Residential Life

Location:   Exeter House, 1^st Floor
Phone:     (401) 232-6140
Website:   Residential Life

Terms and Conditions of the Occupancy and Board Contract 

The Office of Residential Life is committed to promoting a comfortable living environment where learning is promoted outside of the classroom by engaging students in their residence hall communities. Residential Life strives to foster an environment that develops students academically, socially, and globally by creating opportunities for students to connect with their peers within an inclusive and diverse community. 

STAFF SUPPORT

Leadership Team: Assistant Vice President of Student Life, Director, two Assistant Directors, and an Office Coordinator. The leadership team is responsible for the department’s management oversight, setting departmental goals, policies and procedures, and serving as the University officials on call in case of after-hours campus emergencies. 

Community Directors: Full-time professionals who are responsible for the daily operations in all residential spaces, supervise the student RA staff, adjudicate student discipline cases, provide mediation and support services to resident students, and oversee social and educational programs offered in the residence halls. The Community Directors live on campus to serve as University officials in case of after-hours emergencies on campus. 

Resident Assistants (RAs): Sophomore, junior, and senior student leaders who live in the halls to serve as a resource for students, organize activities, uphold policies, and create an environment conducive to learning. These 64 paraprofessional staff members promote personal growth, social responsibility, and intellectual development through community-based interactions in our residence halls. 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community Directors and Resident Assistants create opportunities for residents to connect through social, educational, and cultural experiences. These opportunities provide a fun way to connect with your residence hall community. Additionally, each residential area has a Community Council which provides leadership, programming, and hall advocacy opportunities to residents in each community. Community Council is a fun way to get involved in your community. 

RESIDENTIAL SPACE INFORMATION

Bryant University provides progressive housing options designed to foster a gradual increase of independent lifestyle and individual responsibility. Our residential campus comprises three main areas: residential houses, the suite village, and the townhouses. All housing options provide amenities including card access at each entrance, Wi-Fi internet access, and standard furniture. 

First-Year Residential Houses 

First-year students are placed together to assist with the transition to college life and live in Bristol House, Warren House, and Barrington House. First-year communities allow students to meet people with similar interests and form lasting friendships. First-year residential houses provide amenities including card access at each entrance, air conditioning, and wireless internet access. All rooms are equipped with a twin XL bed, desk & desk chair, bureau, closet/wardrobe for each student. 

Warren House and Bristol House 

These two residential houses are reserved entirely for first-year students. They are four story, co-educational houses with north and south wings. Housing 600 students, wings are gender specific with a community bathroom. Each house offers a lobby/lounge area fully equipped with recreational games, vending machines, TV, kitchenette, laundry room, and residence hall staff office. 

Traditional Style Double – a shared bedroom with one other student. Shared bathroom facilities are in each hallway.
Traditional Style Triple – a shared bedroom with two other students. Shared bathroom facilities are in each hallway.
Traditional Style Quad – a shared bedroom with three other students; all students have ample space as this room is very spacious. Shared bathroom facilities are in each hallway. 

Warren House and Bristol House are also home to living learning communities; these include the Honors LLC in Warren House and the Women’s Leadership Living Learning Community (WLLLC) in Bristol House. Living learning communities are residential environments connecting experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. The Honors LLC provides educational and professional development opportunities including scholarship presentations, visits to businesses, non-profits, museums, and government organizations in the region. This community enables students to connect with Honors faculty, peer mentors, staff, and alumni. The WLLLC is a uniquely designed multi-year program providing women-identifying students with critical skills and approaches supporting their success as leaders in and beyond the campus community. Students are guided by committed faculty and staff from Residential Life, the Hochberg Women’s Center, Academic Advising, and College of Arts and Sciences. Through workshops and events, students gain awareness of the importance of civic engagement and social justice, intersectionality, and inclusive practices that help them develop as ethical leaders. 

Barrington House 

Barrington House is a four story, co-educational house for 311 first-year and upper-class students. Suite style living offers four double bedrooms, one single bedroom, living room area and a private bathroom. Some suites also contain one large triple room. Barrington House is organized by gender with each suite assigned to a specific gender. The main lounge/lobby is complete with recreational games, vending machines, TV, a full kitchen, laundry room, study rooms, and the residence hall staff office. The Office of Health Services is also in Barrington House. 

Suite Style Double – a shared bedroom with one other student that opens into a suite. Shared bathrooms are in each suite.
Suite Style Triple Room* – a shared bedroom with two other students that opens into a suite. Shared bathrooms are in each suite.
Suite Style Single Room** – a private bedroom that opens into a suite. Shared bathrooms are in each suite. 

Suite Village Housing 

The Suite Village is a collection of 13 identical residential houses and Newport House, surrounded by a central lawn and volleyball court. The Suite Village offers two or three double bedrooms, a living room, and a private bath for sophomore, junior, and senior students. The Suite Village includes Charlestown House, Richmond House, Kilcup House, Westerly House, Hopkinton House, Exeter House, Coventry House, Scituate House, Tiverton House, Providence House, Jamestown House, Cumberland House, and Lincoln House. 

Newport House 

Newport House is a five story, co-educational house consisting of 6 & 7-person suites. The building accommodates 200 students in suites with 3 double rooms, or 2 double rooms, a triple room, a communal living room, and a common bathroom. This style of bathroom is divided into 2 separate shower rooms and one bathroom with a sink and toilet. The building’s main floor is fully equipped with vending machines, a TV, a seating area, and the Community Director’s office. 

Townhouses 

Students who have an SCN (Student Credit Number) of 5 or above are eligible to apply for townhouse housing during the housing lottery process. Townhouse housing is primarily available to senior students. Each townhouse has a full kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher and two full bathrooms, one on each floor. 

