Residential Handbook

1. In residential housing where any assigned resident is under the age of 21, alcohol containers or paraphernalia of any kind, closed, open, or empty, are prohibited (this includes beer cans, shot glasses, liquor bottle collections, etc.). Community containers of alcohol (containers larger than a half-gallon) are prohibited in any campus residence.
2. Alcohol may only be possessed or consumed in an apartment or North Hall space where ALL assigned residents and guests are 21 years or older but may not be possessed or consumed in a lounge, stairwell or other residential common area or in the presence of anyone under the age of 21.
3. Residents under the age of 21 are not permitted in the defined bar area in Chancellor's Restaurant at University Tower. Any resident under the age of 21 who enters the bar area in Chancellor's Restaurant will be subject to disciplinary action.

Fish in tanks no bigger than 15 gallons and service animals are the only animals that are permitted in on campus housing. Students who require emotional support animals must register with the office of Accessible Educational Services and Housing and Residence Life before the animal is brought to campus. If an unregistered animal is brought to campus, the student will need to remove the animal from campus within 48 hours. Students with approved emotional support animals may be required to participate in additional educational programming or health and additional health and safety inspections.

Housing and Residence Life seeks to create a community where everyone is valued, appreciated, and supported. Bullying is defined by Housing and Residence Life as actions and behaviors that are intended to intimidate, coerce, degrade, abuse, badger, harm or negatively impact another person. This definition includes but is not limited to sexual orientation, gender expression, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, size, religion, age, and veteran status. This policy also includes situations in which roommates use bullying tactics to intimidate their roommate.  Students who exhibit bullying behavior toward another student will be held accountable through IU Indianapolis Student Conduct.

Residents are permitted to conduct minor preventive maintenance and automobile repairs in the campus housing parking lots only as long as these activities do not interfere with the normal use of the parking lot. Any fluids or parts must be disposed of in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.

1. Bicycles are permitted in an individual resident’s room if they are stored in a safe manner, roommates are not impacted, and do not impede the flow of traffic.
2. Bicycles may not be parked in hallways, stairwells, lounges, bathrooms, or other areas so designated by Housing and Residence Life. Additionally, bicycles may not block access to any building or handicap ramp. It is suggested that students use a steel lock, in place of a chain lock, to secure the bicycle to the rack.
3. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to remove bicycles that appear to be abandoned as evidenced by signs of disuse or neglect, and those that are secured in areas against housing policies.
4. Parking and Transportation Services on campus provides the opportunity to register your bicycle with the university, free of charge.

No individual or group may act as a vendor, sales agent, or in any manner set up a business enterprise in the campus housing facilities. Any resident considering the establishment of any type of business necessitating the use of a room for a business office, other than officially sanctioned University business, must obtain special written permission from Housing and Residence Life.

1. Residents are responsible for keeping these areas clean and labeling any items (food, drinks, toiletries) that are placed in common areas. Personal items should not be left or stored in common areas or community restrooms.
2. Residents are expected to clean up before and after their use of common areas, including restrooms. While Housing and Residence Life routinely cleans these areas, it is important for the health and wellbeing of the community that all residents participate in keeping shared spaces clean.
3. Residents are expected to follow all cleaning and sanitizing instructions, such as proper handwashing procedures, to support a healthy living environment for themselves, roommates, and others living and working in the facility.
4. Residents are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which does not interfere with the use and quiet enjoyment of the space by others.
5. Housing and Residence Life is not responsible for any items damaged or missing that are left or stored in common areas
6. Personal dishes and utensils are personal property and are to be kept in individual rooms. Items left in common areas are subject to removal and will be discarded.
7. Furnishings in the lounges, study rooms, computer labs, and public areas are for the collective use of all residents living in the area.
8. Furnishings, decorations, technology, and blinds are to remain in their proper location and may not be moved to resident rooms or to any other area.
9. Shower stalls, toilet stalls, and single-use restrooms may only be utilized by one person at a time.

