Regulations Concerning Specific Aspects of Student Life
Dormitory Regulations
A student resident in a University dormitory agrees to
the terms and conditions outlined in the University room
contract.
In general, dormitory residents themselves have authority
to make their own social rules, so long as those rules
conform to the general guidelines defined in the following
paragraphs, as well as to the University's general conduct
regulations. Undergraduate men and women, unless they are
married, cannot be assigned to the same rooms or the same
suite of rooms. Furthermore, rooms must be assigned in such
a way as to ensure that men and women have separate
bathrooms. Graduate students, if married or domestic
partners, are allowed to occupy apartment housing. In
graduate dormitory housing, men and women may not share the
same room or suite but they may share the same bathroom.
Space in University dormitories is made available to
regularly enrolled students of Princeton, for their personal
use, and use of such space cannot be transferred to any
other individual. While students are permitted to have
guests for short periods of time, extended visits are not
permitted. Members of the dormitory community are expected
to act with a considerate regard for the rights, privileges,
and sensibilities of others. Dormitory residents should
respect the desire of all members of the community for a
reasonable degree of privacy. It is expected that residents
will show consideration for the property of their peers and
of the University.
The student is responsible for loss or damage to
University property (including the furniture and the
accommodations) provided for the use of the student. In the
event of loss or damage, the student using the
accommodations will be charged for necessary repairs or
replacements. In addition, students who damage University
property will be subject to University disciplinary
action.
The faculty retains general oversight of undergraduate
dormitories. The Undergraduate Life Committee and the
Residence Committee are responsible for making policy
recommendations to the Vice President for Campus Life and
the Director of Housing. Violations of dormitory regulations
are adjudicated by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate
Students, the Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline, the
Residential College Disciplinary Board or the Housing
Office. Housing policies, regulations, and services are
outlined in the Residential Living Policies and Dining
Services Guide.
Noise
Every Princeton dormitory resident has the right to a
reasonably quiet environment in which to study and to pursue
his or her other interests. The University expects all
students to respect this right and to be aware of the impact
of their activities on their neighbors. Stereo speakers, for
example, should be placed in such a way as not to interfere
with the activities of others. Normally, audio equipment
should be placed away from doors and open windows. While
social gatherings are an essential part of campus life,
students responsible for hosting parties are urged to be
considerate of their neighbors. If the Department of Public
Safety receives complaints about a loud party or other
noisemaking activity prior to midnight on weeknights or 2:00
a.m. on weekends (Friday-Saturday and Saturday-Sunday nights
only), the proctors will ask the hosts to reduce the noise
level. After the curfew hour, the proctors are authorized to
end the activity in question. Dormitory residents concerned
about excessive noise should feel free, at any time, to call
the proctors for assistance. All noise complaints are noted
by the Department of Public Safety. Especially flagrant
and/or repeated violations of this noise policy may result
in disciplinary action by the Office of the Dean of the
Graduate School or the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate
Students.
Pets
Only fish may be kept in dormitory rooms, and tanks are
not to exceed 10 gallons. No other animals are allowed in
the dormitories. Specific details can be found in the
Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide.
Posting of Notices
Posters or notices of any kind may be affixed only to
bulletin boards in dormitory entryways, food service units,
academic and administration buildings, and outdoor kiosks,
lampposts, and bulletin boards. Students are encouraged to
remove outdated material from kiosks and bulletin boards
rather than postering over existing notices. (See also page
6-7.)
Fire Safety Policy
Students should consult the Residential Living
Policies and Dining Services Guide for regulations
regarding fire safety.
Use of Exterior Elevated Surfaces of Campus Buildings
and Other Restricted Areas
Entering mechanical areas (rooms, tunnels, etc.) or
fenced or restricted areas is prohibited. Entering upon
exterior elevated surfaces of campus buildings (roofs, fire
escapes, terraces, balconies, or ledges above the first
floor) is prohibited except in emergencies or in the
circumstances described below:
1. Authorized persons may, for purposes of research,
enter upon the following elevated areas constructed
especially for such research: the roof of Jadwin Laboratory
and the terrace of the Engineering Research Laboratory.
