Housing and Residence Life Community Standards

Our staff is excited to have you as a member of our on-campus living community.  As a student at Boise State University, not only are you a member of the larger university community, but also a member of the community that exists within your residence hall, suite, or apartment building.  Housing and Residence Life Community Standards and university policies are designed to provide a clear picture of what is expected of you as a resident.

Living in close quarters with people can be an amazing experience but can also present certain challenges. Every person comes from a different background and brings a different set of experiences and expectations for living on-campus housing.  Housing and Residence Life Community Standards and university policies are intended to give you, your roommate(s) and your neighbors a common set of expectations by which you can all live and learn together in order to achieve academic success, develop lasting friendships, and continue to build your skills so you are well prepared for your career after graduation.

It is the responsibility of each individual to know and abide by these Community Standards, in addition to the Student Code of Conduct maintained by the Dean of Students’ office. In order to carry on the work of teaching, research, and public service, Boise State University faculty, staff, administrators, and students have an obligation to maintain conditions under which the university’s work can proceed freely. This is done in accordance with the highest standards of quality, institutional integrity, freedom of expression, and with full recognition by all concerned, of the rights and privileges, as well as the responsibilities of those who comprise the university community. Each member of our community shares the responsibility of maintaining an environment conducive to the achievement of the university’s mission.

Being a member of a community means understanding and adhering to community standards, policies, regulations, and procedures, as well as being an active participant in the positive development and well-being of that community.  One community expectation is to ensure that community standards are upheld.  As a community member, you are responsible for your (and your guest’s) behavior and the choices you make.  It is our hope that you will choose to abide by all university and Housing and Residence Life procedures, regulations, and community standards. Housing and Residence Life, in conjunction with the Dean of Students office, has a conduct system in place to confront and address policy and Community Standard violations.

If you are ever in the presence of an alleged violation, you have some choices:

• You may attempt to stop the behavior or alleged violation, and/or
• You may contact Housing and Residence Life staff or Campus Security at (208) 426-6911, and/or
• You may remove yourself from the situation.

It is important to note that your involvement, in any capacity, will result in being a part of the documented incident. You may be asked to speak with a member of Housing and Residence Life or the Dean of Students office regarding the alleged misconduct of yourself or others.

As a member of Boise State University Housing and Residence Life’s community, you are afforded certain individual rights that your roommate(s) and those living around you should respect; however, these rights carry with them a reciprocal responsibility for you. Your responsibilities ensure that your roommate(s), suite/quad/apartment mates, floor mates, and other community members are afforded the same rights regardless of their gender, race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, cultural background, beliefs, values or attitudes. When you meet your responsibilities, you will be helping make the university and residential communities a great place to live where all students can be successful!

To a significant extent, your success will depend on your ability to understand and balance the rights and responsibilities aspects of your college experience. University staff members do not assume the role of a campus parent, and you will seldom be told what to do or what not to do with regard to your personal behavior. The obvious exception, as with society at large, is when individual behavior threatens the health and safety of yourself, others, or the community or begins to disrupt the academic pursuits of others within the residence halls.

Housing and Residence Life staff does not, nor cannot, guarantee you will retain each of these rights at all times. You share the responsibility. You can help ensure that these rights will be honored through thoughtful discussion and open communication with roommates, suite/quad/apartment mates, floor/court mates, and other community members.

Housing and Residence Life staff is committed to offering you an inclusive environment that will allow you to take healthy risks, grow and participate in enriching and challenging activities. You have the choice to passively exist or take full advantage of your living environment by participating in activities, standing up for yourself and others, and speaking up for what you believe has value.

The following is a listing of your “rights” (things to which you are entitled as a student living in one of our housing communities) as well as your “responsibilities” (what is expected of you as a member of a residential community). These rights and responsibilities are not legally binding, but they are meant to complement the formal Community Standards and university policies:

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to a safe and secure living environment.
• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to keep your living space secured, and to not prop doors open or allow in strangers. You also have a responsibility to uphold all policies and procedures. Violations of the Community Standards may put yourself and others at risk.
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to a reasonably peaceful and quiet space in which you can sleep and study.
• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to observe quiet hours, to keep your stereo, television, computer and your voice at a reasonable volume in your living environment, and to remind your guests and others that you expect the same of them, regardless of the time of day.
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to privacy and to the fair use of your room, both in terms of space and time, and the right to be free of unwanted guests in your room.
• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to let your roommate know of your wishes and preference for hours of sleep, study, and visitation, and to work through any difference you may have in a peaceful manner. You also have a responsibility to make sure your guests do not violate your roommate’s rights or interfere with his/her use of your living space.
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to respectfully confront another person’s behavior when it infringes on your rights.
• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to examine your own behavior when confronted by another and to work toward resolving conflicts.
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to the assistance of a Resident Assistant, Resident Director, or other Housing and Residence Life staff members when you need help with a problem;
• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to notify a staff person of your problem and request assistance in a timely manner and to cooperate with those involved as they work with you as you solve your problem.
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to know what is acceptable and/ or inappropriate behavior in your living environment.
• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to read the information provided for you by Boise State University. This includes, but is not limited to your Housing License/Lease Agreement, Community Standards, and Code of Conduct. You may report any violation, whether or not you were personally affected by it.