1. Housing and Residence Life may determine that sufficient cause exists to impose interim contract cancellation or deferred contract cancellation on a student pending disciplinary proceedings and/or medical evaluation. If an interim contract cancellation is imposed, a resident is required to leave the residence within the time specified in the interim cancellation notice. If a deferred contract cancellation is imposed, a resident is on final notice to immediately cease the behavior prompting the deferred contract cancellation. While a deferred or interim contract cancellation is imposed, any further violations may result in immediate permanent contract cancellation.
2. During a deferred or interim cancellation, students are responsible for the cost of their contracted space unless the student breaks their housing contract, fully moves all items from the premises, and checks out of their room/apartment. If students choose to break their housing contract, their move out date will be determined as the day the space is fully vacated and the student has checked out, which includes notifying a Housing and Residence Life staff member. Please note that students will be responsible for any fees associated with early cancellation of their housing contract and any changes to rent will be determined based on the housing contract and their move out date.
3. Imposing a deferred or interim cancellation will typically occur when the behavior or policy violation creates undue personal risk, risk to the community, or violates public health policies such as guest and visitor violations during a public health emergency or pandemic.

1. Upon moving in, residents are required to fill out a Room Condition Report (RCR). The RCR must be completed online via a form distributed to the student's IU email. Residents that do not submit their RCR will be responsible for all damages in their unit whether it was present upon move in or not. Failure to submit a RCR forfeits the resident’s right to appeal any damage charges accrued.
2. Damages caused by abuse or misuse of Housing and Residence Life facilities or equipment will be billed to the individual(s) responsible for the damage. Multiple or repeated incidents of damages may result in disciplinary action.
3. The residential rental fees are designed to cover routine cleaning and maintenance. When damage occurs that is not considered routine, every effort is made to identify the individual(s) responsible for the damage. However, if the responsible individual cannot be identified, the residents of the floor, wing or building may be assessed common area charges that will be split among all residents involved.
4. Any appeal of damage charges or common area damage charges must be submitted in writing to Housing and Residence Life (Attn: Damage Appeal Committee) within thirty (30) days of the billing date. Appeals are only accepted from residents; appeals submitted by other parties are not accepted. Damage charges will be posted to the resident’s bursar account and the resident is responsible for paying the charges directly to the Bursar.

You are encouraged to personalize and decorate your living area in a reasonable and comfortable manner if you do not damage or make permanent changes to the livability, appearance, or furnishings in the room. Please adhere to the following requirements when decorating your living space:

Decorating:

• Do not hang items from the sprinkler heads, fixtures, or conduit located on the ceilings or on the walls.
• 3M adhesive strips are allowed. Resident should not attempt to remove 3M strips; maintenance staff will complete this after moveout. Damage caused by removal of products by residents may result in a damage fine.
• Do not overload electrical circuits.
• Emergency and exit lights may not be obstructed and must be always visible.
• Materials may not be placed over exit signs, smoke detectors, fire doors, or any electric light fixture.
• Fire doors at any location may not be propped open for any reason.
• Only artificial holiday foliage is allowed (including trees, wreaths, and garland).
• Use only fire-resistant material when decorating.
• The display of items in or outside a window is prohibited. The storage of food and other items in the window is prohibited.
• Only 50% of a wall or door may be covered by any material at any time.

University furnishings:

• Mirrors, including Riverwalk Apartment closet doors, may not be moved from their fixed positions.
• You are responsible for all furniture in your individual living space and common area if you live in an apartment.
• Floor lamps are included as part of the furnishings in University Tower. Any lamps removed from the room may result in a fine.
• Loft systems are prohibited in campus residential facilities (except those provided by Housing and Residence Life in specific rooms).
• Furnishings may not be moved from your room, transferred from one room to another, or exchanged between rooms.
• Extra furnishings resulting from a vacancy cannot be moved.
• Repairs or alterations may not be made by anyone other than authorized University personnel or contractor.
• This includes, but is not limited to, temporary or permanent changes, painting, removal of screens, or the installation of air conditioning units.

To ensure that electronic devices (including computers, televisions, and audio/video equipment) are protected, residents should appropriately utilize UL-approved surge protectors and extension cords. Piggybacking of power strips or extension cords is not allowed as it is considered unsafe.

