Residence Hall License

Residence Hall Licenses

SUNY Oneonta

RESIDENCE HALL LICENSE

Fall and Spring 2024-2026 – First year students entering the university in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

A. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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 Experience and Housing Office.
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 the college as freshmen are required to reside in a residence hall for their first four semesters.
Exceptions to #2 include: students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from the college, 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.
Students who relocate off campus for any reason are not guaranteed on campus housing in the future.
All residence hall students are required to purchase a full dining plan for each semester they are in residence. See C.4., below
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.
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 the College for the period designated above.
No student may take possession of, or remain in, a room when his\her accounts are in arrears.
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.
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.
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

The college 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.
Continuing students make room selections in March/April/May for the following year.
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.
The college 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 Experience and Housing Office before moving to another assignment.
In the event of vacancies the college 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 the college. 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

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.
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.
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.
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.
1. 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 and Wilsbach) where they will be charged a door price. Higgins residents have the option of choosing the Resident Dining Plan if they prefer.
2. 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 following web site for details.www.oneonta.edu/oas/diningplans
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.
The cost of streaming television service is included in room rental charges. Services are provided by SpectrumU.
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

Residence halls open for all returning students on Saturday, August 24 at 8:00am. New students (Transfers) attending Orientation will move in based on their assigned Orientation session. New students (Transfers) will be notified by the office of their assigned move in time later.
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 Experience and Housing Office, will be considered a “no show” and that room space will be reassigned.
For energy conservation and security reasons, the residence halls may close for the following periods:
1. *These dates are based on the College Calendar as of February 4, 2024.
  1. Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM
  2. Wednesday, December18, 2024 at noon until Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
  3. Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
2. For the 2024-2025 academic year:
  1. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
  2. Wednesday, December 13, 2025 at noon until Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM
  3. Saturday, March 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
3. 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.
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. 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.
The residence halls close for the summer months at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 15, 2025 and Thursday, May 16, 2026 .
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.
Any personal belongings left behind by a student after occupancy termination will be disposed of at the university's discretion without 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. The College reserves the right to dispose of belongings and charge occupancy while belongings remain in the room.
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

For those incoming, new students WITHDRAWING OR TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY, a refund of advance $100 deposit will be made if a WRITTEN request to the Residential Experience and Housing 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 1 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 college plus $350 in liquidation fees.
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 the university.
Any student terminated from the residence hall for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund of room rent, plus a $350 charge in liquidation fees.
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.
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 the college. A student who withdraws from the college 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
Refunds may take 4-6 weeks after all proper procedures have been followed and paperwork has been completed.
Written appeals not received by the Residential Experience and Housing Office concerning any assessments of room rental within 30 days means you accept charges as stated.

F. DAMAGES

Each student will be held responsible for any damage beyond reasonable wear to their room, the furniture, and equipment contained therein and for any damage caused by the student 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.
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.
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