In addition to the aforementioned rights and responsibilities, you have additional rights and responsibilities outlined in the Student Code of Conduct with which you should be familiar.

It is the intention of the Department of Housing and Residence Life to help to facilitate a community wherein intentional connections are made, active collaboration between residents occurs, and students find a sense of belonging. By assessing and developing our critical thinking ability, it is the hope that the resident will continually develop into a functioning member of the University community and the wider community at-large. Through active respect for one another, a compassion for a unified mission, and stark authenticity, the student will become citizens for a lifetime By signing/agreeing to the Housing and Residence Life License/Lease Agreement, residents are contractually obligated to comply with the Community Standards listed herein. Any violations of these Housing and Residence Life Community Standards may result in conduct action, up to and including termination of the License/Lease Agreement. Residents and their guests are concurrently subject to all university policies and regulations for conduct, as well as all local, state, and federal laws.  Continued violation of the Community Standards may result in conduct action being taken as listed under the “official orders” section of the Student Code of Conduct. Should you have any questions or need a policy clarification, please contact your Resident Director or the Housing and Residence Life Office at (208) 447-1001.

Boise State University acknowledges the use of alcohol by students of legal age as a personal choice and that all students are aware that Idaho state law prohibits alcoholic beverages from being sold or given to any person under the age of 21. Housing and Residence Life is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to the intellectual and personal development of students and to the safety and welfare of all members of the university community.  This includes expecting and encouraging responsible drinking behaviors by those individuals who are of legal age and who consume alcoholic beverages and respecting the rights of those individuals who otherwise choose not to use alcohol.

Our department will continue to sponsor and support educational programs related to alcohol awareness and prevention, as well as support alternative activities for students that do not involve the use of alcohol.  For the full policy on alcohol, please refer to the Student Code of Conduct and The Office of the Dean of Students. In accordance with the Housing and Residence Life Community Standards, the following are policies that are Housing specific.

1. Alcohol may only be consumed in spaces where Licensee of that assignment and all guests are 21 years of age or older. If at least one person in any room/ suite/ townhome/ apartment is under the age of 21, no alcohol is permitted in the common areas. Alcohol may be consumed or stored in a bedroom if all residents of the room are over 21. Residents and/or guests under the age of 21 cannot be in a residential space (individual or common) if alcohol is present.
2. Alcohol is only permitted in the Lincoln Townhomes (in complexes designated 21 and older) and University Apartments designated for individuals 21 years old or older.
3. Alcohol is prohibited in residential common spaces where at least one roommate is under the age of 21.
4. Common sources of alcohol and/or devices/“games” used or intended for the rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited in all university housing and public areas. This policy includes games intended for the rapid consumption of alcohol in which no alcohol is being used.
5. Residents who are in the presence of underage drinking or any other alcohol violation(s) are in violation of these Community Standards
6. Possession or consumption of alcohol in a public space is strictly prohibited, including, but not limited to lawns, courtyards, court islands, parking lots, grounds, etc. Possessing an open alcoholic beverage container in a public space is illegal and prohibited on university property. An open container includes cans, bottles, cups and the like. Persons in violation of this will be required to pour out the remainder of the alcohol
7. The manufacture of any type of alcohol beverage by any method is prohibited.
8. Deliveries from liquor stores to the housing community are not permitted.
9. Alcohol paraphernalia, including, but not limited to beer bongs and kegs, is not permitted.
10. Empty, partially full, or full alcohol containers are not permitted in any space occupied by an individual(s) who is under 21 years of age. Housing and Residence Life staff finding alcohol containers in such spaces will direct assigned residents to pour out and dispose of all containers.
11. Empty, partially full, or full alcohol containers are not permitted to be on display, or visible by community members, in any residential space, regardless if the Licensee(s) is over the age of 21.
12. Visible photographs of students drinking alcohol in university housing facilities may be used as evidence of a Community Standard violation.
13. Inability to exercise care for one’s own, another’s, or community health, safety, and/or property due in part or whole to being under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, disruptive behavior; vomiting; urinating on floors, walls, and hallways; and incidents or conditions requiring extra care by staff or community members.
14. Residents are accountable for all activities that occur within their assigned space and common living areas. Any resident in a room, suite, or apartment where alcohol or alcohol containers are present at the same time as someone under the age of 21 is in violation of these Community Standards. At all times, residents are responsible for their own behavior as well as the actions of their guests. Residents and guests who are in the possession of alcohol are expected to cooperate with all reasonable university staff requests. Guests not complying with the alcohol policy will be asked to leave our residential community.

