Policies and Procedures

Residential students are required to be familiar with three important documents related to Loyola's behavioral policies and procedures: The Student Code of Conduct, the Terms of your Housing Contract, and The Indispensable Residential Reader:

Student Code of Conduct- This document contains policies and procedures pertaining to the entire Loyola University New Orleans community. Each student receives a hard copy of the Student Code of Conduct, which communicates information on behavioral and academic policies, explains the student's due process rights and obligations, and contains a handy calendar and personal planner.
Click here to view the Student Code of Conduct

Housing Contract and Contract Terms- The Housing Contract outlines the basic contractual responsibilities and liabilities of the resident student and the Department of Residential Life. The Housing Contract specifies adhesion to the behavioral standards set forth in the Student Code of Conduct and Residential Reader as stipulations for continued residency in on-campus housing.
Click here to view the Terms of the Housing Contract

The Indispensible Residential Reader- The Residential Reader contains policies and helpful information that are specific to on-campus living. In the Residential Reader a student will learn about residence hall policies, FAQs about living and getting involved at Loyola, and helpful info such as mailing addresses.
Click here to view the Residential Reader

Residing in campus housing provides students an opportunity to learn about people from varied backgrounds, cultures, and interests, and to share diverse value systems and ideas.

The Residential Life program is designed to promote the growth of maturity and responsibility among students while giving them the guidance and security offered in a structured educational environment. The following regulations and policies have been established as a means to maximize the comfort, convenience, and safety of all residents and to communicate expectations of behavior essential for congenial and productive coexistence.

Since the primary objective of the residence hall is to provide an environment that will be conducive to academic achievement, it would be in contradiction with this purpose for the students’ rooms and living areas to be used for disruptive activities.

Below you will find Residential Life policies, which can also be found in the Residential Reader:

Housing Contract and Contract Terms
Professional Live-In Staff
Student Leadership
Community Living
University Holidays & Building Closures
Residential Life Policies

Residential Life Policies and Information

Professional Live-In Staff

Assistant Director & Area Director (AD)

Each residence hall is managed by a live-in, full-time professional staff member. The AD is the most important administrative contact for students living in each building. ADs come to Loyola with graduate education in Counseling, Educational Administration, Student Development, or a related field, and have professional and/or paraprofessional experience in University settings. Each AD has an office and an apartment in their community, and is available as a resource for just about anything you may need as a resident and as a student.

Resident Chaplain

Resident Chaplains live in each residence hall and are present to support students and staff. They are Jesuit priests, Catholic sisters, and lay-people who have chosen to live in the residence halls and minister to students.

Student Leadership

Desk Assistant (DA)

The DA provides security and a friendly face in each residence hall. The DA will monitor IDs of residents, check-in guests, check-out equipment and games, and enforce University and Residential Life policies.

Resident Assistant (RA)

The RA is the Res Life leader that students will get to know the best. An RA will live on each student’s floor and can help to answer students’ questions while working to build a strong community. The RA will facilitate social and educational opportunities for the community, and will enforce University and Residential Life policies.

Mail Clerk, Package Assistant, & Office Assistant

The Mail Clerks and Package Assistant deliver resident mail and packages promptly and safely. Office Assistants provide support in the Residential Life offices.

Sr. RA

The Sr. RA for each residence hall is an experienced upper-class student who has taken on additional administrative responsibilities within the Department of Residential Life. Besides managing a residence hall floor, they work closely with their AD to mentor residents and other student leaders, oversee programming within their community, and make sure that every student has a positive experience in the residence halls.

Community Living

We All Share the Responsibility

It is the policy of Residential Life at Loyola University New Orleans that all resident students are entitled to an atmosphere that facilitates personal growth and encourages the pursuit of academic endeavors. This goal is met, in part, by maintaining the physical facilities at a high level. In order to properly maintain the facilities, Residential Life endorses a policy of community responsibility for all facility damage.

Who Should Pay?