Student agrees to adhere to Federal, State and Local laws and Ordinances. In addition, Student agrees to follow Residential Experience and Housing policies and the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct (located at https://suny.oneonta.edu/policy-library/policies/code-student-conduct).
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. i. 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.
2. 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.
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, the Oneonta Dragon Express mailroom, and any phone number provided by the Student to the Licensor as their primary contact number.
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. i. Alcohol:
  1. 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 University and/or as expressly permitted by University Policy
  2. 2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. 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. b. Attending a gathering: Students attending a gathering where alcohol policy violations are occurring is prohibited.
    3. c. 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. Alcohol can or bottle collections are also not permitted.
    4. d. Exception to this policy: For students living in Curtis and Higgins, they agree to the On Campus Hall Alcohol Policy which is located our website A copy of this policy will be emailed to all Curtis and Higgins hall students for August and January openings.
2. ii. Disruptive Behavior:
  1. 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 the University, infringes upon the rights of others, and/or breaches the peace or safety of the University community.
  2. 2. Residence Hall License Clarification: “Normal Operations of the University” includes Residential Experience and Housing Professional and Paraprofessional Staff performing their normal employment duties.
3. iii. Drugs:
  1. 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. 2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. In the presence of: Students attending a gathering where drugs or the smell of cannabis is present is prohibited
  3. b. Medical Cannabis cards: Despite any possible changes in state law, SUNY Oneonta receives federal funding, and the courts have upheld that possession and distribution of cannabis violates federal law, irrespective of any state law that permits the use of Cannabis, even for medical purposes. Because SUNY Oneonta receives federal monies under the “Drug Free Schools” Act, we enforce federal laws around cannabis. Cannabis is covered under the Code of Student Conduct drug policy
4. iv. Facilities Related Policies:
  1. 1. Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. 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 and must be plugged directly into the wall. 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. i. 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. ii. In Higgins: UL approved cooking appliances are permitted. Full size refrigerators are provided in the kitchen of each apartment.
  2. b. 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.
  3. c. 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. d. 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. e. 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. f. 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. g. 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. h. 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.
  9. i. 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 the College for fire safety violations will be charged to the students occupying the space in which the violation occurred.
  10. j. 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, all university furnishings must be accounted for and must remain within each designated apartment. The university does not furnish study lamps, curtains, rugs, pillows, blankets, bedspread, and other bed linens.
  11. k. 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 Experience and Housing. 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.
  12. l. Insurance: The college 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.
  13. m. 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. n. 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. o. 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. p. 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. q. 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.
Failure to Comply:
1. Code of Student Conduct: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of University 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/HRA Staff are defined as college officials for the purposes of this policy.
vi. Guests:
1. Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. Definitions:
    1. i. 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.
    2. ii. 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 an individual, then the residents who live in the area where the guest is present will be responsible as their host.
    3. iii. 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. b. 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. c. Escort: Guests must always be accompanied by their host. Unaccompanied guests may be asked to leave the residential community.
4. d. 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. e. Overnight Guests:
  1. i. Registration: Overnight guests are required to register with the Residence Hall professional staff member or their designee.
  2. ii. 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. 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. f. 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.
Noise:
1. 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. a. 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. b. 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. c. 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. d. 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.
Pets:
1. 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.
Solicitation:
1. 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.
Smoking:
1. 1. Code of Student Conduct: Smoking is prohibited in all College 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. A fumigation fee may be assessed if smoke or other smells are found to have penetrated the space/leaked into the paint.
2. 2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. Electronic Cigarettes clarification: “Form of Smoking Device” in the Code of Student Conduct includes electronic Cigarettes (e-cigs) and/or vaporizers (vaping).
  2. b. Smoking (including e-cigs and vaporizers) is not permitted within 20 feet of any residence hall
Vandalism:
1. 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.
xii. Weapons:
1. 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 the College.
2. 2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. Additional items not allowed: Smoke bombs and box cutters
  2. b. 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 Experience and Housing Office by July 1 (January 1 for Spring term entrants). Directory information is available to offices within the university.

I. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

The university 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.
Every effort will be made to avoid unnecessary intrusions on student’s privacy, but the University 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.
1. The university 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 their absence and authorization of the University 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.
2. Per SUNY policy, The University 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 University employees or contractors who have a legitimate need to enter the space.
The University conducts inspections of each residence hall room upon closedown for each college break. If, while inspecting student rooms, a university official finds an item which may be a violation of the Residence Hall License or Code of Student Conduct, the university has the right to confiscate it.
The university 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, the university 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 agree to abide by this Residence Hall License for 4 full semesters both Fall and Spring semesters, 2024-2026. This Agreement is legally binding.