In order to maintain, repair, or update the conditions of all Boise State University residential facilities, staff from Housing and Residence Life and/or Facilities Operations & Maintenance reserves the right to enter residential living spaces with at least 24 hour notice, or immediately if a facilities related emergency exists, and when a resident requested work order is submitted. The following items describe Housing and Residence Life Community Standards relating to facilities concerns and general cleanliness:

1. Boise State University staff members clean each room/suite/townhome/apartment prior to occupancy. Thereafter it is the responsibility of the resident(s) to clean their individual and community (applicable in the Townhomes, University Suites, and University Apartments) space(s). All residential spaces are expected to be kept in a sanitary condition for the duration of occupancy, and in a clean condition upon vacating. If a room/suite/townhome/ apartment is not returned to its original clean condition when the resident first moved in upon checking out of their space, the resident(s) will be responsible for the associated cleaning and maintenance charges. Additionally, when facilities issues arise (i.e. broken windows, leaks, damaged Housing and Residence Life property, etc.) it is the student’s responsibility to report the issue immediately. Failure to report a facilities concern within a timely manner may be considered a violation of these Housing and Residence Life Community Standards and individuals may be subject to applicable charges.
2. Structural additions or alterations to Housing and Residence Life facilities are strictly prohibited without written permission by Housing and Residence Life.
3. Rooms are to be occupied only by the person(s) properly assigned to them by Housing and Residence Life. Room assignments are not transferable, subletting is not permitted, and students may not occupy two residential spaces simultaneously (unless conducting a room transfer during a 48-hour room transfer period). If a student makes an unauthorized room/suite/townhome/apartment change, the student may face conduct action.
4. Cohabitation is prohibited and is defined as the continued presence of someone staying in a residential space that is not assigned to him/her for more than three (3) consecutive days.
5. When facilities/maintenance issues occur and residents need to be temporarily relocated so work can be performed, residents are responsible for relocating (including moving essential items, picking up and returning temporary space keys in a timely manner, etc.). Failure to relocate, move personal possessions in a timely manner, and/or causing work to be delayed is a violation of community standards. Individuals may be held financially responsible for maintenance issues related to delays caused by residents who fail to follow the temporary relocation process.
6. Providing access to laundry facilities to unauthorized individuals is not permitted. Laundry facilities are designated for on-campus residents only.
7. Each residential space on campus house many individuals, it is critical to make sure laundry machines are available once your laundry has been washed or dried. Failing to remove belongings from machines and/or the laundry room within 48 hours of being completed may result in those items being discarded.
8. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to manage residential facilities based on current university, state, and federal guidance related to COVID-19. As guidance changes, resident expectations may change around the use of communal facilities (e.g., communal bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, lounges, etc.). Changes may include, but are not limited to, revised maximum capacity, enhanced cleaning requirements, and/or limited resident access.

Housing and Residence Life acknowledges that civility, understanding, and mutual respect are responsibilities of all members of the university community and its visitors.  These tenets are intrinsic to excellence in teaching and learning and to the existence of a safe and healthy community/workplace.  Threats of violence or acts of violence not only impact the individuals concerned, but also the mission of the university to foster higher education through open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.  Each member of the university community has the obligation to report threats or acts of violence to the appropriate university authority. Please note, many of the behaviors outlined here are included in the Student Code of Conduct as well as Boise State University policies. The following items describe Housing and Residence Life Community Standards relating to jeopardizing the academic success, health, and/or safety of self/others:

1. To maintain safe communities, all residential students play an integral role in helping to set, maintain, and promote healthy living behaviors, and as such are required to comply with health and safety laws, orders, ordinances, regulations and guidance adopted by Boise State University as it relates to public health crises, including COVID-19. Adherence to health and safety requirements applies to all residents, staff, and visitors and extends to all aspects of residential life, including bedrooms, bathrooms, community kitchens, lounges, front desks, courtyards, outdoor athletic courts, and other common spaces. Housing and Residence Life guidance may evolve as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, and as such residential students will be notified of updates to university guidelines and restrictions.
2. Any activity which can be interpreted as endangering to or harming any community member or guest thereof, including oneself, is prohibited. Any resident who demonstrates an inability to live in our community based on the tenets below may be asked to leave their community and/or commit to a behavioral contract with a Housing and Residential Life professional staff member. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to remove any individual exhibiting behavior deemed by the Housing and Residence Life staff as a threat to themselves or others.
3. Behavior that endangers or disturbs others’ or one’s own personal safety is prohibited. This includes intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causing physical harm.  Creating undue mental or emotional harm to any person such that it limits their ability to access the essential services of the university and/or Housing and Residence Life is prohibited.
4. The health and safety of our residents is paramount. In accordance with the Drug or Alcohol Medical Protocol found on the Dean of Students website, Housing and Residence Life may not charge students with alleged Community Standards violation if they act in a responsible manner by seeking medical assistance in emergency situations.
5. Any threat or action of physical, emotional, or verbal harm in any form (including, but not limited to online postings, written statements, verbal interactions, assault/battery, physical fights, malicious pranks, etc.) to any community member or guest is prohibited.
6. Any action taken by residents that has the potential to cause harm, injury, or damage to another person, their room or their possessions is not permitted. This includes acts perceived as “pranks” against members of the residential community.
7. The placing of telephone calls, emails, texts messages, Instant Messages (IMs), and/or posting to social networking websites that are harassing in nature or that negatively impacts another’s success may result in conduct action.
8. Students are expected to practice appropriate personal hygiene and to maintain an environment within their room and community which is sanitary.
9. Residents shall abide by Boise State University Student Code of Conduct policies and procedures regarding the University’s intolerance of violence.
10. Rewiring, the placing of attachments, or attaching unauthorized devices on a telephone or computer is prohibited.

