Policies and Procedures

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Alcohol Beverages, consult the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct.

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Narcotics or Drugs, consult the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct.

Weapon concealed carry is only legal for possession and storage in Murray, Carpenter/Wells, Talkington, and West Village. All other residence halls are considered exclusionary zones where concealed carry is prohibited by law.

See Texas Tech University Operating Policy 10.22 related to Campus Carry.

Students in Carpenter/Wells, Murray, Talkington, and West Village that have a valid License to Carry (LTC) may store their authorized weapon within their room so long as the storage safe is approved in accordance with Senate Bill 11, Texas Tech University OP 10.22, and the University Student Housing Campus Carry policies outlined in the University Student Housing and Hospitality Services Contract Guide

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Firearms, Weapons, and Explosives, consult the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct.

Potential Violation: Possession of a Weapon as Outlined in the USH Weapons Restrictions and/or Texas Tech University Student Code of Conduct.

Failing to evacuate the building during a fire alarm can cause harm to the individual as well as fire safety personnel. Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm will result in judicial action and could result in an arrest for violating state and federal law. During severe weather events, students should remain inside the building unless instructed otherwise by authorized safety personnel or USH staff. Residents and guests are expected to follow the directions provided by university officials, staff, law enforcement, and/or first responders.

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Failure to Comply and/or Violation of Published University Policies, Rules or Regulations, consult the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct.

Potential Violation: Failure to Comply; or Violation of Published University Policies

Anyone unnecessarily setting off or tampering with fire alarm systems, exit signs, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, cameras, or any other fire/life safety equipment will be subject to judicial action, financial responsibility for damage, and referral to the civil authorities for prosecution under state and federal law. Removal from the residence hall community may be considered for those responsible.

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Violation of Federal, State, Local Law and/or University Policy and/or False Alarms, consult the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct.

Potential Violation: False Alarms or Violation of Federal, State, Local Law Tampering with fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, cameras, or any other fire/life safety equipment.

Smoking, vaping, and/or tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco) in unauthorized areas on University property as designated by the Texas Tech University smoke-free and tobacco-free environment policy is prohibited.

Smoking is prohibited in all residence hall rooms, suites, apartments, and public spaces. Students may smoke outside 20 feet away from any part of the buildings and utilize designated receptacles for disposal. Use of Hookahs, e-cigarettes, and vaping is not allowed in the residence halls. These items may be stored in a room; however, the use of these items must be at least 20 feet from the building. Smoking and/or Vaping in the buildings will set off the fire alarm (See Fire Safety and False Alarm for ramifications for sending the building into alarm).

On September 1, 2019, a new law for the State of Texas (SB21,2019) took effect. https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB21/2019 This law prohibits the sale, use, and possession of tobacco and vaping products to anyone under the age of 21. Smoking and vaping in the residence halls are prohibited and a violation of the Smoking Policy. Any violation of this policy may be reviewed in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and can also be prosecutable as a violation of Texas State law.

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Smoking, consult the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct. The Smoke-free and Tobacco-Free Environment Policy is outlined in the Texas Tech University Operating Policy and Procedure Manual 60.15.

Potential Violation: Violation of the Smoking Policy; or Violation of Published University Policies

Advertisements, sales, displays, or distributions of publications on campus are not permitted without approval unless provided for by University policy or law. Neither residents, nor off-campus salespersons, are permitted to solicit room-to-room, through the mailboxes or through the posting of flyers. Please report the presence of door-to-door salespersons in the residence hall to 911 and the hall office or a staff member immediately. Residence hall students may not post flyers selling personal items in the halls or on their doors but rather, must go to the designated board in the Student Union Building for posting. Student rooms may not be used for commercial purposes.

Requests for solicitation by official student organizations and university departments must be submitted at: Texas Tech University :: University Student Housing :: Solicitation Form. Requests include posters and printed materials, tabling, and fundraising or collection drives.

