Residence Hall License

SUNY Oneonta

RESIDENCE HALL LICENSE

Fall and Spring 2022-2024 – First year students entering SUNY Oneonta in Fall of 2022 and Spring of 2023

A. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Full time, and part time students with permission, maintaining regular academic activity are eligible to live in the residence hall. Requests for exception are to be addressed to the Residential Community Life Office.
2. The residence hall license is for room and board for the entire academic year, or any remaining portion thereof. State University regulations require that residence hall space be fully utilized before permitting students to reside elsewhere. Students who enter SUNY Oneonta as freshmen are required to reside in a residence hall for their first four semesters.
3. Exceptions to #2 include: students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from SUNY Oneonta, students in officially recognized off campus and/or outside the city of Oneonta academic programs for that quarter or semester. December graduates, students academically ineligible to continue, or documented evidence of circumstances beyond a student’s control that has occurred since entering this agreement.
4. Students who relocate off campus for any reason are not guaranteed on campus housing in the future.
5. All residence hall students are required to purchase a full dining plan for each semester they are in residence. See C.4., below
6. Room and dining charges are payable in advance of each semester; billings are sent in July and December. Do not send payment before receipt of billing.
7. Signature on the Residence Application, or electronic signature on the Web Application, legally binds the student to this agreement and affords the student a license to occupy “a” space in a residence hall assigned by SUNY Oneonta for the period designated above.
8. No student may take possession of, or remain in, a room when his\her accounts are in arrears.
9. Failure to occupy a space after signing this license does not relieve the student of the responsibility to fulfill its terms. Likewise, a student who occupies a space without signing a license is responsible, nevertheless, for all its terms and conditions.
10. Students shall not assign or sublet this License to any part or all the Premises.  Subletting includes short-term or temporary rental arrangements including, but not limited to, those offered through peer-to-peer accommodation services such as Airbnb, Craigslist, or Couchsurfing.  Assigning or subletting may result in discipline and/or license revocation without compensation.
11. Only full-time students, part-time students with permission, and registered guests of SUNY Oneonta students are permitted to access SUNY Oneonta residence halls. Employees of, or approved vendors for SUNY Oneonta are permitted access only to fulfill their professional obligations for that residence hall.
12. Any student that enters SUNY Oneonta as a first-time, full-time freshman student is required to live on campus for 4 full semesters, regardless of status based on completed credit hours.

B. ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES

1. SUNY Oneonta is not permitted to classify students according to race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. ASSIGNMENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE MADE OR CHANGED BASED ON THESE FACTORS.
2. Continuing students make room selections in March/April/May for the following year.
3. New students are assigned to space according to a combination of date of paid deposit and date all requested materials have been submitted, i.e., completed web application with electronic signature and other forms. Special requests are satisfied whenever possible but cannot be guaranteed.
4. SUNY Oneonta reserves all rights concerning assignment or reassignment of all students. Requests for change will be considered but not necessarily approved. Students must secure prior approval of the Residential Community Life Office before moving to another assignment.
5. In the event of vacancies SUNY Oneonta will require the lone student in a room to find a roommate of his/her own choosing, if time permits, to accept another student who is on the waiting list or in a tripled situation, or to move into another space to consolidate openings. Any student who remains in a room without a roommate will be charged the IRP (Individual Room Program) rate for the remainder of the semester. Empty beds are rental possibilities for SUNY Oneonta. STUDENTS MAY NOT REFUSE ANOTHER UNIVERSITY ASSIGNED STUDENT THE USE OF AN UNOCCUPIED BED. Penalty incurred will be judicial action and individual room charges for the remainder of the semester or academic year.

C. CHARGES FOR THE YEAR

1. Room charges are established by the local institution with the approval of the Central Administration of the State of New York. Rates are subject to change; but whenever possible, reasonable notice will be given of cost changes. Rates are published in separate documents and made available with room assignment materials.
2. For incoming students only, an advance deposit of $100 is required to reserve space in the residence halls. The deposit is deductible from the room rental charge. Continuing students do not pay a deposit each year.
3. Assignment to an increased occupancy room is a temporary measure. Students MUST move into normal occupancy quarters when vacancies occur OR pay the standard occupancy rate. No student can continue to pay increased occupancy rates if vacancies exist. Both that student and the students remaining in the room they vacated will have their rental rate adjusted. Students who sign a supplement to this license for the individual room program (IRP) after a semester begins will have that rate calculated from the date of its inception.
4. Dining plan rates are determined by Oneonta Auxiliary Services. All resident students are required to have a Resident Dining Plan. You will automatically be assigned to the Resident Dining Plan, providing unlimited access to the Resident Dining Halls. The Resident Dining Plan also includes a portion of Retail Dining Dollars to be used at retail venues. The charge for the meal plan will appear on each semester’s bill. Students residing in Higgins Hall will be assigned to the On-The-Go Plan, comprised entirely of Retail Dining Dollars. This is a reduced meal plan and assumes that the student will cook several of their own meals. Higgins residents are welcome to eat in any of the three dining halls (Mills, Wilsbach and Hulbert) where they will be charged a door price. Higgins residents have the option of choosing the Resident Dining Plan if they prefer. We operate a tax-free dining plan under state law which mandates that funds paid into the plan are non-refundable. Unspent retail dining dollars remaining from fall semester will be rolled over and added to the plan for spring semester. Any balance remaining at the end of the academic year in May is forfeited. Please see the dining plans webpage for more details.
5. Phone lines in student bedrooms will be activated upon request. This includes the costs of basic (local) telephone service, voice mail, and calls to locations within the Continental US, Alaska, or Hawaii. Phone lines must remain where presently affixed. Students bring their own telephone instruments and must be FCC approved. Cordless phones may be used in the residence hall bedrooms if they are not 2.4 GHz.
6. The cost of streaming television service is included in room rental charges. Services are provided by SpectrumU
7. The loss of a student’s residence hall key/combination/access card requires the changing of room locks. The student originally assigned the key/combination/access card will be assessed the cost of the required lock/combination change and keys/access card.

D. OCCUPANCY

1. Residence halls open for all students on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 8:00am. Students may be assigned a specific move-in time.  Move in for the 2023-2024 academic year will be coordinated during the spring/summer of 2023.  New students attending Orientation will move in based on their assigned Orientation session.  New students will be notified by the office of their assigned move in time later. 

2. NEW STUDENTS who must arrive after that date and/or hour must notify the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member of anticipated time of arrival. ANY STUDENT who has not claimed his/her room assignment by the first day of classes of each semester, and has not duly notified the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member, or the Residential Community Life Office, will be considered a “no show” and that room space will be reassigned.

3. For energy conservation and security reasons, the residence halls may close for the following periods:
*These dates are based on the Academic Calendar as of February 14, 2022.

For the 2022-2023 academic year:

              Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM

              Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at noon until Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM

              Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 1:00 PM

For the 2023-2024 academic year:

              Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 1:00 PM

              Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at noon until Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM

              Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM

          No students are permitted to remain in residence. Specific times and procedures that MUST be followed will be posted in advance. Interim accommodations are the responsibility of the individual student.

4. Limited break housing will be available for students who have an articulated, documentable reason to stay during the breaks.  A process will be developed and announced 2 weeks prior to each break and will be dependent on COVID-19 metrics at the time of the break. Students may be required to relocate or consolidate into a different residence hall during break periods.  On campus food service options may not be available during times when classes are not in session.

5. The residence halls close for the summer months at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 18, 2023 and at 9:00AM on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

6. Termination of occupancy REQUIRES the student to (1) remove all personal belongings from the room, (2) have the room condition inspected by the Resident Advisor or Residence Hall Professional Staff Member using the previously completed room condition form, and (3) return all keys/access cards. Failure to return all keys/access cards at termination of occupancy will result in charges for lock change(s) and new keys/access cards.

7. Any personal belongings left behind by a student following termination of occupancy will be disposed of at the discretion of SUNY Oneonta without any responsibility to account for such property. A charge will be incurred for the disposal.  Rooms, suites, quads or apartments are not considered properly vacated until all personal possessions are removed and keys to the room are returned. SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to dispose of belongings and charge occupancy while belongings remain in the room.

8. All students must vacate the residence halls within 24 hours of their last final exam each semester, or by the closing of the hall, whichever is earlier.

E. REFUND POLICIES

1. For those incoming, new students WITHDRAWING OR TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM SUNY ONEONTA a refund of advance $100 deposit will be made if a WRITTEN request to the Residential Community Life Office is RECEIVED prior to July 1; for second semester - prior to January 1. Students taking an official leave or officially withdrawing on or after July or January 1 but prior to occupancy will receive room refund, if due them, but not refund of $100 deposit. Students who are released from the Residence Hall Contract for the purpose of relocating off campus will receive refund of monies if due them, but always forfeit the $100 housing deposit/monies due to the university plus $350 in liquidation fees.
2. Students academically ineligible to continue receive automatic refund of room rental monies due them. However, a guest rental rate will be applied to students not vacating the premises as directed by SUNY Oneonta.
3. Any student terminated from the residence hall for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund of room rent, plus a $350 charge in liquidation fees.
4. Room refunds AFTER OCCUPANCY are based on the date occupancy is acceptably terminated (see D.6) PROVIDED THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN PERMISSIBLY TERMINATED (SEE A.2 & A.3). After a student has occupied a room beyond the first day of classes in a semester there will be no refund for 1/4 of the semester. After four weeks of occupancy there will be no refund for 1/2 of the semester. Students not withdrawing from rooms before the second half of the semester begins will receive no refund. If a student has keys/access cards to their room and/or belongings in the room, they will be assessed room rent.
5. Dining plan refund policy is established by Oneonta Auxiliary Services in compliance with New York State Law governing tax-free student dining plans. The policy provides for a prorated refund considering an administrative overhead cost incurred, and the number of weeks in the semester which have passed at the time the student leaves SUNY Oneonta. A student who withdraws from SUNY Oneonta or is found academically ineligible to continue after the Fall semester and prior to the beginning of the Spring semester, is not entitled to a refund for any unused declining balance amount. Similarly, any declining balance remaining at the end of spring semester is forfeited. A copy of the refund policy is available on the OAS website. http://www.oneonta.edu/oas/thefineprint.asp#Dining
6. Refunds may take 4-6 weeks after all proper procedures have been followed and paperwork has been completed.
7. Written appeals not received by the Residential Community Life Office concerning any assessments of room rental within 30 days means you accept charges as stated.

F. DAMAGES

1. Each student will be held responsible for any damage beyond reasonable wear to his/her room, the furniture, and equipment contained therein and for any damage caused by him/her to any other part of the residence hall and/or premises. The charge will include labor and replacement costs. These costs are ultimately determined, utilizing the room condition report, by the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member, not the Resident Advisor.
2. When a damage condition exists in a room or in a common area of a residence hall, and a student or students are not identified as responsible, all the students in that effected living unit/area may be assessed for the repairs. Public space within a residence hall refers to any area that is open and accessible to all residents of the building, including but not limited to hallways, stairwells, lounges, bathrooms, etc.
3. Assessments are to be paid at Student Accounts in the Administration Building room 243 within TEN BUSINESS DAYS of billing or prior to the next registration, whichever is earlier.

