Undergraduate Housing Policies

The fundamental purpose of this University community is a dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Alcohol abuse and the resulting consequences have a significant negative impact on campus life and individual clarity of thought, verbal and perceptual acuity, and mental alertness. Members and guests of the community are expected to take responsibility for their drinking behavior and for the consequences of alcohol consumption. The University is obligated to outline behavioral expectations of students, staff, faculty, and off-campus guests who (by permit or otherwise) use alcohol on University properties, or in conjunction with events sponsored by University departments, schools or programs. The well-being of individuals of the University community is paramount. The priority is to ensure that students receive prompt medical attention for any health or safety emergency (alcohol or drug intoxication, physical violence, etc.) and to ensure there are no impediments to reporting incidents. If an individual is so intoxicated or drugged that they are unable to be awakened or care for themselves, letting that person “sleep it off” is not a reasonable alternative to getting them necessary medical help.

UC Irvine and Student Housing comply with the laws of the State of California. Important parts of those are summarized below:

Student Housing further specifies:

1. ELIGIBLE AGE
   All residents and their guests must be 21 years of age to possess, transport, store or consume alcohol. Storage of alcohol in a room where a minor resides is prohibited in all residential facilities.
2. PRIVATE USE
   Students who are 21 or older may consume alcohol within the privacy of their own room. All individuals present where there are open alcohol containers must be at least 21 years of age, and room doors must be closed. Any person under 21 may not consume alcohol (residents and guests). In all cases, all those present must adhere to housing policies governing noise and other common courtesies. Alcohol consumption is not permitted in any public areas within Undergraduate Housing.
3. ALCOHOL PERMITS
   No alcohol permits will be issued to UC Irvine students for events that occur in undergraduate housing facilities.
4. OPEN OR CLOSED CONTAINERS
   No one, regardless of age, may have an open or closed container of alcohol (e.g., can, bottle, cup, cases/boxes, empty or with contents) in a public area (including grounds, parking lots, patios/balconies, and assigned residential spaces with doors open) at any time. A public place is anywhere other than a closed residence hall room, house bedroom.
5. COMMON SOURCES OF ALCOHOL
   Kegs (including those which are empty or untapped), bulk sources of alcohol, distribution, methods of mass consumption, and games that facilitate the drinking of alcohol are also not permitted in Undergraduate Housing, regardless of the resident’s and guest’s age. Alcohol may not be manufactured or produced in any of the residential communities.
6. DISPOSAL OF ALCOHOL
   When instructed by a staff member, residents must dispose of alcoholic beverages if the possession of the beverages is a violation of State law or University and Housing policies. Refusal to dispose of alcohol will be considered a violation of Housing Policies.
7. GROUP ACTIVITIES
   Group events or activities that include alcohol use are not permitted in any public areas within UC Irvine Undergraduate Housing communities. Drinking games or simulated drinking games are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to beer pong, water pong (or another beverage), flip cups, quarters, and other variants. Items used for drinking games or other activities that encourage the excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol are not allowed (beer pong tables, beer bongs, funnels, etc.)
8. BEHAVIOR WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
   Students are responsible for their behavior and that of their guests at all times. The inability to exercise care for university property or property of others, one’s own safety or the safety of others due in whole or part to alcohol consumption is considered a violation of policy.

Drug/controlled substance abuse and the resulting consequences have a significant negative impact on campus life and mar individual clarity of thought, verbal and perceptual acuity, and mental alertness. Members and guests of the community are expected to take responsibility for their behavior and for the consequences of drug/controlled substance use. The well-being of individuals of the University community is paramount. The priority is to ensure that students receive prompt medical attention for any health or safety emergency (alcohol or drug intoxication, physical violence, etc.) and to ensure there are no impediments to reporting incidents.