Students can choose to live in either a double or single room within their townhouse. The 5-person townhouses (A-G blocks) consist of 3 single rooms and 1 double room, with shared laundry facility in the Townhouse Community Center (*E Block houses have in-unit laundry). The 7-person townhouses (H-P Blocks) consist of 3 double rooms and 1 single room, with in-unit laundry machines. Parking is available either directly in front of the townhouse unit or in a large lot at the rear of N block. 

HOUSING LOTTERY PROCESS

The Housing Lottery process determines housing assignments for the following year and is conducted in the spring semester each year. Students residing in on-campus housing, a University recognized study abroad program, or currently as a commuter student are eligible to participate. Any current undergraduate student eligible for housing but fails to pay the housing deposit and/or does not complete the application and housing lottery process by May 1st will be housed only on a space-available basis. Students should contact the Office of Residential Life for additional information. Housing for graduate students is not available. 

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS, SERVICE ANIMALS, AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS

Residents requesting housing accommodations, service animals, or emotional support animals must seek approval through the Office of Accessibility Services.

LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY/RESIDENCE HALLS

Students who are transferring, withdrawing, or graduating early should submit an On-Campus Housing Withdrawal Form. The vacated space must be left clean and ready for occupancy. 

COMPLIANCE WITH THE RESIDENCE HALL OCCUPANCY & BOARD AGREEMENT

All students living in Bryant University residence halls are subject to the terms and conditions of the University’s policies governing student conduct and are responsible for knowing and observing University regulations and procedures. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action and/or removal from university housing. 

Terms and Conditions of the Occupancy and Board Contract 

FIRE AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

The safety of each student is of paramount concern to the University, and we have formulated specific rules and regulations pertaining to fire, health and safety. Please be advised that tampering with any fire alarm or fire protection system will result in your being held financially responsible for any damages. Along with financial responsibility, should the circumstances warrant, you could be placed under arrest for tampering with life safety systems. 

Citations 

Residential Life staff and/or the Fire & Safety Coordinator will document individuals and/or areas that are in violation of standards regarding fire, health and safety policies and laws. Students will be held accountable for their actions and the condition of their room and suite. 

Should a Fire, Health and Safety citation be issued, the following sanctions may be applied: 

First Offense—up to a $250.00 Fire, Health and Safety citation per violation at the designation of the Community Director. Covered smoke detectors will result in an automatic $250.00 fine for the 1st offence (Candles will be confiscated and destroyed with no compensation to the owner.)

Second Offense—up to a $500.00 Fire, Health and Safety Citation per violation. Repetitive violations will be considered in determining whether the offending student is permitted to reside in University housing. 

Third Offense and beyond— Fire, Health and Safety Citations and sanctions per violation will be determined at the discretion of the hearing officer. 

The following items are not to be tampered with or obstructed under any circumstances: heat sensors, smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, sprinkler heads, sprinkler piping, ceiling tile grid, fire horns, fire extinguishers, and fire extinguisher cases. Decorations are prohibited on fire doors and in the hallways, all doors shall not be wrapped in decorations, and postings and decorations are prohibited on vision panels. Should you have a problem or suspect that there is a problem with any of the above devices, please call the Department of Public Safety or notify your Resident Assistant immediately. The misuse or the replacement of a missing or misused fire extinguisher will result in a monetary fine with possible disciplinary consequences. The monetary fine will be determined by the Smithfield Fire should a student be found responsible. Should no one be found to be solely responsible, a fine will be applied to all residents of the unit, suite, floor, hall, or townhouse. Any flame source inside residence halls or townhouses is banned, including but not limited to candles, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, “vapes,” or other smoking material, incense, propane or charcoal grills. Candles are prohibited from ownership or use inside residence halls and townhouses. 

Fires: There is up to a $1000.00 fine for persons who start a fire which threatens the safety and security of anyone on campus or causes damage to University property or who maliciously activates a fire alarm system (e.g., pulling an alarm station) or portable fire extinguisher which results in the activation of the fire alarm system. 

Grills: Outdoor cooking is permitted only in the barbecue pits provided by the University and in the rear of the townhouse units using a self-contained portable grill. These grills must be at least 10 feet away from the townhouse and attended when in use. No grills or propane tanks may be stored inside University halls. One grill is permitted per Townhouse unit. 

The Rhode Island fire law: Interference with Fire Alarm Apparatus clause states that: “Every person who unlawfully and without just cause willfully or knowingly, tampers with, interferes with or in any way impairs any public fire alarm apparatus, wire or associated equipment, shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $800.00 or more than $5,000.00 or shall be imprisoned for not less than l nor more than 5 years, or both.” Individuals will be held responsible for any of this equipment in their living areas. 

Smoking: Smoking, including hookah, vapes, and e-cigarettes is prohibited within 50 feet of all University facilities. 

GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS

The following guidelines and what to leave at home are in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment in the residence halls.

Beds and Bunking of Beds: All beds on campus must be on the floor without any modifications. Campus Management staff are the only authorized persons who are able to bunk beds. Students who wish to have their beds bunked should contact the Office of Residential Life to have their request submitted. 

Bryant Student ID: Students are required to carry their student ID with them at all times.  

