Policies | Residential Life | Monmouth University

Alcohol

Monmouth University has established an Alcohol Policy for the safety of all community members and in compliance with the New Jersey State Alcoholic Beverage Law. The Student Handbook describes the University’s Alcohol Policy in detail. To help students understand what is and what is not permitted under the Alcohol policy, the following interpretation is included:

Persons twenty-one and older MAY:

Consume alcohol in their residence hall room/apartment.
Consume alcohol in another residence hall room/apartment if the host is twenty-one or older and is present.
Carry unopened containers of alcohol on campus out of plain view.
Provide alcohol in their residence hall room/apartment to others aged twenty-one or older.
Possess alcohol displays made up of alcohol containers if all residents are over the age of twenty-one.

Persons twenty-one and older MAY NOT:

Encourage or promote excessive or binge drinking or drinking activities
Consume alcohol in the residence hall outside of a private room (i.e. – suite, hallways, lobbies, etc.)
Consume alcohol in a residence hall room/apartment which has no resident of legal age or in which the legal age resident is not present
Provide alcohol to others under the age of twenty-one
Charge in any way for alcohol consumption by others
Possess kegs, beer balls, or miniature kegs
Permit underage persons to bring in or consume alcohol in their residence hall room/apartment
Consume alcohol in a residence hall room/apartment in which others under the age of twenty-one are present
Leave alcohol unattended outside of a hall/apartment. These items will be confiscated and disposed of accordingly
Construct devices to consume alcohol
Consume alcohol in any first-year building
Consuming alcohol to the point of problematic intoxication

Persons under the age of twenty-one MAY NOT:

Possess, transport or consume alcohol any place on campus. This includes bedrooms, common areas of suites and apartments
Permit persons to bring in or consume alcohol in their residence hall room or suite
Carry opened or unopened alcoholic beverage containers any place on campus
Provide alcohol to anyone; possess alcohol displays made up of empty alcoholic beverage containers
Possess any type of beer “funnel”, “table” , shot glass, or any other type of device used to aid in the consumption, abuse or playing games with alcohol; such as Beer Pong or Flip Cup
Encourage or promote excessive or binge drinking or drinking activities

For cases in which all residents of an assigned room/apartment are not of legal age, the following must be adhered to:

Alcohol may not be consumed in the presence of the underage persons
Alcohol may not be kept in the room
Alcohol displays made up of alcoholic beverage containers are not permitted

Please note: The presence of alcoholic beverage containers, either empty or full, in individuals’ common area of a suite or apartment, will constitute constructive possession for individuals under the age of 21.

The Student Handbook details the University’s policy in detail. Areas designated as first-year housing are considered to be “dry” halls. No alcohol, alcohol paraphernalia, or alcohol displays are permitted

Abandoned Property

The Office of Residential Life does not have storage facilities. All belongings must be removed from campus prior to checkout. Any items left in University housing areas are subject to removal and will be disposed of at the owner’s expense.

Beds

Using non-university mattresses, putting mattresses on the floor, or altering structural components of the beds is not allowed. Lofts, (non- university authorized) platforms, and waterbeds are not permitted. If beds are bunked, residents are responsible for “pins” included with the beds.

Camping

Camping outside on University property or inside University Buildings is prohibited for several reasons:

Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is a top priority. Unauthorized camping could potentially pose risks or create safety hazards.
Maintenance and Cleanliness: Campsites can cause wear and tear on campus grounds and may lead to cleanliness issues. Campuses need to maintain their facilities in good condition for all students and visitors.
Liability: Allowing camping could increase the institution’s liability in the case of accidents or injuries that might occur on campus property.
Disruption: Camping might disrupt normal campus operations and activities, including access to facilities and services.
Campus Image: Maintaining a professional and orderly appearance is important for the college’s image and reputation.

If you have a specific need or event that you think might justify an exception to the policy, it’s a good idea to contact campus administration or the Student Life Office. They might be able to provide alternatives or make special arrangements.

Campus Living Requirement

All first and second-year undergraduate students of the University who do not live with a parent/guardian must live in a residence hall and participate in one of the University’s board plans. The University acknowledges the diverse needs of students and therefore reserves the right to grant permission for a first- or second-year student to live off campus on a limited case-by-case basis.

