Code of Conduct

• 1.1: Accidentally or intentionally setting off the fire alarm, sprinklers or starting a fire is strictly prohibited. Tampering with, damaging, or removing fire extinguishers, or any part of the fire alarm system, or violating fire safety and fire protection procedures is also strictly prohibited.
• 1.2: Tampering with, damaging, covering, disengaging, or altering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors or heat/light sensors is strictly prohibited.
• 1.3: Burning candles, incense, smoking or possession of any highly flammable material within the residence is strictly prohibited.
• 1.4: No object(s), person(s), or substances are to be thrown, dropped, hung, or ejected through a window at any time. The use of windows as an entrance or exit is prohibited with the exception of emergency situations. Residents who violate the policies above can be subject to sanctions, which may include, restitution, eviction and possible criminal prosecution.
• 1.5: Wilfrid Laurier University policy states that all students must evacuate residence during a fire alarm. All residents must immediately evacuate prior to the fire department’s arrival with the exception of those who require assistance to do so. Residents are not to return inside until directed otherwise by the authorized personnel.
• 1.6: Tampering with the elevator (i.e. jumping, blocking doors, etc.), and inappropriate ringing of the emergency elevator alarm is not permitted.
• 1.7: Storage of bikes, inline skates, beds, chairs, and other items are prohibited in all exits and hallways. Improperly stored material can become obstacles during an evacuation. Residence Staff will remove items left in these areas.
• 1.8: Entering or exiting residence, except during a fire alarm, through a non-designated entrance/exit or window, or allowing a person into the residence through a door/window other than the main entrance is prohibited.
• 1.9: Fire regulations restrict the posting of materials in common areas and on residence room doors. Residents will be asked to remove excess material and any inappropriate or offensive items. Residents are also prohibited from writing on doors with markers or putting stickers on their doors.
• 1.10: Fire regulations also prohibit the overloading of electrical outlets. Do not plug extension cords into other extension cords and only use power bars with surge protection. When not in use, electronics should be turned off to prevent overheating.

• Traditional-style rooms: Appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, rice cookers, toaster ovens, grills, hot plates, and space heaters are not permitted for use in rooms. A microwave, toaster, and coffee maker/kettle/rice cooker (with automatic shutoff) may only be used in a lounge on a traditional style floor. All appliances must be CSA approved and in good working order.
• Apartment-style rooms: Appliances such as toaster ovens, grills and space heaters are not permitted for use in suite style rooms or lounges. A microwave, toaster, and coffee maker/kettle/rice cooker (with automatic shutoff) may only be used in apartment kitchens. All appliances must be CSA approved and in good working order.

• 2.1: Smoking is prohibited in all University Facilities owned, operated, leased or rented, and in all University Vehicles.

Laurier’s smoke-free policy prohibits the smoking of tobacco and cannabis by all methods, and prohibits vaping of all substances in any form, including the use of vaporizer and inhalant devices such as vape pens and e-cigarettes at all buildings and grounds owned, leased or operated by the university, including outdoor play areas, athletic and recreational fields, university residences and housing. The policy also applies to vehicles or equipment rented, owned or leased by the university. Failure to abide by the smoke-free policy may result in code of conduct sanctions, and/or administrative charges to cover the costs associated with cleaning a residence space.

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 manager of student conduct to address violations of the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct referral, and possible prosecution under the Criminal Code.

• 3.1: Drug Use - Drug suspicion is defined as specific and direct observations regarding the physical surroundings or the behaviour, speech, or odour of an individual. Circumstances that bring suspicion, dependency, recreational or other inappropriate use of illegal drugs or substances to the attention of others in the community will prompt an incident report, an investigation and possible sanctions.
• 3.2: Drug Paraphernalia - Drug paraphernalia is also prohibited in residence and is defined as equipment or materials used to produce, conceal, or consume illegal drugs or substances. Paraphernalia can be confiscated by the Special Constables Services.
• 3.3: Drug Distribution - Individuals involved with trafficking illegal drug substances or possessing more than the Special Constables would deem for recreational use may be evicted from residence. Sanctions for all drug related incidents may include any outcome described, up to and including eviction.