Entrance upon these areas may be authorized at the
discretion of the responsible faculty departmental
chairs.
2. In addition, members of the faculty and staff may, for
purposes of research, request authorization to enter upon
elevated surfaces other than those specified above. Such
requests will be reviewed by the Office of Occupational
Health and Safety in conjunction with the Facilities
Department. Student requests must be sponsored by a faculty
or staff member.
3. Any persons may enter upon the following terraces
clearly designed for foot traffic and gatherings: Jadwin
Plaza, Computing Center Terrace, McCormick Terrace.
4. University employees or contractor personnel are
authorized to enter upon any elevated surfaces in the
performance of official functions.
These regulations are intended to prevent injuries to
members of the University community, and to prevent physical
damage to surfaces, areas or equipment not designed for
traffic or public use.
This policy specifically prohibits entering upon any
dormitory exterior areas above the first floor. (While some
exterior elevated areas of the dormitories may appear to
have been designed for foot traffic or gatherings, all such
spaces are to be used only as a second means of egress in
case of fire.)
Plants are the only items which may be placed on the
surfaces of roofs, terraces, balconies, or ledges of campus
buildings. The placement of plants is permitted only if no
danger is posed to persons below and only if such placement
does not involve persons entering upon such surfaces. No
items may be placed on fire escapes at any time under any
circumstances.
Because of the seriousness of the regulations regarding
fire safety and use of exterior elevated surfaces of campus
buildings, the University will take disciplinary action on a
first offense. Such action may include the imposition of a
fine by the Housing Office. Please refer to the University's
Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide
for specific information regarding such fines. The
University has the right, moreover, to require students who
have violated these safety rules (or any other dormitory
regulations) to vacate their accommodations with no
financial credit for the remainder of the semester.
For clarification of the above safety regulations, please
consult the Fire and Safety Inspection Office, the Housing
Office, or the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate
Students.
Storage
Storage space is extremely limited in the dormitories.
During the academic year, therefore, students may store
their possessions only in their suites or in designated
storage areas. Possessions found in other areas will be
treated as abandoned goods, and will be disposed of by the
University after notice has been given. During the summer
vacation, all personal possessions must be removed from
dormitory rooms.
Lofts
Lofts which conform to University standards and that
incorporate the bed frames and mattress are permitted in
dormitory rooms. Please consult the Housing Office for
information regarding appropriate specifications.
Privacy and Right of Re-entry
The University respects the privacy of the student but
reserves the right to re-enter and take possession of the
accommodations upon breach of any term of the housing
contract. The University may enter the accommodations
without notice, when necessary for the safety of the
students or other occupants, for the purpose of emergency
safety inspections or when there is reason to believe that
the terms and conditions of the housing agreement are being
violated. Prior notice will not normally be provided in
emergency situations or for maintenance services that are
carried out in response to a student request. In other
situations, whenever possible, the University will attempt
to notify students prior to entry of their rooms for
maintenance purposes.
Search of Dormitory Rooms
Any search of dormitory rooms (as distinguished from a
safety inspection) will be carried out only with adequate
cause, and with the explicit authorization of the Dean of
Undergraduate Students, the Dean of the Graduate School, or
some other senior administrative officer. Should such a
search be necessary, every effort will be made to have the
resident present at the time of the search. If it is
impossible to arrange to have the resident present, he or
she will be informed of the action as soon as possible
following the search.
Dining Regulations
All freshmen and sophomores living on campus are required
to have board contracts at a University dining facility,
unless excused by the Dean of Undergraduate Students for
medical reasons. The detailed terms of the dining contracts
are available in the Residential Living Policies
and Dining Services Guide.
Health Regulations
Health Services policies and regulations are outlined in
A Guide to Your Campus Health Services, distributed
by Health Services. University Health Services also has
policies and procedures governing the confidentiality of
student health records and the extent to which information
may or may not be released. For further information contact
University Health Services.