Common Area Damage

The Common Area Damage policy is one that stresses student responsibility. The living areas in the residence halls are part of your community and you are expected to take responsibility for those areas. Public areas such as hallways, lounges, and suites are shared equally by all individuals assigned to the given floor and/or suite. Damages in these areas can be very costly to everyone. Those directly involved will be charged accordingly. The residents of an affected area are charged for damages only when the responsible person is not identified and billed for damages. This is done as a last resort because we expect individuals to accept responsibility for damages they cause. We also expect persons living in affected areas to assist in identifying these people. In addition, our staff makes every effort to find the responsible person(s). The benefits of this policy are:

Persons actually responsible for the damage pay for it.
Student responsibility and self-discipline are increased.
There is community responsibility for common living areas.

The Residential Life staff strives to help residents to function effectively as hall and building communities. However, a cooperative effort from all residents is necessary to ensure the maintenance of community areas.

Confiscation of Unapproved Items

Items that are prohibited, illegal to possess, or pose a danger to the safety of the individual or University Housing community, or which violate state or federal laws, University policy, or Residential Life policy, are subject to removal. The possession of illegal items may result in criminal prosecution, immediate judicial action, or both. Illegal items will be turned over to the University Police. Residents will be asked to immediately dispose of any items(s) in violation of University Housing rules or the Resident Life Staff will remove the items(s). If an item is removed, the resident will be issued documentation indicating the removal and labeling of the item. Removed items will be disposed of or the resident may be given the opportunity to remove the item(s) from University property.

Consolidation

The Residential Life Office reserves the right to consolidate students who do not have a roommate. If a student has a vacancy in his/her room, the options available to that student (if Residential Life does not move a student) are as follows:

Stay in the room and find someone who is also alone to move into the vacancy
Move into another residence hall space with someone of your choosing who has a vacancy in his or her room
Stay in the room alone with the clear understanding that Residential Life may move a student into the vacancy at any time, if necessary:
1. In some instances, the student may not notified in advance if the situation warrants an immediate move – this type of situation is unusual, but does occur.
2. The room must be maintained at all times in a manner which would make it possible for another student to feel comfortable moving in:
  - All original University property must be present in the room, i.e. beds, dressers, desks and desk chairs.
  - Closet, bed, desk, and dresser space must remain available.
3. The student must not discourage students seeking a room change from moving into the vacancy – if this occurs the student will be subject to judical action for failing to comply with the consolidation policy.
4. Resident Assistants will check the room on several occasions to make certain it is maintained as described above.

Courtesy Hours

Courtesy hours are in effect at all times in the residence halls. Each resident and his/her visitors have the responsibility to act with consideration toward residence hall community members who choose to study or sleep.

Drugs

Drugs are prohibited in the residence halls, apartments and off campus housing facilities. The Drugs & Narcotics Policy is described in detail in the Student Handbook and all students are expected to be familiar with the policy. While New Jersey state law permits the use of marijuana, Federal law prohibits marijuana use, possession, distribution, etc., at educational institutions and on the premises of other recipients of federal funds. The use, possession, or distribution of marijuana is therefore not allowed in any Monmouth University housing or any other University property including University sponsored housing off campus; nor is it allowed at any University sponsored event or activity off campus.

Entry Into Rooms

The right to privacy is of paramount importance and should not be violated. However, entry into or search of student living quarters may be conducted by the following persons as detailed below:

A Residential Life or Student Life staff member may enter your room for visual inspection if they believe that a violation of a University policy is or has taken place.
Residential Life staff will inspect your room or apartment when you checkout during vacation periods to insure you have left using proper closing procedures.
Residence hall rooms and apartments will be inspected periodically for cleanliness, health and safety standards and other reasonable housing regulations as outlined in the Residential Life Guidebook. Residents will be given at least a 24 hour notice prior to scheduled inspections.
Law enforcement officers performing statutory duties in accordance with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure.
Your submission of a Service Order Request Form authorizes maintenance personnel to enter your room or apartment in order to make the necessary repairs. Maintenance personnel may also enter your room/apartment without permission for emergency repairs.
A Residential Life or Student Life Staff may search your rooms if a probable cause is determined by the Vice President of Student Life and Leadership Engagement or their designee.