Alcohol

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:

• 4.1: The possession of glass beer and malt liquor bottles is prohibited in residence. If a resident is found with beer bottles (opened or unopened) they will be asked to be disposed of immediately by residence staff. All containers must be closed with a proper lid. A closed container is defined by being able to turn it upside down without any spillage, such as a plastic water bottle with a sealed lid. Residence staff and the Special Constables Services reserve the right to inspect and dispose of improperly transported alcohol.
• 4.2: Alcohol paraphernalia such as brewing equipment, funnels, and drinking hats are not permitted in residence and may be confiscated by residence staff or Special Constables Services.
• 4.3: Students and/or guests may not participate in room crawls or drinking games. The mass consumption, the swift or high volume consumption of alcohol is a safety concern to Laurier and as such is not permitted.
• 4.4: Large volume containers are not permitted in residence. A large volume container is defined as a container holding more than 500ml of beer in a single container or 1L of wine, or 40 ounces of any other type of alcohol.
• 4.5: Residents are expected to uphold the cleanliness standards of Residence Life and as such are expected to dispose of their empty alcohol containers in a timely fashion.

Cannabis

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. Students are not permitted to cook, bake or warm-up any cannabis product for the purpose of creating edible cannabis in any residence space. If a student is in possession of scales, baggies or a significant amount of cannabis, this may be considered distribution and will lead to a review of the student's housing contract.

Medical use of cannabis in residence buildings is accommodated through Residence Life policies; please contact Residence Life.

Q: Can I grow cannabis plants for recreational purposes on campus?

A: No. Laurier’s prohibits growing cannabis for recreational purposes on university property and in university buildings, including university residences and housing.

Q: Can I order cannabis through a licensed retailer and have it delivered to campus?

A: No. The university will not accept deliveries of any controlled substance, including cannabis, to its campuses.

• 5.1: Laurier prohibits the possession of firearms, ammunition, explosive devices including but not limited to: fireworks, firecrackers, explosives, or highly flammable materials. The possession and/or discharge of BB or air guns, paintball guns, any object that emits any form of projectile, including but not limited to, water pistols, target toys, slingshots, knives, swords or other lethal weapons, including martial arts equipment are also prohibited. Replicas (including toys) of the above weapons, or any object that creates cause for alarm, are also prohibited. Residents who violate this policy will be subject to a sanction, which may include eviction. Special Constables Services and/or the police will be notified, and the offending weapon/object will be confiscated.

Accommodations (exceptions) for extenuating circumstances, professional sport or religious reasons must be arranged with the Residence Life area coordinator 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.

6.1: Harassment Policy

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.

6.2: Physical Violence and Threats

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.

6.3: Acts of Intolerance

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:

• Posting, sharing, and/or distributing graphic or offensive materials in any location within the residence, including inside private rooms. Residence Life Staff are given the authority to deem material graphic or offensive.
• Practical jokes, raids, and pranks of any sort are considered harmful and dangerous. Actions that are demeaning and/or offensive, or those that interfere with the rights of another resident or group of students, are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, repeatedly targeting one person or group of people, tampering with personal or Laurier property, acts of vandalism, and any other act that may be considered, directly or indirectly, offensive or demeaning to any group or individual.
• Engaging in responsible behaviour is an expectation of everyone in the residence community. Responsible behaviour is an understanding to be proactive in preventing problems from occurring in residence. Supporting or inciting behaviour which is deemed a violation of the code through encouragement, peer pressure, or other means is not appropriate behaviour.