Only fish in bowls or aquariums (up to a maximum of a ten [10] gallon tank) are permitted in the residence halls, apartments, townhomes, and Suites. The only exception to this standard is a Service Animal, Support Animal or Service Animal-in-Training.

• Possession of an unauthorized pet (anything besides fish) is prohibited and will result in conduct action up to and including the termination of the resident’s license agreement.
• Roommates (non-pet owners) may also be held responsible for violating this Community Standard. It is critical residents communicate with each other to ensure pets (aside from fish in a 10-gallon tank) are not present in Boise State housing.

Residents with a Service Animal do not need any prior approval before moving into Boise State housing, however, for the best transition, it is recommended they notify appropriate housing staff regarding the animal prior to arrival on move-in day. Residents who are planning to have a Service Animal-in-Training live with them in Boise State housing will need to contact Housing and Residence Life at housing@boisestate.edu prior to bringing the animal into housing. Residents seeking to have a Support Animal live with them need to contact the Educational Access Center and request a housing policy accommodation. The Educational Access Center will review each request and relevant additional documentation, and if the request is approved will provide a letter of accommodation to Housing and Residence Life.  The resident must provide the following information to Housing and Residence Life to ensure the animal can be identified if it is lost, has necessary vaccination and licenses, and can be moved to a safe location in case of an emergency. If any information below changes or becomes outdated, the resident is responsible for providing updated information:

• Support Animal information including the animal’s name, breed, type, weight, and color.
• Picture of the animal.
• Official documentation certifying the animal is up-to-date on all state and locally required vaccinations and licenses. (It is strongly recommended the animal also carry some sort of identification tag including resident’s contact information at all times).
• The name, contact number, and address for an individual who can immediately remove the animal from campus in event of an emergency. The individual may not be another resident who intends to take the animal to another location within Boise State housing. The animal must be able to be removed to an off-campus location. It is expected that the resident will establish an emergency removal plan with this individual prior to bringing the animal to Boise State housing.

These definitions and standards apply to any resident who has an animal approved to be in Boise State housing.

Littering is prohibited.  As a resident in this community, it is your responsibility to dispose of personal trash in dumpsters or recycling receptacles inside or outside on-campus facilities.  For this reason, littering, leaving trash in common areas or locations not designated for waste disposal, is subject to conduct action and applicable removal/cleaning charges.

1. The use of wheeled apparatus shall be used for transportation outside residential areas only.
2. Operating any wheeled vehicle while inside any housing community and/or any common area is strictly prohibited.
3. The performance of tricks and/or jumps in residential and surrounding areas is not permitted at any time.
4. The use of the wheeled apparatus shall at no time violate the Courtesy/Quiet Hours procedure.
5. Relevant vehicle safety regulations must be observed when operating any wheeled vehicle.
6. Bicycles are permitted inside university residence halls, suites, townhomes, and apartments, contingent upon the agreement of all residents of that space. Bicycles are not permitted to be in, or stored in, building common spaces (laundry rooms, stairwells, balconies, lounges, etc.).  In consideration of your property, we suggest you secure your bicycle to available bike racks outside buildings with “U-Shaped” bicycle locks and register your bicycle with the Cycle Learning Center.
7. Bicycles locked to stairwells, fire safety equipment, picnic benches, and/or trees is not permitted. In such cases, a 48 hours removal notice will be placed on bicycles locked in these locations, after which point, they will be removed. Transportation and Parking Services, in conjunction with Campus Security, are responsible for removing and discarding these bicycles and can be contacted for more information.

A guest shall be defined as a person who is not assigned to a room, suite, townhome, apartment, or building they are visiting.  All guests are required to comply with these Community Standards and other applicable university rules. The resident(s) is responsible for the behavior of all guests and may be held accountable for their behavior. Guests should in no way become a nuisance to the roommate(s) or the community. Residents may not host anyone who is known to have trespassed on Boise State University facilities. Roommate(s) have the right to object to current or future visits and staff will mediate any concerns by the presence of guests.

All guests are responsible for understanding Boise State University COVID guidelines and complying with those guidelines in both public and private spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing a face-covering at all times while inside of the residence hall, and maintaining physical distancing guidelines.