The cost to repair excessive damages to the residence halls comes from resident students. Damages may be accounted for by increased room rates, but this method inflates the cost of attending Loyola and decreases the accountability for students that are responsible for specific damages. Instead, Residential Life distributes the actual cost of damages among all students equally, increasing the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the billing process and helping students to see the immediate affect of facility damage.

Community Responsibility Policy

Any damages that are the result of the accidental or deliberate actions of a student are the responsibility of the person(s) rather than the community as a whole. Every attempt will be made to identify the responsible parties in such cases. In the event that the responsible party cannot be identified, the burden of all repair costs (time, parts, labor, etc.) will be shared by all residents of the affected wing, floor, or building. Damage charges are billed to each student’s account after they check-out of the residence hall, and may not be refunded.

What is Your Role?

The best way to avoid excessive damage charges is not to cause damage yourself, and to communicate your expectations to your hall mates that all students take ownership of their individual actions.

If you have knowledge of vandalism, facility damage, or other policy violations being committed by others, you have several options. Residential Life suggests first that you confront the person and ask them to do the right thing. You can also request that your RA call a floor meeting to discuss the problem. If you prefer to report information anonymously, you may do so by calling x3434, or by filling out a Silent Witness form, available at http://www.loyno.edu/police.

University Holidays & Building Closures

Throughout the year, the residence halls open and close due to University holidays and closings. The major openings and closings are described below. Specific information, such as dates and times, will be communicated to all residents in advance of each opening or closing.

Fall Opening and Student Move-In

The residence halls open for all new, incoming students on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 8:00 AM. New Freshman and Transfer Residents and their families may arrive at campus and receive their room keys. Early arrivals generally are not permitted, but specific cases may be approved by the Director of Residential Life. (Note: Student attending Lagniappe Session #4 may move in to their residence hall on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 beginning at 8:00 AM).

The residence halls open for all returning, upper-class students on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 8:00 AM. These students may not check-in early, and will be directed to make local hotel accommodations if they arrive early.

Thanksgiving

The residence halls will close for the Thanksgiving Holiday on the evening of Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM. Students may stay in the residence halls over the Thanksgiving Break by simply registering with their RA. There is no extra charge for Thanksgiving housing, but students should be advised that campus services, dining, and residence hall staff will be limited at this time.

Winter Closing

The residence halls will close for the Winter Break on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 10:00 AM. No students may stay in any residence hall room over the Winter Break, as the University will close and no staff will be present in the residence halls. All students are required to make arrangements for travel or housing accommodations before the aforementioned time. Buildings will be locked down for security purposes. Students may leave personal belongings, and will receive information instructing them how to properly prepare their rooms for the Break. Students may return to their residence hall room beginning on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 8:00 AM.

Spring Break/Easter Holiday

The residence halls will close for the Spring Break/Easter Holiday on the evening of Friday, March 26, 2010. Students may stay in the residence halls over the Spring Break/Easter holiday by simply registering with their RA. There is no extra charge for Spring Break/Easter Holiday housing, but

students should be advised that campus services, dining services, and residence hall staff will be limited over the break.

Summer Closing

The residence halls will close for the Summer Term on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 10:00 AM. Students participating in Commencement may request a later check-out, and students who have pre-registered for Summer Session Housing will be permitted to remain in the residence halls until their Summer room becomes available. All other students must check out 24 hours after their last Final exam, and no later than the closing time stated above.

Health and Safety Inspections

Health and Safety Inspections will be conducted in every residence hall room at each closing/holiday. Times for these inspections will be communicated in advance to all residents, and residents will have the opportunity to be present at the time of inspection whenever possible.

Residential Life Policies

Residential students at Loyola University New Orleans are responsible for the standards set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, the following policies apply specifically to the residence halls and all students who live in them.

Sec. I- Residency Requirement

Resident students will regularly participate in the academic life of Loyola University New Orleans. Non-involvement in the academic process, whether by choice or by circumstance, is cause for eviction from University housing without refund.
As a condition of enrollment, all first-year and second-year students (Freshmen and Sophomores) not from the New Orleans metropolitan area are required to live in University housing.
Eviction or mandated removal from University housing may result in suspension from the University.

