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The Residence Code of Conduct is bound by the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct, the official document which details acceptable behaviour related to Laurier students. All sections of this document are fully applicable to residence living. Student who are found in violation of Department of Residence policies may participate in additional conduct processes and sanctions.
Laurier’s residence life conduct process is rooted in the notion that university is an opportunity for students to learn about their values and how those values impact community living, learn how to live with others, and how to make a positive contribution to their community. This process is guided by relevant student development theories demonstrating that a student’s moral and ethical development is directional, and that the Department of Residence can be an influence on that direction. As such, we endeavour to partner with students in the learning process and create opportunities for reflection in the context of policy violations and community disruptions.
Building off the Department of Residence learning goals, our process is designed to help students think critically about their values and how those values are expressed through their actions. Additionally, we focus on harm reduction as an educational tool. We hold in tension the needs of the community with the needs of the individual. However, there may be times when the behaviour of students is deemed too disruptive to the community. If they show no willingness to modify their behaviour, these students will be required to leave the community. This is reserved for extreme situations where all interventions have been exhausted or in instances where a single incident is so counter to our values that we need to remove that person immediately.
Find a sense of belonging in community and contribute positively as a caring and accountable community member.
Students will learn and develop the self-management skills necessary to live independently while striving for personal wellness.
Developing the skills necessary to be academically successful while exploring academic interests and corresponding career pathways.
Clarify personal identity in relation to one's values and what it means to act in congruence with them. Navigate the connections between self and others and reflect on one's impact on others. Create clarity of purpose while at Laurier and beyond.
Develop understanding of self and those different from the self in an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible community. By embracing equity, diversity, inclusion and indigeneity, students will engage in learning experiences that increase one's sense of belonging and understanding of the self and larger society.
Regulations for living in residence have been developed to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the entire residence community. These policies help to provide a climate that allows students to study, to learn about themselves and others, and to clarify their values and how those values impact community living.
Our Residence Community Principles provide guidance on the ways in which students should act to be a positive member of our residence communities:
Community Impact
Residents should act as a positive member of community supporting an environment where students feel safe and are able to engage in community.
Community Safety & Security
Residents should act in a way that does not put undue risk of safety or security to the greater community.
Personal Impact
Residents should not engage in acts that put themselves or others at risk.
Respect of Persons & Systems
Residents should act in a respectful manner to all staff and systems in place at Laurier.
Respecting Environment & Infrastructure
Residents should act in a way that is respectful to the environment as well as Laurier infrastructure, and not cause damage or impact the operations of facilities.
Federal, provincial and municipal law, and Laurier policies, state that it is illegal to use, sell, or possess illegal drugs, controlled substances, non-prescription drugs and/or prescription drugs not prescribed to the person in possession of these drugs. A resident who violates this policy may be referred to the Dean of Students Office for follow-up through the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct, and possible prosecution under the Criminal Code.
At Laurier, we promote responsible and safe drinking of alcoholic beverages. Laurier strictly enforces guidelines under the Ontario Liquor Licence Act and the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario which include prohibiting the consumption, possession, sale to, or giving away of alcohol to anyone under the age of 19. Students who consume an excessive amount of alcohol, who do not drink responsibly or who consume alcohol underage can face consequences including community and educational outcomes. Students who repeatedly consume alcohol while underage may be evicted from residence.
Alcohol may only be consumed in private rooms (including the common kitchen area of suite style rooms).
Further to the above, the following rules apply with regard to the consumption of alcohol in residence at Laurier:
Laurier's Residence Program is committed to upholding the provincial law regarding the use of cannabis and providing a duty of care in which the safety of residence students is a priority. Laurier’s Smoke Free policy prohibits smoking in any form at the university (indoors and out of doors) on university property and in university facilities. The Smoke Free Ontario Act also applies.
Please Note: Wilfrid Laurier University Distribution Services will not accept any packages that contain alcohol and/or cannabis. As such, these packages will not be delivered to any residence, regardless of a student's age.
Accommodations (exceptions) for extenuating circumstances, professional sport or religious reasons must be arranged with the Residence Life manager and Special Constable Services prior to the object coming into residence.
Physical abuse, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the mental or physical health or safety of any person will not be tolerated in residence at Laurier. Such conduct may lead to eviction from the residence and, where appropriate, may lead to application of the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct or legal prosecution.
Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment; a place where all individuals are treated with respect. All Laurier residence students must abide by Laurier’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Student found in violation of this policy will be subject to a review of their status in residence and potentially be reported to the university’s harassment and discrimination officer.
Harassment, as defined by residence staff, is any attention or conduct, by an individual or group who knows, or ought to reasonably know, that such behaviour is unwelcomed and/or has the effect of creating a hostile or intimidating living, working or educational environment. This can also include an attack on an individual’s dignity/integrity, bullying, and hazing. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in residence.