Overnight Guests: Overnight guests are allowed only with the approval of your roommate(s). Guests, as defined above, who stay in Boise State residence halls, suites, townhomes, or apartments anytime between the hours of 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM, are considered “Overnight Guests.” No more than two persons may occupy the unit as overnight guests at any time. The total number of days a guest can stay is not to exceed three (3) days over the course single week. Guests must be escorted at all times by their host. They must be escorted in and out of the building and remain with the resident during their time in the building. A resident’s ID card and/or key(s) is never to be given to a guest for any reason. Guests without an escort will be asked to leave the building. Never agree to escort someone you do not know personally.

As state and University COVID-19 guidelines are updated, Housing & Residence Life will restrict guests from being allowed in buildings, limit the number of guests in spaces, and/or limit the types of guests allowed in spaces (ie. non-residents of that room, non-residents of that community, non-students, etc.). As limits to the guest policy are updated, Housing & Residence Life will provide those updates to residents through their University email account and in their buildings.

Throwing objects or playing sports within and closely around residential facilities is prohibited.  Individuals and/or residential communities may be held financially responsible for repairing damages, painting costs, and general maintenance related to hall sports.

Our Housing and Residence Life staff members work with students to provide a living and learning environment for everyone. Many residents may not be used to living with others in the same room, suite, or apartment, it is critical to be open, honest, and respectful when interacting with those who live with you, just as you would any other university community member or guest. If you are having challenges when interacting with your roommate(s), please seek out your RA/CA as soon as possible, they can help you and your roommate(s) address your concerns.

Every semester, there is a Room/Apartment Transfer period, where residents may move to an available space within the campus community, pending eligibility. However, transferring residential rooms/suites/apartments is not an automatic occurrence because we feel that an important aspect of the college experience is learning to coexist with a diverse group of people. If a resident is having problems, a roommate mediation with their RA is always the first option. After a mediation has been conducted, if that resident is interested in transferring rooms/suites/apartments, they should speak to their RA, who will explain the transfer process and refer the resident to the Resident Director.

1. Moving Without Approval – Moving into a room/suite/townhome/apartment or changing rooms/suites/townhome/apartments without the written approval and direction of Housing and Residence Life is a violation of this standard that may result in conduct action and/or applicable fees.
2. Failure to Check Out – In the process of a room transfer, failure to check out of a resident’s previous space in a timely manner, as directed by a Housing and Residence Life staff member, will result in being financially responsible for both spaces in addition to conduct action.
3. Inhospitable Living Environment – If residents find their current living environment unsuitable in meeting their academic and personal needs and a roommate mediation has been attempted, it is that resident’s responsibility to work with their RA and/or RD to initiate a room transfer process. Residents’ behaviors designed to make their living environment difficult or challenging for roommate(s) in hopes roommate(s) will transfer rooms are unacceptable and will result in conduct action.
4. Existing Spaces – If a space exists within a resident’s room/suite/townhome/apartment, it must remain clean and vacant so that another resident can move into that space with limited notice (in case of emergencies) or 24-hour notice during a room transfer process. Residents who occupy a ‘vacant’ space within their unit, make their residential space (room, suite, and/or apartment) unappealing/attractive for potential roommates, and/or attempt to deter potential roommates from moving into that space are subject to conduct action.
5. Residents within our community play an integral role in caring for the well-being of the people around them and the overall health of the community. As such, residents will engage in dialogue with their roommate(s) and fellow community members in order to create shared expectations and guidelines for healthy and safe behaviors within the community. These dialogues are formalized through the roommate agreement process as well as informally by participating in ongoing floor and community meetings.
6. Failure to Follow a Roommate Agreement – In the process of generating a roommate agreement with a Housing and Residence Life staff member, all roommates are agreeing to each item stated on the agreement. Failing to follow this agreement will result in conduct action, up to and including a required room transfer or license/lease agreement cancellation for one or all residents involved.

In support of the academic mission of the university, Housing and Residence Life practices a 24 Hour Courtesy Hours Community Standard, allowing others to concentrate on their studies and get sufficient sleep.  It is our expectation that residents always honor the requests of their community concerning noise levels, even when it is not scheduled quiet hours.  If you experience a problem with noise, you are encouraged to first speak directly with the responsible individual(s); then, if the issue is not resolved, please, seek the assistance of your RA.

1. Excessive noise or behavior that disturbs others or endangers the personal safety of others is not permitted.
2. Using, playing, or operating any sound-amplifying equipment that violates a standard of quiet conducive to study or sleep is not permitted.
3. Drums, other percussion instruments, brass, woodwind, amps, subwoofers, or any amplified instruments brought into and played within the residential facilities are not allowed without prior approval by Housing and Residence Life Professional Staff. Residents should please see their Resident Director for more information.
4. Stereos may not be played through open windows; they may disrupt other resident students and faculty in academic buildings.
5. For the purpose of our community where providing an environment conducive to learning and student success are priorities, when Quiet Hours* are in effect, noise cannot be audible outside a resident’s room, suite, townhome, apartment, or community space. Below describes the parameters of Quiet Hours in our residential communities:

Residence Halls, Suites, & Townhomes

• Sunday through Thursday: 10 p.m. – 9 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday: Midnight – 9 a.m.

