The Office of Residential Life

Staff Support and Community Development

Leadership Team: Director, Assistant Director, and 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 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, the residence hall communities are supported by a Residence Hall Association (RHA) which provides leadership, programming, and hall advocacy opportunities to residents. RHA is a fun way to get involved in your community.

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 and 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.

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)

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 individual property.

Personal Property Insurance
Students may purchase inexpensive individual property insurance for personal belongings while on campus directly through GradGuard.com  The University has partnered with GradGuard because they offer a unique student-focused renter’s insurance program that has protected over 500,000 students nationwide; this option is available during the housing application process.

While students are not required to obtain insurance through GradGuard, we highly encourage obtaining renters insurance from GradGuard or a provider of their choice prior to moving-in. We strongly recommend this insurance as the University does not insure a student’s individual 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.).

Keys and Lockouts

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 $20.00 for a second through fifth occurrence and charge of $40.00 for every occurrence thereafter. This applies throughout all academic sessions and residential periods. Repeated lockouts may result in disciplinary action.

Fire and General 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 the list of items 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.