G. STANDARD REGULATIONS

1. 1. Student agrees to adhere to Federal, State and Local laws and Ordinances.  In addition, Student agrees to follow Residential Community Life policies and the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct.
   2. The SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct covers policies including: Academic Integrity, Alcohol, Assault/Reckless Endangerment, Computer Use, Crime, Demonstrations, Disorderly Conduct/Abusive Behavior, Disruptive Classroom Behavior, Drugs, Failure to Comply, False Admission Application, Falsification of Information, Harassment, Hazing, Health, Identification, Library, Misuse/Destruction of Property, Ordinances, Retaliation, and Sexual and Interpersonal Violence.   It is the expectation of the Licensor that the Student reads and is responsible for the contents of the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct. Please note: the Code of Conduct includes the following:
      1. Residence Hall License:  Students living on campus or visiting a residence hall are required to comply with all policies and procedures as outlined in the Residence Hall License. 

As such all violations of this license agreement and the standard regulations are also a violation of the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct.  Violations of the Code of Conduct and/or Residence Hall License are subject to disciplinary action, which could include the revocation of this License agreement according to section F “Revocation of Licensor” above.

1. 3. Conduct Notices: It is the responsibility of the Student to monitor and respond to messages at the official SUNY Oneonta email address designated for the Student, their residence hall mailbox, and any phone number provided by the Student to the Licensor as their primary contact number.
   4. Residence Hall License policies:  The following policies are listed that clarify and add to the policies covered by the Code of Student Conduct.  This list is not exhaustive, and students are responsible for complying with all campus policies and procedures.   For convenience, some of the Code of Student Conduct language is listed here.  Residents are responsible for knowing and following the Code of Student Conduct AND the Residence Hall License policies.
      1. Alcohol:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: The possession, consumption and/or distribution of alcohol on campus grounds and in campus facilities is prohibited, except at events and under conditions authorized by SUNY Oneonta and/or as expressly permitted by SUNY Oneonta Policy
         2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Hosting: Hosting a gathering where alcohol violations are occurring is prohibited.  Students who host will face stronger sanctions than those who attend such gatherings.
            2. Attending a gathering: Students attending a gathering where alcohol policy violations are occurring is prohibited.
            3. Paraphernalia: Alcohol paraphernalia (e.g. kegs, mini-kegs, empty cans, empty bottles, taps, funnels) or items related to activities that encourage the excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol are not permitted (e.g. beer pong tables). Alcohol can or bottle collections are also not permitted.
            4. Exception to this policy: For students living in Higgins, Bacon, and Denison Halls, they agree to the Higgins Hall alcohol policy.  A copy of this policy will be located in each apartment in Higgins Hall, and bedroom in Bacon and Denison halls when those halls are in use.
      2. Disruptive Behavior:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Disorderly Conduct/Abusive Behavior: No person shall engage in any disorderly and/or disruptive conduct that interferes with the normal operations of SUNY Oneonta, infringes upon the rights of others, and/or breaches the peace or safety of the SUNY Oneonta community.
         2. Residence Hall License Clarification: “Normal Operations of SUNY Oneonta” includes Residential Community Life Professional and Paraprofessional Staff performing their normal employment duties. 
      3. Drugs:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Possession, use, and/or distribution of illegal drugs and/or prescription medication not prescribed for you is prohibited. An individual’s use of any drug, on/off campus, which results in a disruption to the campus community, will be considered a violation of this policy.
         2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. In the presence of: Students attending a gathering where drugs or the smell of marijuana is present is prohibited
            2. Medical Marijuana cards: Despite any possible changes in state law, SUNY Oneonta receives federal funding, and the courts have upheld that possession and distribution of marijuana violates federal law, irrespective of any state law that permits the use of Marijuana, even for medical purposes.  Because SUNY Oneonta receives federal monies under the “Drug Free Schools” Act, we enforce federal laws around marijuana. Marijuana is covered under the Code of Student Conduct drug policy
      4. Facilities Related Policies:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Appliances: Electrical devices such as stereos, TVs, hair dryers, automatic shut-off coffee/tea makers, microwaves, automatic shut-off rice cookers, blenders and personal computers are permitted, if they are UL approved and portable.  Refrigerators are permitted but must be limited in size to counter-top height.  The following items are PROHIBITED: Space heaters, halogen lamps and other appliances (examples: hotplates, toasters, air fryers, sunlamps, air conditioners, electric blankets, and/or any appliance with an open heating element). 
               1. In addition, items with a built in electrical or USB outlets that do not have a grounded plug (three prong) directly in the wall (ex. two pronged cords for desk lamps with USB plugs, bed risers with outlets, etc) are NOT PERMITTED.
               2. In Higgins: UL approved cooking appliances are permitted.  Full size refrigerators are provided in the kitchen of each apartment.
            2. Bathrooms:  Residents and guests should use the bathroom that coincides with their self-identified gender.  In each building there are also gender-neutral bathrooms for resident and guest use.  Residents and guests found in opposite gender bathrooms is prohibited.  If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact your Residence Hall professional staff member, or reach out to the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (607.436.2190)
            3. Candles/Incense/Open Flames: Because of NY State Fire Code regulations, candles in any form are prohibited.  Open fires/flames including burning candles, butane torch lighters, and activities potentially dangerous to property or disruptive to the community are also prohibited.  All items (including candles) will be confiscated.
            4. Cooking: Except for Higgins, residence hall rooms are not designed for the preparation of meals with other than the use of approved appliances (see “Appliances” above).  The halls are not properly ventilated, nor do they have proper disposal facilities.  The halls do not meet the Board of Health regulations or the State of New York fire codes for such use.
            5. Decorations: Decorative string lights (holiday lights, rope lights, pre-lit holiday artificial trees, etc.) are permitted.  Lights must be plugged directly into a wall outlet or surge protector and may not be plugged into another string of lights (daisy chaining).  Because of fire regulations, live, perishable decorations (including Christmas Trees and Wreaths) are prohibited. Students are not permitted to put up paneling, wallpaper or paint their rooms. 
            6. Electric and Gas-powered Vehicles (Mopeds, Scooters, Hoverboards, etc.):  These vehicles are not permitted to be stored in resident rooms.  Students with a disability who need electric mobility devices (like a scooter) are allowed, provided the accommodation request is made in writing prior to bringing the electric mobility device to campus.
            7. Extension Cords and Power Strips: Extension cords and multi-taps without a circuit breaker are prohibited.  Surge protectors with overcurrent protection and visible reset are permitted but may not be connected to another surge protector (daisy chaining) to add length to an outlet. 
            8. Fire Alarms and Evacuation: Fire drills are compulsory and occur each semester.  However, when the fire alarm goes off, residents are expected to treat is as a real fire alarm.  Students will not know for sure whether the alarm is real or a drill.  Evacuating during a fire alarm, and practicing this evacuation is critical for the health and safety of our community.  Failure to vacate or evacuate during a fire alarm is a violation of the License agreement and may result in legal prosecution.
            1. Fire Safety/Equipment: Tampering with fire equipment, e.g. fire alarms, extinguishers, and smoke detectors (in rooms, suites, quads, and public areas) is a violation of the Residence Hall License.  Violations of this include, but are not limited to; removing a fire extinguisher from its prescribed location, fully or partially discharging a fire extinguisher for any purpose other than putting out a fire, tampering with smoke alarms (in rooms or in public areas), taping smoke alarms in rooms, setting off false fire alarms, or removing or damaging exit lights and starting fires.  Violations of this policy may result in legal prosecution and/or revocation of this license agreement upon the first offense.  In addition, any fines imposed on SUNY Oneonta for fire safety violations will be charged to the students occupying the space in which the violation occurred.
            10. Furnishings/Furniture: Furniture in bedrooms, suites, quads, apartments, lobbies, and other public areas are considered property of SUNY Oneonta and are not to be removed by residents.  Furnishings in public areas are to remain in those locations. In addition to disciplinary action, a fee may be assessed for the removal, return, replacement, and/or reassembling of furniture.  In Higgins, Bacon and Denison Halls, all SUNY Oneonta furnishings must be accounted for and must remain within each designated apartment.  SUNY Oneonta does not furnish study lamps, curtains, rugs, pillows, blankets, bedspread, and other bed linens.
            11. Health and Safety/Sanitary Living Conditions: Students are responsible for maintaining their room, suite, quad, apartment in a sanitary and orderly condition as determined by the office of Residential Community Life.  Fees may be assessed for any special cleaning necessitated by improper care.  In addition, relocation of the student or revocation of the residence hall license may occur.  Trash removal and recycling procedures are posted. Students must regularly empty their own trash and follow the posted procedures.
            50. Insurance: SUNY Oneonta maintains no insurance for property loss or damage for any cause.  Students should work with their parent/guardian’s homeowners/renters insurance to obtain renters insurance if they so choose.
            1000. Keys/Combinations/Access cards:  Tampering with card access equipment, simplex codes and/or locks/latches is prohibited. In addition, students may face legal prosecution for a violation of this policy.  In addition, residents are not permitted to give their residence hall keys/simplex codes/combinations/access cards to anyone else.  Doors may not be left propped open.  Between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am students are required to enter their building through the main entrance.
            14. Mattress/Bed limitations: Waterbeds and any other items imposing unreasonable stress on the structure of the residence hall is prohibited.  Residents may not construct their own lofts
            15. Room décor limitations: Because of NY State Fire Code; walls, doors, and ceilings cannot contain more than 10% covering of any material.  In addition, decorations made from fabric must be “fire retardant” from the manufacturer and residents must attach this documentation from the manufacturer to the fabric. Violation of this policy may result in items being confiscated. 
            16. Roofs/Ledges/Window Screens: Residents are not permitted on Residence Hall roofs or window ledges.  Window screens are not to be removed at any time and nothing is to be thrown from them.  Violations of this policy may result in additional fees for window replacement or damage to roofs and ledges.
            17. Sustainability: Because of SUNY Oneonta’s commitment to sustainability and reducing energy consumption, residents should limit the electrical devices brought to campus.  In addition, these items should operate properly.

1. 1. 5. Failure to Comply:                    
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of SUNY Oneonta officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties and/or interference with faculty, staff, or student staff acting in the performance of their official duties will result in disciplinary action.
            1. Clarification: Residence Life Professional and RA/RCA Staff are defined as SUNY Oneonta officials for the purposes of this policy.
      6. Guests:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Definitions:
               1. Guest: A guest is defined as any person (student, non-student, or SUNY Oneonta resident) present in the community, floor, room, quad, suite, apartment who does live in that area.  Even though a person may be a resident of the SUNY Oneonta residential community, they are considered a guest when they are not in their room or living area. 