University Apartments (Heights, Manor, Park, Village)

• Seven Days a Week: 9 p.m. – 10 a.m.

*Special notes regarding Courtesy/Quiet Hours:

1. All outside areas, including courtyards, grill areas, and common areas (i.e., streets, court islands, driveways, etc.) and basketball and volleyball courts, must adhere to this standard.
2. Prior to, and during, the final exam periods for fall and spring semesters, the Boise State University living communities honor 24-hour Quiet Hours. Violating Quiet Hours during these periods may result in immediate removal from housing. Information will be posted each semester to provide the dates and times for Quiet Hours during final exam periods.
3. Due to the growth, development, and maintenance of Boise State University and its agents, there may be construction/maintenance and other related noise that is beyond the scope of enforcement of Housing and Residence Life.

In order to promote Boise State related and non-Boise State-related events and activities, Housing and Residence Life is responsible for distributing information to residents who live in our residential communities.  The purpose of this posting/advertising community standard is to ensure the wise use of available space, balancing the need for effective and orderly promotion, maintenance of facilities, and prevention of littering.  Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to deny any request that is deemed to contain material inconsistent with the educational mission of the university and/or Housing and Residence Life.  This may include, but is not limited to discriminatory, offensive, or provocative material or posting/advertising containing references (explicit or implied) to alcohol or drugs.

1. Materials given to Housing and Residence Life a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the event will be distributed to Resident Assistants who will post the information in a timely manner. All materials distributed in this fashion must include the following:
2. Event time(s), date(s), location(s)
3. Name of the sponsoring Boise State University campus office, department, recognized student club/organization c. An inclusivity statement providing direction and contact information (name, phone number, and email address) in case an attendee has questions, concerns, or needs special accommodations.  For example, “For questions, concerns, or special accommodations, please contact Buster Bronco Student/Staff/Faculty at (208) 555­1234 or email: student@u.boisestate.edu“.
4. Displaying any material on the exterior of the buildings, trees, light posts, or other surfaces not specifically designated and designed as a poster/advertising display area is strictly prohibited.
5. Chalk as an advertising medium – using chalk to advertise within or on buildings, doorways, walls, surfaces intended for seating, vertical surfaces, etc., is prohibited. The university and Housing and Residence Life restricts chalking to exterior sidewalks and walkways that are exposed to natural elements and only stick chalk can be used (the use of spray paint and spray chalk is strictly prohibited).  Messages not in compliance with this Posting/Advertising Community Standard may be removed.
6. Unattached materials, handouts, and handbills are strictly prohibited. All materials not conforming to these guidelines shall be removed and all outdated material shall be removed upon its outdating.
7. The solicitation of any materials is not permitted
8. Individuals and/or residential communities may be held financially responsible for repairing damages, painting costs, and general maintenance related to improper posting or the removal of posted materials.

It is expected that residents attend community meetings with their Resident Assistants, and/or Resident Director where students receive important information regarding their housing and the campus community. To ensure that this information is received, students are strongly encouraged to check their university email. Email communication constitutes official notification from the university. Failure to check this university-issued email accounts does not negate a student’s’ responsibility to respond to the provided information.

Safety and Security

Residents are viewed as adults who are responsible for their actions, as well as the actions of their guests.  Standards are not designed to control these behaviors as every person has the capacity to control how they behave.  The following Community Standards provide parameters of acceptable behavior in and around the residence halls, suites, townhomes, and university apartment in order to protect members of our on-campus living community.

Fire safety is very important throughout our campus living community.  Smoking, open flame cooking equipment, candles, or overtaxed electrical systems cause most fires in college and university on-campus housing.  Housing and Residence Life has the following Community Standards. Of course, in the event of fire, sound the nearest fire alarm, contact a staff member or Boise Police Department (if possible), and evacuate the building.