It is the right of all Laurier residence students to be safe from bodily harm, the threat of bodily harm or any form of threat, including but not limited to verbal, electronic messages, written messages and graffiti. Harassment in the form of physical aggression, whether consensual or not, will not be tolerated. Physical aggression is defined as any physical contact between two or more individuals, threats of violence or inciting violent acts. Residents are strongly encouraged to vacate the premises and call for assistance in violent situations.
In addition verbal, written, graphic or electronic harassment/discrimination will also not be tolerated.
Harassment and/or discrimination may be on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed/religion, sex/pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family status, disability, age, marital status, record of offence or receipt of public assistance.
Laurier has no tolerance for this type of behaviour. Sanctions vary depending on the nature of the incident, but are typically up to and including eviction and may include referrals to the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct, the dean of students, and/or the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management.
In addition, acts of intolerance also include the following:
Gendered and sexual violence means any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation. Students who have experienced gendered violence and/or sexual assault may wish to contact any of the following resources for support:
Typically, the resolution of complaints and investigations related to Gendered and Sexual Violence (Policy 12.4: Gendered and Sexual Violence) are conducted by the Office of Human Rights & Conflict Management, who may make recommendations to the Department of Residence regarding possible outcomes. The Department of Residence and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management work in collaboration on these cases and outcomes may be enacted by either office.
The Department of Residence employs a survivor-centric approach and encourage all students impacted by gendered violence to seek the support of the Sexual Violence Response staff at Laurier (svinfo@wlu.ca).
It is the right of Laurier residence students to be free of damage to personal property.
Residents are financially responsible for all accidental property damage and/or vandalism to private rooms/suites, furnishings, printed materials and all common areas on each floor. Students found responsible for vandalism could be subject to further sanctions in addition to monetary restitution.
To minimize the risk of property damage, please note the following:
If nothing is reported at the time of the damage, and no conduct process/residence follow-up can take place, residents assigned to that space will be financially responsible for all accidental property damage and/or vandalism to private rooms/suites.
The resident must maintain their unit in a clean and orderly condition in accordance with building, and health and safety standards and regulations. Regardless of age, displays of alcohol bottles and/or cannabis paraphernalia is not permitted.
Housekeeping staff regularly clean common areas such as lounges and hallways. However, it is the responsibility of all residents to clean up after their personal use of common areas in residence. If areas are left excessively messy or if there is vandalism, the individuals responsible may receive individual damage charges. Should Residence Life staff be unable to determine the person(s) responsible, community damage billing may be used to recover the costs of the damage/cleaning. Residents are expected to take shared responsibility in encouraging those responsible for damages or messes to come forward.
Excessive or harassing noise has a significant impact on the residence environment. Students must respect the rights of other students and maintain a reasonable level of noise. Laurier Residence Life philosophy regarding noise: one person’s right to a quiet environment supersedes another’s right to make noise. Since the above definition can be vague under certain circumstances, defining a reasonable level of noise is ultimately at the discretion of the Residence Life staff.
To minimize the impact of noise on the residence community, please note the following:
All Residence Life staff, including Dons, Special Constables Services and management, are employed to assist in the provision of a safe, secure, and comfortable living environment.
Failure to return calls, respond to meeting requests or to meet at a scheduled time regarding an investigation will result in a decision being made in the student’s absence and sanctions assigned based on the available information.
Note: The Department of Residence reserves the right to adjust the Guest Policy as needed based on guidance from Public Health and/or the Institution.
Residents have the privilege of hosting guests at their Laurier residence. Non-residents of any given room and/or apartment are considered guests.
Students are permitted to host one guest at a time in their assigned living space and/or assigned residence building. Residents are responsible for the behaviour of their guest at all times. Therefore, guests must be accompanied at all times by their host. If a guest violates a policy, the host may be held responsible as though the host violated that policy. Residents are also responsible for any violations of the Residence Code of Conduct that takes place in their assigned living space, whether or not they are present.
Residents are expected to review and abide by the expectations related to Guests and Visitors.
Students are permitted to host one guest at a time in their assigned living space. A resident can host one overnight guest in a night. A resident may host a guest for a maximum of three consecutive overnights, with no more than nine overnight visits per semester per resident. Minors (17 years of age and younger) are not the Age of Majority in Ontario, and thus are not permitted to stay as guests in residence during the overnight period of midnight to 7am.
No guests will be permitted in residence at any time during special weekends. This includes students who live in other residence buildings on campus.
