Housing Policies, Rules & Regulations

(A) Abandoned and unclaimed property left in residential facilities, on breezeways, in stairwells, laundry rooms, or on the premises may be disposed of within 24 hours. Property left in residential rooms after check out periods and/or after a resident’s cancellation/contract termination will be disposed of as indicated above. (B) Storage Space: Storage space is not available. Residents are responsible for the removal of all personal belongings. University Housing is not responsible for the residents’ or other person’s loss of money, valuables, or personal property.

(A) In addition to federal, state, and local laws governing the use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, the University prohibits the possession, furnishing, or use of alcoholic beverages (including beer, wine, and liquors) in the residence halls except as allowed by University policy. Residents and their guests are not permitted to appear in a public place or at activities manifestly under the influence of a controlled or other intoxicating substance. (B) The presence of empty alcoholic beverage containers and/or alcohol paraphernalia (e.g. beer bongs) is prohibited. (C) Violation of this regulation may result in disciplinary action, which could result in removal from the residential facilities. (D) Violations may result in legal consequences for the Resident. (E) Non-residents found in violation will be issued a no-trespassing sanction.

(A) All appliances must be UL approved. Safety and sanitation standards do not permit major appliances in the residence halls. Non-grounded extension cords are not permitted in any residential facility.

(B) Up to four (4) additional cubic foot of refrigerator space is permitted in Woodcrest Apartments. Up to two (2) additional cubic foot of refrigerator space is permitted in all other residential facilities.

(C) Stove cooking is permissible in apartment kitchens with ventilation hoods. Microwave cooking may occur in all residential rooms. Washing machines, dryers, toaster ovens, and dishwashers are NOT permitted in any residential facility. 

(D) Heating and Cooking Appliances

For fire safety reasons, appliances with exposed heating elements are NOT permitted in any residential facility.

The following appliances ARE permitted, provided they are UL approved and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions:

• Microwaves
• Air fryers
• Keurig/Coffee Pots
• Electric kettles
  

The following appliances are NOT permitted, including but not limited to:

• Hot plates (electric)
• Toasters/Toaster ovens
• Electric grills

All permitted appliances must be used in a safe manner and unplugged when not in use. Housing reserves the right to remove or confiscate any appliance deemed unsafe or not in compliance with this policy.

Bicycle racks are located outside of various residential buildings. It is recommended that bicycles be removed from campus during break and vacation periods. For Norse Hall and Woodcrest Apartment residents, bicycles may be kept in one’s apartment with the roommate(s)’ approval. Residents of Callahan Hall may store bicycles in the area bicycle room, located on the ground floor near the laundry facility. Bicycles may not be stored in breezeways, or access ways, as this creates a fire hazard. Failure to follow this policy will be considered a violation of the fire safety policy. All bicycles abandoned for 30 days will become property of the University and will be disposed of in accordance with procedures for abandoned property.

(A) Any open flame, including but not limited to candles that are either lit or unlit, is not permitted in the residential facilities. (B) Holiday lights are permitted in the residence halls but may not be hung from the ceiling or from the walls within 6 inches of the ceiling. Lights or wires may not run under carpet, rugs, or mattresses. Lights may not be hung around doors (except for closet doors), in hallways, or in any way that may impede egress from an area if they should fall. All lights must be UL approved cool bulbs.

Residents of University Housing will check in and check out of their Housing assignment at their area’s desk, unless otherwise specified. Hall Directors will provide residents with specific instructions regarding check out dates for end of the year closing. If a resident cancels their Agreement, the resident must consult with the Hall Director of the area for special instructions.

Residents are not permitted to sweep dirt, trash, or waste out of doors or throw such items from windows or balconies. Additionally, allowing dirty dishes/laundry to pile up, allowing spoiled or otherwise inedible foodstuffs to accumulate, or the creation of any unsanitary condition is prohibited. Clotheslines are not permitted on apartment balconies. University Housing staff will complete room safety checks throughout the year and Residents who are found responsible for unsanitary room conditions will be asked to remedy the situation. If a Resident does not comply, they will be referred to the student conduct process.

A student shall not, through act or omission, assist another student, individual, or group in committing or attempting to commit a violation of University Housing policies. A student who has knowledge of another committing or attempting to commit a violation of the Code of Conduct or University Housing policies is required to remove themselves from the situation. Failure to do so when reasonable under the circumstances may be regarded as a violation of this policy.