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. Host: A host is defined as a resident who is being visited by another individual.  All guests have a host – that host is defined as the person who the guest defines as their host.  If a guest does not identify their host, and they are not registered to a individual, then the residents who live in the area where the guest is present will be responsible as their host.
               3. Overnight Guest: An overnight guest is defined as a guest who is present between the hours of 11:00 pm and 8:00 am.
            2. Guest Behavior & Compliance: Guests are expected to follow federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.  In addition, guests must follow the Code of Student Conduct and Residence Hall License policies.  A violation of this will result in the guest being asked to leave.  If a guest violates federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, or refused to comply with a request to leave, they will be considered trespassing and law enforcement authorities will be notified. Residents are responsible for complying with these procedures and ensuring their guests comply as well.  Residents may be found in violation and held accountable for the behaviors of their guest. 
            3. Escort: Guests must always be accompanied by their host.  Unaccompanied guests may be asked to leave the residential community
            4. Limitations: The Residence Hall professional staff have full authority to limit guests in a room, reject guests, or evict guests, if they believe the health and safety of students is being jeopardized or policy violations are occurring. 
            5. Overnight Guests:
               1. Registration: Overnight guests are required to register with the Residence Hall professional staff member or their designee.

1. 1. 6. 1. 5. 2. Limits on visitation: Specific overnight quests may not visit more than twice per month and no longer than two consecutive nights per visit (4 total nights per month) in the residential community.  Residents are not permitted to have more than two (2) overnight guests at a time.  Exceptions may be made with permission of the Residence Hall professional staff member. 
                  1. Cohabitation: Hosts found with guests more than 4 total nights per month may be responsible for a daily rate in which the guest is staying in the unit.  This daily rate is a minimum of $50 per day. 
            6. Permission: Residents must get their roommates, quad-mates, suitemates, apartments permission before bringing guests into their living areas.  If roommates/quad-mates/suitemates/apartment-mates is/are uncomfortable with a certain guest, please consult with your RA or professional Residence Life staff member.
      7. Noise:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Because the Residential Community strives to be an academic living environment which supports students in their academic endeavors, the following are violations of the Residence Hall Noise policy:
            1. Disruptive Noise: At all times, noise considered “disruptive” is prohibited.  This means your stereo, voice, or other noise should not be heard down the hall or outside the building. Because of the noise level, musical instruments and amplified music may be prohibited.  Keep in mind “bass” carries between rooms and should be kept to a minimum.
            2. Courtesy Hours: Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day.  This means that any time someone (whether they are a staff member or resident) asks you to lower the volume of noise in your room or area, you must honor that request.  The right to quiet always supersedes the right to make noise.
            3. Quiet Living Areas: For students living in designated Quiet Living Areas always requires that all noise levels be kept to a minimum and within the confines of the actual assigned room during the academic year.
            4. Finals week: During Finals week, a 22-hour quiet hours policy is in effect in preparation for and during final exams.  All residents must adhere to the 22-hour quiet hours (relaxed from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm).  Finals week quiet hours start the Sunday before finals week begins.  
      8. Pets:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Pets of any type, except for small fish in the proper aquarium facilities of ten gallons or less are prohibited.  To be cared for properly, fish must be removed from the residence halls during extended break periods.
      9. Solicitation:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Solicitation/sales by residents or others is prohibited within the residence halls or dining halls without permission of the Director of Residence Life or their designee. Because of liability residents may not operate a business within the residence halls or their room, apartment, quad, or suite.
      10. Smoking:
          1. Code of Student Conduct: Smoking is prohibited in all SUNY Oneonta buildings except in certain designated areas. Such areas are identified by “Smoking Permitted” signs. Areas without such signs should be understood to be no smoking areas. Smoking is defined as the carrying or use of a lighted cigarette, cigar, or other form of smoking device.
          2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
             1. Electronic Cigarettes clarification: “Form of Smoking Device” in the Code of Student Conduct includes electronic Cigarettes (e-cigs) and/or vaporizers (vaping).
             2. Smoking (including e-cigs and vaporizers) is not permitted within 20 feet of any residence hall
      11. Vandalism:
          1. Residence Hall License Policy: Deliberate vandalism or non-accidental damage to SUNY Oneonta property or the property of members of our community is prohibited.  This includes (but is not limited to) defacing bulletin boards, breaking glass, holes in walls, graffiti, etc.).  Students found responsible for violations of this policy may be subject to revocation of license agreement.
      12. Weapons:
          1. Code of Student Conduct: Possession or keeping of a deadly instrument on campus (including in any vehicle) or use of any object with intent to harm another is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, explosives, explosive devices, knives, blackjacks, chukka sticks, slingshots, kung fu type weapons, fireworks, firecrackers, CO2 type firearms, spring powered firearms, chemical or pepper aerosol spray. Violators will be subject to criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary action from SUNY Oneonta.
          2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
             1. Additional items not allowed: Smoke bombs and box cutters
             2. Exceptions: Small kitchen knives for the purpose of cooking or tools used for academic purposes are allowed. These items must be kept secure in a locked toolbox, trunk, or storage unit.

H. DIRECTORY INFORMATION

In compliance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts of 1974, students who do not wish directory information (home addresses and phone numbers) released to persons or agencies outside the State University MUST submit a written statement to that effect to the Residential Community Life Office by July 1 (January 1 for Spring term entrants). Directory information is available to offices within SUNY Oneonta.

I. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHTS OF SUNY Oneonta

1. SUNY Oneonta may revoke or reassign rooms for occupancy management or violations of herein stated regulations - health, safety, or social reasons; or any reason deemed sufficient by appropriate university authorities.

2. Every effort will be made to avoid unnecessary intrusions on student’s privacy, but SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to enter student rooms to make periodic announced room inspections as well as enter student rooms when there is reasonable belief that an occupant in the room may be physically harmed or endangered.

SUNY Oneonta also reserves the right to have an authorized agent of the university, including a University Police (UPD) officer, with the written approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or the person designated to act in that capacity in his absence and authorization of the SUNY Oneonta President, inspect student rooms when there is reasonable belief that (1) university property is being damaged, (2) university policy is being violated, or (3) maintenance and/or repair is necessary.
              a. Per SUNY policy, SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to enter, repair, inventory, inspect, or search, and students expressly consent to such entry or entries into, any

student space at any time, including but not limited to health and safety inspections of residence hall rooms.  The Residence Life staff, University Police

Department officers, facilities staff, and any other SUNY Oneonta employees or contractors who have a legitimate need to enter the space.

3. SUNY Oneonta conducts inspections of each residence hall room upon closedown for each university break.  If, while in the process of conducting an inspection of student rooms, a university official finds an item which may be a violation of the Residence Hall License or Code of Student Conduct, SUNY Oneonta has the right to confiscate that item.

4. SUNY Oneonta may terminate this agreement at any time for reasons of safety, security, and conduct of its residence program.

J. POLICY REVIEW

To maintain a responsible environment, SUNY Oneonta feels that it is necessary to establish and enforce certain of its own regulations, i.e., this agreement. Campus policies, however, are not and should not be unalterable. Periodically these policies will be reviewed jointly by students, faculty, and administrators as to needs, validity, and effectiveness.

K. CHANGES TO THE STANDARD REGULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN SECTION G

Student will be notified in writing (via the official SUNY Oneonta email address of licensee) for any changes in campus regulations or regulations related to the housing license.  These changes would be expected to occur each summer as policies and procedures are updated. 

 When you sign your Residence Application you are agreeing to abide by this Residence Hall License for 4 full semesters, both Fall and Spring semesters, 2022-2024. This Agreement is legally binding. This license may be amended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as dictated/required by the evolution of the virus.
 

SUNY Oneonta

RESIDENCE HALL LICENSE

Fall and Spring 2022-2023 – Returning Students and Transfers

A. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Full time, and part time students with permission, maintaining regular academic activity are eligible to live in the residence hall. Requests for exception are to be addressed to the Residential Community Life Office.

2. The residence hall license is for room and board for the entire academic year, or any remaining portion thereof. State University regulations require that residence hall space be fully utilized before permitting students to reside elsewhere. Students who enter SUNY Oneonta as freshmen are required to reside in a residence hall for their first four semesters.

3. Exceptions to #2 include: students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from SUNY Oneonta, students in officially recognized off campus and/or outside the city of Oneonta academic programs for that quarter or semester. December graduates, students academically ineligible to continue, or documented evidence of circumstances beyond a student’s control that has occurred since entering this agreement.

4. Students who relocate off campus for any reason are not guaranteed on campus housing in the future.

5. All residence hall students are required to purchase a full dining plan for each semester they are in residence. See C.4., below

6. Room and dining charges are payable in advance of each semester; billings are sent in July and December. Do not send payment before receipt of billing.

7. Signature on the Residence Application, or electronic signature on the Web Application, legally binds the student to this agreement and affords the student a license to occupy “a” space in a residence hall assigned by SUNY Oneonta for the period designated above.

8. No student may take possession of, or remain in, a room when his\her accounts are in arrears.

9. Failure to occupy a space after signing this license does not relieve the student of the responsibility to fulfill its terms. Likewise, a student who occupies a space without signing a license is responsible, nevertheless, for all its terms and conditions.

10. Students shall not assign or sublet this License to any part or all the Premises.  Subletting includes short-term or temporary rental arrangements including, but not limited to, those offered
       through peer-to-peer accommodation services such as Airbnb, Craigslist, or Couchsurfing.  Assigning or subletting may result in discipline and/or license revocation without compensation.

11. Only full-time students, part-time students with permission, and registered guests of SUNY Oneonta students are permitted to access SUNY Oneonta residence halls.
      Employees of, or approved vendors for SUNY Oneonta are permitted access only to fulfill their professional obligations for that residence hall.

B. ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES

1. SUNY Oneonta is not permitted to classify students according to race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. ASSIGNMENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE MADE OR CHANGED BASED ON THESE FACTORS.

2. Continuing students make room selections in March/April/May for the following year.

3. New students are assigned to space according to a combination of date of paid deposit and date all requested materials have been submitted, i.e., completed web application with electronic signature and other forms. Special requests are satisfied whenever possible but cannot be guaranteed.

4. SUNY Oneonta reserves all rights concerning assignment or reassignment of all students. Requests for change will be considered but not necessarily approved. Students must secure prior approval of the Residential Community Life Office before moving to another assignment.

5. In the event of vacancies SUNY Oneonta will require the lone student in a room to find a roommate of his/her own choosing, if time permits, to accept another student who is on the waiting list or in a tripled situation, or to move into another space to consolidate openings. Any student who remains in a room without a roommate will be charged the IRP (Individual Room Program) rate for the remainder of the semester. Empty beds are rental possibilities for SUNY Oneonta. STUDENTS MAY NOT REFUSE ANOTHER UNIVERSITY ASSIGNED STUDENT THE USE OF AN UNOCCUPIED BED. Penalty incurred will be judicial action and individual room charges for the remainder of the semester or academic year.

C. CHARGES FOR THE YEAR

1. Room charges are established by the local institution with the approval of the Central Administration of the State of New York. Rates are subject to change; but whenever possible, reasonable notice will be given of cost changes. Rates are published in separate documents and made available with room assignment materials.

2. For incoming students only, an advance deposit of $100 is required to reserve space in the residence halls. The deposit is deductible from the room rental charge. Continuing students do not pay a deposit each year.