Residents are responsible for the behaviour of their guest at all times. Therefore, guests must be accompanied at all times by their host. If a guest violates a policy, the host may be held responsible as though the host violated that policy. Residents are also responsible for any violations of the Residence Code of Conduct that takes place in their assigned living space, whether or not they are present.
Lending keys to friends, family or guests is strictly prohibited and is considered a safety issue.
Residence staff reserves the right to restrict the number of guests allowed by a resident during certain times of the year.
There are several times throughout the year where a guest restriction is in place for the added safety and comfort of students in residence.
No guests will be permitted in residence at any time during these special weekends. This includes students who live in other residence buildings on campus.
These policies will be in effect leading up to, and during the days of the special event. These weekends include, but are not limited to, the following weekends:
Specific details regarding guest restriction will be communicated to residents.
Residence Life staff reserves the right to rearrange/relocate lounge furniture, microwaves, and other items based on the demands and needs of residents.
Residents may bring in additional furnishings (book shelf, TV/computer stand, and desk chair) to their rooms or suites under the following guidelines:
Students are not permitted to solicit in residence buildings. Only organizations or individuals who are affiliated with the Laurier community will be allowed to advertise within the residence. All advertisements, posters, banners or other means of soliciting must be approved by the appropriate staff. All advertisements, posters, and banners not approved by the appropriate staff members are prohibited.
Due to the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to keep you and our community safe, please note that the Department of Residence reserves the right to adjust policies within the Residence Code of Conduct as needed based on guidance from Public Health and/or to align with institutional policies.
Some of these policies could include, but are not limited to: a modified guest policy, a mask policy, required vaccinations, etc. Specific information about these policies can be found in the Residence Agreement and on the Laurier 'Protocols for Students with COVID-19 Symptoms' website.
The Department of Residence continues to require students to isolate as required based on Public Health guidelines. The process for residence students who are required to isolate can be found on the Laurier 'Protocols for Students with COVID-19 Symptoms' website. Follow-up may take place through the Residence Code of Conduct if the Department of Residence receives information that a student is not adhering to Public Health guidelines and/or university policies.
Should a student's account become delinquent, the student may be prevented from further registration in academic courses and their transcripts and diploma will be withheld. As students are required to be full-time students to live in residence, this may impact their housing status. A member of the Residence Management Team may take additional steps, including evicting the student from residence and prohibiting them from signing in as a guest after eviction.
Residents are not permitted to use any space or service in residence for commercial purposes, unless for a special event which must be approved 14 days in advance by the Residence Life Area Coordinator. Commercial purposes are described as any profit-driven activities. This may include promoting goods or services and/or hosting events which are intended to promote/sell goods. If you notice solicitors, contact Residence Life staff.
Students are not permitted to sleep overnight in lounges.
Students are not permitted to sublet residence rooms.
Participating in and/or running gaming-related events (when there is an exchange of money) is not permitted in residence. This includes but is not limited to, poker nights, hockey pools, and raffles/draws/bingo.
Pets of any kind are strictly prohibited from any residence space. Should a resident have a documented need and require a service animal, they are required to register with Accessible Learning.
Accessible Learning will advise the Department of Residence once the registration process has been completed and the animal has been approved. The Department of Residence will then follow up with the student regarding completion of the Residence Service Animal Agreement.
The registration/approval process with Accessible Learning and completion of the Residence Service Animal Agreement with the Department of Residence must be completed prior to the service animal being brought into residence.
Service animals are only permitted if they meet the requirements outlined in the Laurier Animals on Campus policy and have received approval from the Department of Residence and Accessible Learning, as required.
Sports of any kind are strictly prohibited within residence buildings. Residents must not run or conduct athletic activities within Residence. Inline skates must only be worn outside the buildings and must be removed before entering the building. Skateboarding is prohibited in and around the residence property.
Theft of property will not be tolerated; this includes taking furniture from lounges being in possession of property that belongs to another individual.
The running of cables/wires out of windows and use of satellite dishes, personal routers or personal security cameras is prohibited and will be removed at the expense of the student. Unauthorized access to cable is also prohibited.
Responsible use of technology (including but not limited to cell phones and computers), is required to protect the privacy and wellbeing of the other residents, particularly in non-public spaces. Failure to do so could result in follow-up through the Residence Code of Conduct and/or the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct to address the behaviour and associated impact.
An incident report is typically generated when a potential violation of the Residence Code of Conduct has possibly occurred, and/or a student files a complaint with a Residence staff member. Documentation may also be generated if a concern is brought forward about a situation or an individual. When an incident is reported by Residence staff members, it will be documented in the conduct management database. This report will include the names of the individual(s) involved, names of any witnesses and the details of the incident. This report is then submitted to the Residence Conduct Team for review and to determine appropriate follow-up. All incident reports, or any other form of documentation, submitted by Residence staff are considered drafts until reviewed and approved by a Residence professional.