Computer labs are available for Residents of University Housing. Computer labs are available in University Suites and Callahan Hall. For more information regarding computer usage and IT policies, please reference https://it.nku.edu/.

Entry and/or exit through a residence hall or apartment window is prohibited. Throwing or dropping objects out of a window or from a breezeway is also prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. 

Handicapped accessible rooms and rooms with modified facilities are available for students with documented needs. Students with special needs must register with the Office of Student Accessibility. The Office of Student Accessibility will collaborate with University Housing to arrange reasonable accommodations for students requiring such accommodations. To register with, or for more information regarding, the Office of Student Accessibility, please reference https://www.nku.edu/osa/.

(A) Residents are not to engage in any behavior that, by reasonable community standards, would be considered lewd, indecent, obscene, disorderly, harmful, or potentially harmful to self or others. (B) This type of behavior, as well as practical jokes and/or pranks, often leads to injuries, damage of personal or University property, and/or confrontations that my become violent. Therefore, any student involved in this misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the residence halls or apartments. (C) Residents are prohibited from engaging in behavior in the residence halls that could cause harm to themselves, other Residents, or the building. This includes, but is not limited to, skateboarding, roller skating, hoverboarding, or running in the halls; throwing balls or other objects in the halls; and/or engaging in any sport activities in the halls. (D) The University reserves the right to remove a resident from a residence hall or apartment who, over a period, indicates that they are not willing to abide by or adjust to residential policy and procedure. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the appropriate criminal justice proceedings, in addition to administrative sanctions placed by the University.

University Housing Residents are not to disregard the reasonable directive, verbal or written, of any University official, University Police officer, or member of University Housing staff. Residents are not to obstruct emergency personnel, University officials, University Police officers, or members of University Housing staff as they conduct their assigned duties.

Conduct which, by itself or in conjunction with the conduct of others, disrupts or impairs the performance of normal University Housing functions is prohibited.

(A) Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs as defined by local, state, and federal laws, and not prescribed by a properly certified and licensed medical practitioner is prohibited on University-owned or controlled property. (B) The possession of drug paraphernalia is also prohibited under law and University policy. Drug paraphernalia includes all equipment, products, and material of any kind that could be reasonable construed to facilitate, or intended or designed to facilitate, violations of law. (C) The offender is subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from University Housing and possible suspension from the University. If, in fact, a violation of law occurs on campus, the alleged violator will be arrested and go through the appropriate criminal justice proceedings.

In the event of an earthquake, Resident should take the following steps: (1) If Resident is indoors, stay indoors. Get under a desk or table or stand in a doorway or corner. Stay clear of windows, bookcases, cabinets, and mirrors until shaking ceases. (2) If Resident is outdoors, stay outdoors. Get into the open, away from buildings, trees, walls, and power lines.

For any type of medical emergency, Resident should immediately contact the University Police department at (859) 572-7777 or 911. Outside of life-threatening emergencies, Resident can contact the University Housing staff members on-call.

Emergency exit doors are to be used to exit the residential facilities during emergencies only. If Residents exit these doors in non-emergency situations, this act is considered a violation of Fire Safety policy and disciplinary action may be taken.

Failure to comply with residential facility guidelines whenever a fire or severe weather alarm sounds is strictly prohibited. All Residents must immediately vacate a residential facility upon the onset of an alarm indicating such evacuation.

The intentional false report of, or the intentional failure to report a bomb, incendiary device, fire, weapon, or other emergency in a residential facility or on University property is strictly prohibited. This includes misuse of fire pull stations and the intentional activation of smoke alarms or fire sprinklers. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through normal criminal justice proceedings.

(A) When a fire alarm is activated, Residents must evacuate the building as quickly as possible. Re-entry is not permitted until permission is given by authorized University staff including, but not limited to, University Police, Safety and Emergency Management, Operations & Maintenance, University Housing, or other designated staff. (B) Failure to evacuate is a violation of University policy.

(A) Sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and fire alarms are provided in the residential facilities as specified by fire safety codes. Since the equipment is for safety of the residents, any abuse or misuse of it, either directly or indirectly, will be dealt with accordingly.

(B) Intentionally causing a fire or fire hazard and unauthorized alteration, misuse or abuse of fire equipment endangers the entire community. Residents who abuse these items may not only face University disciplinary actions but may also be subject to arrest. Abuse of fire safety equipment includes, but is not limited to, damage to smoke detectors, damage to exit signs, propping open fire doors, and/or damage to fire hose pipes. Additionally, failure to evacuate during a fire alarm is a violation of this policy.