3. Assignment to an increased occupancy room is a temporary measure. Students MUST move into normal occupancy quarters when vacancies occur OR pay the standard occupancy rate. No student can continue to pay increased occupancy rates if vacancies exist. Both that student and the students remaining in the room they vacated will have their rental rate adjusted. Students who sign a supplement to this license for the individual room program (IRP) after a semester begins will have that rate calculated from the date of its inception.

4. Dining plan rates are determined by Oneonta Auxiliary Services. All resident students are required to have a Resident Dining Plan. You will automatically be assigned to the Resident Dining Plan, providing unlimited access to the Resident Dining Halls. The Resident Dining Plan also includes a portion of Retail Dining Dollars to be used at retail venues. The charge for the meal plan will appear on each semester’s bill.

Students residing in Higgins Hall will be assigned to the On-The-Go Plan, comprised entirely of Retail Dining Dollars. This is a reduced meal plan and assumes that the student will cook several of their own meals. Higgins residents are welcome to eat in any of the three dining halls (Mills, Wilsbach and Hulbert) where they will be charged a door price. Higgins residents have the option of choosing the Resident Dining Plan if they prefer.

We operate a tax-free dining plan under state law which mandates that funds paid into the plan are non-refundable. Unspent retail dining dollars remaining from fall semester will be rolled over and added to the plan for spring semester. Any balance remaining at the end of the academic year in May is forfeited. Please see the dining plans webpage for more details.

5. Phone lines in student bedrooms will be activated upon request. This includes the costs of basic (local) telephone service, voice mail, and calls to locations within the Continental US, Alaska, or Hawaii. Phone lines must remain where presently affixed. Students bring their own telephone instruments and must be FCC approved. Cordless phones may be used in the residence hall bedrooms if they are not 2.4 GHz.

6. The cost of streaming television service is included in room rental charges. Services are provided by SpectrumU. 

7. The loss of a student’s residence hall key/combination/access card requires the changing of room locks. The student originally assigned the key/combination/access card will be assessed the cost of the required lock/combination change and keys/access card.

D. OCCUPANCY

1. Residence halls open for all students on Saturday, August 20 at 8:00am. New students attending Orientation will move in based on their assigned Orientation session.  New students will be notified by the office of their assigned move in time later. 

2. NEW STUDENTS who must arrive after that date and/or hour must notify the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member of anticipated time of arrival. ANY STUDENT who has not claimed his/her room assignment by the first day of classes of each semester, and has not duly notified the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member, or the Residential Community Life Office, will be considered a “no show” and that room space will be reassigned.

3. For energy conservation and security reasons, the residence halls may close for the following periods:
*These dates are based on the Academic Calendar as of February 14, 2022.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM

Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at noon until Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 1:00 PM

          No students are permitted to remain in residence. Specific times and procedures that MUST be followed will be posted in advance. Interim accommodations are the responsibility of the individual student.

4. Limited break housing will be available for students who have an articulated, documentable reason to stay during the breaks.  A process will be developed and announced 2 weeks prior to each break and will be dependent on COVID-19 metrics at the time of the break. Students may be required to relocate or consolidate into a different residence hall during break periods.  On campus food service options may not be available during times when classes are not in session.

5. The residence halls close for the summer months at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 18. Graduating seniors in residence during the spring semester may retain their room assignments until 8:00 PM, Saturday, May 20.

6. Termination of occupancy REQUIRES the student to (1) remove all personal belongings from the room, (2) have the room condition inspected by the Resident Advisor or Residence Hall Professional Staff Member using the previously completed room condition form, and (3) return all keys/access cards. Failure to return all keys/access cards at termination of occupancy will result in charges for lock change(s) and new keys/access cards.

7. Any personal belongings left behind by a student following termination of occupancy will be disposed of at the discretion of SUNY Oneonta without any responsibility to account for such property. A charge will be incurred for the disposal.  Rooms, suites, quads or apartments are not considered properly vacated until all personal possessions are removed and keys to the room are returned.  SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to dispose of belongings and charge occupancy while belongings remain in the room.

8. All students must vacate the residence halls within 24 hours of their last final exam each semester, or by the closing of the hall, whichever is earlier.

E. REFUND POLICIES

1. For those incoming, new students WITHDRAWING OR TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM SUNY Oneonta a refund of advance $100 deposit will be made if a WRITTEN request to the Residential Community Life Office is RECEIVED prior to July 1; for second semester - prior to January 1. Students taking an official leave or officially withdrawing on or after July or January 1 but prior to occupancy will receive room refund, if due them, but not refund of $100 deposit. Students who are released from the Residence Hall Contract for the purpose of relocating off campus will receive refund of monies if due them, but always forfeit the $100 housing deposit/monies due to the university plus $350 in liquidation fees.

2. Students academically ineligible to continue receive automatic refund of room rental monies due them. However, a guest rental rate will be applied to students not vacating the premises as directed by SUNY Oneonta.

3. Any student terminated from the residence hall for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund of room rent, plus a $350 charge in liquidation fees.

4. Room refunds AFTER OCCUPANCY are based on the date occupancy is acceptably terminated (see D.6) PROVIDED THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN PERMISSIBLY TERMINATED (SEE A.2 & A.3). After a student has occupied a room beyond the first day of classes in a semester there will be no refund for 1/4 of the semester. After four weeks of occupancy there will be no refund for 1/2 of the semester. Students not withdrawing from rooms before the second half of the semester begins will receive no refund. If a student has keys/access cards to their room and/or belongings in the room, they will be assessed room rent.

5. Dining plan refund policy is established by Oneonta Auxiliary Services in compliance with New York State Law governing tax-free student dining plans. The policy provides for a prorated refund considering an administrative overhead cost incurred, and the number of weeks in the semester which have passed at the time the student leaves SUNY Oneonta. A student who withdraws from SUNY Oneonta or is found academically ineligible to continue after the Fall semester and prior to the beginning of the Spring semester, is not entitled to a refund for any unused declining balance amount. Similarly, any declining balance remaining at the end of spring semester is forfeited. A copy of the refund policy is available on the OAS website. http://www.oneonta.edu/oas/thefineprint.asp#Dining

6. Refunds may take 4-6 weeks after all proper procedures have been followed and paperwork has been completed.

7. Written appeals not received by the Residential Community Life Office concerning any assessments of room rental within 30 days means you accept charges as stated.

F. DAMAGES

1. Each student will be held responsible for any damage beyond reasonable wear to his/her room, the furniture, and equipment contained therein and for any damage caused by him/her to any other part of the residence hall and/or premises. The charge will include labor and replacement costs. These costs are ultimately determined, utilizing the room condition report, by the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member, not the Resident Advisor.

2. When a damage condition exists in a room or in a common area of a residence hall, and a student or students are not identified as responsible, all the students in that effected living unit/area may be assessed for the repairs. Public space within a residence hall refers to any area that is open and accessible to all residents of the building, including but not limited to hallways, stairwells, lounges, bathrooms, etc.

3. Assessments are to be paid at Student Accounts in the Administration Building room 243 within TEN BUSINESS DAYS of billing or prior to the next registration, whichever is earlier.

G. STANDARD REGULATIONS

1. 1. Student agrees to adhere to Federal, State and Local laws and Ordinances.  In addition, Student agrees to follow Residential Community Life policies and the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct.student-conduct.
   2. The SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct covers policies including: Academic Integrity, Alcohol, Assault/Reckless Endangerment, Computer Use, Crime, Demonstrations, Disorderly Conduct/Abusive Behavior, Disruptive Classroom Behavior, Drugs, Failure to Comply, False Admission Application, Falsification of Information, Harassment, Hazing, Health, Identification, Library, Misuse/Destruction of Property, Ordinances, Retaliation, and Sexual and Interpersonal Violence.   It is the expectation of the Licensor that the Student reads and is responsible for the contents of the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct. Please note: the Code of Conduct includes the following:
      1. Residence Hall License:  Students living on campus or visiting a residence hall are required to comply with all policies and procedures as outlined in the Residence Hall License. 

As such all violations of this license agreement and the standard regulations are also a violation of the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct.  Violations of the Code of Conduct and/or Residence Hall License are subject to disciplinary action, which could include the revocation of this License agreement according to section F “Revocation of Licensor” above.

