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 personal 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 demonstrating social responsibility and 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:

No person may sell, furnish, or give any alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21, and no person under the age of 21 may purchase alcoholic beverages. (Reference: California Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, Section 25658). Refer to CA Alcoholic Beverage Control Act for details on the CABC Act section codes.

It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 to possess alcoholic beverages on any street or highway or in any public place or in any place open to public view. (Reference: CA Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, Section 25662). Refer to CA Alcoholic Beverage Control Act for details on the CABC Act section codes.

Student Housing further specifies:

a. 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.

b. 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 or closed 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.

c. Alcohol Permits: No alcohol permits will be issued to UC Irvine students for events that occur in Undergraduate Housing facilities.

d. Alcohol Beverage Displays including advertising signs/banners, etc. and empty cans/bottles/caps in the common area are prohibited.

e. 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 or house bedroom.

f. 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.

g. 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.

h. 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.)

i. Behavior while under the influence: Students are personally responsible for their behavior and that of their guests at all times. The inability to show social responsibility and 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 personal 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.

a. Federal law, California State Law, and University policies prohibit the unlawful possession, solicitation, procurement, sale, consumption, or manufacture of drugs/controlled substances.

b. Being in the presence of controlled substances, with or without objective signs of being under the influence, is prohibited.

c. The possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia is prohibited in Student Housing facilities and on its grounds.

d. Students are personally responsible for their behavior at all times. The inability to show social responsibility and 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.

e. 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.

f. Cannabis products, in any form are prohibited.

g. Tobacco products, e-cigs, vapes, etc. are prohibited on any UC Irvine property. Please refer to UC Smoking Policy.

h. 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

On Nov. 8, 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64 legalizing the use of recreational marijuana among people over the age of 21. It is important to understand that Prop. 64 does not change UC policy; marijuana remains prohibited on all University property and at all University events, except for approved academic research. Notwithstanding Proposition 64, using, distributing and possessing marijuana on campus remains illegal under federal law. Medical marijuana cards are not acknowledged on the UC Irvine campus property. Please see (P.37 Smoking) for additional information regarding the smoking policy. For more information, see the Disability Services Center policies regarding the need for accommodation because of a medical condition(s).

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. For more information on the Health and Safety Code, go to Health and Safety Code 13190.4.

It is against university regulations, and Federal and State laws, to tamper with or block access to any of the following items:

a. Door/hardware/closing mechanisms
b. Elevators
c. Emergency exits (includes hallways and any egress areas)
d. Evacuation chairs
e. Fire alarm systems
f. Fire doors
g. Fire extinguishers (minimum 36-inch clearance below/around)
h. Fire hoses
i. Heat detectors
j. Pull stations (minimum 36-inch clearance below/around)
k. Smoke alarms/detectors
l. Sprinklers (minimum 18-inch clearance below/around all sprinkler heads)

Tampering includes, but is 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 36-inch clearance around and below any fire panels
g. Covering/removing of 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 the repairs 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.

For the safety of yourself and your community, 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, candle warmers (or any device with an open, heated surface), dry ice (creating fog or mist), and fog machines are not permitted in any on campus residence.
• 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 and/or pipes (minimum 18-inch clearance below/around all sprinklers).
• Hallways and fire exits may not be blocked in any manner.
• All surge protectors and power strips used in Housing must be the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) approved.
• 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, pull stations, fire control panels or fire extinguishers.
• Fires may not be set, intentionally or unintentionally, on Student Housing grounds or withing its facilities.
• Lithium-Ion Batteries:
  • Purchase and use devices that are listed by standards UL 2849, EN 15194, UL 2272, EN 17128 or a qualified testing laboratory.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Only use the battery and charging cord that is designed for the device.
  • Do not keep the device plugged in/charging after the battery is full.
  • Dispose of them properly.
    • Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash.

To ensure that rooms meet all the safety requirements, EH&S and/or Student Housing staff may conduct announced room inspections at least once a year–rooms with automatic sprinklers may be inspected quarterly. Policy violations found in plain sight during an inspection will be documented and the residents of the room will participate in the conduct process. Items found in violation during the inspection may be removed/confiscated by Student Housing staff.

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

a. Each resident is personally responsible for the behavior of their guests while on campus and in the housing communities.
b. Resident hosts are expected to always be with their guests.
c. Guests must have identification on them at all times and present the identification to university personnel upon request.
d. For safety, no more than 10 individuals/guests are permitted in a resident room/unit 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 the guest(s).
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. 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, indoors or outdoors, 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 as this is part of our shared social responsibility when living in a community. With appropriate approval from the office, and advance notice to the residential community, events may be scheduled that will result in higher-than-normal noise levels in the community. The staff will give careful consideration to any exception requests and will occasionally grant approval.

Any resident may request that any other resident or group of residents, indoors or outdoors, 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. However, this is not a requirement before a noise complaint can be reported. Music, musical instruments, television, video games, loud talking, sports equipment, bass, sub woofers, etc., or events that can be heard in another resident’s room or apartment can be considered too loud regardless of the time of day. Residents may not direct stereo speakers or other amplification devices facing out of open windows.

Quiet hours are enforced in Arroyo Vista, Las Lomas, Mesa Court, and Middle Earth housing during the following times:

Weeknights:

Sunday 10:00 p.m. to Monday 8:00 a.m.
Monday 10:00 p.m. to Tuesday 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday 10:00 p.m. to Wednesday 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday 10:00 p.m. to Thursday 8:00 a.m.
Thursday 10:00 p.m. to Friday 8:00 a.m.

