Alcoholic Beverages

You are expected to be acquainted with and abide by University regulations regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. These regulations are designed to be consistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey, which in general, prohibit the consumption and serving of alcoholic beverages by and to persons under 21 years of age. A complete statement of policy appears in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities.

Students are in violation of the alcohol policy under any of the following circumstances:

• Possession of an open container of alcohol, by any student, in common spaces (lounges, game rooms, hallways, entryways, dining areas, courtyards, etc.)
• Possession of any container of alcohol (open or sealed) in common spaces by students under the age of 21
• Possession of a keg or a keg tap
• Serving, providing, or making available alcohol to persons under 21

The aforementioned violations are regarded more seriously if the property is damaged or the privacy of others is infringed upon.

The University respects the right to privacy, and its representatives do not enter dormitory or annex rooms to enforce this policy without reasonable suspicion that University policies or regulations have been violated. If a violation is determined, all alcohol and equipment used to dispense it are confiscated and not returned.

Cohabitation

Undergraduate Housing is gender inclusive. Students of different genders can live together in all rooms on campus unless designated as a single-gender area. During room draw, students can form groups with students of different genders and live in most room configurations and locations on campus.

First-year students interested in gender-inclusive housing can note their interest on their Matriculation Form. Students will not be placed in a gender-inclusive housing configuration unless interest and permission are explicitly expressed.

Common Area Damages

Charges for excessive damages in the common areas of dormitories may be prorated by entry, floor or building in cases where individual responsibility cannot be ascertained. The determination of what constitutes “excessive damages” are at the judgment of the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students and Housing and Real Estate Services. These charges are assessed as a group billing and cannot be individually reduced.

Division of Space

Suites are assigned to a group of roommates and all decisions about the division of space should be made by consensus. No one student has any more right to a space than any other student; this includes single spaces within suites. Decisions on the use of space should include plans for switching rooms during the year to allow each student a chance to live in their preferred space.

Roommates who were not part of the original membership should also be given this opportunity and are not to be automatically relegated to the least desirable space within a suite. If no consensus can be reached, a lottery can be devised and administered by Housing and Real Estate Services or a Residential College staff representative. In the case of a lottery, residents of the suite must comply with the results.

When considering a division of space, any space without a smoke detector may not be used for sleeping purposes.

Energy Conservation

Students are expected to minimize energy use whenever possible. Room lights and other electric equipment should be turned off when not needed. Shower and other water usage should be of a reasonable duration. In units with separate thermostats, heat should not be set at an excessive level.

Problems with the above systems should be reported to the Facilities Customer Service Center at [email protected].  In general, students are asked to be aware of and reasonable in their use of all consumable energy resources.

Governmental Fines

Fines from governmental bodies to Princeton University will be charged to students who are the cause of the fines being issued. The University will give students notice of this possibility including the upper limits of applicable fines. The University will continue to appeal any fines assessed.

Grill Policy

Possession of or cooking with grills or other portable cookers is prohibited, except under the guidelines established by the Conference & Event Services "Use of Outdoor Space" policy. Any grills discovered on the exterior of any building will be confiscated and disposed of immediately.

Conference & Event Services Cookout Policy

Guest Policy

Space in University dormitories is made available to regularly enrolled students of Princeton University for their personal use, and use of such space cannot be transferred to any other individual. Guests are allowed in University housing throughout the 24-hour day, but they may not interfere with other residents’ normal activities. Roommates are expected to be sensitive to each other’s need for privacy and reasonable about the need for occasional guests in their room.

You should give your roommates 48 hours notice before having overnight guests, and extended visits longer than three days and two nights are not permitted. Overnight sleeping in common areas of the building is prohibited. The University may deny guest privileges and impose disciplinary action if this policy is abused.

Guests are expected to show consideration for the property of their peers and of the University. As a host, you are encouraged to inform your guests of University regulations, and you are personally responsible for the actions of your guests, including damages to University property or the property of other residents. Hosts are encouraged to accompany their guests at all times in dormitories and annexes.

If your guests are Princeton University students, the host and the guest concurrently accept responsibility for the guest's actions.