SUNY Oneonta

RESIDENCE HALL LICENSE

Fall and Spring 2024-2025 – Returning Students and Transfers

A. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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 Experience and Housing Office.
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 the college as freshmen are required to reside in a residence hall for their first four semesters.
Exceptions to #2 include: students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from the college, 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.
Students who relocate off campus for any reason are not guaranteed on campus housing in the future.
All residence hall students are required to purchase a full dining plan for each semester they are in residence. See C.4., below
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.
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 the College for the period designated above.
No student may take possession of, or remain in, a room when his\her accounts are in arrears.
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.
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.
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

The college 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.
Continuing students make room selections in March/April/May for the following year.
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.
The college 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 Experience and Housing Office before moving to another assignment.
In the event of vacancies the college 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 the college. 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

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.
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.
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.
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.
1. 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 and Wilsbach) where they will be charged a door price. Higgins residents have the option of choosing the Resident Dining Plan if they prefer.
2. 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 following web site for details.www.oneonta.edu/oas/diningplans
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.
The cost of streaming television service is included in room rental charges. Services are provided by SpectrumU.
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

Residence halls open for all returning students on Saturday, August 24 at 8:00am. New students (Transfers) attending Orientation will move in based on their assigned Orientation session. New students (Transfers) will be notified by the office of their assigned move in time later.
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 Experience and Housing Office, will be considered a “no show” and that room space will be reassigned.
For energy conservation and security reasons, the residence halls may close for the following periods:
1. *These dates are based on the College Calendar as of February 4, 2024.
2. Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM
3. Wednesday, December18, 2024 at noon until Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
4. Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
5. 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.
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. 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.
The residence halls close for the summer months at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 15. Graduating seniors in residence during the spring semester may retain their room assignments until 8:00 PM, Saturday, May 17.
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.
Any personal belongings left behind by a student after occupancy termination will be disposed of at the university's discretion without 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. The College reserves the right to dispose of belongings and charge occupancy while belongings remain in the room.
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

For those incoming, new students WITHDRAWING OR TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY, a refund of advance $100 deposit will be made if a WRITTEN request to the Residential Experience and Housing 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 1 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 college plus $350 in liquidation fees.
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 the university.
Any student terminated from the residence hall for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund of room rent, plus a $350 charge in liquidation fees.
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.
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 the college. A student who withdraws from the college 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
Refunds may take 4-6 weeks after all proper procedures have been followed and paperwork has been completed.
Written appeals not received by the Residential Experience and Housing Office concerning any assessments of room rental within 30 days means you accept charges as stated.

F. DAMAGES

Each student will be held responsible for any damage beyond reasonable wear to their room, the furniture, and equipment contained therein and for any damage caused by the student 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.
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.
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