1. 3. Conduct Notices: It is the responsibility of the Student to monitor and respond to messages at the official SUNY Oneonta email address designated for the Student, their residence hall mailbox, and any phone number provided by the Student to the Licensor as their primary contact number.
   4. Residence Hall License policies:  The following policies are listed that clarify and add to the policies covered by the Code of Student Conduct.  This list is not exhaustive, and students are responsible for complying with all campus policies and procedures.   For convenience, some of the Code of Student Conduct language is listed here.  Residents are responsible for knowing and following the Code of Student Conduct AND the Residence Hall License policies.
      1. Alcohol:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: The possession, consumption and/or distribution of alcohol on campus grounds and in campus facilities is prohibited, except at events and under conditions authorized by the SUNY Oneonta and/or as expressly permitted by SUNY Oneonta Policy.
         2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Hosting: Hosting a gathering where alcohol violations are occurring is prohibited.  Students who host will face stronger sanctions than those who attend such gatherings.
            2. Attending a gathering: Students attending a gathering where alcohol policy violations are occurring is prohibited.
            3. Paraphernalia: Alcohol paraphernalia (e.g. kegs, mini-kegs, empty cans, empty bottles, taps, funnels) or items related to activities that encourage the excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol are not permitted (e.g. beer pong tables). Alcohol can or bottle collections are also not permitted.
            4. Exception to this policy: For students living in Higgins, Bacon, and Denison Halls, they agree to the Higgins Hall alcohol policy.  A copy of this policy will be located in each apartment in Higgins Hall, and bedroom in Bacon and Denison halls when those halls are in use.
      2. Disruptive Behavior:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Disorderly Conduct/Abusive Behavior: No person shall engage in any disorderly and/or disruptive conduct that interferes with the normal operations of SUNY Oneonta, infringes upon the rights of others, and/or breaches the peace or safety of the SUNY Oneonta community.
         2. Residence Hall License Clarification: “Normal Operations of SUNY Oneonta” includes Residential Community Life Professional and Paraprofessional Staff performing their normal employment duties. 
      3. Drugs:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Possession, use, and/or distribution of illegal drugs and/or prescription medication not prescribed for you is prohibited. An individual’s use of any drug, on/off campus, which results in a disruption to the campus community, will be considered a violation of this policy.
         2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. In the presence of: Students attending a gathering where drugs or the smell of marijuana is present is prohibited
            2. Medical Marijuana cards: Despite any possible changes in state law, SUNY Oneonta receives federal funding, and the courts have upheld that possession and distribution of marijuana violates federal law, irrespective of any state law that permits the use of Marijuana, even for medical purposes.  Because SUNY Oneonta receives federal monies under the “Drug Free Schools” Act, we enforce federal laws around marijuana. Marijuana is covered under the Code of Student Conduct drug policy
      4. Facilities Related Policies:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Appliances: Electrical devices such as stereos, TVs, hair dryers, automatic shut-off coffee/tea makers, microwaves, automatic shut-off rice cookers, blenders and personal computers are permitted, if they are UL approved and portable.  Refrigerators are permitted but must be limited in size to counter-top height.  The following items are PROHIBITED: Space heaters, halogen lamps and other appliances (examples: hotplates, toasters, air fryers, sunlamps, air conditioners, electric blankets, and/or any appliance with an open heating element). 
               1. In addition, items with a built in electrical or USB outlets that do not have a grounded plug (three prong) directly in the wall (ex. two pronged cords for desk lamps with USB plugs, bed risers with outlets, etc) are NOT PERMITTED.
               2. In Higgins: UL approved cooking appliances are permitted.  Full size refrigerators are provided in the kitchen of each apartment.
            2. Bathrooms:  Residents and guests should use the bathroom that coincides with their self-identified gender.  In each building there are also gender-neutral bathrooms for resident and guest use.  Residents and guests found in opposite gender bathrooms is prohibited.  If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact your Residence Hall professional staff member, or reach out to the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (607.436.2190)
            3. Candles/Incense/Open Flames: Because of NY State Fire Code regulations, candles in any form are prohibited.  Open fires/flames including burning candles, butane torch lighters, and activities potentially dangerous to property or disruptive to the community are also prohibited.  All items (including candles) will be confiscated.
            4. Cooking: Except for Higgins, residence hall rooms are not designed for the preparation of meals with other than the use of approved appliances (see “Appliances” above).  The halls are not properly ventilated, nor do they have proper disposal facilities.  The halls do not meet the Board of Health regulations or the State of New York fire codes for such use.
            5. Decorations: Decorative string lights (holiday lights, rope lights, pre-lit holiday artificial trees, etc.) are permitted.  Lights must be plugged directly into a wall outlet or surge protector and may not be plugged into another string of lights (daisy chaining).  Because of fire regulations, live, perishable decorations (including Christmas Trees and Wreaths) are prohibited. Students are not permitted to put up paneling, wallpaper or paint their rooms. 
            6. Electric and Gas-powered Vehicles (Mopeds, Scooters, Hoverboards, etc.):  These vehicles are not permitted to be stored in resident rooms.  Students with a disability who need electric mobility devices (like a scooter) are allowed, provided the accommodation request is made in writing prior to bringing the electric mobility device to campus.
            7. Extension Cords and Power Strips: Extension cords and multi-taps without a circuit breaker are prohibited.  Surge protectors with overcurrent protection and visible reset are permitted but may not be connected to another surge protector (daisy chaining) to add length to an outlet. 
            8. Fire Alarms and Evacuation: Fire drills are compulsory and occur each semester.  However, when the fire alarm goes off, residents are expected to treat is as a real fire alarm.  Students will not know for sure whether the alarm is real or a drill.  Evacuating during a fire alarm, and practicing this evacuation is critical for the health and safety of our community.  Failure to vacate or evacuate during a fire alarm is a violation of the License agreement and may result in legal prosecution.
            1. Fire Safety/Equipment: Tampering with fire equipment, e.g. fire alarms, extinguishers, and smoke detectors (in rooms, suites, quads, and public areas) is a violation of the Residence Hall License.  Violations of this include, but are not limited to; removing a fire extinguisher from its prescribed location, fully or partially discharging a fire extinguisher for any purpose other than putting out a fire, tampering with smoke alarms (in rooms or in public areas), taping smoke alarms in rooms, setting off false fire alarms, or removing or damaging exit lights and starting fires.  Violations of this policy may result in legal prosecution and/or revocation of this license agreement upon the first offense.  In addition, any fines imposed on SUNY Oneonta for fire safety violations will be charged to the students occupying the space in which the violation occurred.
            10. Furnishings/Furniture: Furniture in bedrooms, suites, quads, apartments, lobbies, and other public areas are considered property of SUNY Oneonta and are not to be removed by residents.  Furnishings in public areas are to remain in those locations. In addition to disciplinary action, a fee may be assessed for the removal, return, replacement, and/or reassembling of furniture.  In Higgins, Bacon and Denison Halls, all university furnishings must be accounted for and must remain within each designated apartment.  SUNY Oneonta does not furnish study lamps, curtains, rugs, pillows, blankets, bedspread, and other bed linens.
            11. Health and Safety/Sanitary Living Conditions: Students are responsible for maintaining their room, suite, quad, apartment in a sanitary and orderly condition as determined by the office of Residential Community Life.  Fees may be assessed for any special cleaning necessitated by improper care.  In addition, relocation of the student or revocation of the residence hall license may occur.  Trash removal and recycling procedures are posted. Students must regularly empty their own trash and follow the posted procedures.
            50. Insurance: SUNY Oneonta maintains no insurance for property loss or damage for any cause.  Students should work with their parent/guardian’s homeowners/renters insurance to obtain renters insurance if they so choose.
            1000. Keys/Combinations/Access cards:  Tampering with card access equipment, simplex codes and/or locks/latches is prohibited. In addition, students may face legal prosecution for a violation of this policy.  In addition, residents are not permitted to give their residence hall keys/simplex codes/combinations/access cards to anyone else.  Doors may not be left propped open.  Between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am students are required to enter their building through the main entrance.
            14. Mattress/Bed limitations: Waterbeds and any other items imposing unreasonable stress on the structure of the residence hall is prohibited.  Residents may not construct their own lofts
            15. Room décor limitations: Because of NY State Fire Code; walls, doors, and ceilings cannot contain more than 10% covering of any material.  In addition, decorations made from fabric must be “fire retardant” from the manufacturer and residents must attach this documentation from the manufacturer to the fabric. Violation of this policy may result in items being confiscated. 
            16. Roofs/Ledges/Window Screens: Residents are not permitted on Residence Hall roofs or window ledges.  Window screens are not to be removed at any time and nothing is to be thrown from them.  Violations of this policy may result in additional fees for window replacement or damage to roofs and ledges.
            17. Sustainability: Because of SUNY Oneonta’s commitment to sustainability and reducing energy consumption, residents should limit the electrical devices brought to campus.  In addition, these items should operate properly.

1. 1. 5. Failure to Comply:                    
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of SUNY Oneonta officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties and/or interference with faculty, staff, or student staff acting in the performance of their official duties will result in disciplinary action.
            1. Clarification: Residence Life Professional and RA/RCA Staff are defined as SUNY Oneonta officials for the purposes of this policy.
      6. Guests:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Definitions:
               1. Guest: A guest is defined as any person (student, non-student, or SUNY Oneonta resident) present in the community, floor, room, quad, suite, apartment who does live in that area.  Even though a person may be a resident of the SUNY Oneonta residential community, they are considered a guest when they are not in their room or living area. 

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. Host: A host is defined as a resident who is being visited by another individual.  All guests have a host – that host is defined as the person who the guest defines as their host.  If a guest does not identify their host, and they are not registered to a individual, then the residents who live in the area where the guest is present will be responsible as their host.
               3. Overnight Guest: An overnight guest is defined as a guest who is present between the hours of 11:00 pm and 8:00 am.
            2. Guest Behavior & Compliance: Guests are expected to follow federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.  In addition, guests must follow the Code of Student Conduct and Residence Hall License policies.  A violation of this will result in the guest being asked to leave.  If a guest violates federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, or refused to comply with a request to leave, they will be considered trespassing and law enforcement authorities will be notified. Residents are responsible for complying with these procedures and ensuring their guests comply as well.  Residents may be found in violation and held accountable for the behaviors of their guest. 
            3. Escort: Guests must always be accompanied by their host.  Unaccompanied guests may be asked to leave the residential community
            4. Limitations: The Residence Hall professional staff have full authority to limit guests in a room, reject guests, or evict guests, if they believe the health and safety of students is being jeopardized or policy violations are occurring. 
            5. Overnight Guests:
               1. Registration: Overnight guests are required to register with the Residence Hall professional staff member or their designee.

1. 1. 6. 1. 5. 2. Limits on visitation: Specific overnight quests may not visit more than twice per month and no longer than two consecutive nights per visit (4 total nights per month) in the residential community.  Residents are not permitted to have more than two (2) overnight guests at a time.  Exceptions may be made with permission of the Residence Hall professional staff member. 
                  1. Cohabitation: Hosts found with guests more than 4 total nights per month may be responsible for a daily rate in which the guest is staying in the unit.  This daily rate is a minimum of $50 per day. 
            6. Permission: Residents must get their roommates, quad-mates, suitemates, apartments permission before bringing guests into their living areas.  If roommates/quad-mates/suitemates/apartment-mates is/are uncomfortable with a certain guest, please consult with your RA or professional Residence Life staff member.
      7. Noise:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Because the Residential Community strives to be an academic living environment which supports students in their academic endeavors, the following are violations of the Residence Hall Noise policy:
            1. Disruptive Noise: At all times, noise considered “disruptive” is prohibited.  This means your stereo, voice, or other noise should not be heard down the hall or outside the building. Because of the noise level, musical instruments and amplified music may be prohibited.  Keep in mind “bass” carries between rooms and should be kept to a minimum.
            2. Courtesy Hours: Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day.  This means that any time someone (whether they are a staff member or resident) asks you to lower the volume of noise in your room or area, you must honor that request.  The right to quiet always supersedes the right to make noise.
            3. Quiet Living Areas: For students living in designated Quiet Living Areas always requires that all noise levels be kept to a minimum and within the confines of the actual assigned room during the academic year.
            4. Finals week: During Finals week, a 22-hour quiet hours policy is in effect in preparation for and during final exams.  All residents must adhere to the 22-hour quiet hours (relaxed from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm).  Finals week quiet hours start the Sunday before finals week begins.  
      8. Pets:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Pets of any type, except for small fish in the proper aquarium facilities of ten gallons or less are prohibited.  To be cared for properly, fish must be removed from the residence halls during extended break periods.
      9. Solicitation:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Solicitation/sales by residents or others is prohibited within the residence halls or dining halls without permission of the Director of Residence Life or their designee. Because of liability residents may not operate a business within the residence halls or their room, apartment, quad, or suite.
      10. Smoking:
          1. Code of Student Conduct: Smoking is prohibited in all SUNY Oneonta buildings except in certain designated areas. Such areas are identified by “Smoking Permitted” signs. Areas without such signs should be understood to be no smoking areas. Smoking is defined as the carrying or use of a lighted cigarette, cigar, or other form of smoking device.
          2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
             1. Electronic Cigarettes clarification: “Form of Smoking Device” in the Code of Student Conduct includes electronic Cigarettes (e-cigs) and/or vaporizers (vaping).
             2. Smoking (including e-cigs and vaporizers) is not permitted within 20 feet of any residence hall
      11. Vandalism:
          1. Residence Hall License Policy: Deliberate vandalism or non-accidental damage to SUNY Oneonta property or the property of members of our community is prohibited.  This includes (but is not limited to) defacing bulletin boards, breaking glass, holes in walls, graffiti, etc.).  Students found responsible for violations of this policy may be subject to revocation of license agreement.
      12. Weapons:
          1. Code of Student Conduct: Possession or keeping of a deadly instrument on campus (including in any vehicle) or use of any object with intent to harm another is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, explosives, explosive devices, knives, blackjacks, chukka sticks, slingshots, kung fu type weapons, fireworks, firecrackers, CO2 type firearms, spring powered firearms, chemical or pepper aerosol spray. Violators will be subject to criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary action from SUNY Oneonta.
          2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
             1. Additional items not allowed: Smoke bombs and box cutters
             2. Exceptions: Small kitchen knives for the purpose of cooking or tools used for academic purposes are allowed.  These items must be kept secure in a locked toolbox, trunk, or storage unit.

