1. Introduction ›
  2. Community Standards ›
  3. Standards of Conduct ›
  4. Campus Housing Policies ›
  5. Housing Policies for Undergraduate Residential Communities

Housing Policies for Undergraduate Residential Communities

The University believes its residential facilities provide the foundation of community life. In order to maintain the proper safety and security of these communities, residents and guests must abide by certain housing policies and expectations. The following includes some of the University’s housing policies. Students are expected to know and abide by these policies. Failure to follow the directives of residence hall staff, Office of Residential Life staff, or campus safety personnel may result in a referral to the University Conduct Process.

Appliances 

To meet fire, health and safety requirements, the University must discourage the proliferation of electrical appliances in student rooms. All large, domestic type refrigerators are prohibited. Refrigerators in student rooms must not exceed 5.0 cubic feet in size and must be in good operating condition. Students are not permitted to use high-wattage appliances (e.g. air conditioners, broilers, rotisseries, ceiling fans, skillets, rice cookers, dimmer switches, hot plates, microwaves, tabletop grills, toaster ovens, bread makers) other than those provided by the University in residence hall kitchens and common spaces. Personally owned grills are not permitted to be stored in or used near residence halls. Electric kettles which have received a UL certificate are permitted. Only power strips with surge protectors are permitted, not unfused multi-plug adapters. 

Bars

Any structure which has by its appearance the function of serving alcohol is prohibited. The hall staff is responsible for determining whether a structure is a bar. 

Bicycles 

Students who operate a bicycle on campus are required to register the bicycle with Notre Dame Security Police. Bicycles are to be parked in the bicycle racks located throughout the campus. Under no circumstances are students permitted to park or store their bicycles in stairwells and common areas of the residence halls. During the winter months, long -term storage is available through Notre Dame Security Police.

Cable Television 

The University provides access to basic cable television in each undergraduate student residence hall rooms. Questions about the cable television service can be directed to the Office of Information Technologies Help Desk (574-631-8111). Satellite dishes and supporting hardware are prohibited. The University will remove and confiscate any satellite dish or supporting hardware found. 

Cooking 

Cooking in student rooms is prohibited. Most residence hall kitchens and lounges only provide minimal equipment for the preparation of light snacks and refreshments. 

Damage to Rooms or Furnishings 

Any damage to a residence hall room or its furnishings will be charged to the occupants of the room. All residence hall rooms are inventoried prior to the opening of the hall and are inventoried again following the closing of the residence hall. Damages, missing furniture, and rule violations are noted, and the occupants of the room are billed accordingly. If corridors and/or other common spaces are damaged, the occupants of student rooms in the damaged section may be charged for the damage.

Electronic Skateboards/Hoverboards

The use, possession or storage of electronic skateboards including self-balancing boards/scooters and other similar equipment is prohibited in residence halls. 

Elevated Bed Policy

  1. The following regulations apply to all elevated beds constructed by or for students. Notre Dame Modular Systems, as found in most residence halls, are regulated separately.
    1. Students must complete a permit form prior to building an elevated bed. Only elevated beds may be constructed; platforms, lofts or structures which constitute additional floor surfaces are not permitted. Permits for elevated beds will be available from residence hall staff at the beginning of the fall semester.
    2. Students may construct an elevated frame for a bed. The frame may be no longer than needed to accommodate the mattress on top of the bed springs. Bed springs must be incorporated into the frame as a support for the mattress. Note: Mattresses are 36” x 76”(19 sq. ft.), 36” x 80” (20 sq. ft.) or 36” x 90” (22.5 sq. ft.).
    3. In rooms with elevated beds, the total area covered shall not comprise more than 35 percent of the total room area to allow for adequate sprinkler coverage.
    4. Elevated beds may not block doors, whether interior or exterior to a room.
      1. In multi-room suites, the corridor door in the center room shall be maintained for easy exit. The center room corridor door must be maintained so as to open at least 90 degrees.
      2. No bed structure or other furniture will block use of the connecting room doors so there is a clear passage or direct access to the center room for exiting. Residents shall be able to exit a room into a hallway by passing through no more than two doors.
      3.  All corridors in every room (including suites) shall be maintained for easy exit.
    5. Residents must maintain a minimum of 18” clearance from all sprinkler heads and position elevated beds to preclude interference with automatic sprinklers. 
    6. Elevated beds must not be attached to ceilings or walls or be supported by wardrobes, sinks or other room furnishings.
    7. Elevated beds must be adequately braced and bolted securely to prevent swaying and collapse. At least two bolts, with attached nuts, per joint are required for all joined members. The main vertical structural members must be at least 4" x 4" or equivalent dimensioned lumber. Horizontal structural members must be at least 2” x 6” lumber.
    8. Elevated beds or their frames shall not be enclosed with fabric, plywood or any other material.
    9. Elevated beds shall abut only on the short ends except when placed in an "L" shaped configuration.
    10. The top of the mattress should not be higher than 7 feet from the floor, regardless of ceiling height. In cases where the mattress height exceeds 30 inches, a sturdy retaining railing shall be installed.
    11. Construction of elevated beds must be completed by the beginning of the first full week of semester classes, or sooner as mandated by the Rector.
    12. All elevated beds will be inspected by the Office of Residential Life and Risk Management personnel, who will have final authority with respect to interpretation, modification and enforcement of these regulations. Elevated beds may not be modified or altered after they have been approved by the inspectors.
  2. In buildings where the Notre Dame Modular System are provided, they will substitute for elevated or stacked beds, as specified under the Elevated Bed Policy. The Notre Dame Modular System has been designed to meet or exceed Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards for construction, safety and durability. Therefore, no substitutions will be permitted. In rooms where Modular Systems are provided individuals may not construct any elevated bed.
    1. No modifications to these units will be permitted.
    2. These units are designed to the University's specifications and will be available in several configurations to meet the needs of the many room sizes and shapes. This will preclude the necessity to remove any module of the loft unit from the room.
    3. Under no circumstances will any part of these units be removed for storage or use elsewhere.