Decorations on Door/Wall and Ceiling: Windows must be clear of any signage or decoration on the pane of the window. No more than 1/3 of a wall in a room or suite shall be covered. Absolutely nothing is allowed to cover or hang from the ceilings, obstruct passageways, cover windows, or fire safety equipment. No tapestries, flags, etc. can be hung stretching from ceiling to floor. Empty alcohol containers may not be used as wall decorations. No garland or tinsel can be hung in the residential hall rooms. Social Greek Organizations residing in designated Greek housing may display a banner no larger than 3 feet x 3 feet in their suite window. Alcohol advertisements or paraphernalia may not be displayed in windows. The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to have students remove items from display in the windows and hanging banners, flags, etc. outside of windows is prohibited. Whiteboards or messaging boards are prohibited from on public-facing doors, hallways, or other community common spaces within the residence halls and townhouses. Holiday Decoration: All decoration policies will be supplied at the designation and approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or designee. Live trees and plants greater than 3 feet are prohibited as well as garland and tinsel. See FIRE AND SAFTEY REGULATIONS above for items that are not to be tampered with or obstructed.

Electrical Outlets: No 2-prong extension cords, outlet splitters, or three way “octopus plugs” are allowed in the residence halls or townhouses. Only 3 prong U.L. approved extension cords which contain a circuit break are permitted. No more than two items may be plugged into the same electrical outlet. Electrical cords cannot be “daisy chained,” cannot have frayed ends or exposed wires, must not impede a walking path, or create a hazard.

False Fire Alarms: Each residence hall will be responsible for the secure and appropriate use of its fire alarm system. Alarms may be charged to the residents of each building or townhouse block, or to the individual responsible when properly identified and as determined by Smithfield Fire and/or University Officials. Students are expected to help prevent false alarms and should report any tampering of fire safety equipment to their Resident Assistant, their Community Director, or directly to the Department of Public Safety. 

Fire Drills/Alarms: As required by law, there will be periodic unannounced fire drills throughout the year. Vacate the building through the nearest exit upon hearing the alarm and maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet from the building. Law requires evacuation in the event of an alarm; disciplinary action and/or fines may result from non-compliance.

Per § 23-28.12-36 Fire alarm systems – Fire drills – Penalties: 

• (b) In colleges, universities, postsecondary institutions, and residence facilities in public schools or private schools there shall be at least four (4) drills or rapid dismissals during the academic year for each school building or residence facility, at least two (2) of which shall be held between the months of September through December. The remaining two (2) drills shall be held between the months of January through June. Any college, university, or postsecondary institution that holds a summer session shall hold a drill or rapid dismissal during the first (1st) full week of the summer session. 
• (2) At least one drill or rapid dismissal shall be obstructed so that at least one or more exits or stairways in the school building or dormitory are blocked off or not used. 
• (c) For purposes of this section, “residence facility” means a dormitory, fraternity, sorority, or any other type of residence hall, whether on campus or off campus, owned or leased by a college, university, postsecondary institution, public school, or private school with accommodations for twenty (20) or more students. 

Heating Vents: The heating vents in rooms and suites are to remain unobstructed. Blocking heating vents causes an imbalance in the HVAC system and may result in a triggered fire alarm; a fine and/or disciplinary action will occur. If you have problems with your heat, submit a work request through the online maintenance system.

Kitchen Appliances: The following appliances are allowed in all residence halls:

• Coffee makers
• Single-use Keurig machines because all heating equipment is inside the machine, and it shuts off when done. We do not allow the “multi-cup” coffee makers.
• “Micro-fridge” (tandem microwave/mini fridge) units are allowed in all residence halls. Standard microwaves are allowed in townhouse units. 

Locking of the main doors: Residence Hall and Townhouse doors are locked at all times. Propping doors to a residence hall or Townhouse may result in disciplinary action. Residents are expected to lock their doors and are responsible for the cost of any damage or theft due to negligence of tampering with locking mechanisms. 

Room Exits: The ability to enter and exit a room or suite must always be through a clear and unobstructed path. 

Room/Suite/Townhouse Capacity: The following halls with traditional-style individual rooms have a capacity of eight (8) people: Charleston House, Richmond House, Kilcup House, Westerly House, Hopkinton House, Exeter House, Coventry House, Scituate House, Tiverton House, Providence House, Jamestown House, Cumberland House, Lincoln House, Newport House, Warren House, Bristol House, and Barrington House 

The following halls with traditional-style double rooms have a capacity of eight (8) people: Bristol House and Warren House. 

The following halls with suite-style rooms have a capacity of fifteen (15) people: Charleston House, Richmond House, Kilcup House, Westerly House, Hopkinton House, Exeter House, Coventry House, Scituate House, Tiverton House, Providence House, Jamestown House, Cumberland House, Lincoln House, Newport House, and Barrington House.   

Traditional-style triple rooms have a capacity of eight (8) people, and traditional-style quad rooms have a capacity of ten (10) people.  

The townhouse unit has a capacity of twenty (20) people.

Screens and Windows: Screens in all areas are not to be removed under any circumstances. If your screen is vandalized, stolen, or falls out, notify your Resident Assistant immediately. Tampering with or removing screens could result in disciplinary action. Windows may not be used as a form of entrance or exit. 

Thefts and Damages: The University provides locks on rooms, suites, townhouses, and front doors of the residence halls. Most thefts and damages to property occur because of unlocked doors. In the event that you experience a loss or theft, immediately notify your Resident Assistant, and report the matter to the Department of Public Safety. 

Trash & Recycling: Each living area has a responsibility to dispose of trash & recyclables properly in designated locations. Residents are not permitted to leave their trash outside their hallway doors. There are specific instructions for each residential area. It is the responsibility of each resident to familiarize themselves with the set of instructions which applies to their living area. Citations/fines may be issued to individual(s) or floors in violation of University policies regarding proper trash/recycling disposal. 