1. Guests are defined as any person who is not assigned to a specific room or apartment.
2. Each resident is permitted to host two guests in their assigned room/apartment. Overnight guests will be allowed with prior agreement from existing roommates and are limited to 72 hours (three days) per month not exceeding 10 days per semester per person.
3. Residents are welcome to host guests in public areas of their community such as main lobbies and courtyards. As a reminder, residents are responsible for their guest’s behavior and should accompany them whenever they are inside the residential facility. Keys and CrimsonCards should not be lent to guests to access private residential spaces.
4. Guest policies may be changed with limited notice in response to, or during, an emergency. Specifically, public health or pandemic emergencies may necessitate an adjustment to be made in the current policy. Residents are expected to comply with these changing requirements to help ensure an effective response to the emergency.
5. Residents with medical need for caretakers must register with Accessibile Educational Services in advance of their contract period.

Use, distribution, or otherwise possession of illegal drugs and controlled substances are strictly prohibited at IU Indianapolis and in housing. In addition to charges under the student disciplinary process, interim or deferred contract cancellation may apply.

1. Resident keys, and where necessary, mailbox keys will be issued upon your arrival and registration. Residents must have a signed contract agreement to be issued a key. Keys are University property and may not be duplicated.
2. Residents are not permitted to loan keys or IDs to another person or allow another person to access their unit when they are not present.
3. Keys are to be turned in when you move out of your living facility. Persons failing to return keys will be charged the replacement fee. The cost of each lock replacement is $100 for each door key and $10 for each mailbox key. You are responsible to notify your community office immediately if you lost your key. In some instances, a temporary key may be issued, or a staff member can assist you to get back into your assigned living unit. You are responsible for damages or theft attributed to your lost key. If you lose your key after hours, please call the RA on Duty.
4. Ball Hall, University Tower, and North Hall residents will not obtain a physical key. You will be required to have your CrimsonCard for entry to your floor and individual room. If you lose or damage your CrimsonCard, you will need to go to the CrimsonCard office to get a replacement card immediately. CrimsonCard reprogramming will be treated as a resident lock out.

1. If you are locked out of your room, you must visit your Community Office to be let into your room. Community Office hours are posted at each office at the beginning of each semester. Call the RA on Duty from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends.
2. Residents receive one free lockout per semester. After your first lockout you will be assessed a $25 lockout charge per incident. Lockout charges are billed to the resident’s bursar account once a month.
3. If you lose your CrimsonCard, then a temporary card can be issued until you replace your CrimsonCard (lockout fees apply).
4. The lockout charge during break periods (fall, Thanksgiving, winter, and spring) is $50.
5. Four (4) or more lockouts per semester are considered a violation of the lockout policy and may result in conduct charges.

Residents are obligated to remove themselves from any situation and/or immediately report where a violation is occurring. Residents present during an incident in which a violation of the Residential Policies and Procedures and/or the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct is on-going may be held accountable through the university student conduct system.

Subject to regulations, authorized student groups and official University agencies may arrange to use housing facilities such as mailboxes and bulletin boards to disseminate information, circulate petitions and publicize activities. In University Tower posting will be prohibited on the first and second floors. Unauthorized postings or postings deemed inappropriate at any time will be removed without notice.

Digital signage is reserved for Housing and Residence Life use only.

The following items are prohibited to both use and possess by residents and their guest(s) in campus residential spaces:

• 3D Printers
• Air conditioners
• Animals (not approved by both Accessible Educational Services and Housing and Residence Life), exceptions include fish and service animals
• Appliances or devices that create an open flame or have exposed heating elements
• Bidets
• Candles (lit or unlit) and incense; however, wax/oil warmers that do not have an open flame or element and wax melts (without wicks) are allowed
• Ceiling fans
• Drones
• Electronic cigarettes, “vaping” devices, hookahs, and items designed or altered for the use of illegal drugs
• Fish tanks larger than 15 gallons; limited to one tank per room
• Fog machines
• Grills of any kind or size are not allowed. The Riverwalk Apartments amphitheater does have a grill that is available for resident use. Residents are responsible for providing their own charcoal and must extinguish the fire appropriately after use.
• Halogen lights (including neon lights and black lights) and lava lamps
• Heaters—electric or kerosene
• Highly flammable items such as fireworks, turpentine, incendiary devices, grill lighter fluid, charcoal, and other dangerous explosives/liquids
• Lofts/loft kits (not provided by the university)
• Motorized transportation devices such as scooters, bicycles, skateboards, hover boards, Segways, unicycles or similar items. It is also prohibited to use a university facility electric outlet to charge such devices.
• Space heaters
• Stolen property; street signs, barricades, traffic cones, university signage, etc.
• Tasers and stun guns are considered weapons in housing and as such are not permitted in residential areas. Residents may store them in personal vehicles.
• Tattoo guns
• Tobacco products (if under 21 years old). Reference RL 28 for more details.
• Video doorbells
• Waterbeds and water mattresses
• Weapons are strictly prohibited and may lead to immediate eviction from housing. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Firearms
  • BB gun
  • Airsoft and paintball guns
  • Bows/arrows
  • Martial arts weapons
  • Any toy device that resembles an actual weapon.
  • Knives with a blade greater than three inches.
  • Throwing stars
  • Using any object in a manner that could cause physical harm or undue mental stress

Additionally, the following cooking devices are not allowed in rooms within our traditional residential facilities (Ball Hall, University Tower, and North Hall) due to the fire protection equipment installed and the steam/smoke that the appliances produce:

• Deep fryers
• Countertop grills or sandwich presses
• Open-element cooking items such as toasters, toaster ovens, sterno cookers, fondue pots, etc.

1. Quiet hours are maintained to provide an atmosphere conducive to study. Quiet hours are in effect from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day.
2. Certain areas of campus residential facilities may be designated “quiet areas” and are enforced 24 hours a day.
3. Loitering in hallways, foyers, entryways, parking lots, or other areas that may disturb other residents is strictly prohibited during quiet hours.
4. Twenty-four-hour quiet hours are in effect prior to and during final examinations each semester. Quiet hours are posted in each living unit.
5. Additionally, in rare instances, quiet hours may be suspended by Housing and Residence Life for approved Housing and Residence Life functions. In these instances, event notices will be posted a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
6. The primary responsibility for enforcement of quiet hours shall rest with individuals who are bothered by the noise. Residence hall staff will intervene to support quiet hours in those situations when they personally know of noise or when a resident has been unable to accomplish a successful intervention.

Compact refrigerators are allowed if the total for all refrigerators in the room does not exceed seven cubic feet. Both the refrigerator and the power cord must be UL approved and be in safe electrical condition. For proper sanitation and utilization, refrigerators must be cleaned prior to holiday breaks and hall closings.

The unauthorized use of the roofs of any of the residential facilities is prohibited.

Residents are responsible for always maintaining a reasonably neat and clean room. Good cleaning practices are expected of each resident. Residents are required to maintain their unit to the following minimum standards:

• All appliances, floors, and walls are to be always maintained in a clean condition.
• Clothes, towels, linens, etc. should be in dressers, closets, and/or in hampers.
• Food should be properly stored. All areas in your living quarters must be maintained in a reasonably clean and sanitary condition.
• Trash should be emptied regularly. Daily disposal of trash in the common trash receptacles or exterior dumpsters will help maintain health and safety standards and a desirable environment in your living unit. Fire and health regulations prohibit leaving trash in the hallways, stairwells, and parking areas.
• If your roommate should depart, Housing and Residence Life will give as much notice as possible when assigning a new roommate. However, you may be assigned a new roommate with little or no notice. Therefore, you should make sure that common areas are clean and maintained as outlined above to accommodate any newly assigned resident(s). If your unit is not cleaned in an acceptable manner prior to your roommate’s arrival, we reserve the right to have the apartment cleaned, and the cost will be billed to the current resident(s) of the unit.