(C) Residents are not to tamper with, or obstruct, fire alarms, smoke detectors, or sprinklers in rooms. If a Resident suspects fire safety equipment to be faulty, or if incidental damage to fire equipment occurs, they should immediately report their concerns to the Office of University Housing for rectification.

(D) The following non-exclusive list of items are prohibited in residential facilities, due to a significant risk of fire: high wattage electrical appliances (e.g. space heaters, heat lamps, open coil electrical devices); musical instrument amplifiers; candles; incense/aromatic herb burners; any device using halogen bulbs; toasters; hot plates; hoverboards; and/or tanning lamps.

(E) Students are not permitted to bring or construct lofts in residential facilities, except as offered through the University Housing website.

(F) Extension cords are not permitted in any residential facility. Power strips with built in breakers are allowed.

If there is any reason to believe that a person or resident has fraudulently gained access to, or is no longer eligible for housing, the resident of the unit will be contacted to review the matter. If it is verified that the individual is fraudulently living in the unit, or the resident fails to respond to the inquiry, eviction procedures may begin immediately.

(A) Furnishings and fixtures belonging to the University are not to be moved out of the unit. (B) Common Area Furniture- All public areas of the Residential Village and East Village have furniture for your comfort. Furniture in these areas should not be moved from their designated space. Moving furniture from its location is prohibited and University Housing staff are authorized to require the return of furniture to its proper location. (C) Room Furniture- Furniture found in residential living spaces may be arranged by Residents, given that the following conditions are met: (1) Furniture must rest on the floor and may not be suspended, stacked, or placed on supports; (2) Furniture may not be moved from one room to another or exchanged between rooms; (3) Extra furniture resulting from a vacancy may not be removed from a room; (4) Additional furniture may not be added to rooms in Kentucky or Commonwealth Halls due to fire safety regulations and space restrictions. A limited amount of additional furniture may be added to apartment units or University Suites. (D) Violation of these guidelines is considered unauthorized use of property.

Gambling and games of chance are prohibited in University Housing. Violation of this policy is considered a violation of federal, state, and municipal law.

Any behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment or unreasonably interferes with the educational or work performance of any individual at any time is prohibited. Harassment can be verbal, nonverbal, physical, or written, and includes the use of technology such as the telephone, voicemail, answering machine, email, or other electronic communication media.

Residents are responsible for maintaining rooms in a reasonably neat and clean condition. Monthly health and safety checks will be conducted by staff of University Housing. The inspection ensures safe and sanitary conditions in residential rooms and the maintenance of residence hall policies. If necessary, damage charges may be assessed for documented issues. If a residential room contains conditions that need to be corrected, staff will provide resident with notice of corrections to be made and will re-inspect the room within three business days. If the corrections have not been made, the Resident(s) assigned to the space may be subject to disciplinary action. Any prohibited items found during these inspections will be immediately confiscated.

(A) If a Resident gets locked out of their space, they must contact a University Housing staff member and show a picture identification in order to re-gain access to their space, consistent with procedures established by University Housing. (B) Residents are prohibited from possessing residential facility keys and/or All-Cards that have not been issued in that Resident’s name. Residents are prohibited from lending residential facility keys or their assigned All-Card to any other person. Residents found responsible for giving their residential facility keys or their assigned All-Card to another person shall be referred to the student conduct process.

(A) When residents become locked out of their room, regardless of the reason, they should take immediate action to regain access to their room and notify the proper University Housing staff member. If the floor or area staff member is temporarily unavailable, the resident should next contact their respective desk for the desk staff to contact the RA on duty. The RA on Duty should respond with due diligence. (B) The Resident will be required to fill out a lock-out form. (C) The first lock-out is free of charge. Subsequent lockouts will be subject to fines as outlined under Fees in this document. (D) While we provide lockout services, all residents are responsible for having their keys at all times and they should remain patient with staff. (E) After three lock-out incidents, disciplinary action may be taken, and door locks may be changed at the Resident’s expense.

If a Resident’s keys are lost, the Resident should notify University Housing immediately. Locks will be changed, consistent with University Housing policy, to ensure personal and property safety. The Resident shall be billed for all charges, as stipulated in the Schedule of Fees.

Mail service and package pick-up is available for Residents at each area’s desk. Daily incoming mail will be delivered to residents’ mailboxes Monday through Saturday (excluding Federal holidays). Area desk schedules will be posted for residents to pick up packages. Residents must present photo identification to retrieve a package.