Student agrees to adhere to Federal, State and Local laws and Ordinances. In addition, Student agrees to follow Residential Experience and Housing policies and the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct (located at https://suny.oneonta.edu/policy-library/policies/code-student-conduct).
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. i.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.
2. 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.
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, the Oneonta Dragon Express mailroom, and any phone number provided by the Student to the Licensor as their primary contact number.
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. i. Alcohol:
  1. 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 University and/or as expressly permitted by University Policy
  2. 2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. 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. b. Attending a gathering: Students attending a gathering where alcohol policy violations are occurring is prohibited.
    3. c. 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. Alcohol can or bottle collections are also not permitted.
    4. d. Exception to this policy: For students living in Curtis and Higgins, they agree to the On Campus Hall Alcohol Policy which is located our website A copy of this policy will be emailed to all Curtis and Higgins hall students for August and January openings.
2. ii. Disruptive Behavior:
  1. 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 the University, infringes upon the rights of others, and/or breaches the peace or safety of the University community.
  2. 2. Residence Hall License Clarification: “Normal Operations of the University” includes Residential Experience and Housing Professional and Paraprofessional Staff performing their normal employment duties.
3. iii. Drugs:
  1. 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. 2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. In the presence of: Students attending a gathering where drugs or the smell of cannabis is present is prohibited
    2. b. Medical Cannabis cards: Despite any possible changes in state law, SUNY Oneonta receives federal funding, and the courts have upheld that possession and distribution of cannabis violates federal law, irrespective of any state law that permits the use of Cannabis, even for medical purposes. Because SUNY Oneonta receives federal monies under the “Drug Free Schools” Act, we enforce federal laws around cannabis. Cannabis is covered under the Code of Student Conduct drug policy
4. iv. Facilities Related Policies:
  1. 1. Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. 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 and must be plugged directly into the wall. 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. i. 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. ii. In Higgins: UL approved cooking appliances are permitted. Full size refrigerators are provided in the kitchen of each apartment.
  2. b. 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.
  3. c. 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. d. 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. e. 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. f. 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. g. 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. h. 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.
  9. i. 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 the College for fire safety violations will be charged to the students occupying the space in which the violation occurred.
  10. j. 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, all university furnishings must be accounted for and must remain within each designated apartment. The university does not furnish study lamps, curtains, rugs, pillows, blankets, bedspread, and other bed linens.
  11. k. 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 Experience and Housing. 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.
  12. l. Insurance: The college 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.
  13. m. 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. n. 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. o. 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. p. 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. q. 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.
Failure to Comply:
1. Code of Student Conduct: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of University 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/HRA Staff are defined as college officials for the purposes of this policy.
Guests:
1. Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. Definitions:
    1. i. 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.
    2. ii. 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 an individual, then the residents who live in the area where the guest is present will be responsible as their host.
    3. iii. 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. b. 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. c. Escort: Guests must always be accompanied by their host. Unaccompanied guests may be asked to leave the residential community.
4. d. 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. e. Overnight Guests:
  1. i. Registration: Overnight guests are required to register with the Residence Hall professional staff member or their designee.
  2. ii. 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. 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.
Noise:
1. 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.
  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:
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
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.
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.
Smoking:
1. Code of Student Conduct: Smoking is prohibited in all College 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. A fumigation fee may be assessed if smoke or other smells are found to have penetrated the space/leaked into the paint.
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
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.
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 the College.
  1. 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 Experience and Housing Office by July 1 (January 1 for Spring term entrants). Directory information is available to offices within the university.

I. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

The university 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.
Every effort will be made to avoid unnecessary intrusions on student’s privacy, but the University 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.
1. The university 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 their absence and authorization of the University 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.
2. Per SUNY policy, The University 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 University employees or contractors who have a legitimate need to enter the space.
The University conducts inspections of each residence hall room upon closedown for each college break. If, while inspecting student rooms, a university official finds an item which may be a violation of the Residence Hall License or Code of Student Conduct, the university has the right to confiscate it.
The university 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, the university 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, 2024-2025. This Agreement is legally binding.

As an educational institution, the university recognizes that the use of alcohol is a matter of individual choice and does not, therefore, encourage or discourage the reasonable legal use of alcoholic beverages. SUNY Oneonta strives to empower students to make positive choices that reflect attitudes and behaviors that result in healthy lifestyles and contribute to a positive campus learning environment.

The conditions of study and sleep in residence halls are vital to the university's educational purposes as a residential university and integral to student academic performance. The use of alcohol and other drugs in a residence hall community not only impacts student users but may also have a significant negative impact on other students in the residence hall community.