Sec. II- Room Occupancy

Resident students must have both a valid and current Residence Hall Contract and Personal Evacuation Plan on file with the Department of Residential Life.
Residents will not transfer, vacate, or exchange rooms without proper authorization from the Office of Residential Life.
Residents shall not remove any furnishings, appliances, or equipment from their assigned room or from any other part of the premises.
Residents are responsible for both the contents of their assigned room and for all behavior occurring within said room.
Should vacancy occur within a room or suite, the unoccupied facility may not be used by suitemates or other residents.
In accordance with the State Life Safety Code, it is illegal and potentially dangerous to obstruct or interfere in any manner with the operation of fire alarm pull stations and/or sprinkler stations located within rooms or common areas of the residence halls. Disciplinary action and fines up to $1,000 may result for documented instances of tampering with fire safety equipment.
The University and the Department of Residential Life shall accept no responsibility for the theft or loss of monies or valuables of residents living in campus residence halls. All residents are encouraged to carry adequate personal property insurance.

Sec. III- Check-In & Check-Out

A resident is considered checked-in when s/he obtains a room key. Acceptance of room keys implies acceptance of the terms of the Residential Life Housing Contract.
Upon check-in, each resident shall complete and turn in a Room Condition Report (RCR).
When checking-out of an assigned residence hall room, each resident must meet with the Area Director, or their designee, and shall turn in all keys. The room, including all shared spaced within each room/suite, shall be returned to its original condition, as documented on the RCR.
Failure to check-out in person with a Residential Life Official will result in a $200 Improper Check-Out Fee. Additional fines may be charged for failure to return keys, and for any damage to the room or public spaces of the assigned residence hall.

Sec. IV- General Residence Hall Regulations

Responsibility Clause
Students are responsible for the contents of their assigned rooms as well as all behavior that knowingly occurs in their room.
Pets
Pets and other animals are not permitted in any residence hall or other campus facility, with the exception of certified guide animals and aquatic fish in properly maintained aquariums. Professional, full-time, live-in staff members (Area/Assistant Directors) may possess one house cat or one dog that is to be less than 40 pounds in weight, with the approval of the Director of Residential Life. Under no circumstances may reptiles, rodents, or other animals be kept as pets in the residence halls.
Solicitation
Solicitation is not permitted within any residence hall, nor are residents permitted to use their residence hall room for any commercial purpose.
Firearms & Combustible Materials
All types of firearms, weapons, and explosives (including, but not limited to, firecrackers, gasoline, and other combustible materials), are prohibited in and around the residence halls. Commercially available chemical and/or pepper based propellant products may be possessed solely for the purpose of self-defense and safety.
Drugs
The illegal possession, use, or distribution of drugs, narcotics, hallucinatory agents, and/or related paraphernalia is strictly prohibited in the residence halls.
Hall Sports
Excessive noise, building or hall sports, and unruly behavior are not permitted in the residence halls.
Littering
The intentional littering, overturning of trash receptacles, or ‘trashing’ of any residence hall public area is considered an act of vandalism.
Posting
Only official notices, fliers, and messages, with the approval of the Director of Residential Life or their representative, may be posted in the residence halls.
Mailboxes
Mailboxes may not be used for any purpose other than for official mail or University business. Special notices may be approved by the Director of Residential Life and placed in student mailboxes by Residential Life staff members.

Sec. V- Alcohol & Other Drugs

Residence Hall Alcohol Regulations

The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited. Students 21 and over may consume alcoholic beverages within their residence hall room in a responsible manner, and with the door closed.
No person shall provide alcohol or alcoholic beverages to any person who is under the age of 21.
There shall be no consumption of alcoholic beverages and no open or closed containers of alcohol in any public area of any residence hall or in the immediate proximity of the exterior of any residence hall.
The possession of alcohol paraphernalia designed to promote the irresponsible consumption of alcohol, or that used in the irresponsible consumption of alcohol, is prohibited in all residence halls (ex., beer bongs, funnels, etc.)
Drinking games and other activities that deliberately encourage the irresponsible or excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
Kegs, pony kegs, grain alcohol, multi-alcohol drink punches, party balls, and other large quantity and high-content alcoholic drinks and containers are strictly prohibited.
Alcoholic beverages may not be made available from common source containers such as trash cans, watermelons, igloos, punch bowls, etc.
Students will be held directly responsible for the destruction of personal or public property, the violation of the safety and/or rights of another person, or the violation of any other campus regulations that may occur while they are under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