Residents may change meal plans through the first two weeks of each academic semester. Please visit https://www.dineoncampus.com/nku/ for more information about dining. 

All vehicles parked on University property are subject to the regulations as stated in the Traffic and Parking Regulations Handbook. Please reference the Office of Parking Services for more information at https://parking.nku.edu/. 

(A) Pets are NOT permitted, except for fish in tanks no larger than 10 gallons. Residents living in residence hall rooms or apartments should not feed or otherwise encourage stray animals to frequent the area. Any resident wishing to register a complaint regarding the keeping of an illegal animal should not hesitate to contact their designated University Housing staff member. Residents who violate the Pet Policy will be assess charges for maintenance/repair of the unit, as outlined under the Schedule of Fees. (B) The following maintenance/repairs may be made to a unit which has violated the Pet Policy: walls for the entire unit will be washed and/or the unit will be painted; Carpet will be cleaned; Entire unit will be treated for fleas, including bombing (damage fees for flea treatment will be assessed at the time of service and will include labor and materials). (C) Additional damage fees may be added for damage caused to furniture or carpet requiring replacement or additional cleaning beyond methods described above. (D) Damage fees may be assessed at any time during the academic term. Repairs and maintenance will be conducted when the Resident has vacated the unit. Residents who refuse to remove the animal(s) in question may have their Agreement terminated by the University.

Residents are not to engage in any behavior which inflicts, or is intended to inflict, bodily harm upon any person, including taking reckless action which results in harm to another person or self.

(A) The residence halls and apartments are communities. A reasonably quiet ambiance is required to create an atmosphere conducive to academic success. Excessive noise or disruptive conduct is not permitted at any time (including, but not limited to, music being played out of windows, slamming doors, loud yelling in public areas, etc.) Quiet hours have, therefore, been set for all residential facilities. (B) Quiet hours for the residential areas are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, and Friday and Saturday, 12:00 AM (midnight) to 8:00 AM. These hours include areas outside the buildings, in lobbies and lounge areas, and in rooms/apartments. (C) Residents are always expected to respect the rights of others. Noise in any room with the door closed should not excessively infringe upon the living conditions of adjacent rooms. (D) Beginning the Friday before and during finals week of any semester, 24-hour quiet hours are in effect throughout the residential areas. Pursuant to this policy, Residents are required to leave or check out of their space within 24-hours of their last final exam.

(A) All computers and computing devices attempting to use the NKU Network(s) must have approved anti-virus software installed, be kept up-to-date, and should be scheduled to run scans at regular intervals. For information regarding free anti-virus software and times for using anti-virus software tools, see the IT anti-virus guidelines. (B) Staff from University Housing and the Office of Information Technology reserve the right to discontinue network access without prior notice to students whose continued network usage presents a clear and present danger to the integrity of the network or other users. (C) Students must follow all federal, state, and local laws related to the use of copyrighted works. If a student is not sure whether a certain work is under copyright, it should be assumed that it is. Ignorance of copyright laws does not provide a haven for infringers. Residents that utilize the campus network for downloading or sharing copyrighted files risk losing network access and/or potential prosecution from the copyright owners.

(A) Residents who desire a change of room or hall must submit a room change request to be considered. The ability to relocate is based on space limitations and an educational philosophy that residents have tried in good faith to solve any differences. To be considered for a room change during the academic year, residents must meet with their Hall Director. (B) Residents are prohibited from residing in a residence hall or apartment room that is not their assigned space. Room changes are only permitted with the permission of University Housing.

(A) Decorations should be hung using adhesives that do not damage paint or wall surfaces. Double-faced tape, adhesive tape, and masking tape are prohibited. Painting of rooms, adding or removing locks, or altering any part of the building or building equipment is specifically prohibited. Nailing, boring, or screwing into walls or woodwork is prohibited. Curtains may be hung with tension rods only. Contact paper or wallpaper (including borders) are not permitted on any surface of an apartment or residence hall. All shelf and drawer paper must be completely removed when a space is vacated. (B) Any damage occurring to a room due to resident behavior, negligence, misuse, or accident can result in fines and/or fees charged to the Resident(s). Students can appeal damage charges/fees by contacting the Associate Director of Housing Operations within ten business days of billing notification. Resident relinquishes their right of appeal after ten business days. Routine damage from normal wear and tear may occur. Resident(s) should report such damage as soon as possible for repair.