Weekends:

Friday 11:59 p.m. to Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Saturday 11:59 p.m. to Sunday 10:00 a.m.

24 Quiet Hours beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the 10th week of classes each quarter and continues through the end of finals. University holidays follow the weekend policy. Each community Housing Office may adjust quiet hours based on community needs.

Smoking (including, but not limited to electronic cigarettes, hookah pens, vape pens as well as any other instruments used to engage in “vaping”, etc.) and all cannabis and tobacco products are prohibited on the UCI campus including all student residential communities. Resident and their guests are not permitted to smoke or use tobacco products within houses, residence halls, individual apartment units, in common areas, and throughout the grounds. This includes all hallways, lobbies, parking lots, walkways, and all exterior grounds. Use of cannabis and tobacco in any form is strictly prohibited on the UCI campus. Residents and their guests must dispose of cigarettes and vape/hookah cartridges when instructed to do so by staff. Refusal to dispose of items is considered an additional violation of Student Housing policies.

Detailed information about the UC Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Policy is available at UC Smoke-Free Campus and UCI Smoking Policy. Please also see (P.15 Drugs/Controlled Substances).

Student Housing’s policy is based on state and local laws/statutes as well as campus policy (linked at the bottom of this policy). Personal micromobility devices include e-scooters, e-bicycles, etc. as well as manually powered pedestrian conveyance devices including bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc.

• The term “vehicle” is defined in California Vehicle Code (670) as “a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, excepting a device moved exclusively by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.” This includes mopeds, motorized scooters, motorcycles, carts, Segway PTs, e-bikes, and other similar modes of transportation. The term “pedestrian conveyance device” includes skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, in-line skates, other skating devices, foot-powered scooters and other similar devices.
• Residents may be charged for damages caused by riding transportation and personal micromobility devices within Student Housing facilities.

See maps where personal micromobility devices are permitted in Student Housing and on campus.

• Student Housing
• Campus

E-Scooter/Scooter Operation in Student Housing:

a. Always yield to pedestrians.
b. The speed limit on campus and in Student Housing is 8mph.
c. E-scooters/scooters may not be ridden/operated within Student Housing facilities.
d. Operating a motorized scooter requires a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. (CA Vehicle Code 21235)
e. A motorized scooter may not be operated with any passengers in addition to the operator, unless the scooter is specifically designed for multiple riders. (CA Vehicle Code 21235)
f. A properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212 is required if the operator is under 18 years of age. (CA Vehicle Code 21235)
g. A motorized scooter may not be operated upon a sidewalk, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. (CA Vehicle Code 21235)

E-Bike/Bike Operation in Student Housing (Sec. 904-13)

h. Always yield to pedestrians.
i. The speed limit on campus and in Student Housing is 8mph.
j. All bicycles ridden on the campus must be registered and licensed with the state of California. UCI provides its own bicycle registration, separate from the state of California, at UCIPD or Transportation and Distribution Services.
k. During all hours bikes are to be equipped with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle (AB 544).
l. Bicycle riding is prohibited: in campus buildings, on campus sidewalks, on landscaped areas, and on Ring Mall between 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m., Monday – Friday, and in any campus area where signs are posted restricting the riding of bicycles.
m. Class III e-bikes are prohibited on dedicated bike paths and bike/pedestrian shared paths.
n. Nighttime/Darkness Operation Safety Standards. A bicycle operated during darkness on a highway, a sidewalk where bicycle operation is not prohibited by the local jurisdiction, or a bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, shall be equipped with all of the following (AB 544):

• A lamp emitting a white light that, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway, sidewalk, or bikeway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle.
• A red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.
• A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet.
• A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles that are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors.

o. Bicyclists may not carry a passenger except when the passenger is riding on a separate seat attached to the bicycle.
p. Minors must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when engaged in specified activities, including operating a bicycle and requires that the helmet meet the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (AB 544).
q. Every bicycle, when operated on campus/within the city of Irvine, shall comply with all of the equipment requirements contained in California Vehicle Code § 21201.
r. Go-Karts and related devices are prohibited (they are not personal micromobility devices).

Charging, Parking & Storing:

s. 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).
t. Manual transportation devices or electric 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.
u. Any transportation device found unattended in violation of policy, may be confiscated by Housing staff so the owner/rider can be identified and documented and the device may then be returned to the owner/rider through the conduct process.
v. Devices charged in Arroyo Vista, Mesa Court, and Middle Earth must be 700 watts or less, per the Appliances policy (P3.Appliances).
w. Manual transportation devices and/or 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/pathways).
x. Resident Rooms: Manual transportation devices and/or personal micromobility devices (as defined above) may be kept in a student’s room/unit if the device does not pose a fire hazard. See “Device Standards” below for additional information. The owner/user of the personal micromobility device must be present and awake when the device is charging.
y. Repair and Maintenance: Manual transportation devices and/or 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 device within the student’s room/unit is not considered to be a repair of maintenance and is allowed.
z. 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.

For complete regulations and requirements in addition to what is highlighted here, refer to

• UCI Campus Policy 904.13
• California Civil Code 1940.41
• VEH Code 407.5
• California Vehicle Code § 21201
• AB 544
• AB 545
• CA Vehicle Code 21235
• State Marshall Safety Guidelines
• City of Irvine