Code of Conduct

Wilfrid Laurier University Conduct Regulations

The Residence Life 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.

Residence Life Code of Conduct

Laurier’s residence life conduct process is rooted in the notion that university is an opportunity for students to learn about their values, learn how to live with others, and learn 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.

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.

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.

Every individual in residence is responsible for respecting the rights of every other individual in the community. Responsible behaviour is that which is consistent with the Residence Life Code of Conduct and demonstrates an understanding that ignorance, anger, alcohol or substance abuse will not be accepted as an excuse, reason, or rationale for unacceptable behaviour.
Every individual in residence has the right to live in an environment where their personal possessions and communal spaces are secure, and their personal and academic goals are attainable.
Residence Life staff are responsible for ensuring a safe environment for all. The policies outlined below will be enforced on Department of Residence property, including, but not limited to, the inside of the buildings, entranceways, roofs, walkways and surrounding areas immediately outside of the residences. Residence Life staff may be required to enter a resident’s room in order to maintain safety and security or to uphold the code.

Section 1: Life Safety/Fire Safety

Fire regulations restrict the use of appliances within residence:

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.

Section 2: Smoking

2.1: Laurier residence is a smoke-free facility. Residents are strictly prohibited from smoking anywhere inside the building. Note that this includes electronic and smokeless cigarettes (i.e. e-cigarettes, vaporizers, etc.). Leaning or extending out of windows to smoke is a safety concern and as such is not permitted.

Any student found smoking in residence will be issued an administrative charge of $150 to cover the costs associated with the cleaning of their unit. The purpose of this charge is to remediate costs arising from the removal of odours, contaminants and toxins found in the residence space where the smoking violation occurred. Additionally, students may not smoke within 10 metres of any residence building.

Smoking is only permitted outside the residence in designated areas. This rule applies to residents, students, guests and staff regardless of weather conditions. Residents will be held responsible for the behaviour of their guests. Please dispose of your cigarettes responsibly and keep our residence clean; use the containers provided.

Students who would like to request special considerations with respect to the smoking policy (i.e. medical marijuana, smudging, ceremonial/religious reasons, etc.) must arrange to meet with their Residence Life Area Coordinator. Accommodations are not guaranteed, and may involve the need for documentation, and campus partner involvement. Accommodations must also consider a need to meet health and safety requirements, legal components, and community impact.

Section 3: Narcotics and Unprescribed Drugs

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.

Section 4: Alcohol and Cannabis

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 Life Program is committed to upholding the provincial law regarding the use of cannabis and providing a duty of care in which the safety of all residence students is a priority. The Residence Cannabis Policy is intended to provide students with the resources they need to make informed decisions about cannabis use and its impact on both the community and the individual. At the time of publishing this policy, cannabis is considered a prohibited item and against the law in the Province of Ontario. As such, cannabis use and possession in any residence space and exterior locations is considered a prohibited practice. This includes, but is not limited to grinders, bongs and vaporizers. 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.

4.6: Cannabis use, possession, or being in the presence of is prohibited in any residence space and any exterior locations. Possession of paraphernalia includes but is not limited to grinders, bongs and vaporizers. If a student is in possession of scales, baggies or significant amounts of cannabis this may be considered distribution of cannabis and will lead to a review of one’s housing contract.

Section 5: Weapons and Other Offensive Devices

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.

Section 6: Personal Safety

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 Dispute Resolution and Sexual Violence Support.

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

Section 7: Property Damage and Cleanliness Standards

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.

Section 8: Excessive Noise/Quiet Hours

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.

Section 9: Non-Cooperation/Non-Compliance

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 Life 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.

Section 10: Guest Policy

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 Life 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 Life 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.

Section 11: Restricted Areas/Entry

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.

Section 12: Furnishings

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.

Section 13: Other Violations and Building Policies

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.

Masks are not permitted.

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.

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.

How the Residence Code of Conduct is Administered

An incident report is typically generated when a potential violation of the Residence Life Code of Conduct has possibly occurred, and/or a student files a complaint with a Residence Life staff member. 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 area coordinator or a designate.

Filing a Complaint

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 Life 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 Life 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.

Right to Withdraw a Complaint

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.

Unsubstantiated or False Complaints

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.

Confidentiality

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:

An individual is at imminent risk of self-harm;
An individual is at imminent risk of harming another; and/or
There are reasonable grounds to believe that others in the residence community or wider campus and local community may be at risk of harm.

In such circumstances, information would only be shared with necessary campus partners/ departments to prevent harm and provide support to the students involved.

Investigation and Next Steps

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:

The Residence Life staff member will investigate the incident by speaking with the student(s)/ staff involved and any witnesses. The staff member may provide a copy of the report to the student involved, if requested. This is to ensure a fair process while the understanding of the incident is clarified. 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.
The Residence Life staff member will review the report and findings and make a decision regarding an appropriate outcome. Some incidents may be referred to more senior Residence Life staff for further review and decision making.
A decision will be made using the standard of proof known as the balance of probabilities or more likely than not. The standard of proof has been met if at the conclusion of the investigation, based on all credible information, the Residence staff member believes that the incident reported is more likely to be true than not true. Simply stated as “more likely than not” based on information available.
A decision letter will be sent to the student.

Note: Residence Life staff may follow up with any incident that occurs within any residence building.