The possession or consumption of alcohol by persons less than 21 years of age is prohibited. Underage students who reside with students of legal drinking age may be in the presence of alcohol in their assigned residence hall room/apartment, provided these underage roommates do not possess or consume alcohol.
Alcohol may be possessed and consumed by students and/or guests over 21 years of age only within student apartments/rooms if (at least one of) the residents responsible for the room is at least 21 years of age.
1. No alcoholic beverages shall be permitted in a room or apartment where all assigned student residents are under the age of 21, even if a student 21 years of age or older is present.
2. Guests or visitors (regardless of age) are prohibited from bringing alcohol for consumption or distribution into an apartment/room.
Students of legal drinking age must ensure that the amount of alcohol present in the room is reasonable for consumption by the individual resident over a reasonable period of time. In keeping with this, students of legal age may possess one of the following at any one time:
1. Up to one 12-pack of 12 ounce bottles/cans of beer (or equivalent) OR 750ml of wine OR 750ml of hard liquor
A person may not provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. A person is guilty of unlawfully dealing with a child (260.20 a class A misdemeanor) when: "he gives or sells or causes to be given or sold, any alcoholic beverage, as defined by section three of the alcoholic beverage control law, to a person less than 21 years old..."
Individuals who host events or activities where alcohol is present are responsible for abiding by the tenets of the NYS Social Host Law, including but not limited to:
1. Host(s) will serve only persons of legal age;
2. Host(s) will be held responsible for injuries and/or damage that occur even after an individual who was served has left the venue;
3. Host(s) of events where alcohol is served in exchange for money, donation or a door charge to enter, are required to obtain a license and approval from the local municipality. (This act is prohibited by the university.)
Students consuming alcohol are under a continuous obligation to follow the Code of Student Conduct. Behavior by an intoxicated person such that he or she becomes a public nuisance and/or is disruptive to the living community is prohibited. Intoxication is not an acceptable excuse for behavior that violates the Code of Student Conduct.
The following are strictly prohibited anywhere in Higgins and Curtis Halls:
1. Possession of open containers used for alcoholic beverages is not permitted for any student, guest, or visitor in public areas of the hall such as corridors, lounges, bathrooms, elevators, lobbies, offices, stairwells, doorways and the grounds surrounding the hall. Thus, movement between apartments with alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
2. The possession of kegs, mini kegs, boxed wine, spiked punch, Jell-0 shots and/or any alcohol infused foods are prohibited.
3. Bars, beer pong tables, drinking contests/games, funnels and all other mechanisms or tools used to promote consumption of large quantities, or rapid consumption, of alcohol are prohibited.
4. Any alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, flasks, can/bottle displays, and/or taps of any kind.
5. Displaying any alcohol beverage containers, signs, lights or other alcohol/prohibited substance-related materials in any window or doors facing public areas is prohibited.
6. No hall activity will be sponsored or approved where alcohol is served or consumed.
Compliance with all requests by University officials, including Residential Life staff or University Police, for proof of age is required. The university reserves the right to ascertain the age of anyone in an area where alcohol is present. If proof of age cannot be established, the alcohol will be confiscated and disposed of.
Students and/or guests who are belligerent or uncooperative with Residence Life staff, University Police, emergency medical personnel, or any other university official will be subject to university disciplinary action and/or arrest.
Any alcohol possessed in violation of any provision of this policy may be confiscated and disposed of by Residence Life staff or University Police.
Violations of this policy will be dealt with through the university Judicial System or the legal system as appropriate.
The number of people allowed in one apartment at a time is limited to double the number of residents of that apartment, (ie: If there are 6 residents of an apartment, the limit is 12 persons total)

A. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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 Experience and Housing Office.
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 the college as freshmen are required to reside in a residence hall for their first four semesters.
Exceptions to #2 include: students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from the college, 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.
Students who relocate off campus for any reason are not guaranteed on campus housing in the future.
All residence hall students are required to purchase a full dining plan for each semester they are in residence. See C.4., below
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.
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 the College for the period designated above.
No student may take possession of, or remain in, a room when his\her accounts are in arrears.
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.
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.
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

The college 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.
Continuing students make room selections in March/April/May for the following year.
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.
The college 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 Experience and Housing Office before moving to another assignment.
In the event of vacancies the college 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 the college. 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

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.
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.
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.
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.
1. 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 and Wilsbach) where they will be charged a door price. Higgins residents have the option of choosing the Resident Dining Plan if they prefer.
2. 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 following web site for details.www.oneonta.edu/oas/diningplans
The cost of streaming television service is included in room rental charges. Services are provided by SpectrumU.
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 returning students on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 8:00am. New college students and new transfer students will move in based on their assigned Orientation session. Please look for information from admissions on these important dates.
2. NEW STUDENTS who must arrive after that date 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 Experience and Housing 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:
1. *These dates are based on the University Calendar as of February 3, 2025.
2. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
3. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at noon until Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM
4. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
5. 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.
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. 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.
The residence halls close for the summer months at 12:00pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
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. The current rate for a lock change is $125.
Any personal belongings left behind by a student after occupancy termination will be disposed of at the university's discretion without 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. The College reserves the right to dispose of belongings and charge occupancy while belongings remain in the room.
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