•  Federal law, California State Law, and University policies prohibit the unlawful possession, solicitation, procurement, sale, consumption, or manufacture of drugs/controlled substances.
•  Being in the presence of controlled substances, with or without objective signs of being under the influence, is prohibited.
• The possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia is prohibited in or around all residential facilities.
• Students are responsible for their behavior at all times. The inability to exercise care for University property or property of others, one’s own safety or the safety of others due in whole or part to drug or controlled substance use is considered a violation of policy.
• The use of any prescribed medication, over the counter drugs, and other controlled substances in an abusive or recreational manner is prohibited. Prescription medication may only be used or possessed by the person to whom it is prescribed.
• Cannabis products, in any form are prohibited.
• Tobacco products, e-cigs, vapes, etc. are prohibited on any UC Irvine property. Please refer to Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Policy  and UC Irvine Administrative Policies and Procedures.

All residents are required to evacuate during every fire alarm (practice fire drills and actual alarms). Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm is a violation of Housing and University policy. Every person who violates any provision of the Health and Safety Code section 13190.4, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Refer to Health and Safety Code.

It is against University regulations, and federal and State laws, to tamper with any of the following items:

a. Door/hardware/closing mechanisms
b. Elevators
c. Emergency exits
d. Fire alarm systems
e. Fire doors
f. Fire extinguishers
g. Fire hoses
h. Heat detectors
i. Pull stations
j. Smoke alarms/detectors
k. Sprinklers

Tampering includes, but not limited to:

a. Removing batteries of any alarm system 
b. Disconnecting wiring of any alarm system
c. Muffling the sound of any alarm system
d. Removing hardware from fire doors to prevent proper latching/closing
e. Propping fire doors open
f. Blocking access to fire panels, there must be a 3ft clearance around and below any fire panels
g. Covering/removing smoke detectors

Any person initiating a false fire alarm or violating any provision of the State Fire Codes is subject to damage charges, civil prosecution and serious disciplinary action. Residents who cause a fire (even if the cause is unintentional) and /or disregard kitchen safety will be held financially responsible for repair or damages.

If it is not possible to determine who is responsible for this violation, all associated fees may be divided equally among the residents of the hall/suite/house.

Kitchen/cooking safety is important. Leaving food unattended while cooking and using appliances (stove, oven, microwave) for any period of time is a safety issue and violation of this policy.

It is imperative that you notify your community Housing Office and complete a work order any time you feel your fire equipment/alarms are not functioning properly. Residents are encouraged to decorate their living environment with attention to fire safety. It is important to note the following safety precautions:

• Incense, candles, open flames and fog machines are not permitted in any on campus residence. Exceptions can be requested for special circumstances through your community Housing Office.
• No materials (cloth, paper, etc.) shall be placed over light bulbs for any reason.
• All lighting in housing facilities must be UL-approved
•  Flammable/explosive liquids cannot be stored in any on-campus housing community.
• No items may touch, obstruct, or be hung from sprinkler heads.
• Hallways and fire exits may not be blocked in any manner.
• All surge protectors and power strips used in the Housing must be the Underwriter Laboratories (UL)
•  Power strips may not be connected to one another, for example daisy-chaining
• Power cords and string lights cannot obstruct walkways or stairwells
• All furniture must be arranged so that it does not cover or block ingress, egress or fire safety equipment, including but not limited to exits, exit signs, walkways, elevators, lights, smoke detectors, fire control panels or fire extinguishers.

To ensure that rooms meet all the safety requirements, EH&S will conduct room inspections at least once a year–rooms with automatic sprinklers maybe inspected quarterly.

Occasionally, residents may wish to have a family member or friend visit or stay with them overnight.

a. Each resident is responsible for the behavior of their guests while on campus and in the housing communities.
b. Resident hosts are expected to be with their guests at all times.
c. Guests must have identification on them at all times.
d. For safety, no more than 10 individuals/guests are permitted in a room at any one time.
e. Overnight guest visitation is restricted to no more than one person at a time for three days within a two week period.
f. The host must be a resident and must make an agreement with their roommate(s) prior to inviting guests.
g. Guests may not sleep in public (common) areas.

Any situation involving disruptive behavior or frequent guests will be considered a policy violation and will be addressed by a staff member. Guests who cause a disruption or violate policies are the responsibility of their host. Housing has the right to restrict specific guests if they have been disruptive or have violated Housing or University policies. All residents and their guests are expected to respect the rights of people with whom they live.