Guests 

In the residence halls, Notre Dame students are expected to register overnight guests with the Rector. Students are also expected to obtain prior permission from the Rector before admitting any visitor under the age of 18 to a residence hall. On home football weekends, and any other weekend that may be suggested by the Office of Residential Life, residence hall staff may request that guests provide identification before entering a residence hall.
 
In consultation with the Office of Residential Life, Rectors may establish guidelines with respect to guests in addition to those stated in these paragraphs.

Housing Contract

Undergraduate students requesting living accommodations within the University of Notre Dame residential system are required to sign and abide by a contract agreement for integrated service, including room and board, for unmarried undergraduate students residing on campus. Married or parenting students requesting living accommodations on-campus are able to apply to live in Fischer Graduate Residences. To be eligible to live on campus, students must be a full-time, degree seeking student (as defined by the Academic Code). If students are enrolled part-time for a Fall or Spring semester, permission must be requested from the Office of Residential Life to remain living on campus.

Health and Safety Issues

All students share responsibility for the health and safety conditions of their hall. To keep halls safe, students must keep the following facts in mind:

  1. Know the fire exit routes from the residence hall.
  2. Burned-out light bulbs in corridors will be replaced by Maintenance technicians. Students should not replace any light bulb with brighter or colored bulbs. Oversized bulbs can overload the circuits and create a fire hazard.
  3. Installation and/or the use of ceiling fans, air conditioners, water bed, and/or electrical or kerosene space heaters are not permitted.
  4. Propane grills or any other type of liquid gas tanks are not to be stored in residence halls.
  5. The following are prohibited as interior finish to any residence hall room:
    1. The installation of plywood paneling, plywood sheets, decorative wood shingles, particleboard, hardboard, wallpaper, paperboards, and any other flame and smoke propagating materials.
    2. Combustible fabrics, burlap, paper, cork, and other flame and smoke-propagating materials.
  6. Combustible materials should not be placed against or left in contact with radiators, heating units, light bulbs or lighting fixtures, or any other electrical items.
  7. Halogen torchiere lamps that have a tubular halogen bulb greater than 300 watts are prohibited. All halogen lamps must have a properly installed safety guard. Individuals owning these lamps must be able to prove the bulb wattage is 300 watts or less, replace all bulbs without wattage ratings and obtain and properly install the wire safety guard. Lamps should never be placed near curtains, bedding, posters or pictures. Clothing, towels, etc., should not be draped over lamps.
  8. Carpeting is not permitted on walls or ceilings. Ceilings shall not be draped with any fabric, netting or paper products. 
  9. Partitions shall not be constructed in any residence hall suites or rooms.
  10. Storage is not permitted in corridors or stairwells.
  11. Bunk beds, as provided by the University, are always permissible. No more than two beds in any bunk structure are permitted. Extension beyond normal height of bunk structure is not permitted. A single bed spring raised on double end pieces is not permitted. Beds must be debunked and returned to floor level when residents move out of the hall.
  12. Platforms or structures at any level constituting additional floor surfaces are prohibited.
  13. Bed structures may not render windows unusable for emergency access or for air circulation. Bed structures may not block access to heating or ventilating units, plumbing, lighting fixtures and thermostats. Automatic sprinkler heads will be kept clear of all obstruction.
  14. In multi-room suites, the corridor door in the center room shall be maintained for easy exit. The center room corridor door must be maintained so as to open at least 90 degrees. No bed structure or other furniture will block use of the connecting room doors so there is a clear passage or direct access to the center room for exiting. All corridors in every room (including suites) shall be maintained for easy exit.
  15. Fire safety equipment may not be tampered or interfered with for any reason.