For those incoming, new students WITHDRAWING OR TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY, a refund of advance $100 deposit will be made if a WRITTEN request to the Residential Experience and Housing 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 1 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 college plus $350 in liquidation fees.
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 the university.
Any student terminated from the residence hall for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund of room rent, plus a $350 charge in liquidation fees.
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.
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 the college. A student who withdraws from the college 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
Refunds may take 4-6 weeks after all proper procedures have been followed and paperwork has been completed.
Written appeals not received by the Residential Experience and Housing Office concerning any assessments of room rental within 30 days means you accept charges as stated.

F. DAMAGES

Each student will be held responsible for any damage beyond reasonable wear to their room, the furniture, and equipment contained therein and for any damage caused by the student 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.
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.
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

Student agrees to adhere to Federal, State and Local laws and Ordinances. In addition, Student agrees to follow Residential Experience and Housing policies and the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct (located at https://suny.oneonta.edu/policy-library/policies/code-student-conduct).
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.
2. 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.
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, the Oneonta Dragon Express mailroom, and any phone number provided by the Student to the Licensor as their primary contact number.
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 University 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. Alcohol can or bottle collections are also not permitted.
    4. Exception to this policy: For students living in Curtis and Higgins, they agree to the On Campus Hall Alcohol Policy which is located our website A copy of this policy will be emailed to all Curtis and Higgins hall students for August and January openings.
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 the University, 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 the University” includes Residential Experience and Housing Professional and Paraprofessional Staff performing their normal employment duties.
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 cannabis is present is prohibited
  2. Medical Cannabis cards: Despite any possible changes in state law, SUNY Oneonta receives federal funding, and the courts have upheld that possession and distribution of cannabis violates federal law, irrespective of any state law that permits the use of Cannabis, even for medical purposes. Because SUNY Oneonta receives federal monies under the “Drug Free Schools” Act, we enforce federal laws around cannabis. Cannabis is covered under the Code of Student Conduct drug policy. As such, a student who has a medical cannabis card cannot possess cannabis on campus.
Facilities Related Policies:
1. Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. 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 and must be plugged directly into the wall. 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. i. 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. ii. In Higgins: UL approved cooking appliances are permitted. Full size refrigerators are provided in the kitchen of each apartment.
  2. b. 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. All showers are single occupancy. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact your Residence Hall professional staff member.
  3. c. 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, soundproof foam, 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 it 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.
  9. 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 the College 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, all university furnishings must be accounted for and must remain within each designated apartment. The university 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 Experience and Housing. 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.
  12. Insurance: The college 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.
  13. 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.
Failure to Comply:
1. Code of Student Conduct: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of University 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/HRA Staff are defined as college officials for the purposes of this policy.
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.
  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 an 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.
  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.
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.
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.
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.
Smoking:
1. Code of Student Conduct: Smoking is prohibited in all College 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. A fumigation fee may be assessed if smoke or other smells are found to have penetrated the space/leaked into the paint.
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
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.
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 the College.
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 Experience and Housing Office by July 1 (January 1 for Spring term entrants). Directory information is available to offices within the university.

I. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

The university 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.
Every effort will be made to avoid unnecessary intrusions on student’s privacy, but the University 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.
1. The university 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 their absence and authorization of the University 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, The University reserves the right to enter, repair, inventory, inspect, or search, and students expressly consent to such entry or entries into, any
2. student space at any time, including but not limited to health and safety inspections of residence hall rooms. The Residence Life staff, University Police
3. Department officers, facilities staff, and any other University employees or contractors who have a legitimate need to enter the space.
The University conducts inspections of each residence hall room upon closedown for each college break. If, while inspecting student rooms, a university official finds an item which may be a violation of the Residence Hall License or Code of Student Conduct, the university has the right to confiscate it.
The university 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, the university 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 agree to abide by this Residence Hall License for 2 full semesters both Fall and Spring semesters, 2025-2026. This Agreement is legally binding

SUNY Oneonta
RESIDENCE HALL LICENSE
Fall and Spring 2025-2027 – First year students entering the university in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

A. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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 Experience and Housing Office.
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 the college as freshmen are required to reside in a residence hall for their first four semesters.
Exceptions to #2 include: students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from the college, 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.
Students who relocate off campus for any reason are not guaranteed on campus housing in the future.
All residence hall students are required to purchase a full dining plan for each semester they are in residence. See C.4., below
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.
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 the College for the period designated above.
No student may take possession of, or remain in, a room when his\her accounts are in arrears.
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.
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.
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

The college 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.
Continuing students make room selections in March/April/May for the following year.
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.
The college 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 Experience and Housing Office before moving to another assignment.
In the event of vacancies the college 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 the college. 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

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.
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.
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.
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.
1. 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 and Wilsbach) where they will be charged a door price. Higgins residents have the option of choosing the Resident Dining Plan if they prefer.
2. 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 following web site for details.www.oneonta.edu/oas/diningplans
The cost of streaming television service is included in room rental charges. Services are provided by SpectrumU.
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

Residence halls open for all returning students on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 8:00am. New college students and new transfer students will move in based on their assigned Orientation session. Please look for information from admissions on these important dates.
NEW STUDENTS who must arrive after that date 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 Experience and Housing Office, will be considered a “no show” and that room space will be reassigned.
For energy conservation and security reasons, the residence halls may close for the following periods: *These dates are based on the University Calendar as of February 3, 2025.
1. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
2. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at noon until Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM
3. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
4. For the 2026-2027 academic year:
  1. Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM
  2. Saturday, December 19, 2026 at noon until Thursday, January 21, 2027 at 9:00 AM
  3. Saturday, March 20, 2027 at 9:00 AM until Sunday, March 28, 2027 at 1:00 PM
5. 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.
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. 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.
The residence halls close for the summer months at 12:00pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and Saturday, May 22, 2027.
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. The current rate for a lock change is $125.
Any personal belongings left behind by a student after occupancy termination will be disposed of at the university's discretion without 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. The College reserves the right to dispose of belongings and charge occupancy while belongings remain in the room.
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

For those incoming, new students WITHDRAWING OR TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY, a refund of advance $100 deposit will be made if a WRITTEN request to the Residential Experience and Housing 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 1 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 college plus $350 in liquidation fees.
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 the university.
Any student terminated from the residence hall for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund of room rent, plus a $350 charge in liquidation fees.
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.
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 the college. A student who withdraws from the college 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
Refunds may take 4-6 weeks after all proper procedures have been followed and paperwork has been completed.
Written appeals not received by the Residential Experience and Housing Office concerning any assessments of room rental within 30 days means you accept charges as stated.

F. DAMAGES

Each student will be held responsible for any damage beyond reasonable wear to their room, the furniture, and equipment contained therein and for any damage caused by the student 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.
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.
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