Institutional Signs

Institutional signs are installed by the University to provide safety, directions, parking, and general order for the campus. It is considered theft to take any institutional sign from its appointed place. Institutional signs found in living spaces become the responsibility of the occupants. Persons found in possession of damaged institutional signs also assume responsibility for the current replacement cost(s) of the sign(s) 

Keys

• ID/Access control cards are fabricated and distributed from the Fisher Student Center Information Center on the 1st floor. 
• All residential units have an access control system on the outside doors. 
• Residents are issued an access control/ID card by the Fisher Student Center Information Center. Keys are issued by Facilities at the beginning of each academic semester.
• Resident students should carry their ID card and room key with them at al times. 
• Failure to return the room key upon check out will result in a charge to the student’s account. 
• For lost keys, residents must request a new key from the Office of Residential Life. For lost ID cards, residents must request a new card at the Information Center in the Fisher Student Center. 
• There is a $100.00 fee paid for lost keys, and/or a $30.00 replacement fee for lost, stolen or damaged access control/ID cards.
• If a lock change is requested, required, or in any way deemed necessary, the resident(s) may be assessed a charge to their student account. 
• Room keys are not to be duplicated. The cost for damages to locks or access control devices are assessed to the residents of the townhouse/hall and include the price of the lock plus labor. 
• Room keys and access control ID cards are not transferable. When a change in room assignment has occurred, an electronic room change authorization form issued from the Office of Residential Life must be presented to the Lock Shop along with the key to the room which has been vacated. The locksmith will then reissue the proper key. 

Lockouts

If a student is locked out of their room, they should contact the Department of Public Safety who will dispatch an officer or Residential Life staff member as needed. The student will need to show their ID card for the room to be unlocked and will be expected to produce their key upon entering the room. The Department of Public Safety will assess a charge of $10.00 for a second through fifth occurrence and charge of $25.00 for every occurrence thereafter. This applies throughout all academic sessions and residential periods. Repeated lockouts may result in disciplinary action. 

Personal Property Insurance

University Property Insurance
The University’s insurance program provides the University with insurance to cover damage to our building structures. It does not provide coverage for contents or personal property.

Personal Property Insurance
Students, resident directors and resident assistants may purchase inexpensive personal property insurance for personal belongings while on campus directly through National Student Services Inc. The University recommends a personal property policy be purchased with a $100 deductible for a $5,000 limit with an additional $100,000 liability coverage for as low as $15 a month. We highly recommend this insurance as the University does not insure student personal property.

Searches

Administrative searches of University rooms or vehicles may be granted by the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or designee when evidence can be given, based on direct knowledge or reasonable belief, that there is a violation of University regulations. Such searches may result in disciplinary action or criminal prosecution against the offender. Room and vehicle searches may also be conducted by law enforcement agencies and University officials under the following circumstances: incidental to a lawful arrest; with a signed warrant presented by a law enforcement agency or court official; during exigent circumstances; or with the consent of the/a person having legal control of the room or vehicles to be searched. 

With suspicion of a policy violation, staff of Residential Life may ask a student upon entering a residence hall, to open a carried item for inspection (ex. backpacks, storage bins, laundry bags, etc.). 

Bryant University is a place where the dignity of each person is honored and where diversity is aggressively pursued.

The Office of residential Life, in accordance with Bryant University Guiding Principles, takes a zero-indifference attitude (misconduct will not be ignored or justified, it will instead be investigated and followed up appropriately) towards degrading language or conduct, biases against all protected identities, microaggressions and any other behavior deemed a violation of policy by the Student Handbook and this document.

A. General Provisions

This agreement is subject to all provisions of the Bryant University student handbook and all other rules and regulations of the University that may be in effect at any time. Such provisions and such rules and regulations are expressly incorporated by reference in this contract.

1. Eligibility – A student must be classified as a full-time undergraduate student registered for at least 12 credits per semester to live in University residence halls. Exceptions may be reviewed by the Assistant Vice President of Student Life or Director of Residential Life.
2. Terms of Contract – This contract is for a period of one academic year. All residents including townhouse residents must vacate halls for specific periods of time, such as vacation or holiday periods and at the conclusion of each semester. This agreement remains in effect during vacation, holiday periods, and other periods of time when the University is closed. Thus, if a student, for whatever reason, remains in the residence halls, appropriate action may be taken under disciplinary provisions of the student handbook. The University reserves the right to institute additional policies as needed during the periods of time that periods of time that the University is closed. Students wishing to cancel their housing must do so before the start of the semester in order to receive a refund. Canceling after the start of the semester will result in continuing to be charged the full semester’s housing cost.
3. Deposit – A $400 damage deposit will be due prior to entering the residence halls. The $400 deposit remains on file throughout the student’s residency, should a student withdraw and re-enter housing, the student would need to ensure the damage deposit again is made. Returning students are charged a $300 non-refundable room reservation deposit due by the deadline established in the housing lottery process. If a student pays the room deposit by the deadline and selects or is assigned to a room during the housing lottery process, they are guaranteed a space for the forthcoming academic year. Students who fail to pay a deposit and/or go through the housing lottery process by the established deadline, will not be guaranteed a space for the forthcoming academic year. Commuter students wishing to move on campus are placed on a space available basis and should pay a housing deposit when instructed by Residential Life. The balance of this damage deposit is returned, less any charges, when the student permanently leaves the residence halls. Students will be charged for any damages that exceed their damage deposit.
4. Insurance and University Liability – As stated in the Student Handbook, the University is not responsible for damage to personal property by water, fire, theft, or any other cause, or for any property left in the halls upon closing. In addition, I agree that I am aware of and have had the opportunity to enroll in the Student Personal Property Plan through National Student Services, Inc. to supplement any homeowners or rental insurance my family may maintain. A link to this resource is located on the Office of Residential Life webpage. The University assumes no responsibility or liability for any damage to property or personal injuries caused by the intentional, willful, or malicious conduct of students, including without limitation to such conduct as biting, wrestling, vandalism, horseplay, etc. However, these issues will be investigated through the University’s Department of Public Safety and Community Standards processes.
5. Meal Plan – All non-townhouse resident students are required to participate in a University meal plan of 105 block plan or greater. Students who failed to indicate which meal plan they prefer in the assigned timeframe for their class year will be assigned a 210-block plan. Students will access the housing portal to submit meal plan changes during the change period. Once a plan is selected, it will remain in place until the following semester. You are able to change your meal plan selection within the first 7 days of classes of each semester. No meal plan changes will be honored after the end of the meal plan change period.
6. Resident Responsibility – Residents are responsible for all activities that occur within their assigned rooms, suites, and townhouses. Including, but not limited to, immediately reporting possible violations of Bryant University policy to appropriate University officials.
7. Compliance – Residents are expected to comply with a reasonable request by any University official, or to provide identification to any University staff member acting in accordance with their duties. Not responding to a University official’s request constitutes a serious violation of university regulations, and disciplinary action will be taken. If it is necessary to call in outside authorities, students may be subject to further disciplinary or legal action.