Residence Hall Drug Regulations

Residential Life supports and enforces the drug policies set forth in the Code of Conduct (Sec. 3, Pt. XVIII).
All residential students and their guests are prohibited from the use, possession, and/or distribution of any and all illegal and illicit substances, including illegally acquired or misused prescription drugs and actual or suspected paraphernalia.
Intoxication from said substances is prohibited within all residence halls and in the proximity of all residence halls.

Tobacco

Tobacco use is not allowed in any residence hall. This policy includes, but is not limited to: cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, cigars, cloves, and pipe tobacco.
No person may use tobacco, or smoke any substance, within 20 feet of any residence hall entryway.

Sec. VI- Residential Access & Visitation

Exterior Entry and Exits
For security reasons, exterior doors to all Loyola residence halls are locked 24/7. With the exception of the front entrance doors of Biever, Buddig, and Carrollton Halls, and the front and rear entrance doors of Cabra Hall, all exterior doors are equipped with safety alarms that will trigger when opened. These exits are clearly marked and are to be used only in case of emergency.
Identification
Resident students of all residence halls must show their Loyola Identification Card (Express Card) and building sticker to the Desk Assistant on Duty each time they enter the building.
Building Access
Each exterior entry is equipped with an electronic card access system. Residents must swipe their ID to gain access to the building. Residents should never give building access to strangers.
Lockout Policy
All residents are required to carry their Loyola ID Card and room/wing keys at all times. Students may be subject to $10 fine for each lockout.
Lost Key Replacement
Lost room/wing keys should be reported to a Residential Life staff member as soon as possible. For security reasons, room doors will be re-cored, resulting in service fees (variable by building.)
Visitation
- All non-resident guests must produce identification and must be registered and checked-in at the residence hall front desk before entering the building. Guests must also check-out with the Desk Assistant upon exiting the building.
- Same-sex guests may remain in the building overnight, with proper check-in and check-out.
- Residents of Carrollton and Cabra Halls, and non-Freshman residents of Biever and Buddig Halls may have overnight guests of any sex.
- Freshman residents in Biever and Buddig Halls may have opposite sex guests within the following hours:
  Sun-Thurs                    10 AM – Midnight
  Fri-Sat                           10 AM – 2 AM
  Eves of Holidays         10 AM – 2 AM
- Cohabitation is prohibited.
- Each room may have a maximum of three occupants at any time. Guests may not stay in the residence hall for more than three nights in one week and not in consecutive weeks. The host student will be held responsible for the behavior of their guest(s).
Building Closures
All residents are required to vacate the residence hall within 24 hours of their last final at the end of each semester, and by designated times during official University holidays and closings.

Sec. VII- Failure to Comply with the Reasonable Request of a University Official

The University cannot operate in an environment where students refuse to cooperate with reasonable requests such as the request to identify one’s self or the request to refrain from inappropriate behavior. Students are expected to comply with all reasonable requests from any identified University official. This section includes requests made by students who are University employees, such as Desk Assistants and Resident Assistants.

Sec. VIII- Loyola Express Card

All students are required to carry their Loyola University ID Card with them at all times. Resident students must identify themselves upon entry to any residence hall.