Potential Violation: Abuse, Misuse, or Theft of University Information Resources; or Violation of Published University Policies

Devices including, but not limited to hubs, switches, bridges, routers, wireless network access points, network firewalls, VPN concentrators, and remote access devices are not permitted under this policy.

NOTE:The telecommunications device policy is outlined in the Texas Tech University Operating Policy and Procedure Manual 52.03.

Potential Violation: Abuse, Misuse, or Theft of University Information Resources; or Violation of Published University Policies

The intentional or unintentional misuse of residence hall facilities, equipment, and furniture is a violation of policy. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Vandalism - Any willful behavior aimed at destroying, altering, or defacing property belonging to the University or another individual.
• Public Area Furniture - Furniture in public areas of the residence halls is to remain in its place for the convenience of all residents and their guests.
• Room Furniture - Resident rooms with built-in furniture and fixtures should not be dismantled and/or removed. Movable furniture must not be removed, and removal is considered theft of state property.
• Elevator Misuse – Persons who misuse an elevator (e.g., jump, intentionally abuse with carts, excessively and repeatedly punch the buttons, and pry elevator doors open) will be subject to disciplinary action and held financially responsible for any damage.
• Sealed Windows, and Window Stoppers and Cranks – Window ledges are not to be used for storage. Students can be held personally liable for any damages to property and/or any personal injury resulting from items being thrown from windows or falling from ledges. Some residence halls have window stoppers. If a window stopper is removed, a replacement fee will be assessed to the resident(s) of the room. Window stopper replacement is a minimum of $50. Other halls have sealed windows that must remain sealed for safety reasons. If they are opened in any way, a charge is assessed to the resident(s) of the room to reseal the windows. Resealing windows will be a minimum of $50. Windows with cranks, if broken will be a minimum cost of $150.

NOTE:For Texas Tech University’s policy on Theft, Damage, Littering, or Unauthorized Use please refer to the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct.

Potential Violation: Theft, Damage, Littering, or Unauthorized Use; or Violation of Published University Policies

Students under the age of 21 may possess a maximum of two empty alcohol containers (i.e., beer bottle, wine, or champagne bottle) which must be cleaned and used for decoration only. Collections of alcohol-related cans or bottles are not permitted.

Potential Violation: Alcoholic Beverages; or Violation of Published University Policy

While residents are permitted and encouraged to bring bicycles for their personal use, bicycles are not permitted to be walked, ridden, or stored in a resident’s room, the hallways, stairwells, or other locations within the residence halls. Storing a bicycle in the resident’s room or other locations within the residence hall interferes with egress should a building evacuation be necessary. Residents must utilize the bicycle racks located outside of their residence hall or another bicycle rack of their choosing. This also includes bicycles, electric scooters, or motorcycles, or any item which blocks or is stored in outside stairwells. These items may not be parked or anchored to any outside surface other than designated bicycle racks or two-wheeled vehicle parking.

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Skateboards, Rollerblades, Scooters, Bicycles, or Similar Modes of Transportation, please refer to the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct. Additionally, refer to Transportation and Parking Services Regulations which can be found at Residence Hall Parking.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

An environment conducive to studying and privacy should always exist in the residence halls. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Quiet hours are designated Sunday - Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) to 10:00 a.m. the next day. Everyone should be aware of the impact of their behaviors on others. Should a student indicate the noise level is bothersome, the noise level should be lowered immediately. Residents are responsible for their guests and will be held accountable for their guest's behavior regarding noise violations.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

The hosting resident must always escort all guests while in the residence halls. Residents are responsible for any violations which occur within their rooms or because of their guests, regardless of whether the resident of the room is physically present. Guest behavior must follow all residence hall, state, and federal laws.

Visitation hours are 24/7. Courtesy should be extended to roommates/suitemates regarding guests and the number of guests should not impede egress from the room.