Definitions

Acceptable noise: Noise that should be expected in the student living environment during the appropriate times of the day as a result of reasonable living activities.
Excessive noise: Intentional or unintentional noise that disturbs others in residence. This includes but is not limited to: banging on multiple doors consecutively; directing stereo/computer speaker(s) noise outside of a room through a window or door; bass from a stereo or computer that can be heard through a closed door or adjoining wall; and yelling or screaming.
Incident report: A document used to describe behaviour that may be unacceptable and/or in violation of the Residence Life Code of Conduct.
Sanction: An outcome of a determination that a student is responsible for a violation.
Residence status: Residence status refers to the position that the students holds with residence due to their experiences with the conduct process. The three statuses are “Warning,” ”On Notice” and “Probation.” Each status is representative of more restrictions placed on the student and probation is the most severe.
Residence staff: Residence staff are persons employed by Wilfrid Laurier University who work within the Department of Residence. The following Residence Life staff have been given the authorization to manage incidents as outlined in the Residence Life Code of Conduct: Residence Life dons, Residence Life area coordinators, and senior staff. The managers of Residence Life, the associate director of Residence Life, the director of Residence and their superiors are recognized as senior staff.

Sanctioning

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 the harm associated with alcohol and drug use. The following factors are considered when deciding upon any sanction:

The unique circumstances surrounding each incident and individual.
Prior sanctions assigned for similar and/or past incidents.

Note: The severity of sanctions may increase for repeat offenders and/or the number of incidents, up to and including eviction from the residence.

Types of Sanctions

Sanctions will be determined by the residence staff responsible for the managing the incident and decision making.

Alcohol restriction: While on Alcohol Restriction, students are not permitted to consume alcohol in residence, or to return to residence while under the influence of alcohol. Further policy violations may result in additional and increasingly significant sanctions.
Building restriction: A resident may be restricted from accessing a portion of the building or from entering the building for a period of time. If a student violates this restriction Special Constables Services may be contacted and the student may face eviction.
Community billing: When common area damage/vandalism occurs and the responsible persons are not identified, repair and administration costs will be charged to every resident, or a specific section of the community.
Guest restriction: While on Guest Restriction, students are not permitted to have guests in residence at any time. Violation of the terms of Guest Restriction may result in additional sanctions.
On Notice: On Notice is considered to be a status sanction. While On Notice, if a student is found in violation of any Residence Life policies, their residence status may be placed under review and the student may face increasingly significant sanctions, such as a suspension from residence or Residence Probation.
Probation: Probation is a formal status imposed for a specific period of time. During this time, any subsequent violations may result in further consequences, typically eviction. Probation periods may extend to the end of the academic year and can extend to subsequent contract periods.
Reflective sanctions: Sanctions may include but are not limited to a written assignment, a seminar, an online workshop or community service hours. In the event that a resident fails to perform the assigned task, further sanctions may be imposed.
Relocation: Residence staff reserve the right to remove a resident from a particular room/floor if it is deemed necessary and in the best interests of the student and/or community. The intent of the relocation is to allow the student a fresh start in a new environment. A resident may be relocated temporarily until an investigation is closed. There may be costs associated with being relocated typically if there is a change in room type.
Restitution invoice: A monetary reimbursement to recover the loss or damage of residence property/services/labour as a result of an accident or incident. Students are strongly encouraged to come forward in these instances. Generally, restitution is the sole sanction in the event of accidents. Labour costs vary by time/day.
Suspension: A suspension is defined as a period of time where a student is temporarily prohibited from residing in or otherwise being in residence. Throughout the suspension period, a student is responsible for the full cost of the residence space in addition to being restricted from entering all other residence buildings. A deferred suspension from residence is a period of review during which the student must demonstrate an ability to comply with the polices. If, during the period of the deferred suspension, the student is again found responsible for violating the code, the student can be considered for an immediate suspension/eviction from the residence. The nature of the offence dictates a deferred suspension, suspension or eviction.
Written warning: A resident may receive a written warning letter stating that their actions/choices have violated the Residence Life Code of Conduct or abused a residence policy. Written warnings will refer to the residence guidebook to remind them of the policies. If the behaviour continues after receiving a written warning, the student may receive more significant sanctions.

Residence Eviction Policy and Appeals Process

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.

Dean of Students (Waterloo) – Leanne Holland Brown
Dean of Students (Brantford) – Adam Lawrence

*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:

new information
procedural irregularity
disproportionate sanctions

Students who are evicted from residence may also:

Risk forfeiting their residence fees.
Be required to leave residence immediately.

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 Life Code of Conduct. These offences include but are not limited to:

Violence, assault, harassment and the possession and/or use of a weapon;
Distribution of cannabis or drugs;
Starting a fire, tampering with life safety equipment, smoking or burning incense/candles in residence; and
Accessing a restricted area.

*Appeals are only for evictions, however if you wish to discuss your conduct matter further please schedule a meeting with your Residence Life Manager.

Appeals

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:

A full statement of the grounds for the appeal;
The outcome sought by the student; and
Any relevant supporting documentation.

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.

Grounds for appeal: Grounds for an appeal may include but are not limited to:
- New information;
- Procedural irregularities;
- New information was found which could not reasonably have been presented earlier; and
- The sanction(s) was/were not appropriate for the violation which occurred.
Appeal reviewers: Appeals are reviewed by the appropriate Residence Life staff, typically the next administrative level up will review appeals.
Administration of appeals: The appeal process shall be limited to a review of the file, and supporting documents from the original proceeding. The process may also consider any relevant, new information, as deemed necessary by the individual or staff considering the appeal. The staff considering the appeal may, after reviewing the case:
- Uphold the findings and/or sanctions;
- Reverse the findings;
- Reverse or modify the sanctions; or
- Determine that there was a procedural error and ask the original individual to re-hear the case.

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.