Sec. IX- Room Entry & Room Search

Room Entry
Per the Residence Hall Contract (Sec. VIII, part B.), residence hall rooms can and may be entered by authorized University personnel, including Residential Life staff, for the following reasons, which are to made known to the occupants:
- Inspection for public health reasons and for compliance with policy, fire, life, and safety guidelines.
- Repair, maintenance, and/or cleaning of the facility and furnishings.
- Response to any reported or perceived emergency medical or facility situation.
- Enforcing University policy and investigating suspected infractions thereof.
- Inspecting rooms to ensure that the hall is vacated during fire alarms or other emergency situations, and during vacation/holiday periods.
- Upon request of an identified room occupant.
Room Search
Rooms may be searched by authorized University and Residential Life personnel. When at all possible, room occupants will be present and will be informed of the reason for the search in advance. Rooms will only be searched when there is ‘reasonable cause’ to suspect:
- That the occupants of the room are in violation of University policy with regard to conduct, health standards, and safety regulations.
- That, in the judgment of authorized personnel, there is a clear and immediate danger present.
Procedures for Room Entry & Room Search
- No student room shall be entered without knocking and identification by the person seeking entry. Room entry, following the knock, shall be preceded by a sufficient period of time to provide occupant(s) ample opportunity to open the door themselves. In the event that a room is entered in the absence of the resident, written notification of entry will be left for the resident.
- Students will be given a receipt for any and all property removed or confiscated at time of search or entry. These belongings will be returned if and when it is both safe and lawful to do so, and only after disposition of any related case by the appropriate University, civil, or criminal authorities.
- Two persons, to include at least one Student Affairs officer, must be present at time of search if resident is not present.
- In case of routine inspections (conducted at major University breaks), students will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of the time and purpose of the inspection, and will have the opportunity to be present at time of inspection.

Sec. X- Prohibited Items

For fire safety, personal safety, and pest control reasons, the following items are prohibited in all residence halls:

Halogen Lamps (desk and floor)
Microwaves (except when attached as part of a MicroChiller unit, and in Cabra Hall)
Oil Lamps
Space Heaters
Open-Coil Appliances: Hot plates, skillets, toaster ovens, toasters, camp stoves, etc.
Fireworks
Illegal substances
Illegally obtained property (street signs, etc.)
Candles and Incense
Extension Cords
Firearms, Knives, and Weapons of any kind
Pets
Flammable Liquids (gas, lighter fluid, etc.)

Sec. XI- Room Change & Consolidation

Room Change Philosophy
New residential students are matched as roommates based on preferences provided on the Housing Contract. It is the philosophy of Residential Life that room changes are a last resort in most circumstances, and that both residents and the Department of Residential are expected to exhaust all other avenues for remedying any issues before a room change will be granted.
Room Change Period
When reasonable to do so, Residential Life will allow a Room Change Period, during which students may request to change rooms at reduced cost. Generally, this period will be held during the 3rd and 4th weeks of each semester. ALL room changes that occur outside of the Room Change Period will incur a $100 Room Change Fee.
Room Change Approval
No student will be permitted to change rooms within the first two weeks of each new semester. All room changes must be approved by the Area Director before students may begin their move.
Room Consolidation
Room Consolidation will take place during the Room Change Period. Students living in a double-occupancy room who do not have a roommate will be required to move into another room with a roommate. In the event that single rooms are available, Residential Life may give a limited number of students the opportunity to secure their room as a single.
Single Room Availability
No First-Year student will be granted a single room, except in cases where a single room request is accompanied by official medical documentation from a health care specialist. All students residing in single rooms, whether by choice or by circumstance, will be charged the applicable single room rate for that residence hall. Students living in single rooms who prefer not to pay the single rate may request a room change and/or accept a roommate at any time.
Approval
Students will not transfer, vacate, or exchange rooms without proper authorization from the Office of Residential Life, not will the student be permitted to remove any furnishings, appliances, or equipment from the assigned room or from any other part of the premises. Failure to adhere to this stipulation may result in financial penalty or other disciplinary action.

Sec. XII- Quiet Hours & Courtesy Hours

Students are required to maintain an atmosphere in the residence halls that is conducive to sleep and study. Quiet Hours are strictly observed as follows:

Sun-Thurs Evenings 8 PM – 10 AM
Fri-Sat Evenings 10 PM – 10 AM

During Quiet Hours, students and guests in the residence halls, porches, and Residential Quad must keep stereos, televisions, music, and other sources of noise at a level that cannot be heard in another person’s room or in adjacent public areas.
Courtesy Hours are to be observed 24 hours per day. Courtesy Hours imply that students should be respectful of the rights and feelings of others, especially when academic pursuits are involved. During daytime hours, when Quiet Hours are not in effect, any resident or staff member may ask another to reduce noise levels. The student(s) responsible for the noise are obligated to comply with such requests.