One overnight guest of the same gender as the host is permitted with the permission of the roommate/suite-apartment-mates and should not exceed more than three nights. Additionally, the overnight guests' host will be responsible for ensuring the guest is familiar with and observes all university and residence hall policies and procedures. The host and the visiting guest will both be held accountable for any policy violations, damages, and/or loss of property.

Students of the opposite gender from their host are not permitted to use community bathrooms which contain showers, toilets, and sinks. Guests of opposite gender must be escorted to the public restroom facility, which contains toilets and sinks, in the lobby of each residence hall. In co-ed halls, escorted guests may use any available appropriate gender bathroom.

NOTE:See the Visitor Bathroom Use section in the University Student Housing and Hospitality Services Contract Guide.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

Flammable materials are prohibited in the residence halls. This includes, but is not limited to, possession or use of the following items:

• Candles and Incense - Candles, and/or incense (lit or unlit), are not allowed in student rooms and/or public areas in any of the residence halls.
• Open Flames – Open flames and items which can easily cause a fire such as open coiled appliances are prohibited.
• Vegetation of a Combustible Nature – Christmas trees, tumbleweeds, tree branches, etc. may not be used.
• Light Strings - Light strings cannot be hung up in the hallways or on student doors but may be displayed in individual rooms. Light string wall/ceiling damage is one of the most common forms of assessed damages at the end of the year.
• Covered Surfaces – Doors may not be covered more than 50%. Students may cover bulletin boards and have drapes/curtains/shades on the windows. Blinds provided must remain in place. Students may not drape or hang fabric on walls or ceilings.
• Lamps - Sun lamps, halogen lamps, and tanning beds.
• Appliances - Open-faced electrical or heating appliances including hot plates, broilers, space heaters, immersion heaters, toaster ovens, air fryers, and George Foreman Grills. Also, see Items Not Permitted in the Residence Halls or Public Areas.
• Large Coffee Pots - Coffee pots with a capacity of more than four cups.
• Grills - Charcoal, kerosene, propane, wood pellet, or electric grills are prohibited. Charcoal, kerosene, wood pellets, and propane should not be stored in residence halls.
• Spray Paint - Spray paint cannot be stored in residence halls.
• Flammable Liquid or Compressed Gases - Use or storage of any type of flammable liquids or compressed gases.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

Possession of the following items is a violation of housing policy unless provided by University Student Housing. Prohibited appliances, including but not limited to:

• Air-conditioners
• Dishwasher
• Washing machines
• Clothes dryers
• Ovens
• Microwaves over 1500 watts
• Refrigerators over 3.7 cubic feet
• Toaster ovens
• Air Fryers
• Outdoor antennas of any kind
• Waterbeds
• Aquarium tanks for fish as pets of 5 gallons or more. Aquariums aiding those with approved Emotional Support Animals are excluded from this policy but should follow the guidelines for Service and Emotional Support Animals.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

Do not give a key to your room or an access card to a guest or visitor for any reason. Remember to take your key, and your access card when exiting your room.

Potential Violation: Unauthorized Entry, Possession, or Use; or Violation of Published University Policies

Lime, or any other motorized scooter or skateboard, sports or other bicycle, or other travel device are not allowed in the residence halls. Any damage resulting from the above-listed items will be assessed to the student. Additionally, any motorized scooter or skateboard, bicycle, or other travel device found charging in the residence halls will be confiscated. Devices aiding those with mobility disabilities are excluded from this policy.

NOTE:For Texas Tech University's policy on Skateboards, Rollerblades, Scooters, Bicycles, or Similar Modes of Transportation, please refer to the Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct, Misconduct. Additionally, refer to Transportation and Parking Services Regulations which can be found at Residence Hall Parking.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

University Student Housing residence halls are pet-free facilities. The only exception is aquarium tanks for fish that are less than 5 gallons.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are permitted in university housing only with appropriate documentation reviewed and approved by both the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) and University Student Housing.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are considered an extension of the student. The student is responsible for the actions, behavior, and/or misconduct of their animal.  Approved Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals may remain in university housing as long as they exhibit non-disruptive behavior (e.g., no continuous barking) and non-threatening behavior (e.g., biting).  Service Animals include fully vaccinated dogs. 