Housing Safety Guidelines for Decorations 

For reasons of hall safety and security: 

  1. All decorations must be non-combustible or factory-treated with flame retardant. No paper of any type may be used to line the exit corridors and stairs.
  2. Smoke detectors, heat detectors or sprinkler heads cannot be covered or removed at any time. Nothing can be attached to these devices.
  3. No decorations can be put on the floors that may be a trip hazard in an emergency or otherwise.
  4. Hose cabinets, fire extinguishers, cabinets, and fire alarm stations may not be covered with any decorative materials.
  5. Residence hall room doors may be decorated (not knobs, just the door surface), but no part of an exit or emergency lighting may be covered.
  6. Only artificial, flame retardant wreaths and trees may be used in residence halls. Natural evergreen branches or trees are not permitted inside residence halls.
  7. Only low voltage, indoor rated incandescent or LED lighting is permitted and no outdoor displays or animated/mechanized decorations are allowed inside of a building. 
  8. Open flames, including all types of candles and incense, are prohibited. 
  9. Nothing may impede or hinder occupants’ access to exits, including obstructing the view of an exit sign or exit doorway. This also means windows cannot be blocked with decorations, either inside or outside of the window.
  10. No modification of the building electrical system is permitted. Extension cord use must be kept to a minimum, and electrical cords cannot run through doorways, windows, or fire doors.  
  11. Colored lights may not be installed in corridor lighting fixtures.

Housing Safety Violations

Residence hall staffs and the Office of Residential Life shall determine whether any structures or room arrangements are in violation of all relevant regulations. Corrections must be made within the time set by the Rector (usually 24 hours). Elevated bed structures or room arrangements not corrected within the designated time or which may be discovered at any time after the beginning of the year (semester) shall be removed immediately. 

Keys 

The unauthorized possession, use, loan or duplication of keys is prohibited. Room and mailbox keys (where necessary) will be issued when a student checks into the hall. Any student who loses a key will be charged a $100 replacement fee. In some residence halls, students use Notre Dame ID cards to access student rooms instead of keys. Prompt reporting of lost keys and Notre Dame ID cards is required to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

Ledges, Roofs, and Walls

The use of ledges and roofs for any purpose (sunbathing, barbecuing, etc.) and the scaling of exterior walls is prohibited. Windows in rooms with access to roofs have been modified to prevent access to roofs. Tampering with security measures is prohibited.

Mail Service 

Students are assigned mailboxes in their residence hall to receive mail from the United States Postal Service and Campus Mail Distribution Services. A full-service United States Post Office is located in Hammes Mowbray Hall.

Noise

Because of the disruption, playing music or noise coming from student rooms to the outside is prohibited.

Opening/Closing of Residence Halls

Opening and closing dates and times for residence halls are communicated on the Office of Residential Life website (ResidentialLife.nd.edu).

Residence halls are closed during Christmas break. 
 
The residence halls remain open during Fall, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Spring Breaks. In order to maintain safety and security, all buildings remain locked and residents remaining for all, or part of the break, may be asked to register with hall staff.
 
Members of the freshman, sophomore and junior classes must vacate their rooms within 24 hours of their last final exam or by noon of the day following the end of second semester final examinations, whichever comes first. Seniors must vacate their room by noon on the day following Commencement.
 
Students found in residence halls before the official opening for the Fall and Spring semesters or after rooms must be vacated for the summer, will be subject to a fine, removal from the hall and disciplinary action.

Painting 

The painting of student rooms, common areas and hallways is prohibited.

Personal Property Insurance 

The University and the Office of Residential Life do not carry insurance on student belongings and, therefore, accept no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage, etc. Homeowners insurance may cover property outside of the home, which means that you should consult your policy to determine if you are covered. If not, coverage may be obtained through the Personal Property Insurance Coverage Plan. Information and applications may be obtained at the Office of Residential Life.

Pets

Pets, including birds, are prohibited in student rooms. However, non-carnivorous fish in an aquarium (less than 10 gallons) are permitted in student rooms.