6.4: Gendered Violence and Sexual Assault

Gendered violence is any subtle or overt action or attitude that establishes, exploits, and/or reinforces gender inequities resulting in physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or mental harm. Sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual act done by one person to another. Any kind of contact without mutual consent is sexual assault. Students who have experienced gendered violence and/or sexual assault may wish to contact any of the following resources for support:

• Residence Life Don
• Residence Life Area Coordinator
• Special Constable Services
• Sexual Assault Support Centre of Brantford or Waterloo Region

7.1: Accidental Property Damage and Vandalism

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:

• Furniture must not be removed from rooms/suites. Altering the room/suite in any way, including the removal of door closures, screens, windows or window screens is not permitted. All repairs to residence must be completed by authorized residence staff.
• 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.

7.2: Cleanliness Standards

The resident must maintain their unit in a clean and orderly condition in accordance with building, and health and safety standards and regulations. Residents who are unable to meet this requirement must speak with their Residence Life area coordinator.

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: on 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. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Quiet hours are in effect from Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 10 a.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. There is to be no excessive noise in any common lounges or hallways. Quiet hours are extended during the fall and winter exam period.

To minimize the impact of noise on the residence community, please note the following:

• Residents are only permitted to bring portable, bookshelf, or mini-sound systems into their rooms. Excessive noise from stereo systems, including subwoofers, guitar/instrument amplifiers, or computer speakers may result in Residence Life staff requiring the resident to remove the stereo system/computer speakers from residence.
• Residents are also asked to turn off all noise making items such as televisions, computer speakers and alarm clocks when not in their room or away for the weekend/ extended period of time. Residence Life staff may enter a room to turn off the item causing the disturbance.
• During quiet hours, residents are asked to utilize the lounges and private rooms for gatherings and activities to minimize disruptions in the community. In situations where gatherings are disruptive to community members, students may be asked to disperse.

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. Whether verbal or written requests are issued, compliance with the requests of Laurier staff is necessary. Failure to respond or follow the directive of a Laurier employee, acting in the scope of their position, is a violation of the Residence Code of Conduct and the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct.

• 9.1: Disrespecting and harassment of staff will not be tolerated.
• 9.2: Lying and/or misrepresenting oneself to Residence staff is strictly prohibited.

Failure to return calls, respond to meeting requests or to meet at a scheduled time regarding an investigation will result in the decision (sanction) being made with the available information.

Note: There is a modified guest policy currently in place due to COVID-19.

For the 2021/22 academic year, our usual guest policy is not applicable. The information below is for reference purposes only.

Residents have the privilege of hosting guests at their Laurier residence. Residents are responsible for the behaviour of their guest at all times. If a guest violates a policy, the host will 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 respective residence room, whether or not they are present. Residents are encouraged to lock their residence room doors.

• A resident may only sign in one registered guest at a time.
• A resident can host one overnight guest in a night. A guest is considered overnight when they are in residence between midnight and 7 a.m. for any length of time.
• A resident may sign in a guest with their don for a maximum of three consecutive overnights, with no more than nine overnight visits per semester per resident.
• A guest may not stay overnight more than nine nights in a semester (i.e. cannot be signed in by one resident for nine nights in a semester and then be a guest of another resident for nine nights in the same semester).
• 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 7 a.m. Minors will be permitted to be signed in before the overnight period, but will be required to sign out and vacate the premises prior to this period commencing.
• Residents must accompany their guest(s) at all times and must not leave their guest in their room unaccompanied.
• Residents must ensure that the guest(s) they are hosting follow the Residence Code of Conduct.
• Residence staff reserves the right to restrict the number of guests allowed to be signed in by a resident during certain times of the year. Please take note.

Special Weekends (Waterloo Campus)

There are several special weekends 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:

• Homecoming (September)
• Halloween (October)
• St. Patrick's Day (March)

Specific details regarding guest restriction will be communicated to residents.

Residents are not permitted to enter/access unauthorized areas unless accompanied by a Residence Life staff member. This includes areas not normally used by persons other than staff including, but not limited to, restricted doorways/entrances, locked basement areas, roof tops, mechanical rooms, or any area marked “off limits to unauthorized personnel” or “staff only.”

