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Community Standards

Our community standards ensure a safe and productive learning community.

Living in a residential community is an exciting experience but it also comes with some guidelines to ensure a safe and productive learning community. These policies complement but do not replace NC State’s Policies, Regulations, and Rules (PRR); the Code of Student Conduct; Raleigh laws; state laws; and federal laws, and are upheld through the student disciplinary procedures for the University and the University Housing Agreement.

Information about posting flyers and posters in our residence halls and apartments is located on our advertising in communities page. All use of posters, exterior painting and chalking and temporary outdoor signage must follow the University Regulation.

For those 21 years or older, the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in one’s own room or the room of another person who is of legal drinking age with the consent of the other person. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the common areas of University Housing facilities, including, but not limited to, hallways, stairwells, elevators, balconies, and courtyards. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by those 21 and older is prohibited in the rooms/apartments of persons under the age of 21. Collection or display of alcohol containers will not be permitted in all resident rooms, suites or apartments. Residents of legal drinking age who choose to consume alcohol must dispose of their empty alcohol containers in a way that does not impede the cleanliness of the space. timely and appropriate manner. Kegs, empty kegs, and party balls are prohibited. The sale of alcohol on university property is prohibited.

Pets are not permitted in any residential buildings with the exception of fish. Fish must be in properly maintained, clean aquariums; aquariums are not to exceed ten gallons total capacity per person per room. If a pet is found in a residential facility, the animal must be removed and the resident is responsible for all damages the animal may have caused.

University Housing permits assistance animals that receive prior approval in all residential facilities.

Space outside the interior of one’s assigned room is considered common space and is maintained by University Housing.

  • Signs, decorations, or other materials are not permitted on common space walls, the exterior of windows, or common access doors, such as suite doors. Residents may post signs or decorations on their own room doors using non-damaging adhesive.
  • Furniture and appliances in common space are provided for the comfort and convenience of all residents and must remain in the common space.
  • Personal items cannot be left, kept or stored in a common space, including lounges, community kitchens, suite lounges, laundry rooms, etc.
  • Because of safety concerns, all common areas must be kept free from clutter and objects (bicycles, trash cans, boxes, etc.) that could interfere with a passage from the building during an emergency.
  • Common spaces are provided to support the residential community experience and should be utilized in the manner intended. These spaces are not intended for sleeping locations.

Residents who are responsible for intentional or accidental damages and vandalism to residential furnishings, structures or equipment will be charged the appropriate labor and material for the expenses incurred. This includes vandalism of state property. Charges for loss or damages, which cannot be assessed to a particular individual, will be charged to the responsible residential unit (floor, suite or apartment).

  • Out of consideration for others and because of the potential for damage to people and property, the following behaviors are prohibited:
  • Throwing or dropping any object from a balcony, breezeway, window or roof; and propping exterior building doors.
  • Engage in hall sports like frisbee, golf, soccer, riding skateboards or bikes, etc. within the buildings.
  • Interfering or tampering with safety and security systems.

Removal of street signs, traffic/construction directive signs, and/or barricades from University property and city, county or state property poses a potential safety hazard for citizens. Possessing these items constitutes theft. University Housing staff who see these items in your space will either ask you to take your items to NC State Transportation and/or will notify Campus Police that you possess these items. Failure to return the signs will result in a disciplinary referral.

Residential buildings are equipped with building and fire code compliant smoke detection and fire suppression systems that report to a UL listed alarm monitoring station at the University Police Department. Life Safety systems are tested and maintained according to NC Fire Code and NFPA standards at the required intervals.

Fire drills are conducted twice each semester to give residents practice in responding to an alarm and to meet US Dept. of Education requirements. Residents involved in any of the following behaviors are subject to disciplinary action: setting a fire; possessing or using flammable or highly combustible materials; tampering with or misusing (whether accidental or intentional) any fire or safety equipment; covering a smoke detector or sprinkler; failure to vacate the building when a fire alarm sounds. Residents are asked to report all problems concerning fire and safety equipment to a University Housing staff member immediately.

False Reporting: Because of the danger to the safety of the residential community, residents who falsely report a fire, bomb threat, or serious injury or activate a fire alarm when no fire is evident are subject to disciplinary action.

Health and Safety Inspections: University Housing conducts health and safety inspections of all residential spaces each semester. The inspections will include a check of potential fire hazards, prohibited items, and cleanliness of spaces. All appliances must be accredited 3rd Party certified per product packaging. Violations should be corrected within a 24-hour period and follow-up inspections will be conducted to determine if corrective action has been taken. Failure to correct safety violations will result in disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of concerns identified, some violations may result in an immediate disciplinary action. NC State University Fire and Life Safety Office assists University Housing as a resource during these checks and completes spot checks of residential spaces periodically throughout the year.