Privacy and Security 

Students are responsible for what occurs in their room. To provide maximum security for persons and property, rooms should be locked when the room is unoccupied or when residents are asleep. The University is not responsible for loss of personal property caused by theft, fire, or other causes. Students are advised to obtain insurance coverage on all personal effects.

Public Furniture 

Furniture in lounges and common areas is provided for the use and enjoyment of all members of the hall community. Students are prohibited from removing furniture from public areas.

Quiet Hours

During the Academic Year, residence halls have established quiet hours to ensure proper conditions for study and rest. These hours are consistent with parietal hours and begin at 12:00 a.m. on weeknights and 2:00 a.m. on weekends. All students must abide by the established study hours in their halls and common courtesy should be practiced during those times that are not set aside for studying.

Residence Hall Access and Exterior Doors

Beginning with Fall Semester 2019, student card access to undergraduate residence halls will be limited to current residents living in the hall.

The exterior doors of each hall are locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the safety and welfare of residents and belongings. 

Up to two primary entrances called "main access doors" will be accessible by that hall's residents at all times.  From 9AM - midnight, Sunday through Thursday and 9AM - 2AM on Friday and Saturday, residents of that hall can present their Irish1card at the reader to unlock the door.  From midnight -9AM Sunday through Thursday, and 2AM to 9AM on Friday and Saturday, residents of that hall can present their Irish1card and enter their pin number to unlock the door.

Other entrances/exits are designated "secondary access doors" and may only be accessed by residents assigned to the hall from 9AM - midnight, Sunday through Thursday and 9AM - 2AM on Friday and Saturday. Access through these entrances can be achieved by holding the Irish1card up to the reader and entering the PIN.

Hall residents may not use doors not designated as either main access or secondary access to enter the building.

During special events and breaks (including home football weekends, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break, and Easter Break), hall access will be limited between 6PM Friday and 9AM Sunday. During these periods, hall residents may use main access doors to enter a building by presenting an Irish1Card and entering the pin.  Hall residents may not use secondary access doors to access the building during these periods.  

Unless otherwise marked, one may always exit through a main access or secondary access door.  Propping doors is prohibited.  Alarms sound when a door is propped open for more than 60 seconds.  

Except for emergencies, no one may exit through a door marked FOR EMERGENCY ONLY  (e.g. chapel door, basement door). Alarms sound when these doors are opened.

Residence Hall Wired and Wireless Communications 

A wireless network is available throughout the Notre Dame campus including residence halls, classroom, laboratory and faculty buildings, as well as recreational and social buildings. The wireless network is designed for mobile access and is a shared resource that is complimentary to, but not a replacement for, the campus wired network. The University discourages users from running any high bandwidth service (large file downloads of music or videos, online gaming, etc.) on the wireless as such use will slow wireless performance for everyone in that vicinity. The University strongly recommends that each student establish a wired connection for these activities. The guidelines and policies which explain the restrictions for wireless network usage on campus found at oit.nd.edu/network/zoned/NDSecure.shtml. If a student experiences a weak wireless signal, he/she should report the location to the OIT Help Desk at 574-631-8111.
 
Each student is prohibited from setting up his/her own wireless access point in their residence hall room. These devices operate on the same radio frequencies as the wireless network and may interfere with the proper functioning of the wireless network. A student may use most Windows and other handheld devices with the wireless network. However, because these platforms are not specifically supported, the OIT Help Desk is unable to provide assistance with these devices.

Room Assignments 

Room assignments are made according to the following guidelines:

  1. Unmarried first year students must live in a residence hall, per the University's six semester residency requirement. If a first-year student leaves the University or is removed from housing for disciplinary reasons, the student must complete a waitlist application (see #5 below).
  2. Rising sophomores and juniors renewing their contracts, and those students returning from official Notre Dame international (or off-site) study programs who lived on campus immediately preceding their study abroad period, must abide by the procedures and deadlines outlined by the Office of Residential Life to receive consideration in the following year’s room assignment process according to the procedure of their hall or the hall to which they are transferring.
  3. Rising seniors must abide by the procedures and deadlines outlined by the Office of Residential Life to receive the same consideration as sophomores and juniors if sufficient spaces on campus are available.
  4. The assignment of residence hall students returning from official Notre Dame international (or offsite) study programs during the Fall Semester, will be made according to the process as outlined by each Rector. Should spaces be unavailable in the student’s former hall, an assignment will be made by the Office of Residential Life. Students in an official Notre Dame international (or off-site) program during the Spring Semester will participate in the Room Pick Process via electronic communication or by designating an individual to represent them in the Room Pick process.
  5. Readmitted or transfer students, students returning from a leave of absence, and students who studied in a non-Notre Dame international (or off site) program must apply to the wait list housing application through the Office of Residential Life and will be assigned if and when space becomes available.
  6. Fifth-Year students and those applying for a ninth semester of housing eligibility must apply to the waitlist through the Office of Residential Life and will be assigned to designated spaces if and when space becomes available.
  7. Married and/or parenting undergraduate students may apply for housing in Gischer Graduate Residences contacting the Bradley Company at 574-631-8607.