1. All residents and guests must evacuate a residential facility immediately when the fire alarm sounds. Failure to evacuate or follow specific evacuation procedures and/or any reasonable request of Housing and Residence Life or university staff member during an emergency or sanctioned simulation is a violation of these Community Standards and State Fire Code as it endangers the lives of safety personnel and other residents.
2. Fire safety equipment (fire extinguishers, sprinkler outlets, smoke detectors, etc.) may not be utilized for any purpose other than those designated for the safety of residents. The following misuses of fire safety equipment are considered violations of these Community Standards: pulling fire alarms or fire alarm covers when no fire exists, blocking or propping fire doors, blocking stairwells, tampering with smoke detectors, setting off a fire alarm due to violating another Community Standard (i.e. – smoking in a room or common area, burning candles, etc.), misuse or tampering with sprinkler system heads (including, but not limited to, hanging items from sprinkler heads), tampering with fire exit signs, and improper use of fire extinguishers/hoses.
3. Intentional misuse of the 911 phone number and/or fire alarm pull stations or tampering with safety equipment is prohibited and is a serious crime.
4. Excessive use of a single power outlet is a fire hazard and should be avoided.
5. Due to the necessity for residents to be able to evacuate their residential spaces in case of an emergency, doors (suite, apartment, and room) and windows must be able to be opened completely (over 90 degrees from the plane of the door) at all times. Blocking entrance and egress with any item that impedes a door and/or window from opening fully is prohibited. Residents may incur moving charges associated with the removal/moving of furniture that may impede entrance/egress to/from a room, suite, or apartment.

Individuals and/or residential communities may be held financially responsible for charges related to non-emergency fire alarm activation and building evacuation.

1. Access to Facilities – Providing access to buildings, or rooms within buildings, to those other than residents, staff or invited guests by any means including, but not limited to: failing to lock or secure doors; propping entrance doors; lending of room key or BroncoCard student ID; or allowing a person entrance into a building and leaving them unattended in a public place is not permitted. Students whose license has been revoked are not allowed access to any residential facility.
2. Unauthorized entry into an assignment/living space other than your own and/or presence on rooftops, ledges, or areas marked for restricted access in any residential building or university facility is prohibited. Entrance into or exit from any building/space through a window or an unoccupied/unassigned space is also prohibited.
3. Key/Access Card Use – Unauthorized use, possession, provision, or duplication of access key/cards is prohibited, including having duplicate keys made for individuals who are not listed on the license agreement.
4. Lock-outs – Upon checking-in to your residential space, you are assigned the key(s) which will provide you access to that room/suite/townhome/apartment. It is your responsibility to keep this key(s) in your possession at all times, including taking your key(s) with you when leaving your room/suite/townhome/apartment.  Our staff is available to assist you if locked out (after you provide identification) in gaining access to your room in an emergency. Housing and Residence Life provides one free lock-out per semester during the first week of each academic semester. Additional lock-outs will be tracked and charges associated.

   1^st Lockout- Free | 2^nd Lockout- $10 charge | 3^rd Lockout + additional – $25 charge

   Conduct action maybe a result after the 3^rd lockout.

   This includes, but is not limited to, the residents’ physical key to their space and the BroncoCard that gains access into residential spaces. The temporary key provided to you must be returned as quickly as possible. Failure to return this key within 48 hours may result in your residential space being fitted with a new lock and all associated charges billed to your student account.

5. Locks – Installation of any door or area locks other than those provided by the facility is prohibited.
6. Property Use/Restricted Access – Unauthorized use, removal, and/or access of property belonging to or in the possession of the State of Idaho, Housing and Residence Life, any community member or guest thereof, is a violation of these community standards.
7. Security Procedures – Failure to abide by security procedures established by Boise State University and/or Housing and Residence Life such as guest check-in, or failure to respond to reasonable requests of university security officials is prohibited.
8. If a resident loses their key(s) they must immediately contact their RA/CA. This safety precaution will generate a lock change resulting in charges being applied to the resident.
9.  All students must carry their BroncoCard ID at all times. Campus residents need their BroncoCard to gain access to their building. In the event a BroncoCard malfunctions, it is the resident’s responsibility to immediately get the card serviced. This can be done by visiting the Housing and Residence Life Service Desk.  If a BroncoCard is lost, residents must notify their RA immediately in order to coordinate removing that card’s access to campus buildings. Campus residents are then responsible for obtaining a replacement card at the Information Desk in the Student Union Building.

1. No open flames or burning embers are permitted within Boise State University residential spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, candles, incense, smoking, fireworks, and the burning of any materials.
2. Flammable materials or substances, including but not limited to Christmas trees (live or cut down), lighter fluid, gas/propane, charcoal briquettes, etc. are also not permitted within Boise State University residential spaces.
3. Candle warmers and induction devices are not permitted.
4.  Residents wishing to use incense for religious purposes should contact Housing and Residence Life to discuss possible alternatives.

Throwing, dropping, or projecting objects from any residence structure, including but not limited to self, keys, bodily fluids, and trash is strictly prohibited. Individuals and/or residential communities may be held financially responsible for repairing damages, painting costs, and general maintenance related to projectiles.

In addition to the weapons policy outlined by the Student Code of Conduct; ammunition, or any device/object used as a weapon are not permitted in residential areas. Weapons include, but is not limited to, pellet or BB guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns, slingshots, arrows, axes, machetes, martial arts equipment, knives with blades in excess of three (3) inches, brass knuckles, blow guns, daggers, crossbows, ornamental weaponry, hunting devices, electronic incapacitation devices, or any other device that could be used as a weapon or can reasonably be interpreted as a weapon. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct for a full description on the on-­campus weapons policy.