University Ban on the Nude Olympics
For a number of years undergraduates, predominantly
members of the sophomore class, have gathered as a group in
Holder Courtyard on the night of the first snowfall,
virtually naked, and in an environment that includes student
alcohol abuse, underage drinking, lack of concern for the
welfare of fellow students, and risk of harm to themselves,
to other people, and to property. This gathering has come to
be known as the "nude olympics."
In the Spring of 1999, the President of the University
and the Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation of the
Committee on the Nude Olympics that this activity be banned,
effective immediately, because of the severe health and
safety risks posed by the event. The undergraduate student
body is advised that they may not attempt to organize or
engage in any activity that is perceived to perpetuate
gatherings or events that contain or encourage some or all
of the behaviors that have been associated with past nude
olympics. These prohibitions apply to the campus, as well as
to public and private property in the surrounding
communities.
Any undergraduate engaging in activity that, in the
judgment of the Dean of Undergraduate Students or a
designee, could reasonably appear to others to perpetuate
gatherings or events that contain or encourage such
behaviors is subject to suspension from the University for a
period of at least one year. The penalty will be increased
for aggravating behaviors, such as committing acts of
vandalism, harassment, or avoiding apprehension by campus
public safety officers or municipal police.
Normal disciplinary procedures will apply, except
that
(1) the Dean of Undergraduate Students, or a designee,
will hear the case and assign the penalty, and
(2) appeals will be brought to a subcommittee of the
Committee on Discipline.
The president and board ask members of the University
community to report information they have regarding possible
violations of this policy to the Office of Public Safety or
the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students.
Hazing
New Jersey Law
In compliance with New Jersey statute, Princeton
University is required to notify all students of their
rights under law.
1. A person is guilty of hazing, a disorderly persons
offense, if, in connection with the initiation of applicants
to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he or
she knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates
or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic
events, which places or may place another person in danger
of bodily injury.
2. A person is guilty of aggravated hazing, a crime of
the fourth degree, if he or she commits an act which results
in serious bodily injury to another person.
3. Consent shall not be available as a defense to a
prosecution under law.
4. Conduct constituting an offense under the law may be
prosecuted under any applicable provision of Title 2C:40 of
the New Jersey Statutes.
Prohibition on Hazing
1. A new member of an organization shall have the right
to be free of all activities which may constitute hazing
while attempting to become a member of a fraternity,
sorority, athletic team, student organization, eating club
or other campus organization. Organizations and their
members are prohibited from engaging in or encouraging
others to engage in activities that are defined as
hazing.
2. A broad range of behaviors that may place another
person in danger of bodily injury or behavior that
demonstrates indifference or disregard for another person's
dignity or well-being may be classified as hazing. Examples
include but are not limited to the following:
a. forced or required ingestion of alcohol, food, drugs,
or any undesirable substance
b. participation in sexual rituals or assaults
c. mentally abusive or demeaning behavior
d. acts that could result in physical, mental, or
emotional deprivation or harm
e. physical abuse, e.g., whipping, paddling, beating,
tattooing, branding, and exposure to the elements.
Acceptable Behavior
Any new member initiation process should be conducted in
a manner that respects the dignity of new members and
protects their mental and physical well-being. Examples of
acceptable behavior include the promotion of scholarship or
service, the development of leadership or social skills or
of career goals, involvement with alumni, building an
awareness of organizational history, development of a sense
of solidarity with other organization members, or activities
that otherwise promote the mission of the organization or of
the University.
Alcohol Policy
Students at Princeton University are responsible for
knowing and are required to abide by both State and
University regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol.
The University provides educational programs and information
on alcohol and drug abuse as well as counseling services.
Students are expected and encouraged to be aware of the
social, physiological, and psychological consequences and
personal risks of excessive drinking in order to make
responsible and informed decisions about the serving and
consumption of alcohol.