H. DIRECTORY INFORMATION

In compliance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts of 1974, students who do not wish directory information (home addresses and phone numbers) released to persons or agencies outside the State University MUST submit a written statement to that effect to the Residential Community Life Office by July 1 (January 1 for Spring term entrants). Directory information is available to offices within the SUNY Oneonta.

I. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHTS OF SUNY ONEONTA

1. SUNY Oneonta may revoke or reassign rooms for occupancy management or violations of herein stated regulations - health, safety, or social reasons; or any reason deemed sufficient by appropriate university authorities.

2. Every effort will be made to avoid unnecessary intrusions on student’s privacy, but SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to enter student rooms to make periodic announced room inspections as well as enter student rooms when there is reasonable belief that an occupant in the room may be physically harmed or endangered.

SUNY Oneonta also reserves the right to have an authorized agent of the university, including a University Police (UPD) officer, with the written approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or the person designated to act in that capacity in his absence and authorization of the SUNY Oneonta President, inspect student rooms when there is reasonable belief that (1) university property is being damaged, (2) university policy is being violated, or (3) maintenance and/or repair is necessary.
              a. Per SUNY policy, SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to enter, repair, inventory, inspect, or search, and students expressly consent to such entry or entries into, any

student space at any time, including but not limited to health and safety inspections of residence hall rooms.  The Residence Life staff, University Police

Department officers, facilities staff, and any other SUNY Oneonta employees or contractors who have a legitimate need to enter the space.

3. SUNY Oneonta conducts inspections of each residence hall room upon closedown for each university break.  If, while in the process of conducting an inspection of student rooms, a university official finds an item which may be a violation of the Residence Hall License or Code of Student Conduct, SUNY Oneonta has the right to confiscate that item.

4. SUNY Oneonta may terminate this agreement at any time for reasons of safety, security, and conduct of its residence program.

J. POLICY REVIEW

To maintain a responsible environment, SUNY Oneonta feels that it is necessary to establish and enforce certain of its own regulations, i.e., this agreement. Campus policies, however, are not and should not be unalterable. Periodically these policies will be reviewed jointly by students, faculty, and administrators as to needs, validity, and effectiveness.

K. CHANGES TO THE STANDARD REGULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN SECTION G

Student will be notified in writing (via the official SUNY Oneonta email address of licensee) for any changes in campus regulations or regulations related to the housing license.  These changes would be expected to occur each summer as policies and procedures are updated. 

 When you sign your Residence Application you are agreeing to abide by this Residence Hall License for both Fall and Spring semesters, 2022-2023. This Agreement is legally binding. This license may be amended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as dictated/required by the evolution of the virus.

SUNY Oneonta

RESIDENCE HALL LICENSE

Fall and Spring 2021-2023 – First year students entering SUNY Oneonta in 2021

A. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Full time, and part time students with permission, maintaining regular academic activity are eligible to live in the residence hall. Requests for exception are to be addressed to the Residential Community Life Office.

2. The residence hall license is for room and board for the entire academic year, or any remaining portion thereof. State University regulations require that residence hall space be fully utilized before permitting students to reside elsewhere. Students who enter SUNY Oneonta as freshmen are required to reside in a residence hall for their first four semesters.

3. Exceptions to #2 include: students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from SUNY Oneonta, students in officially recognized off campus and/or outside the city of Oneonta academic programs for that quarter or semester. December graduates, students academically ineligible to continue, or documented evidence of circumstances beyond a student’s control that has occurred since entering this agreement.

4. Students who relocate off campus for any reason are not guaranteed on campus housing in the future.

5. All residence hall students are required to purchase a full dining plan for each semester they are in residence. See C.4., below

6. Room and dining charges are payable in advance of each semester; billings are sent in July and December. Do not send payment before receipt of billing.

7. Signature on the Residence Application, or electronic signature on the Web Application, legally binds the student to this agreement and affords the student a license to occupy “a” space in a residence hall assigned by SUNY Oneonta for the period designated above.

8. No student may take possession of, or remain in, a room when his\her accounts are in arrears.

9. Failure to occupy a space after signing this license does not relieve the student of the responsibility to fulfill its terms. Likewise, a student who occupies a space without signing a license is responsible, nevertheless, for all its terms and conditions.

10. Students shall not assign or sublet this License to any part or all the Premises.  Subletting includes short-term or temporary rental arrangements including, but not

       limited to, those offered through peer-to-peer accommodation services such as Airbnb, Craigslist, or Couchsurfing.  Assigning or subletting may result in discipline and/or

       license revocation without compensation.

11. Only full-time students, part-time students with permission, and registered guests of SUNY Oneonta students are permitted to access SUNY Oneonta residence halls.
      Employees of, or approved vendors for SUNY Oneonta are permitted access only to fulfill their professional obligations for that residence hall.
12. Any student that enters SUNY Oneonta as a first-time, full-time freshman student is required to live on campus for 4 full semesters, regardless of status based on completed credit hours.

B. ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES

1. SUNY Oneonta is not permitted to classify students according to race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. ASSIGNMENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE MADE OR CHANGED BASED ON THESE FACTORS.

2. Continuing students make room selections in March/April/May for the following year.

3. New students are assigned to space according to a combination of date of paid deposit and date all requested materials have been submitted, i.e., completed web application with electronic signature and other forms. Special requests are satisfied whenever possible but cannot be guaranteed.

4. SUNY Oneonta reserves all rights concerning assignment or reassignment of all students. Requests for change will be considered but not necessarily approved. Students must secure prior approval of the Residential Community Life Office before moving to another assignment.

5. In the event of vacancies SUNY Oneonta will require the lone student in a room to find a roommate of his/her own choosing, if time permits, to accept another student who is on the waiting list or in a tripled situation, or to move into another space to consolidate openings. Any student who remains in a room without a roommate will be charged the IRP (Individual Room Program) rate for the remainder of the semester. Empty beds are rental possibilities for SUNY Oneonta. STUDENTS MAY NOT REFUSE ANOTHER UNIVERSITY ASSIGNED STUDENT THE USE OF AN UNOCCUPIED BED. Penalty incurred will be judicial action and individual room charges for the remainder of the semester or academic year.

C. CHARGES FOR THE YEAR

1. Room charges are established by the local institution with the approval of the Central Administration of the State of New York. Rates are subject to change; but whenever possible, reasonable notice will be given of cost changes. Rates are published in separate documents and made available with room assignment materials.

2. For incoming students only, an advance deposit of $100 is required to reserve space in the residence halls. The deposit is deductible from the room rental charge. Continuing students do not pay a deposit each year.

3. Assignment to an increased occupancy room is a temporary measure. Students MUST move into normal occupancy quarters when vacancies occur OR pay the standard occupancy rate. No student can continue to pay increased occupancy rates if vacancies exist. Both that student and the students remaining in the room they vacated will have their rental rate adjusted. Students who sign a supplement to this license for the individual room program (IRP) after a semester begins will have that rate calculated from the date of its inception.

4. Dining plan rates are determined by Oneonta Auxiliary Services. All resident students are required to have a Resident Dining Plan. You will automatically be assigned to the Resident Dining Plan, providing unlimited access to the Resident Dining Halls. The Resident Dining Plan also includes a portion of Retail Dining Dollars to be used at retail venues. The charge for the meal plan will appear on each semester’s bill.

Students residing in Higgins Hall will be assigned to the On-The-Go Plan, comprised entirely of Retail Dining Dollars. This is a reduced meal plan and assumes that the student will cook several of their own meals. Higgins residents are welcome to eat in any of the three dining halls (Mills, Wilsbach and Hulbert) where they will be charged a door price. Higgins residents have the option of choosing the Resident Dining Plan if they prefer.

We operate a tax-free dining plan under state law which mandates that funds paid into the plan are non-refundable. Unspent retail dining dollars remaining from fall semester will be rolled over and added to the plan for spring semester. Any balance remaining at the end of the academic year in May is forfeited. Please see the dining plans webpage for more details.

5. Phone lines in student bedrooms will be activated upon request. This includes the costs of basic (local) telephone service, voice mail, and calls to locations within the Continental US, Alaska, or Hawaii. Phone lines must remain where presently affixed. Students bring their own telephone instruments and must be FCC approved. Cordless phones may be used in the residence hall bedrooms if they are not 2.4 GHz.

6. The cost of streaming television service is included in room rental charges. Services are provided by SpectrumU

7. The loss of a student’s residence hall key/combination/access card requires the changing of room locks. The student originally assigned the key/combination/access card will be assessed the cost of the required lock/combination change and keys/access card.

D. OCCUPANCY

1. Residence halls open for all students on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 8:00am. Students may be assigned a specific move-in time.  Move in for the 2022-2023 academic year will be coordinated during the spring/summer of 2022.  New students attending Orientation will move in based on their assigned Orientation session.  New students will be notified by the office of their assigned move in time later. 

2. NEW STUDENTS who must arrive after that date and/or hour must notify the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member of anticipated time of arrival. ANY STUDENT who has not claimed his/her room assignment by the first day of classes of each semester, and has not duly notified the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member, or the Residential Community Life Office, will be considered a “no show” and that room space will be reassigned.

3. For energy conservation and security reasons, the residence halls may close for the following periods:
*These dates are based on the Academic Calendar as of March 17, 2021.

For the 2021-2022 academic year:

              Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 1:00 PM

              Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at noon until Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM

              Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM

For the 2022-2023 academic year:

              Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM

              Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at noon until Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM

              Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 1:00 PM

          No students are permitted to remain in residence. Specific times and procedures that MUST be followed will be posted in advance. Interim accommodations are the responsibility of the individual student.

4. Limited break housing will be available for students who have an articulated, documentable reason to stay during the breaks.  A process will be developed and announced 2 weeks prior to each break and will be dependent on COVID-19 metrics at the time of the break. Students may be required to relocate or consolidate into a different residence hall during break periods.  On campus food service options may not be available during times when classes are not in session.

5. The residence halls close for the summer months at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 19, 2022 and at 9:00AM on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

6. Termination of occupancy REQUIRES the student to (1) remove all personal belongings from the room, (2) have the room condition inspected by the Resident Advisor or Residence Hall Professional Staff Member using the previously completed room condition form, and (3) return all keys/access cards. Failure to return all keys/access cards at termination of occupancy will result in charges for lock change(s) and new keys/access cards.

7. Any personal belongings left behind by a student following termination of occupancy will be disposed of at the discretion of SUNY Oneonta without any responsibility to account for such property. A charge will be incurred for the disposal.  Rooms, suites, quads or apartments are not considered properly vacated until all personal possessions are removed and keys to the room are returned.  SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to dispose of belongings and charge occupancy while belongings remain in the room.

8. All students must vacate the residence halls within 24 hours of their last final exam each semester, or by the closing of the hall, whichever is earlier.