Roommate agreements must be completed by all residents assigned to a room or apartment by the end of the fourth week of classes. After all residents agree to the agreement, failure to uphold the agreement by one or more residents will result in a policy violation.

1. Tampering with fire safety equipment is a federal offense and may result in criminal charges, fines, disciplinary action and/or termination of a resident’s housing contract. This includes fire extinguishers, fire alarm pulls, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire panels, propping fire doors, etc. Covering smoke detectors is strictly prohibited. This includes the hanging of tapestries or other items from the ceiling or sprinkler heads.
2. Tampering with and/or propping exterior or locked security doors is prohibited. Access to locked doors is limited to residents with proper keys/IDs to provide safety and security. The overall safety and security of all residents is compromised when doors are tampered with, propped open, and/or unlocked.
3. Residents and/or their guests are not permitted to remove the batteries from the smoke detectors, cover the smoke detector with any item (including tape), nor remove smoke detectors from their fixed positions. Only authorized Housing and Residence Life staff, Campus Facility Services, or their authorized agents may remove/replace the batteries or perform necessary repairs to smoke detectors. Violations of this policy (batteries missing from the detector, disconnected detectors, etc.) can result in assessment of fines and/or judicial action. Please submit a work order if you have a smoke detector that is beeping or not working.
4. Tampering with elevator safety equipment is prohibited. The alarm is designed to be used in case of an emergency. Persons responsible for tampering with, causing damage to or disrupting the operation of the elevators are responsible for repair costs and are subject to disciplinary action.

Door-to-door selling or soliciting is prohibited in all University housing facilities. You should immediately notify Housing and Residence Life, the RA on Duty, or the IU Indianapolis Police of the presence of any salesperson or solicitor in or around the campus housing units. Such individuals are considered trespassers and may be subject to arrest and prosecution. Residents of campus housing and responsible student organizations may obtain permission from Housing and Residence Life to sell merchandise or services in the residence halls and apartments. In general, such activities must conform to campus policies and may not conflict with State Board of Health regulations, University Contract Agreements, private vendors, or suppliers.

Radios, stereos, speakers, and all audio equipment may be played in your room/apartment if the volume is maintained at a level that is not disruptive to the community. Speakers are not allowed to be placed in windows without written consent of Housing and Residence Life. Standard-size pianos and organs are prohibited in your room or apartment. The use of electronic audio equipment is a privilege that may be revoked if used in such a way as to interfere with maintaining quiet and courtesy hours.

Engaging in sports in a campus residential facility is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, playing ball, riding skateboards or bicycles, in-line skating, bowling, throwing discs, shooting water guns, throwing darts, or engaging in any other activity that might disturb or endanger the safety of others or damage University property. Throwing, dropping, or shooting any object into or out of a window is strictly prohibited.

In accordance with the IU Indianapolis Tobacco-Free Policy, all University facilities, grounds, and vehicles are tobacco and smoke-free. Effective July 1, 2020, no one in the state of Indiana under the age of 21 may purchase, use, or possess any tobacco, nicotine vapor, or alternative tobacco product. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, fines and educational sanctions.

You are responsible for emptying your own waste basket and disposing of any trash in the hall receptacles. Daily disposal of trash will help maintain health and safety standards and a desirable environment in your living unit. Trash receptacles are provided in designated areas in each hall. Fire regulations prohibit leaving waste baskets in the hall. A fine may be assessed for removal of trash from the hallway or common areas. Apartment residents must dispose of their trash in the community trash dumpsters located in the adjacent parking lots; disposal of trash elsewhere on housing property is not permitted and may result in fines.

We offer single stream recycling in all our residential communities. These bins are in designated areas and items such as glass, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, and paper can all be recycled. Please ask your community office for specific details regarding the location of bins and what can be recycled.

If a resident has a vacancy in their room or apartment at any time, it is the current resident's responsibility to keep the vacant space clean and free from belongings. Subletting any vacant space is a violation of the housing contract. Transferring to a vacancy without written permission by Housing and Residence Life is also prohibited and may result in a policy violation.