Request and Approval Process
All requests for housing or dining accommodations on the basis of disability, including Emotional Support Animals, must be initiated through Student Disability Services (SDS). SDS will review accommodation requests along with required supporting medical documentation to determine eligibility.

Once eligibility has been verified by SDS, University Student Housing will work with the student to discuss available housing options that may meet the accommodation need, based on available resources.

To facilitate timely review and implementation, students must submit accommodation requests to SDS no later than April 1 for the upcoming fall term. Requests submitted after April 1, including requests made mid- academic year or after a student has moved into university housing, will be reviewed; however, the University does not guarantee that accommodations can be implemented immediately or prior to the beginning of the fall term.

Shared Housing and Roommate Agreements
If a student requesting an Emotional Support Animal accommodation resides in a shared room, studio, suite, apartment, or pod, all roommates must agree to live with the Emotional Support Animal and submit a Roommate Agreement Form. Emotional Support Animals are not permitted in University housing until all required roommate agreement forms have been received and formal approval has been provided by University Student Housing. If all roommates do not agree to the Emotional Support Animal, a new housing assignment may be required in order to provide the accommodation request.

Visiting Animals
Visiting Service Dogs are welcome in university housing at any time. 

Therapy Dog Events
Sponsored therapy dog events are excluded from this policy when conducted in full compliance with Texas Tech University Operating Policies and Procedures OP 61.46: Therapy Dog Sessions Within University Buildings.

Residents needing containers for injectable medications must either use a sealable hard plastic or a medical grade Sharps container. When the container is full, please take the container to the Student Wellness Center for proper disposal. Utilization of this process helps to reduce the danger of accidental sticks to University Student Housing staff and fellow residents. Do not dispose of needles or other sharp objects in the residence halls trash receptacles.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

Sports-Related Items

Sports are not allowed in the hallways or public areas of a residence hall. This policy applies to skateboards, hoverboards, rollerblades, bikes, or objects rolled along the floor or bounced, hit, or sailed through the air. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards may not be ridden in the residence halls.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

Students living in the residence halls are expected to begin learning acceptable community living habits. Resident rooms should maintain a relatively clean-living environment free from excessive trash, leftover food particles outside of trash bins, human and/or animal waste. It is the responsibility of the students to clean their own living spaces and remove all trash and human/animal waste or other hazardous waste. Trash containers are located outside each residence hall, and it is expected each student will bag and dispose of their own trash in these outside receptacles. Inside trash receptacles are for guests and the occasional singular pieces of trash. Any trash left outside the room/suite/apartment door or in any other public space will be a violation of University Student Housing policy.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

All electric appliances must bear a UL or equivalent certification label. All equipment should be kept in a safe operating condition. Extension cords are not permitted. Only UL approved surge protectors may be used in the residence halls and may not be piggybacked onto other surge protectors or other devices where multiple items are plugged in for electrical power.

Potential Violation: Violation of Published University Policies

University Student Housing does not permit items to be used as weapons, including but not limited to decorative or functional swords, knives of two (2) or more inches in length, dart/paint/pellet/potato/nerf/bb guns, hunting equipment (including shotguns, bows, and arrows), and designated martial arts equipment.

Potential Violation: Possession of a Weapon as Outlined in the University Student Housing Policies and/or Texas Tech University Student Code of Conduct.

The room optimization process allows University Student Housing (USH) to meet all housing needs by optimizing vacant spaces across campus. The room optimization process is typically initiated after fall and spring move-in. USH will contact all students who are impacted via their Texas Tech email.

Procedure

Students who are not assigned a roommate or who lost a roommate will be given the following options during the room optimization process:

• The student may coordinate a roommate, OR
• The student may be given the option to contract for a single room when space permits. Should this option occur and be selected, the student will be charged a single rate for the remaining time left in the term of this contract. There are additional costs for a single room and the single room rate will be applied to both Fall and Spring semesters as applicable. OR
• The student may be assigned to another room, or another roommate as needed and determined by USH.