Room Changes

University-initiated: The University reserves the right, as stated in the housing contract, to make changes in room assignment.
 
Student-initiated: Generally, room changes during the semester are not permitted and roommate issues need to first be addressed by the hall staff. The responsibility for working out the details of a student-initiated room change rests with the resident(s) requesting the change. Interhall transfer forms will be accepted and approved at the discretion of the Office of Residential Life in consultation with the Rector. Room changes are not made during the first three weeks of a semester. Students may request interhall transfers between semesters only. A charge may be assessed for signing a new contract.

Room Condition Reports 

When arriving in the hall, each student has the ability to record the presence of furniture and the condition of the room surfaces via an online Room Condition Report accessible through homeunderthedome.nd.edu. Each student is individually responsible for the furniture, equipment, and general condition of the room. If a student fails to leave the room and its furnishings in the same general condition, appropriate charges will be assessed against the student’s account.
 
Students should report any necessary maintenance issues or room repairs to Hall Staff.
 
Students should avoid the use of Scotch tape on walls because it has a tendency to damage paint and other surfaces when removed. Residence Halls may have and communicate specific policies regarding what adhesives may be used on walls based on specific types of wall surfaces. Charges will be assessed on the student’s account whenever damage to the room occurs because of the use of tape, adhesive picture holders, thumbtacks, nails, decals, etc. 

Room Entry

The University reserves the right, as stated in the housing contract, to enter rooms without a search warrant for the purpose of maintaining security, discipline, and the orderly operation of an educational institution.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all residence facilities. Refer to the University’s Smoking Policy for more information.

Sports in the Hall

Corridors and lounges are public areas and should not be used for sporting events or horseplay to avoid personal injury or property damage.

Telephone Service

  1. A student may subscribe to a local telephone service, “Opt-In Phone Service” that can be purchased. A student may subscribe to individual phone service by contacting the Office of Residential Life. During the summer and the first month of an academic year, a student may either select or decline the service. The cost of the service is $176 per semester, which is billed to the student’s account. Each student must provide his/her own telephone instrument. A 2.4 ghz phone is prohibited as it interferes with wireless data service. Any problem with the telephone service should be directed to the OIT/ICS group at 574-631-8111.
  2. A student selecting the phone service is responsible for arranging a long distance plan or using a prepaid calling card. A student should not bill calls to a University-provided telephone number or accept collect calls, third party billed calls, or extended information calls. If any of these types of calls are billed to a University-provided telephone number, the student will be required to pay all charges plus a $25.00 administrative fee per call.

24-Hour Space Campus Guidelines

  1. 24-Hour Space is defined as common areas/lounges designated in each residence hall for the use of students and their guests. This area is considered “public space” and the use of this space is available to all residents and their guests “24 hours” of the day, except during designated vacation periods and other times that the residence hall is closed.
  2. Conduct in the 24-Hour Space is governed by University policies specifically stated in du Lac: A Guide to Student Life including the Alcohol Policy, Quiet Hours, and other community standards. Residents and their guests are responsible for abiding by all policies and procedures and conducting themselves in a reasonable and appropriate manner, exercising good judgment and having respect for Hall Staff members and other students. Restrictions on behavior in 24-Hour Space are not intended to limit social interactions between residents and their guests unless these behaviors conflict with the interests of other students and Hall Staff members.
  3. Local and/or temporary policies and procedures may be necessary in order to ensure appropriate community living (i.e. during hall functions, Football Weekends, etc.):
    1. Guests may be required to provide identification while visiting in 24-hour space.
    2. The number of residents and guests permitted in the 24-hour space at one time, may be limited.
    3. Guests must be accompanied at all times by a resident and escorted to and from the 24-hour space.

Window Screens

Throwing, dropping, or allowing any object or person(s) to pass through a window constitutes a safety hazard or litter issue and is prohibited. Window screens are provided for health and safety and should not be removed. Damaged and missing room screens will be repaired and replaced at resident’s expense.