1. Appliances and/or electrical devices with open heat sources (i.e. halogen lamps, toaster ovens, devices using induction, and portable heaters) are prohibited.

2. Space heaters are prohibited, unless provided by Housing and Residence Life in case of emergency.

3. Extension cords – All multi-outlet devices must be approved with a built-­in surge protector.

4. Personal refrigerators –Only one refrigerator, no larger than 3.6 cubic feet, is permitted.

5. Furniture provided by the university may not be transferred from one room to another or exchanged between rooms, nor can room furniture be removed or stored elsewhere within university facilities.

6. Removal of furniture from public or semi-­public areas is prohibited.

7. Disposing of furniture by abandoning in common areas is prohibited.

8. Residents may arrange room furniture that is not permanently affixed, in any reasonable manner, as long as damage does not occur, doors and windows are not blocked from opening completely, and State Fire Code is not violated. Upon checking out of the space, all furniture should be in its original configuration – as found at move-­in.

9. “Non­-University” provided or approved lofts and bed bunks are not permitted within traditional residential facilities.

Boise State University is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment that is free from Discrimination, Harassment, and violence in which all Members of the University Community are treated with dignity and respect. Housing and Residence Life is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes equity. Our values – community, learning, and respect – inform our Community Standards so as to increase education and promote understanding.

Hate crimes (also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes) are criminal activity motivated, in whole or in part, by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude against an individual victim or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such as their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. In addition to the victim, members of the victim’s group and the community as a whole can feel victimized by a hate crime.

Hate crimes are outlawed by both the federal government and the State of Idaho. In addition, pursuant to the federal law commonly known as the Clery Act, hate crimes that occur on University property must be reported to the Boise State Department of Public Safety. 

A bias incident is an action that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude against an individual or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, including age, gender or gender identity, race, color, national origin, sexual and affectional orientation/association, military or veterans status, marital status, mental/physical disability, genetic information, ethnic origin, or religion. Where these actions amount to Discrimination and/or Harassment as defined under University policies 1060 or 1065, they are in violation of University policy. 

Examples of bias incidents include harassment, intimidating or threatening comments or messages, vandalism of personal or college property, and defacing posters or signs. Bias incidents affect not only the individual victim or target of a specific action, but often make an entire group or community feel vulnerable and unwelcome.

If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you are encouraged to report it. Reporting resources can be found at boisestate.edu/report-concerns. Within Housing and Residence Life, there are staff available 24-hours a day to support residents. Residents are also able to make direct reports to their Resident Advisor or Resident Director. The Title IX Coordinator may also be contacted at (208) 426-1258 or reportdiscrimination@boisestate.edu. 

For support and confidential consultation, contact:

• Gender Equity Center – (208) 426-4259
• University Health Services – (208) 426-1459
• University Counseling Services – (208) 426-1459

To report to the police, contact the Department of Public Safety at 208-426-6911.

1. Boise State University prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law are addressed in University Policy 1060. As the Boise State University response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Housing and Residence Life will continue to address situations of bias, racism, and discrimination. It is important that we as a community work together to address incidents of discrimination that impact individuals our communities.
2. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and pregnancy. Sexual Harassment, including but not limited to, Sexual Misconduct, Domestic/Dating Violence, and Stalking as outlined in University Policy 1065.

1. Removal of screens is prohibited. Submit a work order immediately if your screen is damaged, removed, or missing. If found to have been purposefully removed, the resident may be charged for the screen replacement and/or re-installation.
2. Throwing objects from or at windows is strictly prohibited. Items should not be attached to the window in order to maintain the condition of the window.
3. Entering or exiting a room through a window is prohibited.
4. Posters and/or decorations cannot cover the window and cannot be visible in/through room windows. These should only be seen by the residents of the room. HRL prohibits posting these materials in a room’s windows and will require that they be removed.

1. Residents are expected to follow University guidance around COVID-19 testing and contact tracing processes.  Failure to follow this guidance may be treated as a violation of our student code of conduct/community standards.
2. Housing and Residence Life may require a resident to temporarily relocate when that resident’s continued presence in the housing community poses a health or safety risk for community members. Not all residential rooms or communities are appropriate for self-quarantine or self-isolation. In those situations where a resident is recommended to self-quarantine or self-isolate, the resident may not be permitted to continue residing in their residential space and will be provided alternative housing arrangements as needed at no additional cost.
3. Residents are required to comply with requests from Housing and Residence Life to leave their assigned space or to move spaces due to COVID-19 or another public health emergency. This may include consolidating to another room space or community, even if not personally experiencing symptoms, quarantining, or self-isolating.  Failure to do so is a violation of our community standards and may subject a student to emergency removal from their assigned space. Relocation to isolate or quarantine does not constitute a termination of a residential student’s housing contract.
4. Students and guests in the residence halls will be expected to wear facial coverings in accordance with university COVID-19 guidance.