Residents are prohibited from engaging in conduct that violates the University’s policy on Sexual Misconduct. For details of the Sexual Misconduct policy for the University, please reference https://inside.nku.edu/titleix/policy/sexual-harassment-policy.html. 

All parts of the University’s campus, including residence halls, are smoke and tobacco free. Tobacco use at all University owned, operated, and leased properties is prohibited. Tobacco products are, therefore, prohibited in all interior/exterior building spaces, outside ground areas, walkways and parking structures, indoor/outdoor athletic facilities, and vehicles. Prohibited products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah-smoked products, and oral tobacco, such as spit/spitless, smokeless, chew, and snuff products. Products that contain tobacco flavoring or simulate tobacco use, such as electronic cigarettes, are also prohibited. This policy is strictly enforced. Violators are subject to fines and/or judicial sanctions.

Solicitation of products and services are prohibited for residents, guests, and visitors of University Housing. Students may not conduct any private business operations from their University residence.

Threatening behavior constitutes any statement, communication, conduct, or gesture, including those in written form, directed toward any member of the University community, that causes a reasonable apprehension of physical harm to a person or property. A student can be guilty of threatening behavior even if the person who is the object of the threat does not observe or receive it, so long as a reasonable person would interpret the maker’s statement, communication, conduct, or gesture as a serious expression of intent to physically harm.

In the event of a tornado or severe weather, Resident should stay away from windows and take shelter in the nearest bathroom or interior stairwell.

Residents are responsible for removing one’s own trash and placing it in the area’s dumpster, rather than in common area trash cans. Trash should not be placed outside of any dumpster. Trash is prohibited from being stored temporarily in stairwells or in breezeways for any time frame. Garbage belonging to a Resident, found in hallways, stairwells, breezeways, or restrooms may be returned to the Resident for proper disposal. Disciplinary action may be taken for repeated offenses.

Forced or unauthorized entry into any residential facility, wing, room, or apartment is prohibited. If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrest and will be subject to legal action.

Willful and/or malicious action that results in damage to property is prohibited. This includes damage to personal property, damage to University property or facilities, and unreported accidental damages. When those responsible for vandalism are unable to be identified, community billing may be assessed.

(A) No Resident is permitted to have a guest in their room over the objection of a roommate. No Resident shall be denied access to their room at any time or be placed under undue hardship by the presence of a visitor. (B) At no time may visitors use shower facilities designated for the opposite gender in shared shower spaces (Kentucky Hall, Commonwealth Hall, Callahan Hall), or without the consent of roommates in areas with private shower facilities. (C) Guests (occasional visitors) are not to abuse visitation privileges by residing in the residence halls or apartments. The Office of University Housing reserves the right to distinguish between a visiting guest and actual residency. Flagrant violations of the visitation guidelines could result in the cancellation of visitation privileges, cancellation of Agreement, or other disciplinary action. (D) All visitors and overnight guests are guests of the Resident(s) they are visiting. They may only stay if they observe procedures, policies, and regulations established by the residents, the staff, and the University. (E) Any guest must be 18 years of age or older, or a University student. Guests must always be escorted by the Resident while present in the residential facility. (F) Residents will be permitted 24-hour guest visitation, to allow students the flexibility to visit each other’s rooms. However, this does not permit or condone cohabitation. Overnight guests are only permitted with the roommate(s)’ approval. No guest may be an overnight guest for more than two consecutive nights or for more than ten total nights during the academic year. (G) The Resident is wholly responsible for the behavior of the guest during their stay. (H) Residents wishing to have a guest use a roommate’s bed must first obtain permission for the use of the bed from said roommate. Temporary absence of the roommate does not constitute availability for use of the roommate’s bed by the Resident or their guest. (I) University Housing reserves the right to suspend visitation in some or all residential communities in response to a public health emergency, pursuant to Section 21 of this Housing/Dining Agreement Terms & Conditions for the academic year.

Possession or use of any type of firearm, ammunition, explosive device (including fireworks), or other weapon in residential facilities, surrounding areas, or on University-owned property is strictly prohibited. Weapons include, but are not limited to, martial arts weapons, knives (other than reasonable cooking utensils), bows and arrows, air guns, rifles, shotguns, and BB guns (e.g., Airsoft gun). If a violation occurs, the alleged violator may be arrested and go through the appropriate criminal justice procedure. Sanctions up to, and including, eviction are typical with weapons/firearms violations.