Kitchens and Cooking: When using community kitchens, always remember to clean up after yourself, including cleaning and removing personal items. When cooking in the kitchen, never leave food unattended.

Accredited 3rd Party certified coffee makers, popcorn poppers, induction cooking surfaces, Instapots, microwave ovens, toaster ovens and air fryers may be used in resident rooms or apartments. Residents are permitted kitchen knives for the purpose of cooking and food preparation only. To prevent fires, never leave food unattended while cooking and cook with the necessary level of heat. It is recommended that heat resistant/insulating mats be used as a precaution.

Weapons and Combustibles: Residents may not, for any reason, bring into the residence halls or apartments any weapon for use, possession or storage. This includes, but is not limited to firearms (including rifles); ammunition (bullets, shells, etc.); projectile devices (such as bows and arrows); blades (such as swords, switchblades or knives with a blade longer than 5″); or other such devices perceived as weapons. Pepper spray is allowed provided it is used solely in a defensive manner.

Weapons, fireworks, and explosives are not permitted in residential facilities (or anywhere else on campus). Residents may not possess any fireworks, sparklers, combustible/explosive material, hazardous chemicals, or flammable liquids (Including charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, or small propane cylinders).

University Housekeeping, a department within NC State Facilities Operations, is responsible for the ongoing cleaning and appearance of all residence hall and apartment public areas, such as lounges, halls, suite and corridor bathrooms, and stairwells.

  • Community Bathrooms: Residents who live in buildings with hall or suite bathrooms should store the following items in their room to assist with the cleaning schedule of our housekeepers: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and other personal items.
  • Deep Cleaning: Residents who live in Wolf Village and Wolf Ridge will receive deep cleaning annually for the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms in each apartment. Residents will receive prior notification of when deep cleaning will occur and how to prepare their spaces.
  • Cleanliness of assigned living space: It is the responsibility of residents to keep their living space clean and free from waste. Trash, food containers, and unsanitary situations can attract pests as well as create unpleasant living situations for the community; such items should not be stored in excess within the room/apartment. Residents are also responsible for placing their trash in the nearest dumpster and recycling items in the nearest outdoor recycle bin. Storing trash along breezeways or hallways is not permitted. Dishes should be cleaned and stored in your assigned room or apartment to avoid unwanted pests.

When you check into your residence hall or apartment, you will receive keys that allow you appropriate access to your room. Areas in buildings with electronic access systems, your Campus ID Card will be activated to allow access. All exterior entrances to buildings are kept locked for security purposes.

For your own security:

  • Lock your door whenever you leave your room or apartment, and carry your keys at all times. Duplicating, lending or borrowing room or building keys is prohibited.
  • Do not prop open exterior doors. If you discover that an exterior door is propped open, shut it or seek assistance from a staff member if the door is not closing appropriately.
  • Do not allow individuals into residence halls or apartments unless they are your guest.
  • Do not give your key(s) and/or access devices (e.g. ID cards, building fobs, etc.) to anyone else.

Residents of University Housing give NC State permission to record their participation and appearance on videotape, audiotape, film photograph or any other medium; use the resident’s name, likeness, voice and biographical material in connection with such recordings; exhibit or distribute such recordings in whole or in part without restrictions or limitation for any legal purpose, including educational or promotional purposes, which NC State deems appropriate. NC State can copyright images and recordings in its own name to publish, to market, and to assign without consideration, compensation or report to the resident. The full release can be viewed on the University Brand website.

  • Appliances
    • Heaters
    • Air conditioners
    • Refrigerator/freezers
    • Washing machines/dryers
    • Dishwashers
    • Bidets
  • Cooking Related
    • Burners or hot plates
    • Toasters (allowed in apartments only)
  • Lighting and Electrical
    • Extension cords
    • Lava lamps
    • Ceiling fans/lights
    • Halogen lamps (any model or style)
  • Room Decorating
    • Collection or display of alcohol containers
    • Deceased animals and/or animal parts, including taxidermied animals
    • Dartboards
    • Waterbeds
    • Candles, gas/oil lanterns, or any device producing open flames (such as incense and Sterno)
  • Transportation Devices
    • Hoverboards, electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric bikes, or similar devices-including charging these in your on-campus space

Quiet Hours and Courtesy Hours recognize the rights of all residents to have an environment which supports academic success and provides parameters for appropriate noise levels during sleeping hours. At all times with Courtesy Hours, speakers, radios, TVs, musical instruments, and conversations must be kept to reasonable levels that will not interfere with the study or sleep of other residents.