E. REFUND POLICIES

1. For those incoming, new students WITHDRAWING OR TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM SUNY Oneonta a refund of advance $100 deposit will be made if a WRITTEN request to the Residential Community Life Office is RECEIVED prior to July 1; for second semester - prior to January 1. Students taking an official leave or officially withdrawing on or after July or January 1 but prior to occupancy will receive room refund, if due them, but not refund of $100 deposit. Students who are released from the Residence Hall Contract for the purpose of relocating off campus will receive refund of monies if due them, but always forfeit the $100 housing deposit/monies due to university plus $350 in liquidation fees.

2. Students academically ineligible to continue receive automatic refund of room rental monies due them. However, a guest rental rate will be applied to students not vacating the premises as directed by SUNY Oneonta.

3. Any student terminated from the residence hall for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund of room rent, plus a $350 charge in liquidation fees.

4. Room refunds AFTER OCCUPANCY are based on the date occupancy is acceptably terminated (see D.5) PROVIDED THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN PERMISSIBLY TERMINATED (SEE A.2 & A.3).

UPDATED CHANGES TO DOCUMENT

The refund for students who terminate their housing the following refund schedule will apply (if a student has keys/access cards to their room and/or belongings in the room, they will be assessed room rent):

Withdraw during: Percentage of charge refunded

1st week of semester: daily rate

2^nd through forth: 75%

5th thru Mid-term: 50 percent

Remainder of semester: No refund

5. Dining plan refund policy is established by Oneonta Auxiliary Services in compliance with New York State Law governing tax-free student dining plans. The policy provides for a prorated refund considering an administrative overhead cost incurred, and the number of weeks in the semester which have passed at the time the student leaves SUNY Oneonta. A student who withdraws from SUNY Oneonta or is found academically ineligible to continue after the Fall semester and prior to the beginning of the Spring semester, is not entitled to a refund for any unused declining balance amount. Similarly, any declining balance remaining at the end of spring semester is forfeited. A copy of the refund policy is available on the OAS website. http://www.oneonta.edu/oas/thefineprint.asp#Dining

6. Refunds may take 4-6 weeks after all proper procedures have been followed and paperwork has been completed.

7. Written appeals not received by the Residential Community Life Office concerning any assessments of room rental within 30 days means you accept charges as stated.

F. DAMAGES

1. Each student will be held responsible for any damage beyond reasonable wear to his/her room, the furniture, and equipment contained therein and for any damage caused by him/her to any other part of the residence hall and/or premises. The charge will include labor and replacement costs. These costs are ultimately determined, utilizing the room condition report, by the Residence Hall Professional Staff Member, not the Resident Advisor.

2. When a damage condition exists in a room or in a common area of a residence hall, and a student or students are not identified as responsible, all the students in that effected living unit/area may be assessed for the repairs. Public space within a residence hall refers to any area that is open and accessible to all residents of the building, including but not limited to hallways, stairwells, lounges, bathrooms, etc.

3. Assessments are to be paid at Student Accounts in the Administration Building room 243 within TEN BUSINESS DAYS of billing or prior to the next registration, whichever is earlier.

G. STANDARD REGULATIONS

1. 1. Student agrees to adhere to Federal, State and Local laws and Ordinances.  In addition, Student agrees to follow Residential Community Life policies and the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct.
   2. The SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct covers policies including: Academic Integrity, Alcohol, Assault/Reckless Endangerment, Computer Use, Crime, Demonstrations, Disorderly Conduct/Abusive Behavior, Disruptive Classroom Behavior, Drugs, Failure to Comply, False Admission Application, Falsification of Information, Harassment, Hazing, Health, Identification, Library, Misuse/Destruction of Property, Ordinances, Retaliation, and Sexual and Interpersonal Violence.   It is the expectation of the Licensor that the Student reads and is responsible for the contents of the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct. Please note: the Code of Conduct includes the following:
      1. Residence Hall License:  Students living on campus or visiting a residence hall are required to comply with all policies and procedures as outlined in the Residence Hall License. 

As such all violations of this license agreement and the standard regulations are also a violation of the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct.  Violations of the Code of Conduct and/or Residence Hall License are subject to disciplinary action, which could include the revocation of this License agreement according to section F “Revocation of Licensor” above.

1. 3. Conduct Notices: It is the responsibility of the Student to monitor and respond to messages at the official SUNY Oneonta email address designated for the Student, their residence hall mailbox, and any phone number provided by the Student to the Licensor as their primary contact number.
   4. Residence Hall License policies:  The following policies are listed that clarify and add to the policies covered by the Code of Student Conduct.  This list is not exhaustive, and students are responsible for complying with all campus policies and procedures.   For convenience, some of the Code of Student Conduct language is listed here.  Residents are responsible for knowing and following the Code of Student Conduct AND the Residence Hall License policies.
      1. Alcohol:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: The possession, consumption and/or distribution of alcohol on campus grounds and in campus facilities is prohibited, except at events and under conditions authorized by SUNY Oneonta and/or as expressly permitted by university Policy
         2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Hosting: Hosting a gathering where alcohol violations are occurring is prohibited.  Students who host will face stronger sanctions than those who attend such gatherings.
            2. Attending a gathering: Students attending a gathering where alcohol policy violations are occurring is prohibited.
            3. Paraphernalia: Alcohol paraphernalia (e.g. kegs, mini-kegs, empty cans, empty bottles, taps, funnels) or items related to activities that encourage the excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol are not permitted (e.g. beer pong tables). Alcohol can or bottle collections are also not permitted.
            4. Exception to this policy: For students living in Higgins, Bacon, and Denison Halls, they agree to the Higgins Hall alcohol policy.  A copy of this policy will be located in each apartment in Higgins Hall, and bedroom in Bacon and Denison halls when those halls are in use.
      2. Disruptive Behavior:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Disorderly Conduct/Abusive Behavior: No person shall engage in any disorderly and/or disruptive conduct that interferes with the normal operations of SUNY Oneonta, infringes upon the rights of others, and/or breaches the peace or safety of the university community.
         2. Residence Hall License Clarification: “Normal Operations of SUNY Oneonta” includes Residential Community Life Professional and Paraprofessional Staff performing their normal employment duties. 
      3. Drugs:
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Possession, use, and/or distribution of illegal drugs and/or prescription medication not prescribed for you is prohibited. An individual’s use of any drug, on/off campus, which results in a disruption to the campus community, will be considered a violation of this policy.
         2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. In the presence of: Students attending a gathering where drugs or the smell of marijuana is present is prohibited
            2. Medical Marijuana cards: Despite any possible changes in state law, SUNY Oneonta receives federal funding, and the courts have upheld that possession and distribution of marijuana violates federal law, irrespective of any state law that permits the use of Marijuana, even for medical purposes.  Because SUNY Oneonta receives federal monies under the “Drug Free Schools” Act, we enforce federal laws around marijuana. Marijuana is covered under the Code of Student Conduct drug policy
      4. Facilities Related Policies:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. Appliances: Electrical devices such as stereos, TVs, hair dryers, automatic shut-off coffee/tea makers, microwaves, automatic shut-off rice cookers, blenders and personal computers are permitted, if they are UL approved and portable.  Refrigerators are permitted but must be limited in size to counter-top height.  The following items are PROHIBITED: Space heaters, halogen lamps and other appliances (examples: hotplates, toasters, sunlamps, air conditioners, electric blankets, and/or any appliance with an open heating element). 
               1. In addition, items with a built in electrical or USB outlets that do not have a grounded plug (three prong) directly in the wall (ex. two pronged cords for desk lamps with USB plugs, bed risers with outlets, etc) are NOT PERMITTED.
               2. In Higgins: UL approved cooking appliances are permitted.  Full size refrigerators are provided in the kitchen of each apartment.
            2. Bathrooms:  Residents and guests should use the bathroom that coincides with their self-identified gender.  In each building there are also gender-neutral bathrooms for resident and guest use.  Residents and guests found in opposite gender bathrooms is prohibited.  If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact your Residence Hall professional staff member, or reach out to the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (607.436.2190)
            3. Candles/Incense/Open Flames: Because of NY State Fire Code regulations, candles in any form are prohibited.  Open fires/flames including burning candles, butane torch lighters, and activities potentially dangerous to property or disruptive to the community are also prohibited.  All items (including candles) will be confiscated.
            4. Cooking: Except for Higgins, residence hall rooms are not designed for the preparation of meals with other than the use of approved appliances (see “Appliances” above).  The halls are not properly ventilated, nor do they have proper disposal facilities.  The halls do not meet the Board of Health regulations or the State of New York fire codes for such use.
            5. Decorations: Decorative string lights (holiday lights, rope lights, pre-lit holiday artificial trees, etc.) are permitted.  Lights must be plugged directly into a wall outlet or surge protector and may not be plugged into another string of lights (daisy chaining).  Because of fire regulations, live, perishable decorations (including Christmas Trees and Wreaths) are prohibited. Students are not permitted to put up paneling, wallpaper or paint their rooms. 
            6. Electric and Gas-powered Vehicles (Mopeds, Scooters, Hoverboards, etc.):  These vehicles are not permitted to be stored in resident rooms.  Students with a disability who need electric mobility devices (like a scooter) are allowed, provided the accommodation request is made in writing prior to bringing the electric mobility device to campus.
            7. Extension Cords and Power Strips: Extension cords and multi-taps without a circuit breaker are prohibited.  Surge protectors with overcurrent protection and visible reset are permitted but may not be connected to another surge protector (daisy chaining) to add length to an outlet. 
            8. Fire Alarms and Evacuation: Fire drills are compulsory and occur each semester.  However, when the fire alarm goes off, residents are expected to treat is as a real fire alarm.  Students will not know for sure whether the alarm is real or a drill.  Evacuating during a fire alarm, and practicing this evacuation is critical for the health and safety of our community.  Failure to vacate or evacuate during a fire alarm is a violation of the License agreement and may result in legal prosecution.
            1. Fire Safety/Equipment: Tampering with fire equipment, e.g. fire alarms, extinguishers, and smoke detectors (in rooms, suites, quads, and public areas) is a violation of the Residence Hall License.  Violations of this include, but are not limited to; removing a fire extinguisher from its prescribed location, fully or partially discharging a fire extinguisher for any purpose other than putting out a fire, tampering with smoke alarms (in rooms or in public areas), taping smoke alarms in rooms, setting off false fire alarms, or removing or damaging exit lights and starting fires.  Violations of this policy may result in legal prosecution and/or revocation of this license agreement upon the first offense.  In addition, any fines imposed on SUNY Oneonta for fire safety violations will be charged to the students occupying the space in which the violation occurred.
            10. Furnishings/Furniture: Furniture in bedrooms, suites, quads, apartments, lobbies, and other public areas are considered property of SUNY Oneonta and are not to be removed by residents.  Furnishings in public areas are to remain in those locations. In addition to disciplinary action, a fee may be assessed for the removal, return, replacement, and/or reassembling of furniture.  In Higgins, Bacon and Denison Halls, all university furnishings must be accounted for and must remain within each designated apartment.  SUNY Oneonta does not furnish study lamps, curtains, rugs, pillows, blankets, bedspread, and other bed linens.
            11. Health and Safety/Sanitary Living Conditions: Students are responsible for maintaining their room, suite, quad, apartment in a sanitary and orderly condition as determined by the office of Residential Community Life.  Fees may be assessed for any special cleaning necessitated by improper care.  In addition, relocation of the student or revocation of the residence hall license may occur.  Trash removal and recycling procedures are posted. Students must regularly empty their own trash and follow the posted procedures.
            50. Insurance: SUNY Oneonta maintains no insurance for property loss or damage for any cause.  Students should work with their parent/guardian’s homeowners/renters insurance to obtain renters insurance if they so choose.
            1000. Keys/Combinations/Access cards:  Tampering with card access equipment, simplex codes and/or locks/latches is prohibited. In addition, students may face legal prosecution for a violation of this policy.  In addition, residents are not permitted to give their residence hall keys/simplex codes/combinations/access cards to anyone else.  Doors may not be left propped open.  Between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am students are required to enter their building through the main entrance.
            14. Mattress/Bed limitations: Waterbeds and any other items imposing unreasonable stress on the structure of the residence hall is prohibited.  Residents may not construct their own lofts
            15. Room décor limitations: Because of NY State Fire Code; walls, doors, and ceilings cannot contain more than 10% covering of any material.  In addition, decorations made from fabric must be “fire retardant” from the manufacturer and residents must attach this documentation from the manufacturer to the fabric. Violation of this policy may result in items being confiscated. 
            16. Roofs/Ledges/Window Screens: Residents are not permitted on Residence Hall roofs or window ledges.  Window screens are not to be removed at any time and nothing is to be thrown from them.  Violations of this policy may result in additional fees for window replacement or damage to roofs and ledges.
            17. Sustainability: Because of SUNY Oneonta’s commitment to sustainability and reducing energy consumption, residents should limit the electrical devices brought to campus.  In addition, these items should operate properly.