The University alcoholic beverage policy is consistent
with the laws of the State of New Jersey, which, in general,
prohibit the consumption and serving of alcoholic beverages
by and to persons under 21 years of age. Students are
responsible for their behavior, whether or not they are
under the influence of alcohol. The consumption of alcohol
does not constitute a mitigating circumstance when it
contributes to the violation of University regulations. The
policy affirms the need for mutual respect and personal
responsibility within a diverse community.
The University respects the right to privacy, and its
representatives will not enter dormitory rooms without
substantive cause (i.e., without reasonable suspicion that
University polices or regulations have been violated).
However, those whose behavior infringes on the rights of
others have, in essence, forfeited that privacy.
What are the responsibilities of Princeton University
students?
Alcoholic beverages will not normally be provided at
events where persons under the legal drinking age for
consumption of alcoholic beverages are present, including
those sponsored by the University, the residential colleges,
the University Centers, the Undergraduate Student
Government, and the Classes. Those who are of legal drinking
age and who wish to sponsor an event with alcohol must
obtain approval from and comply with the guidelines
established by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate
Students or the Office of the Dean of the Graduate
School.
Availability of alcoholic beverages shall not be the
primary focus of advertising for campus social events. Those
given approval to serve alcoholic beverages are responsible
for ensuring that only those of legal drinking age are
served.
It is the immediate obligation of those in the presence
of a severely intoxicated person to contact appropriate
University or local medical or safety personnel ((proctors,
deans, McCosh Health Center staff, Princeton Medical Center
staff, or local police or members of the rescue squad).
Neither intoxication nor admission to McCosh Health Center
for intoxication will be grounds for disciplinary action.
Contacting the Department of Public Safety for assistance in
transporting a student in need of medical attention will
not, in itself, lead to disciplinary action. Disciplinary
action will occur only if other circumstances indicating a
violation of University policy are observed. In such an
instance, failure to call for assistance will be considered
an especially serious violation of policy.
When will the University intervene?
The following represent examples of the way in which
different kinds of incidents would be handled:
a) If a proctor observes an individual leaving a party
with alcohol, he or she has substantive cause to enter that
room to investigate a possible serving violation.
b) In the event of a noise complaint, a proctor will go
to the room and knock on the door. If no one answers, the
proctor may enter the room. The proctor will instruct the
residents of the room to control the noise; he or she will
not have cause to investigate possible alcohol violations
unless indicators of alcohol consumption or provision are
observed such as evidence of intoxicated behavior, kegs,
bottles, or cans. This procedure will be the same for any
similar complaint.
c) The presence of individuals dancing or drinking out of
cups is not in itself substantive cause to enter a room.
When are Princeton University students in violation
of the alcohol policy?
Students are in violation of the University alcohol
policy under any or all of the following circumstances:
1. When the serving of alcohol encourages
excessive drinking (e.g., drinking games, initiation
activities, hazing) as it can lead to the endangerment of
the individual served. When this is the case, those serving
the alcohol are in violation of policy. This is an
especially serious violation.
2. When the consumption of alcohol contributes to
behavior that (a) intimidates, threatens, or injures others;
or (b) leads to the destruction of property; or (c)
infringes on the peace and privacy of others, students are
in violation of policy.
3. Students are in violation of policy (a) when
carrying or possessing an open container*of alcohol
in or across common spaces (lounges, gamerooms, courtyards,
dining areas, hallways, etc.); (b) when in possession of a
keg and/or tap (unless permission is granted by the Office
of the Dean of Undergraduate Students); (c) when, under the
age of 21, in possession of any container of alcohol in
common spaces of the University; (d) when serving,
providing, or making available alcohol to persons under
the age of 21 in all locations; and (e) when procuring
alcohol for persons under the age of 21 or by falsifying
identification.
4. The preceding regulations apply to students both on
and off the University campus, particularly in the local
vicinity. Violations of local ordinances or State laws by
students may also be grounds for University disciplinary
action, regardless of where such violations occur, if they
clearly violate University standards of conduct.
*Open container is defined as any container not sealed by
the manufacturer.