B. Room Policies

1. Room Assignment and Modifications – Although every effort is made to accommodate the specific requests of all students, the Office of Residential Life reserves the right to change room assignments whenever necessary. There are no room changes allowed in the first two weeks of the semester. Students wishing to make a room change between the fall and spring semesters must pack and move their belongings before the residence halls close for winter break or may be required to return to campus on agreed upon date. Additionally, any vacant room space must be left in move-in condition for a new occupant. Should any remaining residents choose to place belongings in, on, or around the vacant space, they are required to remove their items and make the room ready for occupancy immediately upon request by the Office of Residential Life. If a student moves rooms, withdraws from housing, takes a leave of absence, graduates, or vacates residency on campus for any reason, they must immediately remove all belongings from the residence halls. If any belongings are left behind, they will be deemed trash, and Bryant University reserves the right to remove and discard that property without compensation to the owner. Keys must be returned in order to properly checkout or withdraw, or at the request of the Office of Residential Life and may be returned to the Office of Residential Life, the Department of Public Safety, or the campus lock shop.
2. Housing Accommodations – Any accommodation, including physical, mental and emotional, must be submitted to the Office of Accessibility Services and must be reapplied for each year. Please call 401-232-6830 or contact their office at Accessibilitysvcs@bryant.edu.
3. Gender-Inclusive Housing – Gender-inclusive housing is available upon request which provides students with the opportunity to room with student(s) regardless of sex, gender, gender identity/expression, or sexual orientation. Only students who apply for gender-inclusive housing are assigned to this option, but it is not mandatory for students of any identity to disclose this information or request gender-inclusive housing.
4. Move In/Out – Every student must check in formally in the beginning of the semester and check out properly at the end of each academic year. The online Room Condition Report is used by Residential Life as a basis for assessment of charges due to damage or loss and must be reviewed by each resident student at the onset of occupancy each academic year. Failure to review the online Room Condition Report upon occupancy will not be basis for an appeal to damage assessment. Students are expected to leave their living areas in the same condition as they were when they moved into the residence hall and will be charged for any failure to meet this expectation. Students must remove all personal property from the residence hall at the end of the academic year. Bryant University is not responsible for property left in the residence halls after closing.
5. Early Arrivals – The University does not allow students to arrive on campus early or remain in the residence halls after the designated dates and times for their class year. Students required by the University to be on campus prior to fall opening, during breaks, or after hall closing for athletic training, work, or leadership training, must have approval of Athletics or their faculty/staff supervisor, as well as the Office of Residential Life. University officials have the right to enter student rooms during these periods to complete necessary inspections, inventory, and maintenance tasks. The residence halls and townhouses will be alcohol free regardless of age, and guests are prohibited during early arrival/late stay periods.
6. Break Periods – All students must vacate the residence halls when they are closed for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring break periods, and during the academic year for unforeseen circumstances. The Residential Life Office may make exceptions to this policy for extreme circumstances and reserves the right to deny any request. There will be a $50/per night fine for any students staying without permission as well as immediate removal from campus. Students must contact the Office of Residential Life to make arrangements to be escorted to their assigned living space to retrieve personal items during break periods.
7. Decorations – Windows must be clear of any signage or decoration on the pane of the window. No more than 1/3 of a wall in a room or suite shall be covered. Absolutely nothing is allowed to cover or hang from the ceilings, obstruct passageways, cover windows, or fire safety equipment. No tapestries, flags, etc. can be hung stretching from ceiling to floor. Empty alcohol containers may not be used as wall decorations. No garland or tinsel can be hung in the residential hall rooms. Social Greek Organizations residing in designated Greek housing may display a banner no larger than 3 feet x 3 feet in their suite window. Alcohol advertisements or paraphernalia may not be displayed in windows. The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to have students remove items from display in the windows and hanging banners, flags, etc. outside of windows is prohibited. Whiteboards or messaging boards are prohibited from on public-facing doors, hallways, or other community common spaces within the residence halls and townhouses.