Student agrees to adhere to Federal, State and Local laws and Ordinances. In addition, Student agrees to follow Residential Experience and Housing policies and the SUNY Oneonta Code of Conduct (located at https://suny.oneonta.edu/policy-library/policies/code-student-conduct).
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. i. 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.
2. 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.
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, the Oneonta Dragon Express mailroom, and any phone number provided by the Student to the Licensor as their primary contact number.
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. i. 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 University and/or as expressly permitted by University Policy
  2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. 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. b. Attending a gathering: Students attending a gathering where alcohol policy violations are occurring is prohibited.
    3. c. 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. Alcohol can or bottle collections are also not permitted.
    4. d. Exception to this policy: For students living in Curtis and Higgins, they agree to the On Campus Hall Alcohol Policy which is located our website A copy of this policy will be emailed to all Curtis and Higgins hall students for August and January openings.
2. ii. 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 the University, 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 the University” includes Residential Experience and Housing Professional and Paraprofessional Staff performing their normal employment duties.
3. iii. 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. a. In the presence of: Students attending a gathering where drugs or the smell of cannabis is present is prohibited
    2. b. Medical Cannabis cards: Despite any possible changes in state law, SUNY Oneonta receives federal funding, and the courts have upheld that possession and distribution of cannabis violates federal law, irrespective of any state law that permits the use of Cannabis, even for medical purposes. Because SUNY Oneonta receives federal monies under the “Drug Free Schools” Act, we enforce federal laws around cannabis. Cannabis is covered under the Code of Student Conduct drug policy. As such, a student who has a medical cannabis card cannot possess cannabis on campus.
4. iv. Facilities Related Policies:
  1. Residence Hall License Policies:
    1. a. 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 and must be plugged directly into the wall. 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. i. 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. ii. In Higgins: UL approved cooking appliances are permitted. Full size refrigerators are provided in the kitchen of each apartment.
  2. b. 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. All showers are single occupancy. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact your Residence Hall professional staff member.
  3. c. 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. d. 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. e. 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, soundproof foam, wallpaper or paint their rooms.
  6. f. 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. g. 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. h. Fire Alarms and Evacuation: Fire drills are compulsory and occur each semester. However, when the fire alarm goes off, residents are expected to treat it 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.
  9. i. 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 the College for fire safety violations will be charged to the students occupying the space in which the violation occurred.
  10. j. 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, all university furnishings must be accounted for and must remain within each designated apartment. The university does not furnish study lamps, curtains, rugs, pillows, blankets, bedspread, and other bed linens.
  11. k. 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 Experience and Housing. 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.
  12. l. Insurance: The college 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.
  13. m. 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. n. 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. o. 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. p. 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. q. 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.
Failure to Comply:
1. Code of Student Conduct: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of University 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/HRA Staff are defined as college officials for the purposes of this policy.
Guests:
1. Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. Definitions:
    1. i. 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.
    2. ii. 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 an individual, then the residents who live in the area where the guest is present will be responsible as their host.
    3. iii. 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. b. 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. c. Escort: Guests must always be accompanied by their host. Unaccompanied guests may be asked to leave the residential community.
4. d. 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. e. Overnight Guests:
  1. i. Registration: Overnight guests are required to register with the Residence Hall professional staff member or their designee.
  2. ii. 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. 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. f. 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.
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. a. 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. b. 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. c. 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. d. 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.
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.
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.
Smoking:
1. Code of Student Conduct: Smoking is prohibited in all College 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. A fumigation fee may be assessed if smoke or other smells are found to have penetrated the space/leaked into the paint.
2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. Electronic Cigarettes clarification: “Form of Smoking Device” in the Code of Student Conduct includes electronic Cigarettes (e-cigs) and/or vaporizers (vaping).
  2. b. Smoking (including e-cigs and vaporizers) is not permitted within 20 feet of any residence hall
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.
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 the College.
2. Additional Residence Hall License Policies:
  1. a. Additional items not allowed: Smoke bombs and box cutters
  2. b. 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 Experience and Housing Office by July 1 (January 1 for Spring term entrants). Directory information is available to offices within the university.

I. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

The university 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.
Every effort will be made to avoid unnecessary intrusions on student’s privacy, but the University 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.
1. The university 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 their absence and authorization of the University 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.
  1. Per SUNY policy, The University 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 University employees or contractors who have a legitimate need to enter the space.
The University conducts inspections of each residence hall room upon closedown for each college break. If, while inspecting student rooms, a university official finds an item which may be a violation of the Residence Hall License or Code of Student Conduct, the university has the right to confiscate it.
The university 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, the university 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 agree to abide by this Residence Hall License for 4 full semesters both Fall and Spring semesters, 2025-2027. This Agreement is legally binding.