In addition, any littering, throwing, dropping or displacement of objects to or from roofs or windows is strictly prohibited.

For safety reasons, accessing these areas is strictly prohibited and may result in sanctions including eviction.

Falsifying residence identification/key cards, using someone else’s OneCard or keys to gain access to a room or residence other than your own, or to gain access to restricted areas is also prohibited, and can be referred to the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct.

Removal or relocation of furniture, fixtures, chairs, dining hall serviceware, an appliance or other residence property is not permitted. Residents may not move Residence Life furniture in lounges/ banquet halls/studies into their private units. Sanctions will vary depending on the nature of the incident.

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:

• Furnishings that are provided in the room/suite may not be removed from a room/suite. Any furniture moved within the room/suite must be returned to original placement at the end of year or the resident will be charged. Damages incurred will be charged.
• Furnishings must not block entrances/exits to a room and/or heating and air conditioning units/vents.
• Furnishings must be self-standing (do not require fastening to walls/ceiling) and have sturdy construction (not easily tipped over causing harm to an individual). Additional furnishings become the responsibility of the resident and are used at your own risk.
• Furnishings must be free from odours and bugs/pests.
• Upholstered furniture such as couches, recliners, love seats, and futons are not permitted.
• Your suitemate must approve furnishings that are placed in the common areas of a suite.
• Unusual furnishings must be verified/approved by Residence Staff upon move-in to ensure that they are acceptable. Unacceptable pieces of furniture must be removed from residence as directed. Shopping carts, street signs and other stolen items are not permitted in residence.
• Additional furnishings must be removed from residence upon move out. Failure to remove additional furnishings will result in disposal fees.

 Advertising/Posters/Solicitations

Only organizations or individuals who are affiliated with the Laurier community will be allowed to advertise within the residence. 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 will be removed and/or persons involved may be asked to leave residence.

All print material must include the organization’s name/logo and contact information and be marked approved.

Residents are not permitted to post or paint anything on exterior windows.

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.

Building Policies

Residents shall not have pets, including fish, in residence.

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.

Wilfrid Laurier University Distribution Services will not accept any packages that contain alcohol. As such, these packages will not be delivered to any residence, regardless of a student's age. 

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures

To keep you and our community safe, based on guidance received by the province and our local Public Health units, the Department of Residence has a number of policies and procedures in place due to the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these policies 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 Hall Agreement, and on the COVID-19 Residence FAQs website. All campus-wide updates related to COVID-19 can be found on the Laurier COVID-19 Information Hub.

Delinquent Accounts

Should a student’s account become delinquent, the student will be prevented from further registration in academic courses and their transcripts and diploma will be withheld. The Residence Life manager or their designate may take additional steps, including evicting students from residence and prohibiting them from signing in as a guest after eviction.

Lending Keys

Lending keys to friends, family or guests is strictly prohibited and is considered a safety issue. Students found responsible for lending keys and/or compromising the safety of the building and other students could be subject to sanctions.

Pets

Pets of any kind are strictly prohibited from any residence space. Should a resident have a documented need and require a support animal or guide animal, they are asked to seek approval from their Residence Life Manager before bringing the animal into residence. Support or guide animals are only permitted if they meet the Department of Residence and Accessible Learning guidelines.

Sports in the Hall

Sports of any kind are strictly prohibited within any Residence Hall.

Telecommunications

Laurier residents must update the Residence Office if their cell number or email address change, in order to receive important residence information. This is mandatory for all residents. In addition, the running of cables/wires out of windows and use of satellite dishes is prohibited and will be removed at the expense of the student. Unauthorized access to cable is also prohibited.

Theft

Theft of property will not be tolerated; this includes taking furniture from lounges being in possession of property that belongs to another individual. Residents who violate this policy can be subject to a sanction up to and including eviction, and may be referred to the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct or subject to criminal investigation.