8. Room Changes – All room changes must be discussed with and approved by Residential Life staff. The Office of Residential Life discourages the belief that room changes are always the best way to resolve roommate issues. When a student requests a room change because of roommate conflicts, they may also require that a living space agreement be drafted and adhered to for that period of time. Should any student attempt to force another occupant to move out by creating, perpetuating, or instigating conflict, the Office of Residential Life reserves the right to determine which student may or will be relocated. Any threats of retaliation will be subject to an investigation and will undergo the Community Standards process. Retaliation is defined as threats, intimidation, or reprisals towards another in reaction to an individual’s self-advocacy. A fine may be assessed, and a referral for judicial action may be issued, for any room change not approved by the Office of Residential Life. Room changes will be approved on a space available basis. Should a vacancy occur in a room, suite, or townhouse, the Office of Residential Life reserves the right to place a student into that space. Should any room, suite, or townhouse occupant attempt to intentionally mislead, deny, or dissuade a potential new occupant from moving in, disciplinary action and review of housing status may result.
9. Keys – Room keys will be issued to each student at the beginning of the occupancy period. Students are expected to carry their keys with them at all times. Keys may not be transferred, duplicated, or given to others. Lost keys must be reported to the Office of Residential Life. The cost of replacement is $100 and will be borne by the student and will not be deducted from the student’s damage deposit. The University will not be responsible for any damage or personal injury to any student or guest or to their property that results from a failure to immediately report lost or stolen keys.
10. Condition of the Room/Cleanliness – Students are expected to always keep their living area in a clean and habitable condition. If it is determined that a student’s living area falls below acceptable health or safety standards, as determined by the University, the students will be required to address these concerns. Students will be held responsible for maintaining their rooms in a clean and habitable condition. Unauthorized furnishings (e.g., lounge chairs, couches, tables, etc.) may not be brought into student rooms or suites. University furniture cannot be brought outside of residence halls and townhouses. Painting of student rooms or common areas is strictly forbidden. Students are prohibited from making any modifications to the University issued facilities made available in the residential hall rooms and townhouses. Any modification found without prior approval and direction from the Office of Accessibility Services and Residential Life will be considered vandalism or damage. A violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or financial charges.
11. Condition of Common Areas – Residents are responsible for keeping hallways, bathrooms, and common areas of the residence halls and adjacent grounds free of personal trash and belongings. Residents may receive monetary fines for the trash removal or cleaning of waste left in the common areas.
12. Common Bathrooms – Communal living areas have designated (binary) gender bathrooms. Students are welcome to use the bathroom that they identify with. Students are prohibited from using or entering a bathroom designated for a gender they do not identify with. If you have questions or need assistance regarding our communal living arrangements, please contact the Office of Residential Life at 401-232-6140 or reslife@bryant.edu.
13. Storage – Storage space on campus is not available for student’s belongings. Belongings left behind after a student checks out of a space may be discarded with no compensation to the student.
14. Occupancy Limits for Campus Residential Housing –
    • 15.1. The following halls with traditional-style individual rooms have a capacity of eight (8) people: Charleston House, Richmond House, Kilcup House, Westerly House, Hopkinton House, Exeter House, Coventry House, Scituate House, Tiverton House, Providence House, Jamestown House, Cumberland House, Lincoln House, Newport House, Warren House, Bristol House, and Barrington House
    • 15.2. The following halls with traditional-style double rooms have a capacity of eight (8) people: Bristol House and Warren House.
    • 15.3. The following halls with suite-style rooms have a capacity of fifteen (15) people: Charleston House, Richmond House, Kilcup House, Westerly House, Hopkinton House, Exeter House, Coventry House, Scituate House, Tiverton House, Providence House, Jamestown House, Cumberland House, Lincoln House, Newport House, and Barrington House.
    • 15.4. Traditional-style triple rooms have a capacity of eight (8) people, and traditional-style quad rooms have a capacity of ten (10) people.
    • 15.5. The townhouse unit has a capacity of twenty (20) people.
15. Guest Policy – A guest is considered anyone that does not reside in a student’s room, suite, or townhouse. No student shall have more than one non-Bryant guest at any time. Guests’ behavior is the host student’s responsibility. Host students will be held responsible for inappropriate behavior (vandalism, fights, etc.) committed by their guests. Additionally, host students must take all measures to protect students from their guests’ illegal, improper, or unruly actions. Host students may be subject to any disciplinary action and/or financial damages for any breach of this responsibility. Therefore, students are required to accompany their guests around the campus at all times and to monitor their behavior. Each student has the right to their room, however, the further privilege of entertaining guests in a bedroom is a negotiable agreement between roommates. Guests will not be permitted on campus unless cleared by their hosts through the entrance gate. Guests coming on campus after 11:45 pm must have their host come to claim them at the gate. Guests may stay overnight in the residence halls or townhouses for a maximum of two (2) nights within a seven-day period. Resident students who consistently stay/sleep in another resident’s room and/or suite for more than two nights may be subject to disciplinary action.