Sec. XIII- Cooking

Due to fire, health, and sanitation reasons, cooking is not allowed in residence hall rooms or suites. Conventional ovens, microwaves, stoves, and other cooking appliances are prohibited in all residence hall rooms. Public-use kitchens are provided for student use in the following locations:

Cabra 1st Floor
Buddig 12th Floor
All Biever Hall Floors and Carrollton Suite Floors

Microwaves are allowed in the residence halls only as part of a MicroFridge unit. MicfroFridges run a fridge, freezer, and microwave on one plug, offering energy savings and increased safety. MicroFridges may be rented for the academic year. For more information, please visit our partner, Collegiate Concepts.

Sec. XIV- Maintenance & Repairs

If your room requires maintenance or repairs, please contact your RA as soon as possible. Normal work requests may take 3-5 days to complete. Emergency maintenance issues should be reported immediately to a Residential Life staff member or to LUPD.

Sec. XV- Elevators

Do not tamper with elevator equipment. In the event that personal items are dropped down the elevator shaft, students may be responsible to compensate the University for the cost of collection.

Sec. XVI- Vandalism

Residents will be held individually responsible for all acts of vandalism or damage to University and/or private property. Public area damage not attributed to individual students will be billed to all residents of the affected floor, wing, or building.
Students will be held accountable for any intentional, accidental, or negligent damage caused to another person's personal belongings.
Vandalism and other incidents may be reported to LUPD (x3434) or to a Residential Life staff member (x3738). Vandalism and other crimes may be reported anonymously via the Silent Witness form.

Sec. XVII- Room Decorations

Residents are responsible for any damage caused by decorations to their rooms. Stains, nail holes, and tape/stickers are common decorations that may leave varying levels of damage in a room upon vacancy. Residents must return their room to its original condition by the end of the contract period.
No walls or furniture may be painted.
No posters, signs, or other decorations may be posted in room windows or in any way such that they are visible to bystanders from outside of the room or building.

Sec. XVIII- Furniture

Public area furniture may not be moved from its location. Furniture removed from lobbies, kitchens, laundry rooms, or other public areas may be considered stolen, resulting in damage fees to the community.
Room furniture may not be removed from the residence hall room for any reason. Should furniture be in need of repair or replacement, University personnel will handle all furniture moves and/or replacement.

Sec. XIX- Pests & Exterminators

Improperly stored food and trash are the prime attractants of pests. Personal cleanliness is a more effective pest repellent than chemicals or sprays. Each residence hall is serviced regularly by a professional exterminator. Residents should support the cleanliness of the facilities by maintaining appropriate cleanliness and sanitation in their personal belongings and in public spaces. Exterminators may require access to resident rooms at times.
If any resident has allergies that are aggravated by pest and/or rodent bait, please contact the Area Director.

Sec. XX- Housekeeping

Housekeeping regularly cleans all public areas of the residence halls (including bathrooms in Biever and Cabra Halls). Private rooms are the responsibility of each resident. Brooms, vacuums, and mops are available for checkout at each building’s front desk.

Sec. XXI- Windows & Screens

Screens are not to be removed from windows. Windows that are secured shall not be opened.
Many windows are secured with window stops that restrict the opening width of room windows. Where provided, these stops are not to be removed, moved, or altered in any way.
Ejecting objects from windows is strictly prohibited.
Sitting, standing, or lying on window ledges, roofs, and terraces is prohibited.

Loyola University New Orleans

Policies and Procedures

Residential Life Policies and Information

Professional Live-In Staff

Student Leadership

Community Living

University Holidays & Building Closures

Residential Life Policies

About Residential Life

Future Residents

Current Residents

Employment

Staff Links

Related Links