Anytime individuals live together in a community, a reasonable level of noise is expected. However, common noise should not impede the ability of others to function effectively. Quiet hours have been established to support the creation of an environment conducive to sleep and study. Regardless of stated quiet hours, the right to quiet supersedes the privilege to make noise. With appropriate approval from the office, and advance notice to the residential community, events may be scheduled that will result in a higher than normal noise level in the community. The staff will give careful consideration to any exception requests and will only grant approval occasionally.

Any resident may request that any other resident or group of residents cease any activity that is interfering with their ability to study, rest, or quietly enjoy the community, unless it is a pre-approved and pre-publicized event. We encourage residents to first address noise issues with each other before requesting staff assistance. Music, musical instruments, television, video games, loud talking, sports equipment, bass, sub woofers, or events that can be heard in another resident’s room or apartment can be considered too loud regardless of the time of day.

Quiet Hours in Arroyo Vista, Mesa Court and Middle Earth

While these are the minimum quiet hours, each community may extend quiet hours to support residents’ studies.

Smoking of any kind is not permitted within any Student Housing communities. In accordance with the University of California Tobacco-Free policy, the use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco, as well as electronic cigarettes, vapes, and hookas are prohibited on campus and in Student Housing. Marijuana and marijuana products, including marijuana for medical use, is specifically prohibited. There are no designated smoking areas. Refer to UC Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Policy.

Student Housing’s policy is based on California Civil Code 1940.41 regarding personal micromobility devices (e-scooters, hoverboards, e-bicycles, etc.). 

• • Charging, Parking & Storing: Motorcycles and mopeds (all similar transportation devices powered by gasoline) are to be parked, stored and driven only in designated areas (parking lots and roads) and not within pedestrian areas of the housing communities (pedestrian areas include but are not limited to sidewalks and pathways).

    •  Electronic personal micromobility devices (a device that is powered by the physical exertion of the rider or an electric motor and is designed to transport one individual or one adult accompanied by up to three minors – i.e. scooters/e-bikes) may not be charged or stored in any public common area including, but not limited to hallways, lounges, bathrooms, etc

    • Electronic personal micromobility devices (as defined above) may not be used within pedestrian areas of the housing communities (pedestrian areas include but are not limited to sidewalks and pathways). Refer to the following link for campus policy information including where permitted devices are allowed on campus UCI Campus Policy 904.13 in addition to the Housing Communities.

  • Resident Rooms: Personal micromobility devices (as defined above) may be kept in a student’s room/unit if the devise does not pose a fire hazard.

    • The owner/user of the personal micromobility devise must be present when the device is charging.

  • Indoor Usage: Allowed devices may not be used inside Student Housing facilities (outside of devices needed for ADA access).

  • Repair and Maintenance: Personal micromobility devices and their components may not be repaired or maintained inside Student Housing Facilities. Changing a flat tire or adjusting the brakes on a personal micromobility devise within the student’s room/unit is not considered to be a repair of maintenance and is allowed.

  • Device Standards: In accordance with California Civil Code 1940.41, personal micromobility devices must comply with the following safety standards:

    • For e-bikes, UL2849, the Standard for Electronical Systems for e-bikes, as recognized by the Unites States Consumer Product Safety Commission, or EN 15194, the European Standard for electronically powered assisted cycles (EPAC Bicycles).

    • For e-scooters, e-skateboards and related devices, UL 2272, the Standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices, as recognized by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, or EN 17128, the European Standard for Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV).

    • If a device’s battery fails to meet one of the two above standards, the student must maintain an insurance policy covering storage of the device in their room and Student Housing will not permit charging the personal micromobility device inside the unit.

Refer to UCI Campus Policy 904.13 for additional campus policy information including where permitted devices are allowed on campus. Refer to the California Vehicle Code definition of a motorized scooter, VEH Code 407.5 and California Vehicle Code 21235 for rules of the road operating a motorized scooter at CA Vehicle Code 21235. For additional safety information, refer to State Marshall Safety Guidelines.