• All guests of students must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or certified legal guardian, or with prior approval of the parent or guardian from the Residential Life Office. Students expecting guests under the age of 18 must request such permission from the Residential Life Office no less than three (3) days before their guest’s scheduled arrival. Violation of guest policy may result in loss of future guest privileges. Alumni who are staying overnight in the residence halls need to be registered as guests.
• Guests (regardless of age) may not bring any amount of alcohol onto campus at any time. Guest passes will not be issued for the first full weekend of the Fall Semester, nor from the Wednesday before Spring Weekend through the Sunday of Spring Weekend. Likewise, guest passes will not be issued from the final day of classes each semester through the conclusion of the final exam schedule. Guest passes will not be issued during breaks, holidays, and summer semesters. Please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Office at 401-232-6046 with any questions.
• Residential Life Occupancy Limits require students to coordinate with their roommate(s) regarding occupancy limits. The maximum number of individuals allowed in a traditional residence hall room – maximum total capacity of six (6) persons; within suites style room – maximum total capacity of fifteen (15) persons; within any townhouse – maximum total capacity of twenty (20) persons at any given time.

17. Guest Policy for Commuting Students – Commuting students are not considered guests and may enter campus at any time with a valid Bryant University ID. Commuters may host guests. The guest policy applies to their guests. Commuters staying overnight in a residence hall must obtain a guest pass through a resident student. In this case, all policies and procedures noted for outside guests apply to the commuting student.
18. Laundry Facilities – Laundry facilities are located in an all-residential hall, the townhouse utility room, and in Townhouses E and H through P. The University will not be responsible for damage to or loss of personal property associated with the use of laundry facilities or for items left unattended in the laundry rooms. All laundry facilities are managed by a third-party vendor.
19. Entry/Inspection – University personnel may enter students’ rooms to perform routine maintenance during normal working hours whether or not the resident is present. Residential Life staff will inspect rooms, suites, and townhouses each month, and prior to/or during all University breaks. The University reserves the right to designate which areas can and will be inspected, including exposing areas that have been covered or obstructed by students. The purpose of inspections is to detect damage, verify furniture inventory, report repairs needed, and check general cleanliness, as well as fire, health and safety standards. When a representative of the Residential Life, Student Affairs, Facilities Management, Public Safety, or the Fire Department seeks access to a student’s room for any legal purpose, reasonable effort will be made to notify the occupant in advance of such entry. However, unannounced inspections will be conducted to assure compliance with fire safety regulations, hall closing procedures, when an officer of the University has witnessed or has reasonable suspicion of a possible violation of the University policy. During inspections, a University official carrying out the responsibilities of their position may cite the student for violations in plain sight. In cases where room inspections are not satisfactory, Residential Life or other designees may inspect more frequently or conduct unannounced inspections as needed and/or take disciplinary action. Prohibited items will be confiscated and disposed of in a manner deemed appropriate by a University official without compensation to the owner. The Fire Marshall or designee may conduct unannounced fire safety inspections.

C. Prohibited Items/Behaviors

1. Prohibited Items List – The following items are not allowed in or around any residence hall or townhouse at any time. Any prohibited items found in or around the residence halls or Townhouses will be confiscated and discarded without compensation to the owner including:

• Any heat-producing appliances including, but not limited to, hot plates, heating/immersion coils, electric fry pans, coffee makers of all kinds (excluding Keurig and “pod”-type), toaster ovens, toasters, electric blankets, electric heaters, microwave ovens, hot pots, or popcorn poppers. (All of the above are allowed in the townhouses except heating/immersion coils and electric heaters.)
• Halogen lamps; five-light, multi-head floor lamps; paper lanterns, strobe lights
• Garland or tinsel
• 2-prong extension cords; outlet splitters, or three way “octopus plugs”; “daisy chaining” extension cords
• Any flames source including but not limited to Candles and incense. (Ownership and/or use of candles for decoration are prohibited.). Students seeking the use of open flame items for religious/spiritual practices should contact the Office of Residential Life three weeks prior to the arrival of campus or the day of practice (reslife@bryant.edu or 401-232-6390).
• Extra Furniture (lofts, bars, desk chairs, rugs (larger than 5×7), extra beds, bed extenders, cubes, 2+ottomans, papasan chairs, cloth or wooden drawers, wooden drying racks, plywood, etc.) and lumber of any kind. Inflatable furniture of any kind is also prohibited including air mattresses or inflatable chairs/sofas.
• Waterbeds, hot tubs, pools, slip and slides
• Television or radio antennae/dishes that are placed outside the room or window or anywhere on the exterior of the building or grounds
• White boards, and any other messaging boards on public-facing doors, hallways, or other community common spaces.
• Firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, knives, air guns, pepper spray, mace, tasers, stun guns, or any type of weapon or ammunitio Brandishing weapons such as hand pellet guns and other weapons where a reasonable person may interpret it to be a genuine article may have criminal as well as Code of Conduct implications
• Fireworks or explosives of any type
• Propane, gasoline, kerosene, gas/charcoal grills, other hazardous chemicals.
• Motorcycles, mopeds, other gas-powered vehicles
• Dart boards/darts
• Traffic signs, neon signs, traffic cones, university signs
• Hookahs
• Alcoholic beverage containers, shot glasses, empty kegs, beer balls, taps, Kegerators, keg refrigerators, funnels, Beirut/beer pong tables, or other alcohol paraphernalia, etc. may not be used for decorative or any other purposes in the residence halls. Possession of these items may be viewed as evidence of consumption.
• Air conditioners
• Cinder blocks, shelving of all kinds, or anything mounted to furniture, walls, or ceilings
• Fog/smoke machines or instruments including incense
• Bullhorns; megaphones, air horns, vuvuzelas
• Multi-quart beverage coolers
• Scanners/surveillance cameras
• Deep freezers, ice makers
• Vapes, e-cigarettes or any other electronic smoking device
• Maximum size for a refrigerator in a room, suite, or townhouse: 5.0 cubic feet. Maximum number of refrigerators: one per assigned room resident.