Conduct at Prospect Street Clubs
Standards of behavior by University students in the
independent Prospect Street clubs are to conform with
established standards in the University as a whole. In
particular, club members are to act with considerate regard
for the rights, privileges, and sensibilities of others. It
is expected that they will show due consideration for the
property of their fellow members and guests, as well as for
the property of the club itself. Physical violence,
intimidation of others, or offensive and disorderly behavior
will not be tolerated in any club or on the walks and
streets outside clubs. University policy in cases in which
misconduct is alleged to have taken place in the clubs is
governed by the provisions set forth concerning off-campus
activities (see page 8).
Library
Policies and regulations are detailed in the booklet
distributed by the library each year (see page 11).
Motor Vehicle Regulations
Detailed regulations and campus maps are available at the
Department of Public Safety and distributed to all students,
faculty, and staff when vehicles are registered.
Note: Even though you may not plan to have a car
in Princeton, you should be familiar with the motor vehicle
regulations since your guests will also be subject to these
regulations.
Parking arrangements for guests and visitors to the
campus are the responsibility of the inviting party or the
activity sponsor. To avoid embarrassment, such as towing of
a guest's car, students should make parking arrangements for
their visitors and guests with the Department of Public
Safety as far in advance as practical. Temporary parking
permits will be issued to guests and visitors to the
University.
A weekend guest may park free in Student Lot 21 without a
temporary parking permit from 4:00 p.m. Friday until 8:00
a.m. Monday. If a student has brought his or her car to
Princeton for the weekend only, he or she will be treated as
a guest. Guests or visitors who must leave their vehicles in
Student Lot 21 for any period other than 4:00 p.m. Friday to
8:00 a.m. Monday must make arrangements with the Department
of Public Safety. Otherwise, the car is likely to be towed.
Visitors' spaces in the other University lots are reserved
only for non-University people who either must transact
official business or are guests.
Legal Assistance
The Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, the
Dean of the Graduate School, and the Department of Public
Safety are authorized to provide specific kinds of aid to
students who have been charged with violations of the law or
who are actually under arrest. In such cases, University
officials will:
1. Provide the student with the names of several
experienced local attorneys, as well as the names of faculty
members actively engaged in legal work; the student may or
may not choose to consult with persons from this list.
2. Help to arrange bail, if the student and parents are
unable to make such arrangements themselves. Ordinarily, the
responsibility for bail is the student's own. If the student
or parents cannot provide immediate funds for bail, the
University will undertake to contact the student's parents
and may make a loan for the amount of bail (or of a
bondsman's fee) if the parent so authorizes. In special
circumstances, when neither parent nor guardian can be
contacted, the University itself may make bail arrangements
on behalf of the student, depending upon the particular
circumstances of the case.
In all such instances, the cost of bail, as well as the
cost of legal counsel, are the full responsibility of the
student and his or her family. The University's actions in
such cases are undertaken in an effort to ensure the
protection of the student's rights and safety, and are not
to be construed as efforts to afford the student special
treatment in respect to the law.
Financial Regulations
A detailed discussion of specific fees, terms of payment,
rebates, and financial aid is printed in the Payment
Agreement sent to all undergraduates.
Use of University Monies (Including Student Fees)
University funds, including fees collected by the
University from all students (or their parents) as a
condition of enrollment in the University, can be used only
for purposes integrally related to student activities at the
University. Such funds should not be used to make grants to
organizations outside the University, thus rendering the
University, in effect, a conduit for the transfer of funds.
An annual fee is assessed to all enrolled graduate students
in residence in order to fund activities of the Graduate
Student Government, and at the discretion of the Graduate
Student Government, to support other organizations and
events. Undergraduate activity monies can be allocated
through the Undergraduate Student Government for the support
of the on-campus activities of campus groups, including
provision of funds to assist in fund-raising efforts, in
educational and informational campaigns, and the like.
University policy stipulates, however, that each of the many
causes that compete for student attention should make its
own case to potential sources of funds on campus and should
solicit from individuals voluntary contributions
specifically for the particular purposes of that
organization.
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