Residence incident reports will be retained in accordance with University records management policies and protocols.
Students have a right to make a complaint against anyone who violates their right to a safe and secure environment that is conducive to academic pursuits. A student complaint against another student will be considered In light of the Residence Code of Conduct and, if applicable, the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct. In the event that a concern is brought forward that may have involved/impacted a member of the residence community, but does not fall within the jurisdiction and scope of the Residence Code of Conduct and/or the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct, the Department of Residence may provide support and/or potential avenues for the reporting party to explore in order to work towards a resolution.
Residence Life is guided by the values of procedural fairness in dealing with all complaints. As such, no sanction and/or action will be taken against a person or group without their knowledge where there is an alleged breach of the Residence Code of Conduct. Respondents will be given reasonable notice, with details of the allegations and provided with an opportunity to answer to the allegations made against them.
Students should feel safe to make a complaint without fear of retaliation. Any action of retaliation against a student or community member for filing a complaint may result in follow-up through the Residence Code of Conduct and, if applicable, the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct.
A complainant has the right to withdraw a complaint at any stage of the process. However, Residence staff may continue to act on the issue(s) identified in the complaint in order to ensure a safe and secure environment conducive to student’s academic pursuits.
If a person, in good faith, discloses or files a complaint that is not supported by evidence gathered during an investigation, that complaint will be dismissed. Disclosures or complaints that are found following investigations to be frivolous, vexatious or in bad faith, that is, made to purposely annoy, embarrass or harm the respondent, may result in follow-up through the Residence Code of Conduct and, if applicable, the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct for the complainant.
Residence staff will respect the confidentiality of all persons, including the complainant, respondent, and witnesses. However, confidentiality cannot be assured in the following circumstances:
In such circumstances, information would only be shared with necessary campus partners/ departments to prevent harm and provide support to the students involved.
Within five business days of the incident report or complaint being filed, the student(s) named for potentially violating the residence policy may be notified and required to meet with a designated Residence staff member responsible for addressing the incident.
At this time, the following will occur:
Note: Residence staff may follow up with any incident that occurs within any residence building.
The purpose of Residence Life sanctioning is to help student learn from their mistakes, clarify their values, consider the impact of their actions and reduce harm to the individual, residence community, and greater Laurier community. The following factors are considered when deciding upon any sanction:
Note: The severity of sanctions may increase for repeat offenders and/or the number of incidents, up to and including eviction from the residence.
Sanctions will be determined by the residence staff responsible for the managing the incident and decision making.
A decision on eviction for student conduct reasons will be made by the Director of Residence. The Manager, Residence Student Conduct will make a recommendation to the Director, Residence regarding the potential eviction of a residence student. A meeting will be scheduled for the Director, Residence and the student to meet to allow for the student to respond to the report and submit documentation in their favour. Previous to the meeting the student must submit documentation for review. The student may bring an advocate* or support person to the meeting. A decision will be made regarding eviction after both sides have had the opportunity to put their case forward. A decision will be forwarded to the student in writing after the meeting. An outline of the appeal process will be provided with the decision notification.
The appeal of the decision to evict is made to the Dean of Students.
*An advocate does not have a participatory role in the proceedings but is present to support the emotional needs of the student.
Appeals must be made within 48 hours only on the basis of:
Students who are evicted from residence may also:
There are several offences in residence that can lead to an eviction following an investigation whereby a student is found, based on the standard of proof, to have violated the Residence Code of Conduct. These offences include but are not limited to:
*Appeals are only for evictions, however if you wish to discuss your conduct matter further please schedule a meeting with your Residence Life Manager.
As stated in the student’s decision letter, an appeal process is available to students and must be launched within 48 hours of the decision letter date. The resident must submit any email to the Residence staff member as directed in the conduct letter. The email appeal should contains the following information:
In the case of evictions a student who may need to leave residence before they are permitted to commence an appeal, and may be asked to leave residence immediately. Typically, the timeline for vacating residence is within 7 days of the letter date; however, this will be outlined fully in the student’s decision letter.
Filing for or receiving an appeal, does not defer the decision under appeal. When an appeal request is not granted, the conditions/sanctions outlined within the original decision letter will apply. All appeal decisions shall be communicated to the student in writing and where appropriate, the student shall be advised of any further right to appeal. Revised deadlines for any previously imposed sanctions will be made at the discretion of the appeal review individual. All appeal decisions are final.
Contact Us:
Waterloo Campus
E:
housing@wlu.ca
T:
548.889.5572
Brantford Campus
E:
brantfordresidence@wlu.ca
T:
548.889.5575
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed daily from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.