2. Security – Security systems are designed for the protection of all students. Students are expected to lock their room/suite/Townhouse doors. Vandalism of these facilities will not be tolerated. Vandalism of exterior building doors or locks or any other such security system will be subject to appropriate University discipline procedures. The propping of exterior doors is strictly prohibited. In addition, students are prohibited from climbing through windows or being on ledges or roofs of buildings and exiting/entering through fire exits when there is not an emergency. Students are prohibited from throwing any objects at, toward, or out of any windows. Personal security or surveillance cameras are prohibited in all residential halls/Townhouses.
3. Rights of Others/Noise – Each student will respect and observe the rights of other students occupying University residence halls. Excessive noise, including the use of radios, stereos, personal music devices, televisions, etc., at a level that can be heard beyond the boundaries of the room is prohibited. Repeated violations of this policy may result in the mandatory removal of the noise producing item. Hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guests, and guests may be asked to leave the space due to a noise violation.
   • 3.1. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Courtesy hours are defined as the time outside of quiet hours where individuals are expected to be responsible for the noise they make and how it may affect the community.
   • 3.2. Quiet hours are in effect Sunday – Thursday: 11pm to 8am; Friday – Saturday: 1am to 10am – Noise loud enough to be heard from outside of a suite/apartment/townhouse are prohibited during quiet hours. Quiet Hours are subject to change during Final examination periods and other University designated times. The University will communicate when these extended Quiet Hours go into effect.
4. Vandalism/Damage– Damage, theft, or acts of vandalism to University or vendor owned property are strictly forbidden. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action and may also face criminal prosecution. Each student is financially responsible for the cost of the replacement or repair of any breakage or damage (except normal wear and tear) to their room/suite/ townhouse and its furnishings and the costs of any damages in the common areas of the residence halls. Residents are not permitted to repair damage of any kind (i.e., painting, furniture repairs, plastering of holes in walls, etc.). Students will be held responsible for the actions of their guests resulting in damage.
5. Cooking – Is not allowed in residence hall rooms or suites. Cooking is allowed in designated community kitchens using only University-provided appliances in Warren, Barrington, and Bristol. Any personal appliances listed on the prohibited items list brought to the designated area will still be regarded as a prohibited item and will be confiscated.
6. Appliances – Clothing/hair irons and hair dryers are the only heat–producing appliances allowed in the residence halls. Low wattage electrical equipment such as clocks, radios, stereos, etc. (and their attached cords) must be UL-approved. The University and the Smithfield Fire Department reserve the right to determine if electrical equipment is dangerous and to require its removal from University residence halls.
7. Confiscated Items – Student must retrieve any confiscated prohibited items by the end of the semester the item was confiscated. Students should contact their Community Director to coordinate their items’ retrieval before leaving campus. All items not removed by the academic year’s end will be discarded.
8. Solicitation – Door to door solicitation is strictly prohibited in the residence halls. Any other type of sales or promotion within the residence halls must receive prior written permission by the Assistant Vice President of Student Life or designee. Students cannot operate a business from their room, suite, or townhouse, unless approval is granted by the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs. Students can use this link to request approval for student businesses https://engaged.bryant.edu/submitter/form/start/594239.
9. Pets – No pets are allowed in the University residence halls except for non-carnivorous small fish (maximum one tank per room with tank size of 10 gallons). Any student found with a pet will be fined $20 per day until the pet is removed. Students are responsible for finding an appropriate permanent off-campus living situation for the animal in the prescribed timeframe for removal. Applications to have an emotional support animal must be submitted to the Office of Accessibility Services. Approval must be granted by the University before the animal can be brought onto campus.
10. Fire Prevention/Drills/Equipment – Students are expected to notify Public Safety of any potential fire or a safety hazard and promptly report any fire. Residents are expected to observe fire safety procedures established for their halls, including the participation in fire alarm/evacuation drills. Students must leave the building when an alarm sounds or be subject to disciplinary action, fines, and/or possible arrest. Students are expected to help prevent false alarms and should report any tampering of fire safety equipment to Residential Life staff or directly to the Department of Public Safety.

• The following items are not to be tampered with, obstructed, or tested by unauthorized users under any circumstances: heat sensors, smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations or other alarm systems, sprinkler heads, sprinkler piping, ceiling tile grids, grid, fire horns, fire extinguishers, and fire extinguisher cases. Obstruction of the aforementioned items also includes hanging, covering attaching external items. Decorations are prohibited on fire doors and in the hallways. All doors and vision panels shall not be wrapped in decorations. Hallway fire doors must remain open unless there is an active alarm in the building.
• Should you have a problem or suspect that there is a problem with any of the above devices, please call the Department of Public Safety or notify your Resident Assistant immediately. The misuse or the replacement of a missing or misused fire extinguisher will result in a monetary fine with possible disciplinary consequences. Should no one be found to be solely responsible, a fine will be applied to all residents of the unit, suite, floor, hall, or townhouse. In addition to state law and above stated policies, students are subject to the fire, health, and safety policies found throughout the undergraduate student handbook.

11. Hall Sports – Hall sports are strictly prohibited in all residence halls. Repeated violations of this policy may result in confiscation of any items involved.
12. Gambling – Gambling in any form is strictly prohibited in and around the residence facilities.
13. Alcohol – In accordance with Rhode Island state law, alcohol may not be possessed or consumed by anyone under the age of 21. Residents who are of legal drinking age in the suites and townhouses are extended the privilege of possessing a limited quantity of alcoholic beverages but may do so only in the privacy of their own bedroom. The exception is when all suite or townhouse residents are age 21 or over, which enables residents and their age 21 or over guest to consume alcohol in the common room of their suite/townhouse. Students under the age of 21 are not allowed to be in the presence of alcohol. The sponsoring student(s) of any gathering at which alcohol is served is solely responsible for assuring that all guests are of legal drinking age, and for assuring the safety of their guests and all other persons at such gatherings. The sponsoring student(s) will be held fully responsible for any breach of this duty and may be subject to financial damages and/or disciplinary measures. In addition to the state law and above-stated policy, students are subject to the alcohol policies found in the Student Handbook.
14. Drugs – The sale, transfer, distribution, use, dealing in, manufacturing, or possession of narcotics, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia, or the distribution or misuse of prescribed drugs in and around the residence facilities are strictly prohibited. Violators are subject to University disciplinary procedures as well as criminal prosecution under state and federal laws. Dealing in narcotics and/or illegal drugs will constitute grounds for suspension or dismissal from the residence hall system and further disciplinary action by the University.
15. Adult Entertainers – Adult Entertainers are prohibited in and around the residence halls and townhouses.

All terms and conditions are subject to change.

Updated 7/31/2023