interfere with community property or shared spaces. 

Shared technology resources, including community computers and printers, must be used responsibly and in accordance with the university's Computer Use Policy. Food and beverages are prohibited near shared technology resources, and headphones must be used when listening to audio in shared spaces.

Community Damages and Group Billing

Residents may be held financially responsible for damage, vandalism, excessive trash, theft of community property, or other conditions requiring repair or cleanup within residential communities.

When responsibility for damages or other costs can be assigned to a specific individual or group, those individuals will be held responsible for the associated costs.

When responsibility cannot be reasonably assigned to a specific individual or group, Residential Education may assess charges to the residents of the affected floor, building, or residential community.

Communication & Engagement

Posting Materials

Materials posted within residential facilities must be approved through Residential Education or the Center for Student Engagement and Belonging and distributed in accordance with university procedures.

Residents and organizations may not post materials in residential facilities without authorization. Unauthorized postings may be removed without notice.

Solicitation

Solicitation is prohibited within residential facilities.

Solicitation includes the sale or offer of goods or services, requests for donations or contributions, and other forms of commercial or promotional activity.

Exceptions may be approved by the Director of Residential Education in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Safety & Emergency Response

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Residents are expected to comply with all university policies related to alcohol and other drugs. Violations may result in referral through the Student Integrity process and additional Residential Education action.

Alcohol

Alcohol is prohibited in all residential facilities except approved alcohol-tolerant spaces. Alcohol-tolerant status is granted by Residential Education and may be revoked for policy violations.

The following are prohibited within residential facilities:

• Possession or consumption of alcohol in non-approved spaces
• Possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21
• Presence in a space where alcohol is being consumed by individuals under the age of 21
• Bulk quantities of alcohol
• Common-source containers, including kegs, punch bowls, and similar containers
• Drinking games and items primarily associated with rapid alcohol consumption, including funnels, beer bongs, and similar devices
• Open containers of alcohol in public or common areas

Guests are subject to the same alcohol expectations as residents.

Other Drugs

The possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs or controlled substances is prohibited on Nebraska Wesleyan University property.

The following are also prohibited:

• Drug paraphernalia, including items used to consume, manufacture, distribute, or conceal drugs
• Misuse, sharing, sale, or distribution of prescription medications
• Presence in a space where illegal drugs are being used or possessed
• The possession or use of controlled substances without a valid prescription

Residential Education may consider the presence of drug odor, paraphernalia, residue, or other evidence when determining whether a policy violation has occurred.

For complete university expectations regarding alcohol and other drugs, students should refer to the Nebraska Wesleyan University Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Amnesty

Safety is first and foremost. Students are encouraged to seek assistance for themselves or others during a medical emergency, crisis, or other serious safety concern.

The university may provide amnesty for certain lower-level policy violations when students seek help, provide assistance to others, report serious violations, or participate as witnesses in university processes.

Students should never delay seeking emergency assistance because they are concerned about potential conduct outcomes.

For complete information regarding amnesty, students should refer to the Code of Student Conduct and the University Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Emergency Response

In any emergency involving an immediate threat to life, safety, or property, residents should contact 911 immediately.

Residents should notify Residential Education staff as soon as possible following an emergency or serious incident occurring within a residential facility.

Students are expected to cooperate with university staff, emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel during emergencies and emergency response efforts.

Emergency Notifications and Utility Failures

Residents should promptly report utility failures, facility emergencies, and other significant building concerns to Residential Education or appropriate university personnel.

The university may issue emergency notifications regarding severe weather, utility disruptions, safety concerns, or other emergencies through designated communication systems.

Residents are responsible for monitoring university communications and following instructions provided during emergency situations.

Fire Safety & Response

Fire Drills and Evacuation

Residents are responsible for familiarizing themselves with evacuation routes and emergency procedures for their residential facility.

When a fire alarm sounds, all occupants must immediately evacuate the building using the nearest safe exit and remain outside until authorized to reenter by university staff or emergency personnel.

Residents are expected to participate in fire drills and comply with all evacuation instructions. Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm or fire drill may result in referral through the Student Integrity process and administrative charges.

Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety equipment is provided to protect the safety of residents and the residential community. Residents may not tamper with, misuse, obstruct, disable, or intentionally activate fire safety equipment except during an emergency.

Fire safety equipment includes, but is not limited to, smoke detectors, heat detectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, pull stations, alarm panels, and emergency exits.

Residents may not hang items from, attach items to, or otherwise interfere with sprinkler heads, sprinkler piping, smoke detectors, or other fire safety equipment.

Violations of this policy may result in referral through the Student Integrity process, administrative charges, and financial responsibility for any resulting damage.

Grills and Fire Pits

Personal grills, fire pits, and other open-flame cooking or heating devices are prohibited on university property.

Residents may only use university-approved grills and fire pits in designated locations and in accordance with university expectations and supervision requirements.

The use, possession, or storage of flammable materials in violation of university policy is prohibited.

Smoking, Tobacco, and Nicotine Products

Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco or nicotine products are prohibited within all residential facilities.

Residents who choose to smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products outdoors must remain at least 20 feet from residential facilities and building entrances.

Hookahs and similar smoking devices may not be used or stored within residential facilities.

Residents are responsible for properly disposing of cigarette butts and other tobacco-related waste.

Violations of this policy may result in referral through the Student Integrity process and administrative charges.