Failure to timely request a roommate may result in a new roommate being assigned to the vacancy as determined by USH. The vacant space should always remain clean/clear of clutter to receive a new roommate at any time. If a new roommate is assigned and is unable to move in due to the vacant space being used, the current occupant will be charged a single room fee effective from the date their room first became vacant.

A limited number of single rooms may be available in the residence halls after move-in and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. As vacancies occur during the academic year, a student may request a single room by contacting their hall office. There are additional costs for a single room and the single room rate will be applied to both Fall and Spring semesters as applicable. A single room does not entitle the student to make the extra bed available to another student or guest. If the student later decides to accept a roommate or move to another room, the single room rate will be prorated.

Policies updated: 08/2022

• To set agreed upon expectations with the residents of the room/suite/apartment related to studying, sleeping and socializing in the room/suite/apartment
• To live in a safe, secure, healthy and clean environment
• To be an active member within a supportive community
• To gain access to a variety of programs and services
• To grow and develop as a member of Texas Tech University by interacting with others in the community

• To demonstrate dignity and respect for the needs of all individuals
• To provide open communication with other community members and Residence Life staff
• To consider involvement in the community through student leadership opportunities and planned events
• To care for the facilities and the community environment
• To promote individual and community safety

The Residence Life staff in each hall/complex is present to assist students in creating a positive living community. They are focused on creating a residence hall environment that leads to success at Texas Tech University. By organizing floor meetings, educational interactions, and social events, students and staff come together to enjoy all the benefits and conveniences of living on campus. Actively participating in the residence halls and on-campus affords you many opportunities for success and growth as an individual.

Adapted from In Search of Community, Ernest Boyer, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Communication between roommates is the key to establishing a positive relationship. This relationship will contribute to your overall satisfaction with college life. Roommate agreements are an important tool to ensuring clear communication, appropriate boundaries, and agreed upon expectations of shared space(s). You should discuss any problems that arise and work together to resolve any differences. Staff are available to assist in facilitating these conversations. Keep in mind, individual rights to sleep, study, and privacy precede all other rights and privileges.

Learning to navigate conflict is an important life skill. Living with others is an opportunity to develop skills to assist in approaching future conflicts. Following these guidelines provides a framework for resolution should a disagreement arise.

• Set up a meeting
  • Privately approach the roommate or person displaying unacceptable behavior.
  • If a person finds it difficult to approach a roommate or a roommate is unresponsive, seek assistance from the community advisor. Take the initiative to act positively.
• What happens during the meeting
  • Be direct and specific about the behaviors which are problematic or concerning.
  • Discuss the person's behavior, not the person's personality (this enables the person to be less defensive).
  • Each person involved should take a turn describing their perception of the situation, how they feel about it and what they believe may be an optimal solution
  • Each person should agree to a compromise and help develop a solution. This means all individuals may not get 100% of their desired outcomes.
  • Together, develop a plan of action and set a timeframe for the changes to occur.
  • Update roommate/suitemate agreement in roompact to reflect current resolutions
• What follow-up happens
  • Resolutions may take time and ongoing conversations are necessary. Do not expect change to happen overnight. It is the responsibility of all parties to work together in creating change.
  • If unable to resolve the situation or the situation does not improve, reach out to your Community Advisor to assist in facilitating a new meeting.
  • Set a future date to evaluate the situation and renegotiate if necessary
  • If working with the Community Advisor is unsuccessful, please reach out to the complex professional staff through the hall office to set up an appointment.

To assist you and your roommate/suitemate with getting to know each other and setting out some preliminary expectations regarding living together for the upcoming year, we encourage you to read and complete a roommate or suitemate agreement at the beginning of the year. This should be revised throughout the year as necessary, including if any new roommates/suitemates are assigned to the space.