Fire Safety

Fire Safety alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and exit signs are required by the state, are for the protection of all residents, and are to be used only in case of fire. Tampering with fire equipment or setting off a false fire alarm is a misdemeanor under state law. Deliberately causing a fire is a felony. Disciplinary action and/or arrest will be taken against a student found tampering with fire equipment, falsely setting off the alarm system, or causing a fire. The following violations will be handled through the University judicial process with the noted minimum sanctions:

Intentionally activating a false fire alarm: $300.00 and/or suspension from the University/University Housing
Tampering with fire extinguisher or other fire equipment: $100.00 plus cost for recharging and cleaning
Covering any part or all of a room smoke detector, including removing the battery: $100.00 per individual
Failure to promptly or properly evacuate a building which has gone into alarm or returning to a building before the “all clear” signal is given by University personnel will result in a $100.00 fine.
Defacing or removing room evacuation procedures will result in a $25.00 fine.

In addition, each resident is responsible for being familiar with the location of exits; fire extinguishers and alarm pull stations. Residential Life staff will be happy to provide additional information or assistance in this area.

Identification Cards

All students are issued a University identification card that entitles them to certain privileges on campus including access to the residence halls. Students are required to have their ID card in their possession while on campus and must present that card to appropriate University and Dining services staff when asked to do so. ID cards must not be given to any other student to provide them access to the residence halls. (nor should they be given to another student to eat in one of the on campus dining facilities)

Keys

You will be issued keys at the beginning of the year during check-in, and you are responsible for those keys for the rest of the academic year. You should keep your keys with you at all times because they are the primary means you have of protecting yourself, others, and your property. Keys should never be left in mailboxes or “hidden” in any other location for use by other individuals – they should be kept on you at all times. Residence hall keys are the sole property of Monmouth University and may not be duplicated under any circumstances. Each student receives a room key, mailbox key & bathroom key (if applicable) (Pinewood, Laurel, Garden and Great Lawn will receive mailbox keys) at check-in. It is advisable to keep your room locked at all times. Key replacement charges are $50 (additional costs for the University Bluffs). Additionally, there is a charge for a lost mailbox key or bathroom key. Be advised that in all cases a lock change will be done for any lost or unreturned room key. All keys must be returned to the Area Coordinator of the building in which the student resides upon changing rooms or halls, upon leaving the Residence Halls permanently, upon withdrawal from the university, and at the end of the academic year. Failure to return keys will result in an automatic replacement charge regardless of whether or not such keys are returned at a later date. (Please Note: If you conduct a room change, or move out of your room and fail to return your keys, you WILL be charged accordingly.) Students who live at the University Bluffs are responsible for all keys issued to them at check-in. Failure to return any keys will result in at least $128.00 charge as well as any additional labor/parts costs. These keys must be returned to the residential life staff upon check-out.

Lockouts

If you are locked out of your room or apartment, you should first attempt to find your roommate or apartment-mate. If you are unable to do so, contact your RA or any RA in your building. Please keep in mind that the RA staffs are also full-time students who attend classes during the day. This may delay being keyed into your room. An RA is on-duty in every building beginning at 8:00pm. Please remember it is ultimately your responsibility to carry your keys with you at all times. You can’t be locked out if you have your keys. A $5.00 charge will be assessed each time a Residential Life staff member/University Police Officer keys a resident into his/her assigned room. In the case of an emergency, the University police should be contacted for assistance.

Missing Student

One of Monmouth University’s primary responsibilities is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students who reside in University housing. Monmouth University will make every effort to locate a resident student when based on the facts and circumstances known to Monmouth University, it determines that a student is missing. Monmouth University will comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), in respecting the missing resident student’s rights and reasonable privacy will be honored. A missing student is any student that is determined to be missing by a credible source and officially reported to the appropriate Monmouth University officials. The determination of a missing student can be made at any time before 24 hours, whether or not there is criminal activity suspected. Monmouth University recommends that all students register a Confidential Contact who will be notified if a student has been determined as missing. Students can find this registration form through e-Forms. The Monmouth University procedures for reporting and locating a missing student are located in The Guide for a Safe Campus Handbook.