HIV Infection

Fundamental to Princeton’s response to HIV infection and other chronic illness is the commitment to respect the rights and reasonable concerns of everyone, including those individuals living with these conditions.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination protect students with disabilities. Under these acts and University policy, HIV infection is considered to be a disability. As with all disabilities, Princeton University will make reasonable accommodations for students living with HIV.

Peers of those students who are HIV infected are expected to continue to carry out their academic responsibilities in a normal fashion. If you experience fear or anxiety with regard to interacting with a fellow student who is known or perceived to have HIV, you should contact a member of the Princeton University Health Services staff for information on HIV disease, or the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students for information about accommodating other requests. Students who want to transfer to another residence to avoid contact with a student who is HIV infected or perceived to be living with HIV do not have a right to such reassignment.

Married Students

A student who is to be married during the academic year must inform the Student Housing Office and provide his or her marriage license before a housing agreement can be terminated. Married couples may not reside in regular dormitory rooms, suites or annexes. Refunds are given on a semester-basis only.

Noise

Every Princeton dormitory or annex resident has the right to a reasonably quiet environment, one conducive to study and to the pursuit of his or her other interests.

The University expects all students to respect this right and to be aware of the impact their activities may have on neighbors. Place stereo speakers away from windows and doors and in a position that does not interfere with the activities of others.

Social gatherings are an essential part of campus life, but when you host a party be considerate of your neighbors. If the Department of Public Safety receives complaints about loud noise, prior to midnight on weeknights or 2:00 AM on weekends (Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday only), they will ask the hosts to reduce the noise. After the curfew hour, Public Safety is authorized to end the activity in question.

If you are bothered by excessive noise, contact the person(s) responsible. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, call Public Safety for assistance. All noise complaints are noted by the Department of Public Safety. Especially flagrant and/or repeated violations of this noise policy may result in University disciplinary action.

Outside Vendors

You may not contract with or permit any outside vendor to perform any maintenance, alteration, or repairs to the University's facilities. Other personal service providers may enter dormitories as guests if you host them.

Posting of Personal Notices

Posters or notices of any kind may be affixed only to bulletin boards in dormitory entryways, dining areas, academic and administration buildings, and outdoor kiosks, lampposts, and bulletin boards. Other than the person who posted the poster, only authorized staff may remove posters. No one may deface, obscure, or destroy existing posters. Additional information may be found on the ODUS Poster Policy page.

Respect for Others

Respect for the rights, privileges, and sensibilities of others is essential to preserving the spirit of the community at Princeton. Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to individuals are regarded as serious offenses. Abusive or harassing behavior, verbal or physical, that demeans, intimidates, threatens, or injures another person because of his or her sex, race, national origin, or personal characteristics or beliefs is subject to University disciplinary sanctions. Examples of personal characteristics or beliefs include but are not limited to sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, and disability.

As a dormitory or annex resident you are expected to respect the privacy of all members of your community. You are also expected to show consideration for the property of your peers and the University.

Rollerblades and Skateboards

Rollerblades and skateboards may only be used on paved pedestrian paths. Rollerblading or skateboarding is not permitted inside the dormitories at any time. Rollerblades and skateboards may not be ridden on or used on any ramp, stairs, wall, bench, handrail, fountain or other building features.

Smoking Policy

University policy and New Jersey law prohibit smoking in all dormitories and annexes, including private student rooms and common areas. Princeton University is committed to providing a healthy, smoke-free living environment for all students, and failure to follow this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Tents and Outdoor Furniture

Tents, igloos, or similar enclosures may not be present inside or on the grounds of any dormitory, without the written permission of the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students or the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School and Housing and Real Estate Services.

Hanging seats or hammocks of any kind are prohibited inside and on the grounds of all dormitories, and slack lines may not be used between trees. Outdoor furniture may be placed on the grounds only while in use, as long as it presents no hazard.

Camping in vehicles, tents, or other structures is not permitted on campus; as such, individuals and groups may not keep unattended belongings outside overnight. Sleeping overnight in outdoor or public spaces of any kind is also prohibited. For additional information, please see the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students.

Weapons

New Jersey state law prohibits the possession, storage, or use of knives, firearms, ammunition, dry explosives, incendiary devices, or other dangerous weapons that might threaten human life. This includes BB guns, CO2 guns, or anything that can be perceived as a firearm. In addition, the law states that any item that could be perceived as a firearm on a university campus is also against the law.