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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 polices 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.
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 self and larger society.
You will learn and develop the 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.
Find a sense of belonging in community and contribute positively to the community as caring and accountable human beings.
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.
Regulations for living in residence have been developed to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the entire residence community. These polices 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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 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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Life 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 Life 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 Life Conduct Team for review and to determine appropriate follow-up. All incident reports, or any other form of documentation, submitted by Residence Life staff are considered drafts until reviewed and approved by a Residence Life professional.
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.
Residence Life is guided by the values of procedural fairness in dealing with all complaints. As such, no sanction and/or disciplinary 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, and is subject to disciplinary action.
A complainant has the right to withdraw a complaint at any stage of the process. However, Residence Life 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 sanctions and/or disciplinary action against the complainant.
Residence Life 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 Life staff member responsible for addressing the incident.
At this time, the following will occur:
Note: Residence Life 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 Associate Director of Residence Life will make a recommendation to the Director of Residence regarding the eviction of a residence student. The Director will provide the report and the recommendation to the student and a meeting will be scheduled for the student to respond to the report and to 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 24 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 24 hours of the decision letter date. The resident must submit any email to the Residence Life 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 48 hours 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
Brantford Campus
E:
brantfordresidence@wlu.ca
T:
519.756.8228 x5805
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed daily from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.