Needle Disposal

Students using needles for diabetic or other legitimate medical reasons are responsible for disposing of these needles properly. Students are responsible for providing their own Sharps containers to store their needles. Used needles in an appropriate sharps container can be brought to the Health Center where they will be disposed of properly in accordance with OSHA and EPA guidelines. Used needles must be stored in a puncture resistant container such as a Sharps container (preferred) or an empty detergent bottle with the lid taped securely that is clearly labeled as a Sharps disposal container. The storage or disposal of needles in any other type of container is unacceptable. Further, needles may never be disposed of in room, common area or building trash room, waste or recycling receptacles. Students who fail to adhere to this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and the possibility of the termination of their housing contract.

Noncompliance

Residence hall staff members are trained to respond to emergency situations and policy violations to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment for everyone. Students are expected to respond to all reasonable directives from staff members and are not to interfere with the performance of any staff member’s duties. Any verbal abuse, harassment, or intimidation toward, or failure to cooperate with, staff members will be considered an infringement and will be referred to Residential Life for disciplinary action or arrest.

Personal Belongings

Monmouth University assumes no responsibility for any and all losses to persons or property while in the Residence Halls or University owned/sponsored housing by reason of any utility failure, accident, injury, loss or damage, except for negligence on the part of employees of the University. The burden of proof in any claim of loss or damage due to negligence on the part of employees of the University rests solely and entirely with the complainant. You are strongly encouraged to obtain renters insurance or check with your family’s homeowners policy. Monmouth University reserves the right to move personal belongings to clean the appropriate space for a new resident to the room.

Pets

Due to maintenance and sanitation problems, NO PETS ARE PERMITTED IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS OR APARTMENTS. This includes but is not limited to dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, rabbits and mice/rats. If found, the animal will be removed immediately and the student will be assessed a minimum of a $25.00 fine as well as all costs resulting from the animal’s presence (i.e. cleaning, damage, and removal.). The only exception to this policy is the use of service animals for those persons approved by the Vice President for Student Life and Leadership Engagement.

Room Damage

You and your roommate(s) are responsible for any damages to your room, which are not the result of normal usage. At the time of check-in, you should be certain your Room Condition Report form is accurate and complete. Room damages will be assessed from this form and monthly room inspections. After the residence halls are completely closed each room will be inspected, in detail, by an Area Coordinator and a representative from Facilities Management for damages. Clean-up and damage charges will be assessed and charged (if applicable). Excessive damages may also be addressed through the judicial system.

Safes, Lock Boxes, Locked Containers

Students are permitted to place safes, lock boxes, locked containers or other similar secure devices within University Owned Housing. If a student chooses to utilize a secure device, they do so agreeing to the following:

The University reserves the right to request a student to open any secure device if the University believes in its sole and absolute discretion that the contents:
- Violates the Laws of the State of New Jersey and/or the United States
- Are in violation of the University Student Code of Conduct or the Housing Contract
- Jeopardize the safety/welfare of the campus community
The University may confiscate any secure device if the resident refuses to immediately comply with the request of the University to open the secure device. Additionally, the confiscated secure device will be held by the University Police until such time that the resident agrees to comply with the University’s request to open the confiscated secure device.
The University is not responsible for any secure device or the contents within, at any time.
The University reserves the right to prohibit a resident from possessing a secure device if the University believes in its sole and absolute discretion that the resident in his/her use of the secure device:
- Is engaging in behavior that violates the laws of the State of New Jersey and/or the United States
- The contents violate the Student Code of Conduct or the Housing Contract
- The use of the device jeopardizes the safety and welfare of the campus community
- Has failed to comply with a request by the university to open the secured device
If the resident does not open the secure device at the University Police station within 10 days, the University Police shall be authorized to open the secure device utilizing any means necessary and the University shall not be responsible for any damage to the secure devices, or the contents within the secure device, caused by such action.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all university owned or sponsored housing facilities. Smoking is permitted outside, at least 25 feet from building entrances. Students are not allowed to smoke in building vestibules or prop building entrance doors open while smoking. Students found smoking in their room or in university owned/sponsored housing are subject to a $50.00 fine and/or charges under the student code of conduct. Smoking shall be defined as the burning of, inhaling from, exhaling the smoke from, or the possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other matter or substance which contains tobacco or any other matter that can be smoked, or the inhaling or exhaling of smoke or vapor from a hookah or an electronic smoking device (e-cigarette). Please refer to the University’s smoking policy for additional details about how this pertains to being on-campus.

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