1. 1. 5. Failure to Comply:                    
         1. Code of Student Conduct: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of SUNY Oneonta officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties and/or interference with faculty, staff, or student staff acting in the performance of their official duties will result in disciplinary action.
            1. Clarification: Residence Life Professional and RA/RCA Staff are defined as SUNY Oneonta officials for the purposes of this policy.
      6. Guests:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies:
            1. *NOTE: Currently, we do not anticipate allowing any non-residents to enter any residence hall for the 2021-2022 academic year.  If this changes, an addendum will be sent with clarification of the updated guest policy.
            2. Definitions:
               1. Guest: A guest is defined as any person (student, non-student, or SUNY Oneonta resident) present in the community, floor, room, quad, suite, apartment who does live in that area.  Even though a person may be a resident of the SUNY Oneonta residential community, they are considered a guest when they are not in their room or living area. 

1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 2. Host: A host is defined as a resident who is being visited by another individual.  All guests have a host – that host is defined as the person who the guest defines as their host.  If a guest does not identify their host, and they are not registered to a individual, then the residents who live in the area where the guest is present will be responsible as their host.
               3. Overnight Guest: An overnight guest is defined as a guest who is present between the hours of 11:00 pm and 8:00 am.
            3. Guest Behavior & Compliance: Guests are expected to follow federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.  In addition, guests must follow the Code of Student Conduct and Residence Hall License policies.  A violation of this will result in the guest being asked to leave.  If a guest violates federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, or refused to comply with a request to leave, they will be considered trespassing and law enforcement authorities will be notified. Residents are responsible for complying with these procedures and ensuring their guests comply as well.  Residents may be found in violation and held accountable for the behaviors of their guest. 
            4. Escort: Guests must always be accompanied by their host.  Unaccompanied guests may be asked to leave the residential community
            5. Limitations: The Residence Hall professional staff have full authority to limit guests in a room, reject guests, or evict guests, if they believe the health and safety of students is being jeopardized or policy violations are occurring. 
            6. Overnight Guests:
               1. Registration: Overnight guests are required to register with the Residence Hall professional staff member or their designee.

1. 1. 6. 1. 6. 2. Limits on visitation: Specific overnight quests may not visit more than twice per month and no longer than two consecutive nights per visit (4 total nights per month) in the residential community.  Residents are not permitted to have more than two (2) overnight guests at a time.  Exceptions may be made with permission of the Residence Hall professional staff member. 
                  1. Cohabitation: Hosts found with guests more than 4 total nights per month may be responsible for a daily rate in which the guest is staying in the unit.  This daily rate is a minimum of $50 per day. 
            7. Permission: Residents must get their roommates, quad-mates, suitemates, apartments permission before bringing guests into their living areas.  If roommates/quad-mates/suitemates/apartment-mates is/are uncomfortable with a certain guest, please consult with your RA or professional Residence Life staff member.

            8. Residence Hall Guest Policy - update 8/16/2021

               Any enrolled student or SUNY Oneonta faculty/staff who is fully vaccinated or following weekly pool test requirements (unvaccinated/partially vaccinated/exempt from vaccination) will be allowed to visit residential students in their residence hall, including student bedrooms and public spaces open to residents. Guests should be prepared to show a SUNY Oneonta ID and proof of vaccination/testing participation if asked by the residential staff.

                Any person who is not enrolled at or employed by SUNY Oneonta is prohibited from entering the residence halls.

               An assessment/review of this policy will happen by October 1, 2021 by SUNY Oneonta to make a decision to adjust this policy based on local community and campus data.

      7. Noise:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Because the Residential Community strives to be an academic living environment which supports students in their academic endeavors, the following are violations of the Residence Hall Noise policy:
            1. Disruptive Noise: At all times, noise considered “disruptive” is prohibited.  This means your stereo, voice, or other noise should not be heard down the hall or outside the building. Because of the noise level, musical instruments and amplified music may be prohibited.  Keep in mind “bass” carries between rooms and should be kept to a minimum.
            2. Courtesy Hours: Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day.  This means that any time someone (whether they are a staff member or resident) asks you to lower the volume of noise in your room or area, you must honor that request.  The right to quiet always supersedes the right to make noise.
            3. Quiet Living Areas: For students living in designated Quiet Living Areas always requires that all noise levels be kept to a minimum and within the confines of the actual assigned room during the academic year.
            4. Finals week: During Finals week, a 22-hour quiet hours policy is in effect in preparation for and during final exams.  All residents must adhere to the 22-hour quiet hours (relaxed from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm).  Finals week quiet hours start the Sunday before finals week begins.  
      8. Pets:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Pets of any type, except for small fish in the proper aquarium facilities of ten gallons or less are prohibited.  To be cared for properly, fish must be removed from the residence halls during extended break periods.
      9. Solicitation:
         1. Residence Hall License Policies: Solicitation/sales by residents or others is prohibited within the residence halls or dining halls without permission of the Director of Residence Life or their designee. Because of liability residents may not operate a business within the residence halls or their room, apartment, quad, or suite.
      10. Smoking:
          1. Code of Student Conduct: Smoking is prohibited in all SUNY Oneonta buildings except in certain designated areas. Such areas are identified by “Smoking Permitted” signs. Areas without such signs should be understood to be no smoking areas. Smoking is defined as the carrying or use of a lighted cigarette, cigar, or other form of smoking device.
          2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
             1. Electronic Cigarettes clarification: “Form of Smoking Device” in the Code of Student Conduct includes electronic Cigarettes (e-cigs) and/or vaporizers (vaping).
             2. Smoking (including e-cigs and vaporizers) is not permitted within 20 feet of any residence hall
      11. Vandalism:
          1. Residence Hall License Policy: Deliberate vandalism or non-accidental damage to SUNY Oneonta property or the property of members of our community is prohibited.  This includes (but is not limited to) defacing bulletin boards, breaking glass, holes in walls, graffiti, etc.).  Students found responsible for violations of this policy may be subject to revocation of license agreement.
      12. Weapons:
          1. Code of Student Conduct: Possession or keeping of a deadly instrument on campus (including in any vehicle) or use of any object with intent to harm another is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, explosives, explosive devices, knives, blackjacks, chukka sticks, slingshots, kung fu type weapons, fireworks, firecrackers, CO2 type firearms, spring powered firearms, chemical or pepper aerosol spray. Violators will be subject to criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary action from SUNY Oneonta.
          2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
             1. Additional items not allowed: Smoke bombs and box cutters
             2. Exceptions: Small kitchen knives for the purpose of cooking or tools used for academic purposes are allowed.  These items must be kept secure in a locked toolbox, trunk, or storage unit.

H. DIRECTORY INFORMATION

In compliance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts of 1974, students who do not wish directory information (home addresses and phone numbers) released to persons or agencies outside the State University MUST submit a written statement to that effect to the Residential Community Life Office by July 1 (January 1 for Spring term entrants). Directory information is available to offices within SUNY Oneonta.

I. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHTS OF SUNY Oneonta

1. SUNY Oneonta may revoke or reassign rooms for occupancy management or violations of herein stated regulations - health, safety, or social reasons; or any reason deemed sufficient by appropriate university authorities.

2. Every effort will be made to avoid unnecessary intrusions on student’s privacy, but SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to enter student rooms to make periodic announced room inspections as well as enter student rooms when there is reasonable belief that an occupant in the room may be physically harmed or endangered.

SUNY Oneonta also reserves the right to have an authorized agent of the university, including a University Police (UPD) officer, with the written approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or the person designated to act in that capacity in his absence and authorization of the SUNY Oneonta President, inspect student rooms when there is reasonable belief that (1) university property is being damaged, (2) university policy is being violated, or (3) maintenance and/or repair is necessary.
              a. Per SUNY policy, SUNY Oneonta reserves the right to enter, repair, inventory, inspect, or search, and students expressly consent to such entry or entries into, any

student space at any time, including but not limited to health and safety inspections of residence hall rooms.  The Residence Life staff, University Police

Department officers, facilities staff, and any other SUNY Oneonta employees or contractors who have a legitimate need to enter the space.

3. SUNY Oneonta conducts inspections of each residence hall room upon closedown for each university break.  If, while in the process of conducting an inspection of student rooms, a university official finds an item which may be a violation of the Residence Hall License or Code of Student Conduct, SUNY Oneonta has the right to confiscate that item.

4. SUNY Oneonta may terminate this agreement at any time for reasons of safety, security, and conduct of its residence program.

J. POLICY REVIEW

To maintain a responsible environment, SUNY Oneonta feels that it is necessary to establish and enforce certain of its own regulations, i.e., this agreement. Campus policies, however, are not and should not be unalterable. Periodically these policies will be reviewed jointly by students, faculty, and administrators as to needs, validity, and effectiveness.

K. CHANGES TO THE STANDARD REGULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN SECTION G

Student will be notified in writing (via the official SUNY Oneonta email address of licensee) for any changes in campus regulations or regulations related to the housing license.  These changes would be expected to occur each summer as policies and procedures are updated. 

 When you sign your Residence Application you are agreeing to abide by this Residence Hall License for 4 full semesters, both Fall and Spring semesters, 2021-2023. This Agreement is legally binding. This license may be amended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as dictated/required by the evolution of the virus.