Quiet Hours

Sunday through Thursday: 8 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Friday through Saturday: 12 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Courtesy Hours: 24 hours a day
Final Exam Period: 24 hours a day beginning at 8 p.m. on the last day of classes for the semester

Any amplified sound or other noise reaching beyond the limits of an individual room is considered an infringement on others’ personal space and may be addressed through the disciplinary process. If you encounter a noise problem, bring it to the attention of the other person. If the problem persists, contact your Resident Advisor or the Resident Advisor on-call. Periodically, University-sanctioned activities (indoor or outdoor) may receive an exception from the quiet hours guidelines with prior approval from University Housing staff members.

Residents are encouraged to make their residence hall or apartment rooms a home away from home. Add your personal design touches to create a place to study and live comfortably. To help keep you and your belongings safe, follow these guidelines:

  • Candles are not permitted in resident rooms unless they are battery-operated LED candles.
  • Wood paneling, particle board, room partitions, and decorations (such as parachutes, fishnets, and an excessive number of posters) are not allowed. Extension cords are not permitted; instead, power strips with built-in circuit breakers are recommended.
  • No furniture or decorations should inhibit entry or exit in any manner.
  • Room furnishings may only be used in ways appropriate to their construction. Decorations should not cover more than 75% of the wall space in any residential space.
  • Spray paint or aerosol may not be used inside campus residences.
  • Decorations may not attach to or hang from room ceilings, lights, or pipes.
  • Artificial holiday trees are permitted in the room but live holiday trees are not permitted.

String lights: The NC State Insurance and Risk Management Director allows string type lights to be used in residents rooms when the rooms are occupied for the semester schedule as long as all lights are LED bulbs and accredited 3rd party certified. Items may not be hung from the light strands, and they should be unplugged when not in use.

Per North Carolina State Law, all residential facilities are smoke-free spaces including balconies and breezeways. Smoking and vaping, including e-cigarette devices, is prohibited within 25-feet of any residence hall/apartment building.

Residents in on-campus housing facilities are not permitted to use their rooms for commercial solicitation, to have product demonstrations or parties, to raise funds, to advertise their on-campus assignment for sales purposes or to regularly conduct a business from their room.

University units, student groups and students may engage in commercial solicitation, distribution of non-commercial written information and fundraising consistent with the stated purpose of the group, subject to the following conditions:

  1. Groups must reserve space for these activities by contacting University Housing or the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at least two (2) University business days in advance of the activity.  Residents do not have to reserve space for distribution of non-commercial written information for the University Housing facility in which they reside unless there is a desire to use an identified reservable space.
  2. Residents may engage in distribution of non-commercial written information in the University Housing facility in which they reside, consistent with normal community interactions.  Otherwise, the distribution of non-commercial written information by non-residents may only occur within the reservable spaces identified by University Housing.
  3. No door-to-door commercial solicitation or fundraising is permitted.  These activities may occur only within the reservable spaces identified by University Housing, but never in individual residents’ living quarters, and the activity will not be allowed to disrupt the residential environment.
  4. Groups must agree to be responsible for any damages to the university property or facilities as a result of activities and to remove any and all refuse or waste that resulted directly or indirectly from the activities.
  5. Bulletin boards in on-campus housing facilities are for use by University staff only.  Electronic billboard slides and flyers must comply with University information on the University Housing Advertising page.

Non-University Groups or individuals may not conduct activities in on-campus housing facilities unless sponsored by a University unit, student group or student.  

Residents are accountable for their guests’ compliance with the Community Standards, including but not limited to this Solicitation Standard.

A “visitor” is defined as a guest present in a particular residence hall, apartment, or residence hall room with the consent of a hosting resident of that hall, apartment, or room. A visitor must be escorted by the resident host at all times. Residents are responsible for ensuring that visitors comply with all residence hall and apartment policies and will be held accountable for the behavior of their visitors. Visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a considerate manner with regard to the rights and needs of roommates and other residents.

All residential and apartment communities have 24-hour visitation. A resident should consult with and gain approval from their roommate or apartmentmate(s) before inviting a visitor to their space. No visitors may be an overnight guest for more than three (3) consecutive nights or for more than ten (10) nights total during fall, spring, and summer sessions.

Prior to hosting a guest, residents should complete a roommate agreement and discuss visitation. Residents may choose to be more restrictive than 24-hour visitation for their individual spaces through Roommate Agreements. Roommate Agreements may be amended as needed with the agreement of all residents. If there are problems, it is the responsibility of the roommate who is concerned with the situation to enlist the aid of University Housing staff to assist.